Impact of customised ICU handover protocol on the quality of ICU discharge reports.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the impact of implementing a handover protocol, based on a standardised mnemonic tool specific for a cardiovascular intensive care unit (ICU), on the quality of information transferred during ICU discharge. METHODS: In this prospective pre-post study, we evaluated the implementation of an ICU discharge handover protocol in 168 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The primary outcome was the quality of the information. In the preintervention phase, 84 ICU standard discharge reports were evaluated. During the intervention period, a new handover protocol which included a written discharge report based on the I-PASS (illness severity, patient summary, action list, situation awareness and contingency plans, and synthesis by receiver) mnemonic tool was implemented. After the intervention, 84 new reports were assessed. The reports were evaluated by the ward physicians and by an external independent examiner using a standardised questionnaire. ICU discharge time and postoperative length of stay were also analysed. RESULTS: The overall quality of the reports was evaluated as 'completely understood' by the ward physicians in 17 patients (21%) in the preintervention phase compared with 45 patients (54.9%) in the postintervention phase (p<0.001). The independent examiner classified one report (1.2% of the total number) as 'excellent' in the preintervention phase and 30 (35.7%) in the postintervention phase (p<0.001). After protocol implementation, patients were released from the ICU 58 min later (p<0.001). There was no difference in the length of postoperative hospital stay. CONCLUSION: Implementation of a customised handover protocol when discharging patients from the ICU was associated with improvement in the quality of the information transferred but also with ICU discharge occurring at a later time of day.

Impacto financeiro das infecções nosocomiais em unidades de terapia intensiva em hospital filantrópico de Minas Gerais / Financial impact of nosocomial infections in the intensive care units of a charitable hospital in Minas Gerais, Brazil

OBJETIVO: As infecções nas unidades de terapia intensiva estão associadas a elevada morbidade e mortalidade, além de alto custo. A análise desses aspectos pode contribuir para a otimização de recursos financeiros relacionados. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo, realizado por meio de análise de banco de dados de gestão hospitalar e qualidade em medicina intensiva (Sistema de Gestão Hospitalar - SGH) e RM Janus®. A análise dos gastos foi realizada por meio de avaliação dos medicamentos e materiais utilizados na assistência médica direta. Os valores obtidos foram em moeda nacional (Real). Foi realizada análise de gastos e permanência para toda amostra estudada. Utilizou-se a mediana para determinação dos gastos envolvidos. Os gastos foram ajustados pela permanência na unidade de terapia intensiva. RESULTADOS: A análise de 974 indivíduos mostrou que 51% eram do gênero masculino, e a idade média foi de 57±18,24 anos. A infecção nosocomial relacionada à unidade de terapia intensiva foi encontrada em 87 pacientes (8,9%). A mediana dos gastos por internação e permanência de toda amostra foi de R$ 1.257,53 e 3 dias, respectivamente. A comparação entre pacientes com infecção e sem infecção, por meio de medianas, mostrou maior permanência (15 [11-25] versus 3 [2-6] dias; p< 0,01), maior gasto por paciente em unidade de terapia intensiva (mediana R$9.763,78 [5.445,64-18.007,9] versus R$1.093,94 [416,14-2.755,90]; p<0,01) e maior gasto por dia de internação em unidade de terapia intensiva (R$618,00[407,81-838,69] versus R$359,00[174,59-719,12]; p<0,01). CONCLUSÃO: As infecções nosocomiais relacionadas à unidade de terapia intensiva foram determinantes de maior gasto e permanência, embora o modelo do estudo não permita a avaliação aspectos de causa efeito.

OBJECTIVE: Infections in intensive care units are often associated with a high morbidity and mortality in addition to high costs. An analysis of these aspects can assist in optimizing the allocation of relevant financial resources. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed the hospital administration and quality in intensive care medical databases [Sistema de Gestão Hospitalar (SGH)] and RM Janus®. A cost analysis was performed by evaluating the medical products and materials used in direct medical care. The costs are reported in the Brazilian national currency (Real). The cost and length of stay analyses were performed for all the costs studied. The median was used to determine the costs involved. Costs were also adjusted by the patients' length of stay in the intensive care unit. RESULTS: In total, 974 individuals were analyzed, of which 51% were male, and the mean age was 57±18.24 years. There were 87 patients (8.9%) identified who had nosocomial infections associated with the intensive care unit. The median cost per admission and the length of stay for all the patients sampled were R$1.257,53 and 3 days, respectively. Compared to the patients without an infection, the patients with an infection had longer hospital stays (15 [11-25] versus 3 [2-6] days, p<0.01), increased costs per patient in the intensive care unit (median R$9.763,78 [5445.64 - 18,007.90] versus R$1.093,94 [416.14 - 2755.90], p<0.01) and increased costs per day of hospitalization in the intensive care unit (R$618,00 [407.81 - 838.69] versus R$359,00 [174.59 - 719.12], p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Nosocomial infections associated with the intensive care unit were determinants of increased costs and longer hospital stays. However, the study design did not allow us to evaluate specific aspects of cause and effect.

