Does an educational website improve psychological outcomes and satisfaction among family members of intensive care unit patients?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of an educational website on satisfaction and symptoms of anxiety and depression among family members of critically ill adult patients. METHODS: We embedded an analysis of website access in a cohort study conducted in intensive care units with flexible visiting hours in Brazil. Family members were guided to access an educational website designed to help them understand the processes and emotions associated with an intensive care unit stay. Subjects were evaluated for baseline data within the first 48 hours following enrollment and outcome assessment at up to 7 days after patient discharge from the intensive care unit, death, or until the 30th day of the study. The main outcomes were satisfaction using the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory and the presence of anxiety and depression symptoms using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. RESULTS: A total of 532 family members were evaluated during the study period. Of these, 61 (11.5%) accessed the website. After adjustments, family members who accessed the website had significantly better mean Critical Care Family Needs Inventory scores (152.8 versus 145.2, p = 0.01) and a lower prevalence of probable clinical anxiety (prevalence ratio 0.35; 95%CI 0.14 - 0.89) than family members who did not access the website. There were no differences regarding symptoms of depression. CONCLUSION: Access to an educational website was associated with higher family satisfaction with care and a lower prevalence of clinical anxiety.

Does an educational website improve psychological outcomes and satisfaction among family members of intensive care unit patients? / Um portal educativo melhora os resultados psicológicos e a satisfação de familiares de pacientes em unidades de terapia intensiva?

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the impact of an educational website on satisfaction and symptoms of anxiety and depression among family members of critically ill adult patients. Methods: We embedded an analysis of website access in a cohort study conducted in intensive care units with flexible visiting hours in Brazil. Family members were guided to access an educational website designed to help them understand the processes and emotions associated with an intensive care unit stay. Subjects were evaluated for baseline data within the first 48 hours following enrollment and outcome assessment at up to 7 days after patient discharge from the intensive care unit, death, or until the 30th day of the study. The main outcomes were satisfaction using the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory and the presence of anxiety and depression symptoms using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results: A total of 532 family members were evaluated during the study period. Of these, 61 (11.5%) accessed the website. After adjustments, family members who accessed the website had significantly better mean Critical Care Family Needs Inventory scores (152.8 versus 145.2, p = 0.01) and a lower prevalence of probable clinical anxiety (prevalence ratio 0.35; 95%CI 0.14 - 0.89) than family members who did not access the website. There were no differences regarding symptoms of depression. Conclusion: Access to an educational website was associated with higher family satisfaction with care and a lower prevalence of clinical anxiety.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito de um portal educativo na satisfação e nos sintomas de ansiedade e depressão de familiares de pacientes adultos em estado crítico. Métodos: Inserimos uma análise de acesso a um portal num estudo de coorte realizado em unidades de terapia intensiva com horários de visita flexíveis no Brasil. Os familiares foram orientados a acessar um portal educativo concebido para os ajudá-los a compreender os processos e as emoções associados à internação em unidades de terapia intensiva. Os sujeitos foram avaliados quanto às informações basais nas primeiras 48 horas após a inclusão e quanto aos desfechos até 7 dias após a alta do paciente da unidade de terapia intensiva, morte ou até o 30º dia do estudo. Os principais desfechos foram a satisfação por meio do Inventário das Necessidades da Família em Cuidados Intensivos e a presença de sintomas de ansiedade e depressão utilizando a Escala Hospitalar de Ansiedade e Depressão. Resultados: Avaliaram-se 532 familiares durante o período do estudo. Destes, 61 (11,5%) acessaram o portal. Após ajustes, os familiares que acessaram o portal apresentaram médias significativamente melhores dos valores do Inventário de Necessidades da Família em Cuidados Intensivos (152,8 versus 145,2; p = 0,01) e menor prevalência de provável ansiedade clínica (razão de prevalência de 0,35; IC95% 0,14 - 0,89) do que familiares que não acessaram o portal. Não houve diferença em relação aos sintomas de depressão. Conclusão: O acesso a um portal educativo foi associado a maior satisfação familiar com os cuidados e menor prevalência de ansiedade clínica.

