Development, feasibility testing, and preliminary evaluation of the Communication with an Artificial airway Tool (CAT): Results of the Crit-CAT pilot study.

BACKGROUND: A purpose-built outcome measure for assessing communication effectiveness in patients with an artificial airway is needed. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to develop the Communication with an Artificial airway Tool (CAT) and to test the feasibility and to preliminary evaluate the clinical metrics of the tool. METHODS: Eligible patients with an artificial airway in the Intensive Care Unit were enrolled in the pilot study (Crit-CAT). The CAT was administered at least twice before and after the communication intervention. Item correlation analysis was performed. Participant and family member acceptability ratings and feedback were solicited. A qualitative thematic analysis was undertaken. RESULTS: Fifteen patients with a mean age of 53 years (standard deviation [SD]: 19.26) were included. The clinician-reported scale was administered on 50 attempts (100%) with a mean completion time of 4.5 (SD: 0.77) minutes. The patient-reported scale was administered on 46 out of 49 attempts (94%) and took a mean of 1.5 (SD: 0.39) minutes to complete. The CAT was feasible for use in the Intensive Care Unit, with patients with either an endotracheal or tracheostomy tube, whilst receiving invasive mechanical ventilation or not, and while using either verbal or nonverbal modes of communication. Preliminary establishment of responsiveness, validity, and reliability was made. The tool was acceptable to participants and their family members. CONCLUSION: The clinician-reported and patient-reported components of the study were feasible for use. The CAT has the potential to enable quantifiable comparison of communication interventions for patients with an artificial airway. Future research is required to determine external validity and reliability.

Artificial Airway Suctioning: A Systematic Review.

Airway suctioning is routinely performed in the majority of care circumstances, including acute care, subacute care, home-based settings, and long-term care. Using an artificial airway to suction the patient allows for the mobilization and evacuation of secretions. When a patient can't independently remove all of the secretions from their respiratory tract, suction is used. This can occur when the body produces excessive secretion or it is not eliminated quickly enough, causing the respiratory system's upper and lower respiratory secretions to accumulate. Airway blockage and inadequate breathing may result from this. Ultimately, this leads to a shortage of oxygen and carbon dioxide from the air, both of which are necessary for ideal cellular activity. Artificial airway suctioning is one of the most crucial components of airway care and a core competency for medical professionals trying to ensure airway patency. Artificial airway suctioning is a standard treatment carried out every day globally and is frequently done in both outpatient and inpatient patients. Therefore, specialists must know the safest and most efficient ways to perform surgery and any potential side effects. In ventilated infants and children, the removal of obstructive secretions by endotracheal suctioning is frequently done. It is unknown how suctioning affects the mechanics of breathing. This study used a prospective observational clinical design to examine the immediate impact of airway resistance in endotracheal suctioning, tidal volume, and dynamic lung regulation in mechanically ventilated adult patients and mechanically ventilated pediatric patients. The preparation, process, and indications for intraoperative fusion treatment in various circumstances are covered in this systematic review.

Communication functions of adult patients admitted to intensive care: A multicentre, binational point prevalence study.

BACKGROUND: Patient communication is profoundly impacted during the intensive care unit (ICU) stay. While the impacts of altered communication are recognised, there is a paucity of data on the prevalence of communication attempts as well as modes utilised by patients and unit practices to manage communication function. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to describe the prevalence and characteristics of observed communication attempts (nonverbal, verbal, and use of the staff call bell) in adult ICU patients and report on unit-level practices on communication management. METHODS: A prospective, binational, cross-sectional point-prevalence study was conducted across 44 Australia and New Zealand adult ICUs. Data on communication attempts, modes, ICU-level guidelines, training, and resources were collected in June 2019. RESULTS: Across 44 ICUs, 470 of 623 (75%) participants, including ventilated and nonventilated patients, were attempting to communicate on the study day. Of those invasively ventilated via an endotracheal tube for the entire study day, 42 of 172 (24%) were attempting to communicate and 39 of 45 (87%) patients with a tracheostomy were attempting to communicate. Across the cohort, the primary mode of communication was verbal communication, with 395 of 470 (84%) patients using speech; of those 371 of 395 (94%) spoke English and 24 of 395 (6%) spoke a language other than English. Participants attempting to communicate on the study day had a shorter length of stay (LOS), a mean difference of 3.8 days (95% confidence interval: 0.2; 5.1) shorter LOS in the ICU than those not attempting to communicate, and a mean difference 7.9 days (95% confidence interval: 3.1; 12.6) shorter LOS in hospital overall. Unit-level practices and supports were collected. Six of 44 (14%) ICUs had a protocol for communication management, training was available in 11 of 44 (25%) ICUs, and communication resources were available in 37 of 44 (84%) ICUs. CONCLUSION: Three-quarters of patients admitted to the ICU were attempting to communicate on the study day, with multiple methods used to support verbal and nonverbal communication regardless of ventilation status. Guidance and training were absent from the majority of ICUs, indicating a need for development and implementation of policies, training, and resources.