Financial impact of nosocomial infections in the intensive care units of a charitable hospital in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: Infections in intensive care units are often associated with a high morbidity and mortality in addition to high costs. An analysis of these aspects can assist in optimizing the allocation of relevant financial resources. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed the hospital administration and quality in intensive care medical databases [Sistema de Gestão Hospitalar (SGH)] and RM Janus®. A cost analysis was performed by evaluating the medical products and materials used in direct medical care. The costs are reported in the Brazilian national currency (Real). The cost and length of stay analyses were performed for all the costs studied. The median was used to determine the costs involved. Costs were also adjusted by the patients' length of stay in the intensive care unit. RESULTS: In total, 974 individuals were analyzed, of which 51% were male, and the mean age was 57±18.24 years. There were 87 patients (8.9%) identified who had nosocomial infections associated with the intensive care unit. The median cost per admission and the length of stay for all the patients sampled were R$1.257,53 and 3 days, respectively. Compared to the patients without an infection, the patients with an infection had longer hospital stays (15 [11-25] versus 3 [2-6] days, p<0.01), increased costs per patient in the intensive care unit (median R$9.763,78 [5445.64 - 18,007.90] versus R$1.093,94 [416.14 - 2755.90], p<0.01) and increased costs per day of hospitalization in the intensive care unit (R$618,00 [407.81 - 838.69] versus R$359,00 [174.59 - 719.12], p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Nosocomial infections associated with the intensive care unit were determinants of increased costs and longer hospital stays. However, the study design did not allow us to evaluate specific aspects of cause and effect.

Aspectos epidemiológicos de pacientes traqueostomizados em unidade de terapia intensiva adulto de um hospital de referência ao Sistema Único de Saúde em Belo Horizonte / Epidemiological profile of patients with tracheotomy in a referral public hospital intensive care unit in Belo Horizonte

OBJETIVOS: A traqueostomia é frequentemente realizada com a finalidade de favorecer o desmame da ventilação mecânica. No entanto, não se conhece o real impacto da traqueostomia nos diversos grupos de pacientes em nosso meio. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar características epidemiológicas dos pacientes submetidos à traqueostomia na unidade de terapia intensiva da Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte e traçar paralelos com outros estudos semelhantes. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo, retrospectivo, através de revisão de prontuários e banco de dados do sistema "QuaTI" (Qualidade em Terapia Intensiva) de 87 pacientes traqueostomizados no ano de 2007. RESULTADOS: A análise dos 87 pacientes estudados mostrou média de idade de 58 ± 17 anos, média do APACHE II de 18 ± 6, tempo médio de intubação orotraqueal de 11,17 ± 4,78 dias, mortalidade na unidade de terapia intensiva de 40,2 por cento e mortalidade hospitalar geral de 62,1 por cento. A média de idade dos pacientes que faleceram na unidade de terapia intensiva (65 ± 17 anos) foi maior que a daqueles que receberam alta (53 ± 16 anos)p = 0,003. A média de idade dos indivíduos que faleceram no hospital (62 ± 17anos) foi maior que a dos sobreviventes (52 ± 16 anos) p = 0,008. A senilidade (idade maior ou igual a 65 anos) constituiu fator relacionado a mortalidade na unidade de terapia intensiva (OR 2,874, IC 1,165 a 7,088 p = 0,020) e à mortalidade hospitalar geral (OR 3,202, IC 1,188 a 8,628 p = 0,019). Não foram observadas outras variáveis associados a mortalidade. CONCLUSÕES: O perfil epidemiológico de pacientes traqueostomizados na unidade de terapia intensiva deste estudo revelou elevada taxa de mortalidade ao se comparar com estudos internacionais. A senilidade esteve relacionada a pior desfecho nestes pacientes. Não foram identificados outros aspectos relacionados a mortalidade no grupo estudado.

