Incidence of Weaning Failure in Obese Patients in Intensive Care Unit.

Background The escalating prevalence of obesity worldwide presents unique challenges in critical care management, especially in the context of mechanical ventilation and weaning processes in intensive care units (ICUs). The present study aimed to determine the incidence of weaning failure in obese patients in an ICU. Methods A prospective observational study was carried out to gather data on patients in the ICU of Shifa International Hospital located in Islamabad, Pakistan. The target population consisted of adult patients who were both male and female, ages 18 years and above. These individuals required intubation procedures as well as mechanical ventilation during their hospitalization. The researchers followed these patients prospectively and observed their medical conditions closely to gather data about how obesity might impact critical care interventions and outcomes. Results The sample size was 288 bearing a median age of 61.0 with an interquartile range of 19 years. Older age manifested a significantly higher frequency of failed extubation (p=0.065). Higher body mass index (BMI) was significantly associated with failed extubation among the study population. It was found that a higher significant difference was associated with BMI > 30 kg/m2 (obese) in failed and successful extubation. One-half of the patients with failed extubation and only 16 (5.9%) patients with successful extubation had end-stage renal disease (p<0.001). It was found that patients who underwent failed extubation had notably increased ICU mortality (p=0.108), 28-day mortality (p=0.067), as well as mean ICU (p<0.001) and hospital stay (p=0.007). Conclusion Our study revealed some insightful correlations between obesity, age, comorbidities, length of hospitalization, ICU stay, and mortality rate in terms of weaning failure among the study population.

Impact of high-speed handpiece noise-induced dental anxiety on heart rate: analyzing experienced and non-experienced patients - a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Dental anxiety is very much common among the patients and could be due to different factors like the behavior of the dentist, past experiences, Needle phobia, or word of mouth from other patients. According to recent studies, a strong association between sound and anxiety has been found, so this observational study has been conducted to find out the link between the activation of anxiety with the sound of a handpiece between experienced patients, who have already gone through the dental treatments and non-experienced patients. METHODS: Total of 297 participants were part of this study. These participants were divided into 2 groups according to the experienced and non-experienced dental patients. The researcher first filled out the CORAH Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) form to mark the anxiety level of the patients, and then noted the readings of the heart rate in 3 intervals which were before during, and after the treatment with the pulse oximeter. Later the data was analysed using the SPSS independent t-test. RESULTS: Results show that patients in group 1 who have gone through the dental treatment before were less anxious and had a lesser effect on their heart rate than the patient who were having the treatment for the first time who were in group 2. Another interesting factor was noticed that in both the groups female were found to be more anxious than male participants. Participants with younger age were found to be more anxious than older age patient in both groups CONCLUSIONS: The sound of the handpiece can provoke anxiety in the patient, affecting the heart and increasing the heart rate. Participants who were experienced were found to be less anxious than the participants who were inexperienced.

Reducing Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia in Acutely Ill Patients via Patient Engagement Specialists: A Pilot Feasibility Study.

Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are common in hospitalized persons living with dementia (PLWD). This pilot aimed to test the feasibility of an innovative model of care, PES-4-BPSD (a dementia unit staffed with Patient Engagement Specialists, PES). Non-randomized pilot feasibility trial was conducted, enrolling N = 158 patients to the intervention unit (n = 79, a 10-bed dementia unit, staffed with nursing assistants, NAs, with mental health backgrounds, PES) and an enhanced control unit (n = 79, 40-bed medicine unit, staffed with NAs). All NAs/PES (N = 63) received dementia training, with completion rate of 82.5%. Overall, patients had ~1 NPI-Q (Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire) assessment/48 hr. 97% (n = 153) of PLWD exhibited at least one behavior. Average NPI-Q scores did not differ across intervention (5.36) and control (3.87) units (p = .23). Patients on the intervention unit had 88% (p = .002) shorter duration of constant observation. A dementia care unit staffed by PES is an innovative model requiring further research.

The psychosocial health, experiences and needs of older adults and care partners during the first surge of the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-methods study.

