Big data, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning are buzzwords. In this article, we briefly discuss what they mean for anaesthesiologists and intensivists, focusing on existing clinical applications. We are today able to collect and store a considerable amount of patient-related data. These “big” data are typically part...
READ MOREAn overview of ionised serum magnesium as an important biomarker for critically ill patients and how iMg testing is utilised at Mater Intensive Care. Ionised Serum Magnesium - An Important Biomarker Magnesium is the fourth most common cation in the body and the second most abundant intracellular cation, exceeded only by potassium....
READ MOREDigitalisation is ultimately the driving force behind digital transformation. It will take us from a reactive healthcare system to a proactive one that focuses on prediction and prevention. Introduction The digital transformation has left a few things untouched in recent years, radically changing healthcare management for citizens,...
READ MOREIntensive care units are essential in providing life-saving care to critically ill patients. However, ICUs can have an environmental impact. Approximately 5% of worldwide anthropogenic greenhouse gases result from healthcare activities. ICUs use significant energy to power equipment, ventilators, monitoring systems, and other life-support...
READ MORECritical care must move to a way of working that recognises climate change is a medical emergency, necessitating us all to put sustainability at the forefront of our actions as a multidisciplinary team working together in the best interests of our patients, our environment and our resources. Planetary Health and Public Health People’s...
READ MOREThe critically ill patient should be framed within sustainable medicine. It is crucial to mitigate the causes so that we do not have to adapt to the undesirable effects of the unsustainability of our clinical practice. We propose a simultaneous approach to sustainability in people, products, processes, and our planet. Introduction and Justification...
READ MOREReducing the carbon footprint in healthcare is a requirement for guaranteeing the best future for humanity. Here we suggest that the carbon footprint be assessed as a potential endpoint for future trials in critical care. Environmental Impact in Critical Care The climate crisis is a threat to global health. The temperature of the atmosphere...
READ MOREWhile intravenous fluids have traditionally been a routine treatment for most critically ill patients, many severe pathologies now suggest a preference for conservative fluid therapy over liberal fluid administration. Introduction Intravenous fluid resuscitation began in 1832 during the cholera pandemic, improving intravascular volume...
READ MOREAn overview of the International obServational sTudy on AiRway manaGement in operAting room and non-operaTing room anaEsthesia (STARGATE study) that will collect information on peri-intubation adverse events and airway management procedures in adult patients undergoing general anaesthesia to receive surgery or other diagnostic/therapeutic procedures....
READ MOREThe preanalytical phase of the blood gases study is the most susceptible to errors, causing increased time and costs for patients and hospitals. Knowledge and training of the involved health personnel must be constant to improve results. Introduction Arterial or venous blood gases test is a frequent tool in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)...
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