Journal of critical care
-
Journal of critical care · Oct 2011
ReviewA systematic review of short courses for nonspecialist education in intensive care.
The availability of reliable and accessible educational material for the training of nonspecialist intensive care physicians is potentially advantageous. We assessed the availability, cost, and content of generic short courses designed to teach basic critical care skills to junior physicians or nonspecialist intensive care physicians taking up duties in intensive care units. ⋯ Both identified courses use a mixture self-learning, didactic lectures, and experiential learning using manikins and "minisimulations." Organizing bodies provide administrative support and can readily be located and contacted online. Basic Assessment and Support in Intensive Care charges no license fee, whereas Fundamental Critical Care Support offers fees at a reduced rate for developing countries. Both courses are recognized and conducted internationally.
-
Journal of critical care · Oct 2011
Acinetobacter baumannii infection in patients with hematologic malignancies in intensive care unit: risk factors and impact on mortality.
We investigated the characteristics of Acinetobacter baumannii infection in critically ill patients with hematologic malignancies. ⋯ Despite the high mortality rate in critically ill patients with hematologic malignancies, presence of A baumannii infection was not an independent risk factor for mortality.
-
Journal of critical care · Oct 2011
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyAn open-labelled randomized controlled trial comparing costs and clinical outcomes of open endotracheal suctioning with closed endotracheal suctioning in mechanically ventilated medical intensive care patients.
Closed endotracheal suctioning (CES) may impact ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) risk by reducing environmental contamination. In developing countries where resource limitations constrain the provision of optimal bed space for critically ill patients, CES assumes greater importance. ⋯ In the ICU setting in a developing country, CES may be advantageous in reducing the incidence of VAP, particularly late-onset VAP. These results mandate further studies in this setting before specific guidelines regarding the routine use of CES are proposed.