Project description:ObjectiveTransthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is important in the management of critically ill patients, yet it has not been incorporated into many residency programs' curricula. Our objective is to determine if trainees undergoing a 60-minute training session on TTE have improved knowledge, ultrasound skills, and increases the utilization of TTE during their rotation in the intensive care unit (ICU). We will also compare the results of participants with prior TTE exposure to TTE-naïve trainees. Our hypothesis is that after the training, participants' will have improved knowledge and ultrasound skills compared to before training. Our secondary hypotheses are that TTE-naïve trainees will have greater improvements in knowledge scores compared to those who have had prior TTE experience and trainees will increase their use of TTE in the ICU.DesignSingle-center, prospective trial.SettingBrigham and Women's Hospital (academic hospital).ParticipantsResidents and fellows rotating through the ICU, at any level of postgraduate training.ResultsForty-two trainees participated in the study. Statistically significant improvement after training was observed for all multiple choice questions (MCQ) and practical assessments (p < 0.001). When assessing the differences in score improvement between TTE-experienced versus TTE-naïve users, mean score improvements were notably higher for TTE-naïve participants (MCQ: 28.2 ± 11.6; echo clinical: 48.6 ± 23.4) compared to TTE-experienced users (MCQ: 18.6 ± 13.5, p = 0.01; echo clinical: 38.3 ± 30.2, p = 0.04).ConclusionsA short didactic presentation on TTE use may be useful in teaching ICU trainees basic TTE skills and encouraging the use of bedside TTE in the ICU.
Project description:IntroductionInappropriate ventilator settings, non-adherence to a lung-protective ventilation strategy, and inadequate patient monitoring during mechanical ventilation can potentially expose critically ill children to additional risks. We set out to improve team theoretical knowledge and practical skills regarding pediatric mechanical ventilation and to increase compliance with treatment goals.MethodsAn educational initiative was conducted from August 2019 to July 2021 in a neonatal and pediatric intensive care unit of the University Children's Hospital, Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany. We tested baseline theoretical knowledge using a multiple choice theory test (TT) and practical skills using a practical skill test (PST), consisting of four sequential Objective Structured Clinical Examinations of physicians and nurses. We then implemented an educational bundle that included video self-training, checklists, pocket cards, and reevaluated team performance. Ventilators and monitor settings were randomly checked in all ventilated patients. We used a process control chart and a mixed-effects model to analyze the primary outcome.ResultsA total of 47 nurses and 20 physicians underwent assessment both before and after the implementation of the initiative using TT. Additionally, 34 nurses and 20 physicians were evaluated using the PST component of the initiative. The findings revealed a significant improvement in staff performance for both TT and PST (TT: 80% [confidence interval (CI): 77.2-82.9] vs. 86% [CI: 83.1-88.0]; PST: 73% [CI: 69.7-75.5] vs. 95% [CI: 93.8-97.1]). Additionally, there was a notable increase in self-confidence among participants, and compliance with mechanical ventilation treatment goals also saw a substantial rise, increasing from 87.8% to 94.5%.DiscussionImplementing a pediatric mechanical ventilation education bundle improved theoretical knowledge and practical skills among interprofessional pediatric intensive care staff and increased treatment goal compliance in ventilated children.
Project description:IntroductionDiversity has become a key-strategic element of success in various political and economic fields. The European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM) decided to make diversity a key strategic priority for the future and appointed a Task-Force on this topic.MethodsIn a consensus process, three Working-Groups, nominated by Task-Force members, developed statements on strategic future topics. In addition, diversity-related data available from the membership database have been analyzed and reported in aggregated form.ResultsThe Task-Force decided to nominate working groups on (1) "sex, gender identity and sexual orientation", (2) "ethnicity, culture and socio-economic status", and (3) "multiprofessionalism". These are the first prioritized topics for the near future. The first diversity-report shows targetable items in all three domains.ConclusionThe diversity Task-Force defined actionable items for a one- and three-year plan that are especially aiming at the identification of potential gaps and an implementation of concrete projects for members of the ESICM.