Behavior of Endotracheal Tube Cuff Pressure During a Routine Control Maneuver With Different Manometers.

BACKGROUND: The main functions of the endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff are to prevent aspiration and to allow pressurization of the respiratory system. For this purpose, it is essential to maintain adequate pressure inside the cuff, thus reducing the risks for the patient. It is regularly checked using a manometer and is considered the best alternative. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cuff pressure behavior of different ETTs during the simulation of an inflation maneuver using different manometers. METHODS: A bench study was performed. Four brands of 8-mm internal diameter single lumen with a Murphy eye ETT with cuff and 3 different brands of manometers were used. In addition, a pulmonary mechanics monitor was connected to the inside of the cuff through the body of the distal end of the ETT. RESULTS: A total of 528 measurements were made on the 4 ETTs. During the complete procedure (connection and disconnection), there was a significant pressure drop of 7 ± 1.4 cm H2O from the initial pressure (Pinitial) (P < .001), of which 6 ± 1.4 cm H2O was lost during connection (difference between Pinitial and Pconnection). The Preconnection value was 19.1 ± 1.6 cm H2O, showing a significant total pressure drop of 11 ± 1.6 cm H2O (difference between Pinitial and Preconnection) (P < .001). The Pfinal mean was 29.6 ± 1.3 cm H2O. Significant differences were found between manometers according to the time of measurement. A similar phenomenon was evidenced when analyzing different ETTs. CONCLUSIONS: Significant pressure changes occur secondary to ETT cuff measurement, which has important implications for patient safety.

Defining effective communication for critically ill patients with an artificial airway: An international multi-professional consensus.

OBJECTIVES: To define effective communication and identify its key elements specific to critically ill patients with an artificial airway. DESIGN: A modified Consensus Development Panel methodology. SETTING: International video-conferences. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Definition of effective communication and it's key elements. RESULTS: Eight experts across four international regions and three professions agreed to form the Consensus Development Panel together with a Chair and one person with lived experience who reviewed the outputs prior to finalisation. "Communication for critically ill adult patients with an artificial airway (endotracheal or tracheostomy tube) is defined as the degree in which a patient can initiate, impart, receive, and understand information, and can range from an ineffective to effective exchange of basic to complex information between the patient and the communication partner(s). Effective communication encompasses seven key elements including: comprehension, quantity, rate, effort, duration, independence, and satisfaction. In critically ill adults, communication is impacted by factors including medical, physical and cognitive status, delirium, fatigue, emotional status, the communication partner and the nature of the ICU environment (e.g., staff wearing personal protective equipment, noisy equipment, bright lights)." The panel agreed that communication occurs on a continuum from ineffective to effective for basic and complex communication. CONCLUSION: We developed a definition and list of key elements which constitute effective communication for critically ill patients with an artificial airway. These can be used as the basis of standard terminology to support future research on the development of communication-related outcome measurement tools in this population. IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: This study provides international multi-professional consensus terminology and a definition of effective communication which can be used in clinical practice. This standard definition and key elements of effective communication can be included in our clinical impressions of patient communication, and be used in discussion with the patient themselves, their families and the multi-professional team, to guide care, goal development and intervention.

