Effects of nonpharmacological interventions on sleep improvement and delirium prevention in critically ill patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Sleep disturbance and delirium are common problems experienced by critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). These interrelated issues increase the length of stay in the ICU but might also negatively affect long-term health outcomes. The objective of this study was to identify the nonpharmacological interventions provided to improve sleep or prevent delirium in ICU patients or both and integrate their effect sizes. REVIEW METHODS: This study was a registered systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from their inception until December 2021. We included randomised controlled trials and nonrandomised controlled trials-(RCT) that provided nonpharmacological interventions and reported sleep or delirium as outcome variables. Studies not published in English or whose full text was not available were excluded. The quality of the evidence was assessed with version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for RCTs and the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I). RESULTS: The systematic review included 118 studies, and the meta-analysis included 100 studies. Overall nonpharmacological interventions had significant effects on subjective sleep quality (standardised mean difference = 0.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.05 to 0.56), delirium incidence (odds ratio = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.53 to 0.73), and delirium duration (standardised mean difference = -0.68, 95% CI = -0.93 to -0.43). In individual interventions, aromatherapy, music, and massage effectively improved sleep. Exercise, family participation, information giving, cognitive stimulation, bright light therapy, architectural intervention, and bundles/protocols effectively reduced delirium. Light/noise blocking was the only intervention that ensured both sleep improvement and delirium prevention. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest nonpharmacological interventions improve sleep and prevent delirium in ICU patients. We recommend that ICU nurses use nonpharmacological interventions that promote person-environment compatibility in their clinical practice. The results of our review can guide nurses in adopting interventions related to sleep and delirium. PROSPERO REFERENCE NUMBER: CRD42021230815.

Impressions of aquatic therapy treatment in children with prolonged mechanical ventilation - clinician and family perspectives: a qualitative case study.

PURPOSE: To describe the experiences of applying aquatic therapy (AT) to children with ventilation needs after discharge from the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A qualitative and descriptive case study with integrated units. Purposive sampling was carried out, including the parents of the children participating in the AT programme and the healthcare professionals treating them. Fourteen participants were included: four parents, five physicians, three physiotherapists and two nurses. The study was carried out as part of a program on AT in critically ill children. Semi-structured interviews were conducted. A thematic analysis was performed. RESULTS: Three themes were identified. Theme (1) Difficulties for implementation: AT was not perceived as a viable therapeutic modality; lack of knowledge and resources. Theme (2) Risks and challenges: Perceptions of anxiety at the beginning; planning and precautions. Theme (3) AT facilitates new possibilities and benefits: The necessity of the presence of parents during the AT session; a sense of "normalcy;" outcomes of AT in relation to post-intensive care syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Our results will help to better understand a safe and feasible way to work with children with PPMV, even though this approach is not yet widespread due to its special circumstances. These results can be used in future AT programmes in children undergoing special treatments.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONChildren with ventilation needs after discharge from the intensive care unit present physical, cognitive, and mental alterations that decrease functional capacity and quality of life.In a relatively small sample, positive outcomes were found for AT in relation to post-intensive care syndrome, enabling children to participate in aquatic therapy activities with the involvement of parents.This study highlighted the positive impact on the quality of life of both children and their parents.Aquatic therapy is a feasible intervention in children requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation, although certain difficulties should be addressed in terms of implementation, together with challenges regarding safety and planning.These difficulties may be overcome by promoting coordination between professionals, creating security protocols, and/or facilitating specialised education for therapists.

Spiritual care in critically ill patients during COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: Spiritual care has a positive influence when patients are subjected to serious illnesses, and critically ill situations such as the case of the COVID-19 pandemic. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions and attitudes of nurses working at critical care units and emergency services in Spain concerning the spiritual care providing to patients and families during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A qualitative investigation was carried out using in-depth interviews with 19 ICU nursing professionals. FINDINGS: During the pandemic, nurses provided spiritual care for their patients. Although they believed that spirituality was important to help patients to cope with the disease, they do not had a consensual definition of spirituality. Work overload, insufficient time and lack of training were perceived as barriers for providing spiritual healthcare. DISCUSSION: These results support the role of spirituality in moments of crisis and should be considered by health professionals working in critical care settings.

Effect of Early High-Dose Vitamin D3 Repletion on Cognitive Outcomes in Critically Ill Adults.