BACKGROUND: Minimal research has leveraged qualitative data methods to gain a better understanding of the experiences and needs of older adults (OAs) and care partners of OAs with and without Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and AD-related dementias (AD/ADRD) during the first surge of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we: 1) quantitatively evaluated the psychosocial health of community-dwelling OAs; 2) quantitatively evaluated the perceived stress of care partners for OAs; 3) qualitatively characterized the experiences and needs of community-dwelling OAs and their care partners; and 4) explored differences in the experiences of care partners of OAs with and without AD/ADRD during the first surge of the COVID-19 pandemic in the New York metropolitan area. METHODS: In this mixed-methods study, telephone interviews were conducted with 26 OAs and 29 care partners (16 of whom cared for OAs with AD/ADRD) from April to July 2020. Quantitative data included: demographics; clinical characteristics (Katz Index of independence in activities of daily living (Katz ADL) and the Lawton-Brody instrumental activities of daily living scale (Lawton-Brody)); and psychosocial health: stress was assessed via the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), social isolation via the Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS), loneliness via the DeJong Loneliness Scale (DeJong), and depression and anxiety via the Patient Health Questionnaire-Anxiety and Depression (PHQ). Qualitative questions focused on uncovering the experiences and needs of OAs and their care partners. RESULTS: OAs (N = 26) were mostly female (57.7%), and White (76.9%), average age of 81.42 years. While OAs were independent (M = 5.60, Katz ADL) and highly functional (M = 6.92, Lawton-Brody), and expressed low levels of loneliness, stress, depression and anxiety (M = 1.95 on DeJong; M = 12.67 on PSS; M = 1.05 on PHQ depression; and M = 1.09 on PHQ anxiety), open-ended questions elicited themes of fear and worry. Care partners (N = 29) were mostly female (75.9%), White (72.4%), and married (72.4%), and reported moderate stress (M = 16.52 on the PSS), as well as a psychological impact of the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: Early in the pandemic, OAs reported minimal stress and loneliness; this may have been related to their reports of frequent interaction with family, even if only virtually. By contrast, care partners were moderately stressed and worried, potentially more than usual due to the additional challenges they face when trying to meet their loved ones' needs during a pandemic.

Hospital practices and clinical outcomes associated with behavioral symptoms in persons with dementia.

BACKGROUND: Hospitalized persons living with dementia (PLWD) often experience behavioral symptoms that challenge medical care. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify clinical practices and outcomes associated with behavioral symptoms in hospitalized PLWD. DESIGN: A retrospective cross-sectional study. SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS: The study included PLWD (65+) admitted to one of severe health system hospitals in 2019. INTERVENTION: Behavioral symptoms were defined as the presence of (1) a psychoactive medication for behavioral symptoms; (2) an order for physical restraints or constant observation; and/or (3) physician documentation of delirium, encephalopathy, or behavioral symptoms. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES: Associations between behavioral symptoms and patient characteristics and hospital practices (e.g., bladder catheter) were examined. Multivariable logistic/linear regression was used to evaluate the association between behavioral symptoms and clinical outcomes (e.g., mortality). RESULTS: Of hospitalized PLWD (N = 8637), the average age was 84.5 years (IQR = 79-90), 61.7% were female, 60.1% were white, and 9.4% (n = 833) were Hispanic. Behavioral symptoms were identified in 40.6% (N = 3606) of individuals. Behavioral symptoms were significantly associated with male gender (40.3% vs. 36.9%, p = .001), white race (62.7% vs. 58.3%, p < .001), and residence in a facility prior to admission (26.6% vs. 23.7%, p < .001). Regarding hospital practices, indwelling bladder catheters (11.2% vs. 6.0%, p < .001) and dietary restriction (41.9% vs. 33.8%, p < .001) were associated with behavioral symptoms. In multivariable models, behavioral symptoms were associated with increased hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR]: 1.90, CI95%: 1.57-2.29), length of stay (parameter estimate: 2.10, p < .001), 30-day readmissions (OR: 1.14, CI95%: 1.014-1.289), and decreased discharge home (OR: 0.59, CI95%: 0.53-0.65, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Given the association between behavioral symptoms and poor clinical outcomes, there is an urgent need to improve the provision of care for hospitalized PLWD.

Evaluating the Impact of Positive Fluid Balance on Mortality and Length of Stay in Septic Shock Patients.

