How Simulation Training Can Help to Improve ICU Patient Care
Despite many exciting advancements in technology and research, ICU sedation and mobility practices continue to be stuck in the past. A big part of this problem stems from ICU culture, which encourages clinicians to fear change and be resistant to new ideas and approaches. But regardless of these issues with ICU culture, the truth is,
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How Clinicians, Patients, and Families Can Benefit from Better Communication in the ICU
Back when I was studying to become a nurse, I had an experience in the ICU that changed me forever. As a starry-eyed 18-year-old nursing student, I was incredibly excited to finally be in the ICU, experiencing what I’d dreamed about for so many years. But when I got there and started to learn what
As far as the early mobility community is concerned, the benefits of early mobility in the intensive care unit are not up for debate. There are mountains of evidence to show these benefits and support the safety and efficacy of early mobility in the ICU, and this is something I’ve documented repeatedly. But unfortunately, ICUs
How the ABCDEF Bundle Can Improve the Quality of Death for ICU Patients
Over the years, I’ve witnessed first-hand how the ABCDEF Bundle’s evidence-based practices can reduce healthcare costs, while improving patient outcomes and working conditions in the ICU. But even though evidence shows that the ABCDEF Bundle can decrease the risk of death by 68 percent, its success is not always found in a patient’s ability to
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How I Was First Introduced to the ABCDEF Bundle
“Would you be willing to walk intubated patients on ventilators?” my future nurse manager asked me during my initial interview. As a new nurse, I failed to fully understand the importance of this question and eagerly answered, “Yes! Of course! Teach me everything.” During my first few years working as a nurse in an Awake
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One of the most striking aspects of this initiative has been the cultural shift among physicians and nurses, which has been largely influenced by the training led by Kali Dayton. These trainings emphasize the importance of collaboration and communication within the health care team, fostering a shared commitment to patient-centered care.
As a result, clinicians are more attuned to the value of keeping patients awake and engaged, which has proven to be critical in preventing the deconditioning and delirium often associated with prolonged sedation. Moreover, the dramatic improvements in patient outcomes are evident in the reduction of complications that frequently arise in the ICU setting. With fewer ventilator days, patients are less susceptible to ventilator-associated pneumonia and other respiratory complications.
The emphasis on mobility not only accelerates recovery but also contributes to improved psychological well-being, as patients are less disoriented and more connected to their surroundings. This holistic approach to care, driven by a cultural transformation among health care providers, underscores the profound impact of mobility-limited sedation protocols on patient health and safety.
In summary, the integration of these protocols has not only enhanced clinical outcomes but has also reshaped the professional landscape within ICUs, and all of our staff are enthusiastic regarding the dramatic patient benefits.
Peter Murphy, MD, FCCP, MRCPI, Professor, Assistant Dean, and Chief of Medicine at California Northstate University College of Medicine
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