BACKGROUND: Long-term cognitive impairment frequently occurs after critical illness; no treatments are known to improve long-term cognition. RESEARCH QUESTION: Does a single high-dose (540,000 International Units) enteral treatment of vitamin D3 given shortly after hospital admission in critically ill patients who are vitamin D deficient improve long-term global cognition or executive function? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This study evaluated long-term cognitive outcomes among patients enrolled in a multicenter, blinded, randomized clinical trial comparing vitamin D3 treatment vs placebo in critically ill adults with vitamin D deficiency. Global cognition was measured by the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). Executive function was measured with a composite score derived from three Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System subscales. Outcomes were assessed at a median of 443 days (interquartile range, 390-482 days) after randomization and were compared using multivariate proportional odds regression. Adjusted ORs of > 1.0 would indicate better outcomes in the vitamin D3 group compared with the placebo group. RESULTS: Ninety-five patients were enrolled, including 47 patients randomized to vitamin D3 treatment and 48 patients randomized to placebo. The adjusted median RBANS score at follow-up was 79.6 (95% CI, 73.0-84.0) in the vitamin D3 group and 82.1 (95% CI, 74.7-84.6) in the placebo group (adjusted OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.50-1.38). The adjusted median executive function composite scores were 8.1 (95% CI, 6.8-9.0) and 8.7 (95% CI, 7.4-9.3), respectively (adjusted OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.36-1.42). INTERPRETATION: In vitamin D-deficient, critically-ill adults, a large dose of enteral vitamin D3 did not improve long-term global cognition or executive function. TRIAL REGISTRY: ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT03733418; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Long-term outcomes after critical illness: recent insights.

Intensive care survivors often experience post-intensive care sequelae, which are frequently gathered together under the term "post-intensive care syndrome" (PICS). The consequences of PICS on quality of life, health-related costs and hospital readmissions are real public health problems. In the present Viewpoint, we summarize current knowledge and gaps in our understanding of PICS and approaches to management.

Psychological Outcomes in Family Members of Patients With Acute Respiratory Failure: Does Inter-ICU Transfer Play a Role?

BACKGROUND: Family members of patients admitted to the ICU experience a constellation of sequelae described as postintensive care syndrome-family. The influence that an inter-ICU transfer has on psychological outcomes is unknown. RESEARCH QUESTION: Is inter-ICU transfer associated with poor psychological outcomes in families of patients with acute respiratory failure? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Cross-sectional observational study of 82 families of patients admitted to adult ICUs (tertiary hospital). Data included demographics, admission source, and outcomes. Admission source was classified as inter-ICU transfer (n = 39) for patients admitted to the ICU from other hospitals and direct admit (n = 43) for patients admitted from the ED or the operating room of the same hospital. We used quantitative surveys to evaluate psychological distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]) and posttraumatic stress (Post-Traumatic Stress Scale; PTSS) and examined clinical, family, and satisfaction factors associated with psychological outcomes. RESULTS: Families of transferred patients travelled longer distances (mean ± SD, 109 ± 106 miles) compared with those of patients directly admitted (mean ± SD, 65 ± 156 miles; P ≤ .0001). Transferred patients predominantly were admitted to the neuro-ICU (64%), had a longer length of stay (direct admits: mean ± SD, 12.7 ± 9.3 days; transferred patients: mean ± SD, 17.6 ± 9.3 days; P < .01), and a higher number of ventilator days (direct admits: mean ± SD, 6.9 ± 8.6 days; transferred: mean ± SD, 10.6 ± 9.0 days; P < .01). Additionally, they were less likely to be discharged home (direct admits, 63%; transferred, 33%; P = .08). In a fully adjusted model of psychological distress and posttraumatic stress, family members of transferred patients were found to have a 1.74-point (95% CI, -1.08 to 5.29; P = .30) higher HADS score and a 5.19-point (95% CI, 0.35-10.03; P = .03) higher PTSS score than those of directly admitted family members. INTERPRETATION: In this exploratory study, posttraumatic stress measured by the PTSS was higher in the transferred families, but these findings will need to be replicated to infer clinical significance.

