Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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Toronto anaesthesiologists Muñoz-Leyva & Niazi share observations from PPE training simulations, identifying the 'high risk' moments where frequent exposures and PPE failures are seen.
Why is this important?
For all the understandable concern over adequate access to PPE and discussion of appropriate levels of protection, HCW safety is entirely dependent on the effective use of this protective equipment.
Identifying common areas of 'biosafety breach' allows both clinicians and PPE supervisors to apply added attention to these steps. These areas can be conceptualised as offering a disproportionate safety benefit for the time and resources deployed in ensuring compliance at these moments.
Which areas did they identify as most important?
Donning
- N95 mask fit-testing and fit-checking; notably shaving facial hair to ensure a face-mask interface seal.
- Use of extended-cuff gloves with gown cuff tucked securely into glove.
- Time management: PPE donning should never be rushed, even in critical medical emergencies.
Doffing
- Glove removal is a high-risk step. When removing the second, inner glove, ensure as little contact as possible with the glove sleeve by the ungloved hand.
- Gown removal is the next highest risk step. Do not touch the front of the gown, especially with ungloved hands.
- Mask removal avoid touching front of mask; avoid any snapping of straps.
- Perform alcohol-based hand-hygiene after each article is removed.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The effect of intravenous dexamethasone on postoperative nausea and vomiting after Cesarean delivery with intrathecal morphine: a randomized-controlled trial.
Intrathecal morphine administered during spinal anesthesia for Cesarean delivery is associated with a high incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Small studies performed to date provide conflicting evidence on the effectiveness of dexamethasone as prophylaxis in this setting, raising the possibility that efficacy may be linked to dose timing. This study hypothesized that intravenous dexamethasone given prior to intrathecal morphine during spinal anesthesia may reduce the incidence of PONV. ⋯ This trial does not support the use of dexamethasone prior to intrathecal morphine for PONV prophylaxis in Cesarean delivery.
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Identifying patients at risk of postoperative complications and trying to prevent these complications are the essence of preoperative evaluation. While not overtly frail or disabled, vulnerable patients with mild frailty may be missed by routine assessments and may still have a worse postoperative course. ⋯ Vulnerability was not associated with a longer hospital LOS but with higher risk of non-home discharge. Vulnerable patients might benefit from early identification and advanced planning with earlier transfer to rehabilitation centres.
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When people die in intensive care units (ICUs), as many as half of their family members may experience a severe grief reaction. While families report a need for bereavement support, most ICUs do not routinely follow-up with family members. Clinicians are typically involved in supporting families during death and dying, yet little is known about how they work with families in bereavement. Our goal was to explore how clinicians support bereaved families, identify factors that facilitate and hinder support, and understand their interest and needs for follow-up. ⋯ Multiple opportunities were identified to enhance current bereavement support for families, including the desire of ICU clinicians for formal follow-up programs. Many psychological, sociocultural, and structural factors would need to be considered in program design.