OBJECTIVES: Tracheostomy is a common procedure in intensive care unit to promote mechanical ventilation weaning. Despite tracheostomy is increasingly used there is no agreement of actual clinical practice of tracheostomy in different groups of patients in our environment. Objective of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological profile and outcomes of patients with tracheostomy at a clinical-surgical intensive care unit and compare this profile with the current literature. METHODS: Retrospective descriptive study through review of medical records and quality control database of "QuaTI" (Qualidade em Terapia Intensiva) of 87 patients with tracheostomy at Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte intensive care unit in 2007. We studied variables related to evolution aspects. RESULTS: The clinical and epidemiological analysis of the 87 patients showed: mean age 58 ± 17 years, mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation - APACHE II 18 ± 6, mean time of orotracheal intubation before tracheostomy of 11.17 ± 4.78 days. Intensive care unit mortality was 40.2 percent (35/87 patients), ward mortality was 36.5 percent (19/52) and overall hospital mortality 62.1 percent (54/87). Mean age of patients who died at intensive care unit (65 + 17 years) was greater than who were discharged to ward (53 ± 16 years) p = 0.003. Mean age of who died in hospital (intensive care unit and ward) (62 ± 17 years) was also higher than survivors (52 ± 16 years) p = 0.008. Old age (> 65 years) was related to intensive care unit mortality (OR 2.874, CI 1.165 a 7.088 p = 0.020) and also related to the overall hospital mortality (OR 3.202, CI 1.188 a 8.628 p = 0.019). There were not others variables related to mortality in this sample. CONCLUSIONS: The epidemiological profile of patients who underwent tracheotomy in the intensive care unit showed high mortality rate when compared to international series. Senility was related to worse...

Epidemiological profile of patients with tracheotomy in a referral public hospital intensive care unit in Belo Horizonte. / Aspectos epidemiológicos de pacientes traqueostomizados em unidade de terapia intensiva adulto de um hospital de referência ao Sistema Único de Saúde em Belo Horizonte.

OBJECTIVES: Tracheostomy is a common procedure in intensive care unit to promote mechanical ventilation weaning. Despite tracheostomy is increasingly used there is no agreement of actual clinical practice of tracheostomy in different groups of patients in our environment. Objective of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological profile and outcomes of patients with tracheostomy at a clinical-surgical intensive care unit and compare this profile with the current literature. METHODS: Retrospective descriptive study through review of medical records and quality control database of "QuaTI" (Qualidade em Terapia Intensiva) of 87 patients with tracheostomy at Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte intensive care unit in 2007. We studied variables related to evolution aspects. RESULTS: The clinical and epidemiological analysis of the 87 patients showed: mean age 58 ± 17 years, mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation - APACHE II 18 ± 6, mean time of orotracheal intubation before tracheostomy of 11.17 ± 4.78 days. Intensive care unit mortality was 40.2% (35/87 patients), ward mortality was 36.5% (19/52) and overall hospital mortality 62.1% (54/87). Mean age of patients who died at intensive care unit (65 + 17 years) was greater than who were discharged to ward (53 ± 16 years) p = 0.003. Mean age of who died in hospital (intensive care unit and ward) (62 ± 17 years) was also higher than survivors (52 ± 16 years) p = 0.008. Old age (> 65 years) was related to intensive care unit mortality (OR 2.874, CI 1.165 a 7.088 p = 0.020) and also related to the overall hospital mortality (OR 3.202, CI 1.188 a 8.628 p = 0.019). There were not others variables related to mortality in this sample. CONCLUSIONS: The epidemiological profile of patients who underwent tracheotomy in the intensive care unit showed high mortality rate when compared to international series. Senility was related to worse outcome in these patients. Other issues were not related mortality in this group.

Massa tumoral secundária a infecção por Schistosoma mansoni simulando neoplasia de pulmão: relato de caso / Tumoral pulmonary mass secondary to Schistosoma mansoni infection resembling neoplasia: case report