CovEMERALD: Assessing the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of remotely delivered Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing following Covid-19 related critical illness: A structured summary of a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Primary Objective: To determine the feasibility of delivering a protocolised, remote, online, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) intervention, within 12-weeks of hospital discharge, for adult survivors of Covid-19 related critical illness. Secondary objectives: To investigate whether remotely delivered EMDR can improve psychological outcome following Covid-19 related critical illness, specifically Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression. TRIAL DESIGN: This is a single centre, randomised controlled cohort feasibility trial. PARTICIPANTS: Participants will be recruited following discharge from the Intensive Care Unit at University Hospital Southampton, United Kingdom. Eligible patients will have received mechanical ventilation for a minimum of 24 hours, tested Covid-19 positive by polymerase chain reaction, will be over the age of 18 years and have the capacity to provide informed consent. Patients will be excluded if they have pre-existing cognitive impairment, pre-existing psychotic diagnosis or are not expected to survive post-hospital discharge. INTERVENTION AND COMPARATOR: Group one: patients in the control arm will receive their standard package of prescribed care, following discharge home from hospital. If they experience any adverse physical or psychological health-conditions, they will access care through the usual available channels. Group two: patients randomly allocated to the intervention arm will receive their standard package of prescribed care, following discharge home from hospital. In addition, they will be referred to the Intensive Psychological Therapies Service in Poole, United Kingdom. They will receive an online appointment within 12-weeks of discharge home from hospital. They will receive a maximum of eight, weekly sessions of EMDR, delivered by a trained psychological therapist, following the Recent Traumatic Episode Protocol (R-TEP). Appendices 1 and 2 of the attached trial protocol contain a detailed description of the R-TEP intervention, written in accordance with the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist and guide. MAIN OUTCOMES: The primary outcome from this trial will be feasibility. Feasibility will be determined by recruitment rates, expressed as a percentage of eligible patients approached, completion of the EMDR intervention, completion of final assessment at 6-months, incidence of attributable adverse events and protocol adherence by the psychological therapists. Secondary, exploratory outcomes will be assessed by comparison between the control and intervention groups at 6-months post-hospital discharge. Psychometric evaluation will consist of the PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. In addition, we will assess health-related quality of life using the EQ5D-5L, physical activity using wrist worn activity monitors and nutritional state using the Council of Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire. RANDOMISATION: Consenting participants will be randomly allocated to intervention or usual care using an internet-based system (ALEATM). Participants will be randomly assigned, on a 1:1 ratio, to receive either standard care (control) or the standard care plus online EMDR R-TEP (Intervention) BLINDING (MASKING): Due to the nature of the intervention, participants cannot be blinded to group allocation. 6-month patient reported outcome measures will be completed using an online, electronic case report form. Group allocation will be masked during data analysis. NUMBERS TO BE RANDOMISED (SAMPLE SIZE): This is a feasibility study, the results of which will be used to power a definitive study if appropriate. We anticipate a 25% mortality /loss to follow-up. A total of 26 patients will be recruited to this study, 13 patients in each arm. TRIAL STATUS: CovEMERALD opened to recruitment on 23rd September 2020 with an anticipated recruitment period of 6-months. We are using protocol version number 1.2 (1st June 2020) TRIAL REGISTRATION: CovEMERALD was registered on clinicaltrials.gov NCT04455360 on 2nd July 2020 FULL PROTOCOL: The full protocol is attached as an additional file, accessible from the Trials website (Additional file 1). In the interest in expediting dissemination of this material, the familiar formatting has been eliminated; this letter serves as a summary of the key elements of the full protocol. The study protocol has been reported in accordance with the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Clinical Interventional Trials (SPIRIT) guidelines (Additional file 2).

Omega-3 fatty acid-containing parenteral nutrition in ICU patients: systematic review with meta-analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis.