Project description:IntroductionConsistent medical knowledge acquisition while caring for the critically ill can be challenging for learners and educators in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), a unit often distinguished by fluctuating acuity and severity. We implemented a standardized didactic curriculum for PICU residents to facilitate their acquisition and retention of knowledge in core PICU topics.MethodsWe developed a comprehensive standardized curriculum for PGY 2-PGY 4 PICU pediatric and internal medicine-pediatric residents. Thirteen core topics were administered as 30-minute didactic sessions during the rotation, using either PowerPoint slides or a dry-erase board. Residents were tested to assess knowledge acquisition and retention.ResultsSeventy-eight residents participated, 86% of whom completed posttests. Seventeen percent completed follow-up tests. Of the learners who participated, 60 (77%) completed pretests and posttests, indicating their confidence level each time. The pretest mean was 55% (SD = 14.4%), and the posttest mean was 64% (SD = 15.6%). This 9% increase was statistically significant (p = .001; CI, 3.9% to 14.8%). The follow-up test at 3 months, completed by 15% of this subgroup, demonstrated a mean score of 62% (SD = 14.5%). When matched with posttest scores (mean score of 64%, SD = 13.3%), there was no significant difference (p = .7398; CI, -11.7% to 16.2%), suggesting retention of previously acquired knowledge.DiscussionOur standardized didactic curriculum effectively facilitated the acquisition and retention of the medical knowledge of core PICU topics among PICU residents, in addition to their usual experiential learning.
Project description:BackgroundOnline education has experienced explosive growth, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. We explored the current state of the evidence base for online education targeted towards healthcare professionals working in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs), to report how we are using online education in our field.Materials and methodsWe performed a literature review by systematically generating a list of publications indexed in PubMed describing online educational interventions in the PICU, using Medical Subject Header (MeSH)-based search terms and the following inclusion criteria: studies published after 2005 that describe online educational interventions aimed at healthcare professional working in the PICU. We reviewed the full text of all included articles, and summarized the study aims, design, and results.ResultsOur initial search yielded 1,071 unique articles. After screening abstracts and titles, then full texts, eight articles were included in the review. Many online learning modalities are represented, including websites, self-study modules, videos, videoconferencing, online self-assessment with feedback, virtual patient cases, screen-based simulation, and podcasts. Three studies focused on residents, two studies on nurses, two studies on a multidisciplinary team, and one study on transport nurses and paramedics. Most studies utilized participant surveys to assess satisfaction, and half included pre- and post-intervention multiple-choice question tests. Only one study included a patient-related outcome measure.ConclusionsDespite growth in online medical educational intervention research, there are relatively few published studies in pediatric critical care, and only one study evaluated the impact of online learning on patient outcomes. There remain significant opportunities for PICU educators to assess the impact of online educational interventions, especially related to clinician behaviors and patient outcomes.
Project description:Critical care ultrasound (CCUS) is an essential component of intensive care practice. Although existing international guidelines have focused on training principles and determining competency in CCUS, few countries have managed to operationalize this guidance into an accessible, well-structured programme for clinicians training in multidisciplinary intensive care. We seek to update and reaffirm appropriate CCUS scope so that it may be integrated into the international Competency-based Training in Intensive Care Medicine. The resulting recommendations offer the most contemporary and evolved set of core CCUS competencies for an intensive care clinician yet described. Importantly, we discuss the rationale for inclusion but also exclusion of competencies listed.Background/aimCritical care ultrasound (CCUS) is an essential component of intensive care practice. The purpose of this consensus document is to determine those CCUS competencies that should be a mandatory part of training in multidisciplinary intensive care.MethodsA three-round Delphi method followed by face-to-face meeting among 32 CCUS experts nominated by the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine. Agreement of at least 90% of experts was needed in order to enlist a competency as mandatory.ResultsThe final list of competencies includes 15 echocardiographic, 5 thoracic, 4 abdominal, deep vein thrombosis diagnosis and central venous access aid.ConclusionThe resulting recommendations offer the most contemporary and evolved set of core CCUS competencies for an intensive care clinician yet described.
