American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
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The architectural design of the pediatric intensive care unit may play a major role in optimizing the environment to promote patients' sleep while improving stress levels and the work experience of critical care nurses. ⋯ Use of single-patient rooms rather than multipatient rooms improved nurses' perceptions of the pediatric intensive care unit environment for promoting patients' sleep and the nurses' own work experience.
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Studies have shown an association between intensive care unit environments and symptoms of psychological distress in family members of critically ill patients. ⋯ A noticeable number of family members of critical care patients had moderate to severe cardiac anxiety during the hospitalization of their relatives.
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The high risk and low volume of medical emergencies, combined with long periods between training sessions, on 2 progressive care units at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, established the importance of transforming how nursing staff are trained to respond to medical emergencies. ⋯ In situ mock codes significantly improve response times and increase staff confidence levels. In situ mock codes are a quick and efficient way to provide hands-on practice and allow staff to work as a team.
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Family-centered rounds involve purposeful interactions between patients' families and care providers to refocus the delivery of care on patients' needs. ⋯ Understanding the barriers to and facilitators of family participation in ICU rounds is key to encouraging adoption of family-centered rounds. For families that live far away or have competing demands, telemedical options may facilitate participation.