BACKGROUND: Omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acid (FA)-containing parenteral nutrition (PN) is associated with significant improvements in patient outcomes compared with standard PN regimens without ω-3 FA lipid emulsions. Here, we evaluate the impact of ω-3 FA-containing PN versus standard PN on clinical outcomes and costs in adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients using a meta-analysis and subsequent cost-effectiveness analysis from the perspective of a hospital operating in five European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK) and the US. METHODS: We present a pharmacoeconomic simulation based on a systematic literature review with meta-analysis. Clinical outcomes and costs comparing ω-3 FA-containing PN with standard PN were evaluated in adult ICU patients eligible to receive PN covering at least 70% of their total energy requirements and in the subgroup of critically ill ICU patients (mean ICU stay > 48 h). The meta-analysis with the co-primary outcomes of infection rate and mortality rate was based on randomized controlled trial data retrieved via a systematic literature review; resulting efficacy data were subsequently employed in country-specific cost-effectiveness analyses. RESULTS: In adult ICU patients, ω-3 FA-containing PN versus standard PN was associated with significant reductions in the relative risk (RR) of infection (RR 0.62; 95% CI 0.45, 0.86; p = 0.004), hospital length of stay (HLOS) (- 3.05 days; 95% CI - 5.03, - 1.07; p = 0.003) and ICU length of stay (LOS) (- 1.89 days; 95% CI - 3.33, - 0.45; p = 0.01). In critically ill ICU patients, ω-3 FA-containing PN was associated with similar reductions in infection rates (RR 0.65; 95% CI 0.46, 0.94; p = 0.02), HLOS (- 3.98 days; 95% CI - 6.90, - 1.06; p = 0.008) and ICU LOS (- 2.14 days; 95% CI - 3.89, - 0.40; p = 0.02). Overall hospital episode costs were reduced in all six countries using ω-3 FA-containing PN compared to standard PN, ranging from €-3156 ± 1404 in Spain to €-9586 ± 4157 in the US. CONCLUSION: These analyses demonstrate that ω-3 FA-containing PN is associated with statistically and clinically significant improvement in patient outcomes. Its use is also predicted to yield cost savings compared to standard PN, rendering ω-3 FA-containing PN an attractive cost-saving alternative across different health care systems. STUDY REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42019129311.

Impact of Therapeutic Music Listening on Intensive Care Unit Patients: A Pilot Study.

This pilot study investigated the association between patient-specific, therapeutic music listening as a nursing intervention for mechanically ventilated patients, and the proportion of time those patients were considered to have intensive care unit delirium. The pilot study used the person-centered nursing framework as its theoretic foundation. Findings from an intimate prospective cohort design encourage an expanded look at potential benefits of therapeutic music listening in large, multisite, randomized clinical trials. Research and practice implications are discussed.

Post-traumatic stress in the medical setting.

This article addresses the prevalence of posttraumatic stress arising from serious illness and injury. Its purpose is to underscore the importance of assessment and treatment of this population. The article reviews literature about patient stress responses to intensive care experiences and hospitalization. Above all, serious illness and injury hamper the individual's ability to maintain their ongoing lifestyle and interpersonal relationships; the experience raises the specter of vulnerability and mortality and can obstruct the experience of a familiar "self". Issues to be assessed and areas to be addressed therapeutically using hypnosis are suggested.

