Search Tag: intensive care
2025 12 Feb
Patients in intensive care units (ICUs) face not only severe health challenges but also a profound loss of autonomy and identity. Many are unable to communicate, leaving them at risk of being perceived as mere cases rather than individuals. Recognising this issue, a new programme has been introduced to shift the focus from disease treatment to...Read more
2024 17 May
Dyspnoea is among the worst suffering that a human being can experience. Because mechanically ventilated patients are strongly exposed to high dyspnoea intensity, it is important that clinicians monitor dyspnoea in this population. Relieving dyspnoea in patients is a human right. Suffocating, not getting enough air or the feeling...Read more
2024 14 May
Climate change is a critical challenge of the 21st century, with fossil fuel combustion being the largest contributor, responsible for over 75% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The global healthcare industry significantly impacts the environment, accounting for up to 5% of global carbon emissions, with the U.S. contributing the largest share....Read more
2024 12 Mar
Evidence regarding the impact of the ICU pharmacist demonstrates improved outcomes in ICU patients, with a significant impact on the cost of care. This evidence comes from multiple studies performed in different countries. What happens in Europe at the moment? This article describes clinical pharmacy services in a number of Intensive Care Units...Read more
2023 30 Nov
Intensive care impacts more than the patient, with ripple effects for families, employers and wider societies. Patient-centred outcomes reiterate the need for clinical therapies targeting the biological circuitry of the big-hitting syndromes like ARDS, sepsis, delirium, renal failure and recognising they persist beyond the veil of discharge....Read more
2023 12 Sep
In recent years, there has been a growing focus on recognising sex and gender differences in diagnosis, clinical care, and outcomes. Several landmark publications have highlighted how women often receive unequal treatment compared to men, leading to worse outcomes. Historically, there has been a significant oversight in research when it comes...Read more
2023 12 Sep
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by a dysfunctional response to infection. It is a significant global health issue, with approximately 48.9 million cases and 11 million deaths annually. Sepsis accounts for nearly 30% of all ICU admissions worldwide. Previous studies have reported varying prevalence rates of ICU-treated sepsis, ranging...Read more
2023 26 Aug
<marquee behavior="slide" direction="left" scrollamount="30"><h2 style="text-align: center;"> Find WICC2023 on Social Media <h2 style="text-align: center;"> </marquee> Read more
2023 26 May
Together we must reduce the impact of the healthcare sector and shift towards a circular economy. This paper describes the shift of three ICU environmental hotspots: gloves, gowns, and CRRT bags. Introduction The healthcare sector is one of the most carbon-intensive sectors, contributing to 4.4% of global net greenhouse gas emissions...Read more
2023 26 May
Together we must reduce the impact of the healthcare sector and shift towards a circular economy. This paper describes the shift of three ICU environmental hotspots: gloves, gowns, and CRRT bags. Introduction The healthcare sector is one of the most carbon-intensive sectors, contributing to 4.4% of global net greenhouse gas emissions...Read more
2023 20 Apr
Vasopressors and inotropes are frequently used in intensive care units. With a special focus on recent studies, this article summarises the key messages in the management of patients requiring inotropes and vasopressors. Introduction Cardiac output (CO) is a key determinant of oxygen delivery. Low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) causes...Read more
2023 21 Mar
The 42nd International Symposium on Intensive Care & Emergency Medicine (ISICEM) begins today at the Brussels Congress Center in Brussels. The symposium will run through March 21-24. The International Symposium on Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine is an annual meeting organized by Erasme University Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles,...Read more
2023 13 Mar
Biomarkers hint at the pathophysiology behind a clinical entity, leading to better treatments. Access to biomarker testing may improve drug discovery in clinical trials, responses at the bedside and personalised patient management. The human body is a construct of chemical fires – each with a characteristic smoke signal. The smoke signals...Read more
2023 23 Jan
The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score was developed in 1994, more than 25 years ago. The primary purpose of the score was to provide clinicians with a method that could help them assess and monitor organ dysfunction in critically ill patients. SOFA score became one of the most widely used scoring systems in intensive care. However, many...Read more
2022 09 Nov
Approximately 58% of patients in the ICU experience pain. Pain can lead to additional consequences, including delirium, decreased healing and adverse physiological and psychological outcomes. Hence, effective pain management is an integral component of a critical care nurse's role. Commonly used pain assessment tools depend on a patient's ability...Read more