Comparison between the perceptions of family members and health professionals regarding a flexible visitation model in an adult intensive care unit: a cross-sectional study. / Comparação entre as percepções de familiares e as de profissionais de saúde a respeito de um modelo de visitação flexível em uma unidade de terapia intensiva adulto: estudo transversal.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the perceptions of patients' relatives with the perceptions of health professionals regarding a flexible visitation model in intensive care units. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. This study was carried out with patients' relatives and members of the care team of a clinical-surgical intensive care unit with a flexible visitation model (12 hours/day) from September to December 2018. The evaluation of the flexible visitation policy was carried out through an open visitation instrument composed of 22 questions divided into three domains (evaluation of family stress, provision of information, and interference in the work of the team). RESULTS: Ninety-five accompanying relatives and 95 members of the care team were analyzed. The perceptions of relatives regarding the decrease in anxiety and stress with flexible visitation was higher than the perceptions of the team (91.6% versus 58.9%, p < 0.001), and the family also had a more positive perception regarding the provision of information (86.3% versus 64.2%, p < 0.001). The care team believed that the presence of the relative made it difficult to provide care to the patient and caused work interruptions (46.3% versus 6.3%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Family members and staff-intensive care unit teams have different perceptions about flexible visits in the intensive care unit. However, a positive view regarding the perception of decreased anxiety and stress among the family members and greater information and contributions to patient recovery predominates.

OBJETIVO: Comparar as percepções de familiares de pacientes com as percepções de profissionais de saúde a respeito de um modelo de visitação flexível em unidades de terapia intensiva. MÉTODOS: Este estudo transversal foi realizado de setembro a dezembro de 2018 com familiares de pacientes e membros de equipe de assistência ao paciente de uma unidade de terapia intensiva clínico-cirúrgica com um modelo de visitação flexível (12 horas ao dia). A avaliação da política de visitação flexível foi realizada por meio de um instrumento de visitação aberto composto de 22 perguntas divididas em três domínios (avaliação do estresse familiar, fornecimento de informações e interferência no trabalho da equipe). RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 95 familiares acompanhantes e 95 membros da equipe de assistência. As percepções dos familiares quanto à diminuição da ansiedade e do estresse com visitas flexíveis foram superiores às percepções da equipe (91,6% versus 58,9%; p < 0,001). A família também teve uma percepção mais positiva quanto ao fornecimento de informações (86,3% versus 64,2%; p < 0,001). A equipe de assistência acreditava que a presença do parente dificultava a assistência ao paciente e causava interrupções de trabalho (46,3% versus 6,3%; p < 0,001). CONCLUSÃO: Os familiares e as equipes da unidade de terapia intensiva têm percepções diferentes sobre visitas flexíveis na unidade de terapia intensiva. Entretanto, predomina uma visão positiva entre os membros da família em relação à percepção da diminuição da ansiedade e do estresse e maiores informações e contribuições para a recuperação do paciente.

Comparação entre as percepções de familiares e as de profissionais de saúde a respeito de um modelo de visitação flexível em uma unidade de terapia intensiva adulto: estudo transversal / Comparison between the perceptions of family members and health professionals regarding a flexible visitation model in an adult intensive care unit: a cross-sectional study