Background Sepsis is accountable for major morbidity and mortality in patients with critical illnesses. The present research was undertaken to evaluate the correlation between fluid balance during hospitalizations and patient outcomes in patients with sepsis. Methods An observational study was undertaken at the Critical Care Department, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan between December 2021 to April 2022. The patients included were over the age of 17 years, with a proven diagnosis of infection. These patients either had positive bacterial cultures, suffered from organ failure secondary to sepsis, or had clinically evident signs of infection. Patients who were discharged during the period of study were eliminated from the study population. All patients were informed of the process and signed consent was obtained. Basic demographic information was recorded, which included the existence of any comorbid conditions, organ failure, medication use, or infection history. The severity of critical illness was determined for every single patient along with organ damage. The final patient outcome was recorded as in-hospital mortality. Results A total of 307 patients were included in the study with a total of 165 (53.75%) male patients. The overall mortality rate was 39.74%. The mean length of hospitalization was 17.42 ± 8.3 days. A high SOFA score was significantly associated with quartile 4 with a mean score of 14.1 (p < 0.001). Similarly, a significantly higher APACHE score was found in patients in quartile 4 (p < 0.001) thus indicating a relationship between severity of illness and positive fluid balance. Upon further assessment, it was found that the 28th day and 90th day were significantly greater in quartile 4 in comparison to other quartiles. Similarly, the overall length of stays in the hospital and in the ICU were also significantly associated with greater fluid balance (p < 0.001).  Conclusion In our study, it was concluded that monitoring fluid balance in critically ill patients is very important. The highest 28-day and 90-day mortality were seen in patients with the greatest positive fluid balance. However, the cause of high mortality in this cohort could be multifactorial; therefore, the relationship of positive fluid balance with patient outcome remains debatable.

Factors and Outcomes Associated With Dysphagia in Hospitalized Persons With Dementia.

OBJECTIVES: Dysphagia is prevalent in older adults with dementia, particularly in the acute care setting. The objective of this study was to use an innovative approach to extract a more representative sample of patients with dysphagia from the electronic health record (EHR) to determine patient characteristics, hospital practices, and outcomes associated with dysphagia in hospitalized persons with dementia. DESIGN: A retrospective study of hospitalized adults (aged ≥65 years) with dementia was conducted in 7 hospitals across the greater New York metropolitan area. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Data were obtained from the inpatient EHR with the following inclusion criteria: age ≥65 years; admitted to one of 7 health system hospitals between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2019; and documented past medical diagnosis of dementia (based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision). METHODS: A diagnosis of dysphagia was defined as nurse documentation of a positive bedside swallow screening, nurse documentation of "difficulty swallowing" as reason for not performing bedside swallow screening, and physician documentation of a dysphagia diagnosis. RESULTS: Of adults with dementia (N = 8637), the average age was 84.5 years, 61.6% were female, and 18.1% were Black and 9.3% Hispanic. Dysphagia was identified in 41.8% (n = 3610). In multivariable models, dysphagia was associated with invasive mechanical ventilation [odds ratio (OR) 4.53, 95% CI 3.55-5.78], delirium (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.40-1.68), increased length of stay (B = 3.29, 95% CI 2.98-3.60), and mortality (OR 4.44, 95% CI 3.54-5.55). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Given its high prevalence, underrecognition, and associated poor outcomes, improving large-scale dysphagia identification can impact clinical care and advance research in hospitalized persons with dementia.

Using Telehealth to Improve the Accuracy of Delirium Screening by Bedside Critical Care Nurses.

BACKGROUND: Delirium affects up to 80% of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) but is missed in up to 75% of cases. Telehealth in the ICU (tele-ICU) has become the standard for providing timely, expert care to remotely located ICUs. OBJECTIVES: This pilot study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of using tele-ICU to increase the accuracy of delirium screening and recognition by ICU nurses. METHODS: The pilot sites included 4 ICUs across 3 hospitals. A geriatrician with delirium expertise remotely observed 13 bedside ICU nurses administering the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU) to patients in real time via the tele-ICU platform and subsequently provided training on CAM-ICU performance and delirium management. Training evaluation consisted of a validated spot check form, a 2-item satisfaction/change-of-practice survey, and a qualitative question on acceptability. RESULTS: Thirteen ICU nurses were observed performing 26 bedside delirium assessments. The top observed barriers to accurate delirium screening were CAM-ICU knowledge deficits, establishment of baseline cognition, and inappropriate use of the "unable to assess" designation. The mean percentage of correct observations improved from 40% (first observation) to 90% (second observation) (P < .001). All 13 nurses strongly agreed that the training was beneficial and practice changing. CONCLUSIONS: The use of tele-ICU to improve the accuracy of delirium screening by ICU nurses appears to be feasible and efficient for leveraging delirium expertise across multiple ICUs. Future studies should evaluate the effects of tele-ICU delirium training on patient-centered outcomes.

In-Hospital Mortality Among Critically Ill Patients With Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Versus Patients Without AF.

