Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Sep 2005
Multicenter StudyPrognosis factors and outcome of community-acquired pneumonia needing mechanical ventilation.
To evaluate the variables associated with mortality of patients with community-acquired pneumonia who require mechanical ventilation and to determine the attributable morbidity and intensive care unit (ICU) mortality of community-acquired pneumonia. ⋯ Community-acquired pneumonia needing mechanical ventilation is not a disease associated with higher mortality. The main determinants of patient outcome were initial severity of illness and the development of shock and/or acute renal failure.
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Journal of critical care · Sep 2005
Multicenter StudyThe reliability and validity of the therapeutic activity index.
To assess the psychometric properties of the Simplified Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System (TISS 28) scale. ⋯ Although the findings supported the validity and reliability of the TISS 28, there were limitations of the TISS 28 in measuring nursing workload in ICUs. Hence, continued amendment and validation of the TISS 28 on larger samples in different ICUs would be required so as to provide clinical nurses with a valid and reliable assessment of nursing workload.
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Journal of critical care · Mar 2005
Multicenter StudyDeath rounds: end-of-life discussions among medical residents in the intensive care unit.
We introduced "Death Rounds," a monthly discussion of the issues and emotions surrounding the care of dying patients, into the intensive care unit (ICU) rotations for medical house staff. We surveyed participating residents to evaluate their satisfaction with these discussions. ⋯ Death Rounds provide a unique opportunity for residents to discuss the issues raised in caring for dying patients. This conference can be easily incorporated into the ICU curriculum. Most residents who participated in the survey indicated that they valued Death Rounds and believed that it should be included in all ICU rotations.
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Journal of critical care · Mar 2005
Multicenter StudyCanadian nurses' and respiratory therapists' perspectives on withdrawal of life support in the intensive care unit.
To describe perspectives of nurses (RNs) and respiratory therapists (RTs) related to end-of-life care for critically ill patients. ⋯ Most RNs and RTs were comfortable with decision making and the process of life support withdrawal, but they suggested several ways to improve end-of-life care.
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Journal of critical care · Mar 2005
Multicenter StudySymptoms of anxiety and depression in family members of intensive care unit patients before discharge or death. A prospective multicenter study.
More than two thirds of family members visiting intensive care unit (ICU) patients have symptoms of anxiety or depression during the first days of hospitalization. Identifying determinants of these symptoms would help caregivers support families at patient discharge or when death is imminent. ⋯ The prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression remains high at the end of the ICU stay, whether the patient is well enough to be discharged or is near death.