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar as percepções de familiares de pacientes com as percepções de profissionais de saúde a respeito de um modelo de visitação flexível em unidades de terapia intensiva. Métodos: Este estudo transversal foi realizado de setembro a dezembro de 2018 com familiares de pacientes e membros de equipe de assistência ao paciente de uma unidade de terapia intensiva clínico-cirúrgica com um modelo de visitação flexível (12 horas ao dia). A avaliação da política de visitação flexível foi realizada por meio de um instrumento de visitação aberto composto de 22 perguntas divididas em três domínios (avaliação do estresse familiar, fornecimento de informações e interferência no trabalho da equipe). Resultados: Foram analisados 95 familiares acompanhantes e 95 membros da equipe de assistência. As percepções dos familiares quanto à diminuição da ansiedade e do estresse com visitas flexíveis foram superiores às percepções da equipe (91,6% versus 58,9%; p < 0,001). A família também teve uma percepção mais positiva quanto ao fornecimento de informações (86,3% versus 64,2%; p < 0,001). A equipe de assistência acreditava que a presença do parente dificultava a assistência ao paciente e causava interrupções de trabalho (46,3% versus 6,3%; p < 0,001). Conclusão: Os familiares e as equipes da unidade de terapia intensiva têm percepções diferentes sobre visitas flexíveis na unidade de terapia intensiva. Entretanto, predomina uma visão positiva entre os membros da família em relação à percepção da diminuição da ansiedade e do estresse e maiores informações e contribuições para a recuperação do paciente.

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the perceptions of patients' relatives with the perceptions of health professionals regarding a flexible visitation model in intensive care units. Methods: Cross-sectional study. This study was carried out with patients' relatives and members of the care team of a clinical-surgical intensive care unit with a flexible visitation model (12 hours/day) from September to December 2018. The evaluation of the flexible visitation policy was carried out through an open visitation instrument composed of 22 questions divided into three domains (evaluation of family stress, provision of information, and interference in the work of the team). Results: Ninety-five accompanying relatives and 95 members of the care team were analyzed. The perceptions of relatives regarding the decrease in anxiety and stress with flexible visitation was higher than the perceptions of the team (91.6% versus 58.9%, p < 0.001), and the family also had a more positive perception regarding the provision of information (86.3% versus 64.2%, p < 0.001). The care team believed that the presence of the relative made it difficult to provide care to the patient and caused work interruptions (46.3% versus 6.3%, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Family members and staff-intensive care unit teams have different perceptions about flexible visits in the intensive care unit. However, a positive view regarding the perception of decreased anxiety and stress among the family members and greater information and contributions to patient recovery predominates.

Comparison of hemodynamic instability among continuous, intermittent and hybrid renal replacement therapy in acute kidney injury: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials.

PURPOSE: To compare hemodynamic instability during continuous, intermittent and hybrid renal replacement therapy (RRT) in critically ill patients, and its association with renal recovery and mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The search was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines which was registered at the PROSPERO Database (CRD42018086504). Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) involving critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) treated with continuous, intermittent or hybrid RRT were included. The search was performed using PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases. RESULTS: Out of 3442 citations retrieved, 12 RCTs were included in the systematic analysis, representing 1419 patients. Most studies (n = 8) did not report differences in hemodynamic parameters across different RTT modalities. The incidence of hypotensive episodes varied from 5 to 60% among the studies. Punctual differences on heart rate and blood pressure were observed among studies. However, studies presented high heterogeneity in terms of outcome definitions and measurement, thus making the conduction of meta-analysis impossible. CONCLUSIONS: There is very few information available regarding hemodynamic tolerance of renal replacement therapy methods. A better standardization of hemodynamic tolerance and further reports are needed before conclusions can be drawn.