Feasibility and Efficacy of a Resiliency Intervention for the Prevention of Chronic Emotional Distress Among Survivor-Caregiver Dyads Admitted to the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: To our knowledge, there are no evidence-based interventions to prevent chronic emotional distress (ie, depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress [PTS]) in critical care survivors and their informal caregivers. Objective: To determine the feasibility and preliminary effect of the novel dyadic resiliency intervention Recovering Together (RT) on reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTS among hospitalized patients and their informal caregivers. Design, Setting, and Participants: This single-blind, pilot randomized clinical trial of RT vs an educational control was conducted among 58 dyads in which either the survivor or caregiver endorsed clinically significant symptoms of depression, anxiety, or PTS. The study was conducted in the neuroscience intensive care unit at Massachusetts General Hospital. Data were collected from September 2019 to March 2020. Interventions: Both RT and control programs had 6 sessions (2 at bedside and 4 via live video after discharge), and both survivor and caregiver participated together. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcomes were feasibility of recruitment and intervention delivery, credibility, and satisfaction. The secondary outcomes included depression and anxiety (measured by the Hospital Depression and Anxiety Scale), PTS (measured by the PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version), and intervention targets (ie, mindfulness, measured by the Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale-Revised; coping, measured by the Measure of Current Status-Part A; and dyadic interpersonal interactions, measured by the Dyadic Relationship Scale). Main outcomes and targets were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Results: The 58 dyads were randomized to RT (29 dyads [50.0%]; survivors: mean [SD] age, 49.3 [16.7] years; 9 [31.0%] women; caregivers: mean [SD] age, 52.4 [14.3] years; 22 [75.9%] women) or control (29 dyads [50.0%]; survivors: mean [SD] age, 50.3 [16.4] years; 12 [41.3%] women; caregivers, mean [SD] age, 52.1 [14.9], 17 [58.6%] women). Feasibility (recruitment [76%], randomization [100%], and data collection [83%-100%]), adherence (86%), fidelity (100%; κ = 0.98), satisfaction (RT: 57 of 58 [98%] with scores >6; control: 58 of 58 [100%] with scores >6), credibility (RT: 47 of 58 [81%] with scores >6; control: 46 of 58 [80%] with scores >6), and expectancy (RT: 49 of 58 [85%] with scores >13.5; 51 of 58 [87%] with scores >13.5) exceeded benchmarks set a priori. Participation in RT was associated with statistically and clinically significant improvement between baseline and postintervention in symptoms of depression (among survivors: -4.0 vs -0.6; difference, -3.4; 95% CI, -5.6 to -1.3; P = .002; among caregivers: -3.8 vs 0.6; difference, -4.5; 95% CI, -6.7 to -2.3; P < .001), anxiety (among survivors: -6.0 vs 0.3; difference, -6.3; 95% CI, -8.8 to -3.8; P < .001; among caregivers: -5.0 vs -0.9; difference, -4.1; 95% CI, -6.7 to -1.5, P = .002), and PTS (among survivors: -11.3 vs 1.0; difference, -12.3; 95% CI, -18.1 to -6.5, P < .001; among caregivers, -11.4 vs 5.0; difference, -16.4, 95% CI, -21.8 to -10.9; P < .001). Improvements sustained through the 12-week follow-up visit. We also observed RT-dependent improvement in dyadic interpersonal interactions for survivors (0.2 vs -0.2; difference, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.0 to 0.8; P = .04). Conclusions and Relevance: In this pilot randomized clinical trial, RT was feasible and potentially efficacious in preventing chronic emotional distress in dyads of survivors of the neuroscience intensive care unit and their informal caregivers. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03694678.

Letting nature take its course: A qualitative exploration of the illness and adjustment experiences of Hong Kong Chinese people with Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic condition that results in not only physical deterioration but also a spectrum of psychosocial outcomes that demand continuous adjustment and coping. Previous qualitative research into the illness experiences has been conducted mainly in Western populations, yet little is known about Chinese PD patients' adjustment. The aims of this qualitative description study were to (a) understand the illness and adjustment experiences, (b) explore the reasons for psychological distress and (c) discern the adjustment strategies adopted along the course of illness, from the perspective of Hong Kong Chinese PD patients. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 patients from January to June, 2016. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Two themes emerged from the interviews: confronting the changes caused by Parkinson's disease and adjusting to living with Parkinson's disease. Participants reported experiencing turmoil due to progressive loss of functions and abilities, changes in role and identity and unattended emotional needs in the course of their illness. Considering the chronic and fluctuating nature of PD, rehabilitation programs should be applied to address not only the physical symptoms but also the psychological needs of PD patients. Behavioral strategies facilitating active health behaviours and accommodative psychological adjustment are salient to facilitate the holistic well-being of PD patients.

Animal-Assisted Activity in Critically Ill Older Adults: A Randomized Pilot and Feasibility Trial.

BACKGROUND: Limited evidence suggests the efficacy of animal-assisted activities (AAA) in improving biobehavioral stress responses in older patients in intensive care units (ICUs). OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility of an AAA (dog) intervention for improving biobehavioral stress response, measured by self-reported stress and anxiety and salivary cortisol, C-reactive protein, and interleukin-1ß in older ICU patients, we examined enrollment, attrition, completion, data collection, and biobehavioral stress responses. METHODS: ICU patients ≥60 years old were randomly assigned to a 10-min AAA intervention or control/usual ICU care. Attitudes toward pets were assessed before the intervention. Self-reported stress and anxiety and salivary stress biomarkers were collected before and after the intervention and the usual care condition. RESULTS: The majority of patients were ineligible due to lack of decisional capacity, younger age, inability to provide saliva specimens, or critical illness. Though 15 participants were randomly allocated (AAA = 9; control = 6), only 10 completed the study. All participants completed the questionnaires; however, saliva specimens were significantly limited by volume. AAA was associated with decreases in stress and anxiety. Biomarker results were variable and revealed no specific trends associated with stress responses. Conclusions: Barriers to recruitment included an insufficient number of patients eligible for AAA based on hospital policy, difficulty finding patients who met study eligibility criteria, and illness-related factors. Recommendations for future studies include larger samples, a stronger control intervention such as a visitor without a dog, greater control over the AAA intervention, and use of blood from indwelling catheters for biomarkers.