Application of health failure mode and effect analysis for the airbag pressure management of patients with artificial airways / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To analyze the application effect of health failure mode and effect analysis (HFMEA) model in patients with artificial airways in the cardiovascular surgery intensive care unit (CSICU) by establishing a HFMEA project team, and to develop targeted improvement measures and processes.Methods:The patients undergoing cardiovascular surgeries and with established artificial airways in the Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University were recruited from October 2021 to March 2022. The enrolled patients were divided into the conventional management group and the HFMEA model management group according to random number table method. The conventional management group applied the conventional procedures for monitoring the air bag pressure. The HFMEA model management group used the HFMEA model to implement and improve the airbag pressure monitoring process. The efficacy of HFMEA was assessed by comparing the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), the pass rate of airbag pressure monitoring, the duration of endotracheal intubation and the length of CSICU stay between two groups. The practicability of HFMEA model was evaluated by analyzing the theoretical assessment scores and practical skill scores of nurses and their satisfaction scores with HFMEA.Results:Compared with the conventional management group, the patients in the HFMEA mode management group had a significantly higher rate of passing airbag pressure monitoring [94.99% (2 994/3 152) vs. 69.97% (1 626/2 324), P < 0.01], shorter duration of endotracheal intubation and length of CSICU stay [duration of endotracheal intubation (hours): 6 (7, 12) vs. 6 (8, 13), length of CSICU stay (hours): 40 (45, 65) vs. 41 (46, 85), both P < 0.05], but the incidences of VAP between the two groups were similar. The theoretical assessment scores and practical skill scores of nurses were significantly higher (theoretical assessment score: 44.47±2.72 vs. 37.59±6.56, practical skill score: 44.56±2.66 vs. 40.03±4.32, total score: 89.03±3.07 vs. 77.63±9.56, all P < 0.05) in the HFMEA mode management group. And the satisfaction scores with airbag pressure management were also significantly higher in the HFMEA mode management group (7.72±1.11 vs. 6.44±1.32, P < 0.05). Conclusions:The application of the HFMEA can improve the airbag pressure measures and standardize the monitoring procedures in patients with artificial airways, and reduce the risk of clinical nursing. It is safe and effective for patients with invasive mechanical ventilation in the CSICU.

Application of self-developed rapid tracheotomy apparatus for acute tracheotomy / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the application effects of self-developed rapid tracheotomy apparatus for acute tracheotomy.Methods:A total of 120 patients who underwent an acute tracheotomy in the Weihai Branch of The 970 Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Force from January 2019 to December 2020 were included in this study. These patients were randomly divided into a rapid group and a conventional group, with 60 patients in each group. Patients in the rapid group underwent tracheotomy with a self-developed rapid tracheotomy apparatus. Patients in the conventional group underwent the standard steps of traditional tracheostomy. The operation time, incision length, amount of bleeding, and incidence of postoperative complications were compared between the two groups.Results:The operation time in the rapid group was significantly shorter than that in the conventional group [(4.5 ± 0.9) minutes vs. (19.3 ± 4.7) minutes, t = 23.86, P < 0.001]. The length of incision in the rapid group was significantly shorter than that in the conventional group [(2.8 ± 0.3) cm vs. (4.2 ± 1.3) cm, t = 8.68, P < 0.001]. The amount of bleeding during the surgery in the rapid group was significantly less than that in the conventional group [(4.4 ± 1.6) mL vs. (11.8 ± 4.1) mL, t = 12.99, P < 0.001]. The incidence of postoperative complications in the rapid group was significantly lower than that in the conventional group ( χ2 = 4.66, P = 0.031). Conclusion:The self-developed rapid tracheotomy apparatus for acute tracheotomy can be used to establish an artificial airway quickly and minimally invasively by simplifying the operational steps. It is remarkably innovative to increase safety with open-view operations and decrease the incidence of complications. It can be repeatedly sterilized and reused, which is worthy of clinical application and popularization.