Effect of Flexible Family Visitation on Delirium Among Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: The ICU Visits Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: The effects of intensive care unit (ICU) visiting hours remain uncertain. Objective: To determine whether a flexible family visitation policy in the ICU reduces the incidence of delirium. Design, Setting and Participants: Cluster-crossover randomized clinical trial involving patients, family members, and clinicians from 36 adult ICUs with restricted visiting hours (<4.5 hours per day) in Brazil. Participants were recruited from April 2017 to June 2018, with follow-up until July 2018. Interventions: Flexible visitation (up to 12 hours per day) supported by family education (n = 837 patients, 652 family members, and 435 clinicians) or usual restricted visitation (median, 1.5 hours per day; n = 848 patients, 643 family members, and 391 clinicians). Nineteen ICUs started with flexible visitation, and 17 started with restricted visitation. Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary outcome was incidence of delirium during ICU stay, assessed using the CAM-ICU. Secondary outcomes included ICU-acquired infections for patients; symptoms of anxiety and depression assessed using the HADS (range, 0 [best] to 21 [worst]) for family members; and burnout for ICU staff (Maslach Burnout Inventory). Results: Among 1685 patients, 1295 family members, and 826 clinicians enrolled, 1685 patients (100%) (mean age, 58.5 years; 47.2% women), 1060 family members (81.8%) (mean age, 45.2 years; 70.3% women), and 737 clinicians (89.2%) (mean age, 35.5 years; 72.9% women) completed the trial. The mean daily duration of visits was significantly higher with flexible visitation (4.8 vs 1.4 hours; adjusted difference, 3.4 hours [95% CI, 2.8 to 3.9]; P < .001). The incidence of delirium during ICU stay was not significantly different between flexible and restricted visitation (18.9% vs 20.1%; adjusted difference, -1.7% [95% CI, -6.1% to 2.7%]; P = .44). Among 9 prespecified secondary outcomes, 6 did not differ significantly between flexible and restricted visitation, including ICU-acquired infections (3.7% vs 4.5%; adjusted difference, -0.8% [95% CI, -2.1% to 1.0%]; P = .38) and staff burnout (22.0% vs 24.8%; adjusted difference, -3.8% [95% CI, -4.8% to 12.5%]; P = .36). For family members, median anxiety (6.0 vs 7.0; adjusted difference, -1.6 [95% CI, -2.3 to -0.9]; P < .001) and depression scores (4.0 vs 5.0; adjusted difference, -1.2 [95% CI, -2.0 to -0.4]; P = .003) were significantly better with flexible visitation. Conclusions and Relevance: Among patients in the ICU, a flexible family visitation policy, vs standard restricted visiting hours, did not significantly reduce the incidence of delirium. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02932358.

Visita aberta em uti adulto: utopia ou realidade? / OPEN VISITATION IN ADULT ICU: UTOPIA OR REALITY?

Objetivo: refletir acerca da implementação de políticas de visitação aberta emUnidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) adulto. Método: estudo teórico-reflexivo a partir da revisãoda literatura, dividido em três categorias: a caracterização da visita aberta no Brasil e mundo; apercepção do paciente, da equipe e dos familiares; a influência da visitação aberta sobre osdesfechos clínicos. Resultados: a implementação da visita aberta é uma realidade, já instituídaem alguns serviços no Brasil e no mundo, que necessita de apoio por parte dos profissionaisenvolvidos no processo de cuidado. A inserção dos familiares nas UTIs pode minimizar osdesconfortos vivenciados pelas famílias e pacientes durante a internação, desde que associadaao acolhimento e comunicação efetivos da equipe assistencial. Considerações finais: ospacientes internados em UTI passam por situações de estresse e ansiedade. Assim, a inclusão dafamília deve ser considerada no seu plano terapêutico por meio da visitação aberta.

Aim:to reflect about the implementation of open visitation policies in anAdult Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Method: a theoretical-reflective study based on theliterature review, divided into three categories: the characterization of the openvisitation in Brazil and in world; The perception of the patient, team and family; Theinfluence of open visitation on clinical outcomes. Results: the implementation of theopen visitation is a reality, established in some services in Brazil and in the world,which needs support from the professionals involved in the care process. The insertionof the family members in the ICUs can minimize the discomforts experienced by thefamilies and patients during the hospitalization, once associated with the effectivereception and communication of the care team. Final considerations: patients in ICUexperience stress and anxiety. Thus, the inclusion of the family should be considered inone’s therapeutic plan through open visitation.