Introduction Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most frequent arrhythmias observed in the intensive care unit (ICU). The present study assessed AF as an independent risk factor for mortality among patients in the ICU setting. Methodology A prospective cohort study was conducted at the medical ICU in a tertiary academic medical center from September 2020 to January 2021. All critically ill patients, irrespective of gender, who were admitted for at least two days in the ICU were eligible to partake in the study. Individuals in the cardiovascular surgical ICU and the trauma ICU were not eligible. Demographics, clinical history, the occurrence of AF, fluid input and output, echocardiography, drug history, and hospital mortality were recorded during the first week of admission. Patients were divided into two groups. Results Patients with AF had significantly higher in-hospital mortality, 27 (73%), and longer hospital stays (11.61 ± 7.01) as compared to patients who did not suffer from AF (p<0.0001). The mean length of stay in ICU was 10.32 ± 5.92 and the duration of mechanical ventilation was 7.05 ± 6.16 days in the AF group which was significantly higher than patients who did not have AF (p<0.0001). No significant difference was found in mortality rate between new-onset and recurrent AF among the patients; albeit the latter was higher (60% vs 81.8%, p=0.142). Conclusion The present study indicated that AF was a predictor of mortality hence, associated with poor patient prognosis. The occurrence of AF was associated with high in-hospital mortality and longer hospital stay. Further large-scale studies should be conducted to explore other socio-demographic and clinical risk factors.

Improving delirium detection in intensive care units: Multicomponent education and training program.

BACKGROUND: Delirium is a common, devastating, and underrecognized syndrome in the intensive care unit (ICU). The study aimed to describe and evaluate a multicomponent education and training program utilizing a "Train-The-Trainer" (TTT) model, to improve delirium detection across a large health system. METHODS: Fourteen ICUs across nine hospitals participated in a multicomponent delirium program consisting of a 1-day workshop that included: (1) patient testimonials, (2) small group discussions, (3) didactics, and (4) role-playing. Additionally, four ICUs received direct observation/training via telehealth (tele-delirium training). The Kirkpatrick model was used for program evaluation in a pre/post-test design. RESULTS: A 1-day delirium workshop was held at two time points and included 73 ICU nurses. Of the 65 nurses completing the post-workshop satisfaction survey, most (46.2) had >10 years of clinical experience, and no or minimal delirium training (69.2%). All nurses (100%) identified lack of knowledge as a barrier to delirium detection, while time constraints and lack of importance accounted for only 25%. Overall, nurses rated the workshop positively (excellent 66.7%, and very good 23.3%), and likely to change practice (definitely 73.3% and very likely 15.0%). All validated Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU) cases demonstrated improvement in number of correct responses. Delirium detection across the health system improved from 9.1% at baseline to 21.2% in ICUs that participated in the workshop and 30.1% in those ICUs that also participated in the tele-delirium training (p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: A multicomponent delirium education and training program using a TTT model was rated positively, improved CAM-ICU knowledge, and increased delirium detection.

Physical Therapy for Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19 in Isolation: Feasibility and Pilot Implementation of Telehealth for Delivering Individualized Therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To optimize the ability of hospitalized patients isolated because of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to participate in physical therapy (PT). DESIGN: This was a prospective quality improvement trial of the feasibility and acceptability of a "hybrid" in-person and telerehabilitation platform to deliver PT to hospitalized adults. SETTING: Inpatient wards of a tertiary care, multispecialty academic medical center in the greater New York City metropolitan area. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of 39 COVID-19-positive adults (mean age, 57.3y; 69% male) all previously community dwelling agreed to participate in a combination of in-person and telerehabilitation sessions (N=39). INTERVENTIONS: Initial in-person evaluation by physical therapist followed by twice daily PT sessions, 1 in-person and 1 via a telehealth platform meeting Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act confidentiality requirements. The communication platform was downloaded to each participant's personal smart device to establish audiovisual contact with the physical therapist. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We used the 6-clicks Activity Measure of Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) to score self-reported functional status premorbidly and by the therapist at baseline and discharge. RESULTS: Functional status measured by AM-PAC 6-clicks demonstrated improvement from admission to discharge. Barriers to participation were identified and strategies were planned to facilitate use of the platform in the future. CONCLUSIONS: A consistent and structured protocol for engaging patient participation in PT delivered via a telehealth platform was successfully developed. A process was put in place to allow for further development, recruitment, and testing in a randomized trial.