Indivíduos infectados com Schistosoma mansoni na fase crônica da doença podem apresentar comprometimento pulmonar com sintomatologia e alterações radiológicas variáveis. Os pulmões podem ser acometidos pela migração anômala de ovos do sistema porta para o sistema arterial pulmonar (através de anastomoses porto-sistêmicas) e menos comumente por migrações ectópicas de vermes adultos. Há casos com extenso comprometimento parenquimatoso e outros com predomínio de arterites, com hipertensão pulmonar e cor pulmonale. Paciente jovem, residente em área endêmica de esquistossomose, com massa pulmonar sugestiva de neoplasia foi submetida a toracotomia exploradora sem possibilidade de ressecção da massa. Exame histopatológico mostrou vários granulomas esquistossomóticos e hiperplasia do tecido conjuntivo, sem sinais de neoplasia. Evoluiu com insuficiência respiratória e instabilidade hemodinâmica no pós-operatório imediato. Recebeu tratamento específico (praziquantel) associado a prednisona. A paciente cursou com infecção pulmonar e choque séptico. Recebeu antibioticoterapia, aminas vasoativas, suporte ventilatório e tratamento hemodiálitico sem melhora. Evoluiu para óbito 28 dias após cirurgia.

Patients with chronic Schistosoma mansoni infection may feature a range of pulmonary symptoms and radiological findings. Eggs, and rarely adult worms, may passively enter the pulmonary circulation, usually via the portal system, where they may cause pulmonary inflammation, fibrosis, hypertension and cor pulmonale. A 25-year-old patient who lived in a schistosomiasis endemic area with a pulmonary mass suggestive of malignancy underwent exploratory thoracotomy. The mass was adherent, with no resection possibility. The lung-biopsy specimen evaluation showed several granulomas with Schistosoma mansoni eggs and hyperplasic connective tissue with no sign of malignancy. The patient had respiratory failure and hypotension immediately post-surgery. Specific treatment (praziquantel) and prednisone were given. The patient had pneumonia and septic shock. The patient was given antibiotics, vasopressors, mechanical ventilation and hemodialysis with no improvement, and subsequently died 28 days after the surgery.

Tumoral pulmonary mass secondary to Schistosoma mansoni infection resembling neoplasia: case report. / Massa tumoral secundária a infecção por Schistosoma mansoni simulando neoplasia de pulmão: relato de caso.

Patients with chronic Schistosoma mansoni infection may feature a range of pulmonary symptoms and radiological findings. Eggs, and rarely adult worms, may passively enter the pulmonary circulation, usually via the portal system, where they may cause pulmonary inflammation, fibrosis, hypertension and cor pulmonale. A 25-year-old patient who lived in a schistosomiasis endemic area with a pulmonary mass suggestive of malignancy underwent exploratory thoracotomy. The mass was adherent, with no resection possibility. The lung-biopsy specimen evaluation showed several granulomas with Schistosoma mansoni eggs and hyperplasic connective tissue with no sign of malignancy. The patient had respiratory failure and hypotension immediately post-surgery. Specific treatment (praziquantel) and prednisone were given. The patient had pneumonia and septic shock. The patient was given antibiotics, vasopressors, mechanical ventilation and hemodialysis with no improvement, and subsequently died 28 days after the surgery.

Cardiovascular function in elderly patients with chronic chagasic cardiopathy.

The objective of this work was to verify the degree and type of heart damage of elderly chagasic patients seen at an outpatient referral center and to compare them with the changes found in young chagasic patients with a similar degree of heart damage. Elderly and young patients without advanced cardiopathy presented good functional behavior. Elderly patients with advanced cardiopathy had more ventricular premature beats (VPB) in 24 h and less functional capacity in the exercise test than young patients of the same subgroup. There was a higher occurrence of effort-induced VPB and a lower prevalence of severe forms in elderly men, suggesting that Chagas' disease may have a worse evolution in males. The association of cardiac damage characteristic of aging with the secondary damage due to Chagas' disease could explain the greater functional damage found in elderly chagasic patients. Thus, it appears that the physiopathological components of Chagas' disease do have an influence on the clinical course of cardiopathy in the elderly population.

Cardiovascular function in elderly patients with chronic chagasic cardiopathy

The objective of this work was to verify the degree and type of heart damage of elderly chagasic patients seen at an outpatient referral center and to compare them with the changes found in young chagasic patients with a similar degree of heart damage. Elderly and young patients without advanced cardiopathy presented good functional behavior. Elderly patients with advanced cardiopathy had more ventricular premature beats (VPB) in 24 h and less functional capacity in the exercise test than young patients of the same subgroup. There was a higher occurrence of effort-induced VPB and a lower prevalence of severe forms in elderly men, suggesting that Chagas' disease may have a worse evolution in males. The association of cardiac damage characteristic of aging with the secondary damage due to Chagas' disease could explain the greater functional damage found in elderly chagasic patients. Thus, it appears that the physiopathological components of Chagas' disease do have an influence on the clinical course of cardiopathy in the elderly population