Objetivo: reflexionar acerca de la implementación de políticas de visitación enUnidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) adulto. Método: estudio teórico-reflexivo a partir de larevisión de la literatura, dividido en tres categorías: la caracterización de la visita abierta en elBrasil y en el mundo; la percepción del paciente, equipo y familiares; la influencia de la visitaabierta sobre los resultados clínicos. Resultados: la implementación de la visita abierta es unarealidad instituida en algunos servicios en el Brasil y en el mundo, que necesita apoyo de losprofesionales involucrados en el cuidado. La inserción de los familiares en las UCI puedeminimizar las molestias vivenciadas por las familias y los pacientes, desde que asociada alacogimiento y a la comunicación efectiva del equipo asistencial. Consideraciones finales: lospacientes en UCI pasan por situaciones de estrés y ansiedad. Así, la inclusión de la familia debe serconsiderada en su plan terapéutico a través de la visita abierta.

Effectiveness and Safety of an Extended ICU Visitation Model for Delirium Prevention: A Before and After Study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of an extended visitation model compared with a restricted visitation model on the occurrence of delirium among ICU patients. DESIGN: Prospective single-center before and after study. SETTING: Thirty-one-bed medical-surgical ICU. PATIENTS: All patients greater than or equal to 18 years old with expected length of stay greater than or equal to 24 hours consecutively admitted to the ICU from May 2015 to November 2015. INTERVENTIONS: Change of visitation policy from a restricted visitation model (4.5 hr/d) to an extended visitation model (12 hr/d). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Two hundred eighty-six patients were enrolled (141 restricted visitation model, 145 extended visitation model). The primary outcome was the cumulative incidence of delirium, assessed bid using the confusion assessment method for the ICU. Predefined secondary outcomes included duration of delirium/coma; any ICU-acquired infection; ICU-acquired bloodstream infection, pneumonia, and urinary tract infection; all-cause ICU mortality; and length of ICU stay. The median duration of visits increased from 133 minutes (interquartile range, 97.7-162.0) in restricted visitation model to 245 minutes (interquartile range, 175.0-272.0) in extended visitation model (p < 0.001). Fourteen patients (9.6%) developed delirium in extended visitation model compared with 29 (20.5%) in restricted visitation model (adjusted relative risk, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.26-0.95). In comparison with restricted visitation model patients, extended visitation model patients had shorter length of delirium/coma (1.5 d [interquartile range, 1.0-3.0] vs 3.0 d [interquartile range, 2.5-5.0]; p = 0.03) and ICU stay (3.0 d [interquartile range, 2.0-4.0] vs 4.0 d [interquartile range, 2.0-6.0]; p = 0.04). The rate of ICU-acquired infections and all-cause ICU mortality did not differ significantly between the two study groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this medical-surgical ICU, an extended visitation model was associated with reduced occurrence of delirium and shorter length of delirium/coma and ICU stay.

Avaliação rápida de D-dímeros: um método de exclusão no diagnóstico de embolia pulmonar

As estratégias diagnósticas para o tromboembolismo precisam ser técnicas adequadas e precisas. Dentre os testes laboratoriais os D-dímeros auxiliam na exclusão do diagnóstico tromboembolismo pulmonar (TEP). O objetivo do estudo foi comparar níveis dos D-dímeros obtidos pelo monitor portátil Alere Triago e metodos coagulométrico. Estudo retrospectivo quantitativo transversal em que pacientes foram selecionados no período de agosto a setembro de 2013. Foram incluídos 20 pacientes, idade média de 54,65 + -15,8 anos, sendo 13 (65%) do sexo masculino. A permanência na emergência foi em média 4,65 dias, e o tempo de chegada até a realização da coleta do exame foi em média 174,65 minutos. Houve a concordância total entre os resultados obdidos pelo método Alere Triago e o teste padrão do laboratório. O teste foi plenamente concordante, mostrando ser alternativa viável clinicamente, não necessitando expor os pacientes a exames diagnótico desnecessários, com consequente elevação de custos hospitalares