Nurse managed patient focused assessment and care: A grounded theory of qualified nurses in acute and critical care settings assessing the mental capacity of adult patients.

AIMS: To explore processes used by qualified nurses in assessing mental capacity of acutely and critically ill hospitalised adult patients. BACKGROUND: Mental capacity is the ability to understand, reason and make decisions. Acute and critical illness may impact upon the decision-making abilities of hospitalised adult patients but little is known about how qualified nurses across a range of acute settings assess the capacity of such patients in their care. DESIGN: A qualitative grounded theory approach informed by the Corbin and Strauss (Basics of Qualitative Research (Third Edition). London, UK: Sage, 2008) methodological pathway. METHODS: Data were collected through digitally recorded, semi-structured interviews to explore assessment of capacity processes used by 13 registered nurses employed in acute and critical care environments in a district general hospital in South Wales, UK. Data were analysed using iterative constant comparative processes leading to a core category and grounded theory. The study is presented in accordance with the COREQ checklist. RESULTS: Informal, intuitive, holistic nurse-led processes were used to assess the mental capacity of patients which combined processes for the assessment of their physiological and mental capacity status, recognising the need to support their rights, dignity and autonomy. The assessment of mental capacity was not a lone process but one that contributed to a cyclical process in which multi-professional assessment was necessary and ongoing, and in which qualified nurses had a co-ordinating role. This led to the development of the theory, Nurse Managed Patient Focused Assessment and Care. CONCLUSION: This theory provides a framework to explain processes and strategies used by qualified nurses in assessing mental capacity of, and caring for, adult patients with acute and/or critical illness. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This framework may inform related clinical practice and can serve as a basis of an assessment tool in what has been identified as a fundamental role of the qualified nurse.

Open visiting in adult intensive care units - A structured literature review.

BACKGROUND: Open visitation in adult intensive care units report benefits such as reduced frequency and duration of deliriums, improved patient and family satisfaction, and reduced anxiety and depression of family members. 'Being close' is one of the most basic and important needs of family members of critically ill patients. Open visitation provides an increased opportunity of being at the bedside with the patient, however, it is not universally embraced by adult intensive care units worldwide. AIM: To critically appraise the literature concerning open visitation in adult intensive care units. DESIGN: A structured literature review. METHOD: This review was guided by the methodology by Kable et al. (2012). Sixteen articles are included in the review. RESULTS: Despite the documented benefits, several challenges exist which hinder broad application of open visitation in adult intensive care units. CONCLUSION: This review acknowledged challenges faced in adopting an open visiting policy in adult intensive care units such as negative staff perceptions and attitudes; patient protection; family and cultural consideration, as well as organisational challenges. The lack of a clear and consistent definition of open visitation is problematic, and strategies are urgently needed to support staff to provide holistic patient- and family-centred care.

Soothing the heart with music: A feasibility study of a bedside music therapy intervention for critically ill patients in an urban hospital setting.

OBJECTIVES: Music therapy has been shown to be effective for reducing anxiety and pain in people with a serious illness. Few studies have investigated the feasibility of integrating music therapy into general inpatient care of the seriously ill, including the care of diverse, multiethnic patients. This leaves a deficit in knowledge for intervention planning. This study investigated the feasibility and effectiveness of introducing music therapy for patients on 4 inpatient units in a large urban medical center. Capacitated and incapacitated patients on palliative care, transplantation, medical intensive care, and general medicine units received a single bedside session led by a music therapist. METHODS: A mixed-methods, pre-post design was used to assess clinical indicators and the acceptability and feasibility of the intervention. Multiple regression modeling was used to evaluate the effect of music therapy on anxiety, pain, pulse, and respiratory rate. Process evaluation data and qualitative analysis of observational data recorded by the music therapists were used to assess the feasibility of providing music therapy on the units and patients' interest, receptivity, and satisfaction. RESULTS: Music therapy was delivered to 150 patients over a 6-month period. Controlling for gender, age, and session length, regression modeling showed that patients reported reduced anxiety post-session. Music therapy was found to be an accessible and adaptable intervention, with patients expressing high interest, receptivity, and satisfaction. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: This study found it feasible and effective to introduce bedside music therapy for seriously ill patients in a large urban medical center. Lessons learned and recommendations for future investigation are discussed.

