Challenges Encountered in the Implementation of Bio-Fluorescent Particle Counting Systems as a Routine Microbial Monitoring Tool.

The transition from traditional growth-based microbial detection methods to continuous bio-fluorescent particle counting methods represents a paradigm shift, because the results will be non-equivalent in terms of microbial counts, and a continuous, rather than periodic, data stream will be available. Bio-fluorescent particle counting technology, a type of rapid microbiological method, uses the detection of the intrinsic fluorescence of microbial cells to enumerate bioburden levels in air or water samples, continuously. The reported unit is commonly referred to as an autofluorescence unit, which is not dependent upon growth, as is the traditional method. The following article discusses challenges encountered when implementing this modern technology, and the perspective from a consortium of four industry working groups on navigating these challenges.

Critical care visitation: nurse and family preference.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to explore the satisfaction of patients' families and nurses with visitation guidelines in the 5 critical care units at a 435-bed acute care hospital in the southeastern part of the United States. PROBLEM STATEMENT: The restriction of visitation hours for intensive care unit patients has significant implications for the health and well-being of the patient and their family. Although traditionally both facilities and staff have cited reasons to restrict family visitation, research indicates that these practices may have a detrimental effect on the overall health of the patient. METHODS: A descriptive correlational design is utilized in this study. Subjects consisted of family members of patients in 1 of the 5 critical care units and nurses providing care in these units. Family and nurses completed a questionnaire on their perspective of the critical care visiting hours. RESULTS: The majority of families visiting patients in the critical care setting followed the posted guidelines and were very satisfied with the guidelines. The hours most convenient for families to visit at the bedside were from 4 to 8 PM. The majority of nurses wanted to keep visiting hours during day-shift hours; family members were divided on having all hours available for visitation. Nurses had varied perspectives on whether visitation should be allowed as a restraint alternative, when family is out of town, patient emotional needs, eminent death, at time of discharge instructions, and to speak with a physician. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Family member visitation in the intensive care unit setting should be flexible and open. This may include tailoring a plan on admission with the family to allow open access to the patient during times when they are most available; thus, each family has a plan that suits its unique dynamics.