Project description:BackgroundGuidelines for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) management are limited, resulting in varied practices. This study assessed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission criteria, fluid resuscitation, insulin therapy, and metabolic management in adult patients with DKA.MethodsAn international survey of ICU clinicians consisted of 39 items that focused on management of DKA and was endorsed by the European Society of the Intensive Care Medicine. An experienced ICU was defined as a unit admitting > 20 patients with DKA per year.ResultsA total of 522 respondents from 57 different countries participated: 295(57%) worked in Europe, 86(16%) in North America, 25(5%) in South America, 52(10%) in Africa, 52(10%) in Asia and 12(2%) in Oceania. Among respondents, 377(72%) worked in teaching hospitals, 355(68%) in medical-surgical ICUs, and 204(39%) in experienced ICUs. The pH value (< 7.20), arterial or venous bicarbonate concentration (< 15 mmol/L), and the need for continuous intravenous insulin (regardless of the dose) were considered criteria for ICU admission by 362(69%), 240(46%) and 264(51%) respondents, respectively. A protocol for fluid resuscitation was available for 290(63%) respondents, 135(29%) administered isotonic saline only, 173(38%) administered balanced solutions only, and 153(33%) administered both. A protocol for insulin therapy was available for 355(77%) respondents. An initial bolus of intravenous insulin was administered by 228(49%) respondents, 221(48%) used an initial continuous intravenous insulin dose of 0.1 UI/kg/h, 42(9%) used an initial predefined fixed dose, 159(35%) based the initial dose on blood glucose and 39(8%) on blood and/or urine ketones. Fluid choice and modalities of intravenous insulin administration did not differ between experienced and non-experienced ICUs. Intravenous insulin administration was more likely to be initiated upon ICU admission (57%vs.45%, p = 0.04) and less likely after initial fluid resuscitation (27%vs.35%, p = 0.04) in experienced ICUs. Arterial or venous pH was monitored by 408(90%) respondents. Arterial blood gases were favored by 236(52%) respondents and venous blood gases were more likely to be performed in experienced ICUs (30%vs.18%,p < 0.01).ConclusionsThe management of patients with DKA remains heterogeneous worldwide. Future randomized trials are needed, especially regarding fluid resuscitation and insulin therapy. Trial registrationNot applicable.
Project description:ObjectiveCOVID-19 has created unique challenges for families of patients admitted to intensive care units. Restricted visiting, language barriers and time constraints have limited communication, resulting in a lack of understanding and anxiety. We introduced digital animations to support communication and assessed the impact on families of patients admitted to intensive care.MethodsMulti-language animations explaining mechanical ventilation, (www.explainmyprocedure.com/icu) were introduced at two London intensive care units during the COVID-19 pandemic. Web-links were sent by email. Reported understanding of the treatment, its benefits, risks and alternatives was assessed among family contacts of 71 consecutive patients admitted to intensive care; 39 before the animations were introduced (no animation group) and 32 afterwards (animation group). Reported understanding in the two groups was assessed by telephone questionnaire and compared.ResultsFollowing introduction, all relatives reported they had watched the animation. The proportions who reported complete understanding of mechanical ventilation, its benefits, risks and alternatives, in the no animation group (n = 39) were, respectively, 15%, 28%, 0% and 3% and in the animation group (n = 32), 94%, 97%, 84% and 66% (p < 0.0001 for all comparisons).ConclusionFamily use of online multi-language animations explaining mechanical ventilation is feasible, acceptable and associated with substantial improvement in understanding. The approach is not limited to mechanical ventilation, or to use in a pandemic, and has the potential to be applied to a wide range of treatment and recovery pathways on intensive care.