ICU Management & Practice, ICU Volume 13 - Issue 2 - Summer 2013

Author

Dr. Dean Gopalan

 

The 11th World Federation of Societies of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine Congress will be held in South Africa for the first time later this year. ICU Management spoke to co- Chairs Dr. Dean Gopalan and Prof. Satish Bhagwanjee about what to expect.

 

What’s New for Critical Care 2013?

We hope to make it a truly ‘world’ conference encompassing issues and challenges from all corners of the globe. It is the first time a conference of this nature and magnitude will be held on the African continent.

 

Our theme is “Critical Care for all … providing more for less.” We hope to highlight strategies on rational utilisation of ICU resources to ensure maximal benefit. In addition, we hope to adopt and publicise a Durban Declaration, which we hope will make 10 key statements on critical care issues pertinent to the entire world.

 

What are the Sessions Delegates Should Not Miss?

We have a wide range of sessions in different formats. There are plenaries, parallel sessions, workshops, debates, expert forums, industry symposia and round table discussions. All the main subjects will be covered. There will be particular emphases on sepsis, infectious diseases, ethics, resuscitation, ventilation and monitoring.

 

There will be sessions for paediatric, adult and nursing delegates. There will also be a large trade exhibition with the latest advances from the industry.

 

What Controversial Issues is the Congress Addressing?

There will be an attempt to highlight particular challenges faced by practitioners in extremely resource- constrained situations. Hopefully this will allow developed and underdeveloped regions to share strategies in a drive to going back to basics.

 

In addition, the current fluid management controversy will be tackled. Most of the big names from all the major recent publications will be in Durban.

 

There will also be sessions on ethics that will tackle many of the controversial issues including the management of HIV+ patients.

 

What do You See as the Hottest Topics in Critical Care Currently?

Sepsis and infection control, ICU ethics, rationalisation of ICU resources, research in ICU and fluid management in ICU, especially surrounding colloid solutions.

 

Are There Lessons Developed Countries can Learn from Developing Countries When it Comes to Critical Care?

Absolutely. One of the reasons we went with the theme “More for less” was to look at optimising the way critical care resources were being used in a country where resources are lacking and patients need to be managed in suboptimal conditions e.g. ward ventilation, inotrope use in wards. There are also ethical dilemmas regarding who gets turned away from ICU. Developing countries can also share their experience with managing infectious diseases e.g. HIV.

 

What does Critical Care 2013 Offer to the Upcoming Intensive Care Specialist?

It offers them the chance to be exposed to high quality talks on a variety of subjects by the world leaders in the respective fields. It also gives them the opportunity to present whatever research they have in the form of posters/abstracts. There will be an opportunity for them to interact and network with similar colleagues from all over the world.

 

What Cultural and Social Activities are on Offer for Delegates to Durban?

Durban and South Africa in general are really noted for their hospitality. There will be an opening ceremony and welcome cocktail reception. There will also be an “African Carnival” beach party for all delegates on Saturday 31 August.

 

Delegates will have the opportunity to take city and regional tours to a variety of cultural sites. A full list of this is on the website.

 

For more information about the Congress visit http://www.criticalcare2013.com

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