Communication Interventions to Improve Goal-Concordant Care of Seriously Ill Patients: An Integrative Review.

Effective communication between clinicians and seriously ill patients and their families about a patient's goals of care is essential to patient-centered, goal-concordant, end-of-life care. Effective goals-of-care communication between clinicians and patients is associated with improved patient and family outcomes, increased clinician satisfaction, and decreased health care costs. Unfortunately, clinicians often face barriers in goals-of-care communication and collaboration, including a lack of education, time constraints, and no standardized protocols. Without clear goals-of-care communication, patients may not be able to provide guidance to clinicians about their end-of-life preferences. The purpose of this integrative review was to examine the efficacy of goals-of-care communication interventions between patients, families, and clinicians in randomized controlled trials published between 2009 and 2018. Twenty-three studies met the inclusion criteria with an overall sample (N = 6376) of patients, family members, and clinicians. Results revealed of the 6 different intervention modes, patient decision aids and patient-clinician communication consistently increased comprehension and communication. Twelve of the studies had nurses facilitate or support the communication intervention. Because nurses are a critical, trusted nexus for communication about end-of-life care, focusing on nurse interventions may significantly improve clinical outcomes and the patient experience.

The Use of Prayer During Life-Threatening Illness: A Connectedness to God, Inner-Self, and Others.

To explore how prayers were used as expressions of spirituality among community-dwelling African Americans in response to life-threatening illness. Fifty-eight older African American adults residing in the Southeastern US participated in a qualitative descriptive study. Through prayers, participants requested the strength to endure, protection, healing and expressed gratitude. Prayers were expressions of spirituality through dimensions of connectedness: transpersonally to God or the unseen; intrapersonally to one's inner-self; and, interpersonally to others. Prayers are an important aspect of spirituality and the mental health of older African Americans particularly during serious, life-threatening illness. An understanding of the ways in which prayers are used might enhance the cultural relevance of mental health interventions in this population.

More comprehensively measuring quality of life in life-threatening illness: the McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire - Expanded.

BACKGROUND: Domains other than those commonly measured (physical, psychological, social, and sometimes existential/spiritual) are important to the quality of life of people with life-threatening illness. The McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire (MQOL) - Revised measures the four common domains. The aim of this study was to create a psychometrically sound instrument, MQOL - Expanded, to comprehensively measure quality of life by adding to MQOL-Revised the domains of cognition, healthcare, environment, (feeling like a) burden, and possibly, finance. METHODS: Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on three datasets to ascertain whether seven new items belonged with existing MQOL-Revised domains, whether good model fit was obtained with their addition as five separate domains to MQOL-Revised, and whether a second-order factor representing overall quality of life was present. People with life-threatening illnesses (mainly cancer) or aged > 80 were recruited from 15 healthcare sites in seven Canadian provinces. Settings included: palliative home care and inpatient units; acute care units; oncology outpatient clinics. RESULTS: Good model fit was obtained when adding each of the five domains separately to MQOL-Revised and for the nine correlated domains. Fit was acceptable for a second-order factor model. The financial domain was removed because of low importance. The resulting MQOL-Expanded is a 21-item instrument with eight domains (fit of eight correlated domains: Comparative Fit Index = .96; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = .033). CONCLUSIONS: MQOL-Expanded builds on MQOL-Revised to more comprehensively measure the quality of life of people with life-threatening illness. Our analyses provide validity evidence for the MQOL-Expanded domain and summary scores; the need for further validation research is discussed. Use of MQOL-Expanded will enable a more holistic understanding of the quality of life of people with a life-threatening illness and the impact of treatments and interventions upon it. It will allow for a better understanding of less commonly assessed but important life domains (cognition, healthcare, environment, feeling like a burden) and their relationship to the more commonly assessed domains (physical, psychological, social, existential/spiritual).