Continuous balloon pressure monitoring in children with tracheal intubation after surgical repair of congenital heart disease / 中国小儿急救医学

Objective:To investigate the effect of continuous balloon pressure monitor in children with postoperative tracheal intubation after congenital heart disease(CHD).Methods:Children admitted to the intensive care unit after CHD surgery were selected and divided into two groups using a random number table.Under the same treatment principles, the intervention group used a continuous balloon pressure monitor to manage the balloon pressure, and the control group used a manual balloon pressure meter.The clinical outcomes of two groups were compared.Results:A total of 84 children were enrolled, including 40 in intervention group and 44 in control group.There were no significant differences in age, sex, intubation depth and intubation type between two groups(all P>0.05).The rates of ventilator leakage in the intervention and control groups were 17.5% and 20.5%, respectively, and the rates of misaspiration in two groups were 0 and 6.8%, respectively, with no statistically significant differences(all P>0.05).The duration of mechanical ventilation in intervention group was longer than that in control group[median ventilator time 44.0(41.7, 73.5)h vs.43.0(38.9, 60.5)h, P=0.024], but the rates of abnormal balloon pressure(10.0% vs.81.8%, P<0.001), the rate of laryngeal edema after withdrawal(2.5% vs.18.2%, P=0.031)and the rate of vocal difficulties(7.5% vs.25.0%, P=0.032)were lower than those in control group, and the differences were statistically significant. Conclusion:Continuous balloon pressure monitoring can automatically maintain balloon pressure in the normal range, reduce complications associated with artificial airways, and have a positive effect on the maintenance of the airway in children.

Factors associated with artificial airway retention after skull base chordoma resection: A retrospective cohort study.

Background: Chordoma is a malignant bone and soft tissue tumor derived from embryonic notochord remnants, and skull base chordoma accounts for ~1/3 of all chordoma cases. Skull base chordoma is closely related to the brainstem and cranial nerves and has a high recurrence rate. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the timing of tracheal extubation on perioperative pulmonary complications. We also aimed to explore predictors of postoperative artificial airway (AA) retention in patients with skull base chordoma. Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study. The study population included all skull base chordoma patients undergoing surgical treatment between January 2019 and December 2021 at Beijing Tiantan Hospital. The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications. Several patient characteristics were evaluated for potential associations with AA retention. Results: A total of 310 patients with skull base chordoma were enrolled. The frequency of AA retention after surgery for skull base chordoma was 30.97%. The incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications was much lower in those without AA retention (3.74 vs. 39.58%, P < 0.001). Factors with the highest point estimates for the odds of AA retention included body mass index, cranial nerve involvement, maximum tumor diameter, operative method, hemorrhage volume, operative duration and intraoperative mechanical ventilation duration. Conclusions: In this retrospective cohort study, most of the factors associated with postoperative airway retention were closely related to the patient's tumor characteristics. These data demonstrate that respiratory management in patients with skull base chordoma remains an ongoing concern.

Comparison of tracheal aspirate and bronchoalveolar lavage samples in the microbiological diagnosis of lower respiratory tract infection in pediatric patients.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial cultures from tracheal aspirates (TA) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens can be used to assess patients with artificial airways for lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI). TA collection may be advantageous in situations of limited resources or critical illness. Literature comparing these diagnostic modalities in pediatric populations is scarce. METHODS: Single-center, retrospective analysis of 52 pediatric patients with an artificial airway undergoing evaluation for LRTI. All patients had a TA specimen collected for semiquantitative Gram stain and culture followed by BAL within 48 h. Microbiologic diagnosis of LRTI was defined as a BAL sample with >25% neutrophils and growth of >104 colony-forming units/ml of one or more bacterial species. The test characteristics of TA were compared with these BAL results as the reference standard. Concordance in microorganism identification was also assessed. RESULTS: Overall, 24 patients (47%) met criteria for LRTI using BAL as the diagnostic standard. TA samples positive for an isolated organism had poor sensitivity for acute LRTI when compared with BAL, regardless of semiquantitative white blood cell (WBC) count by Gram stain. Using a TA diagnostic threshold of organism growth and at least "moderate" WBC yielded a specificity of 93%. Positive predictive value was highest when an organism was identified by TA. Negative predictive value was >70% for TA samples with no WBC by semiquantitative analysis, with or without growth of an organism. Complete concordance of cultured species was 58% for all patients, with a higher rate seen among those with endotracheal tubes. CONCLUSIONS: The role of cultures obtained by TA remains limited for the diagnosis of acute LRTI as demonstrated by the poor correlation to BAL results within our cohort. Optimal strategies for diagnosing LRTI across patient populations and airway types remain elusive.

Indication-based timing of tracheostomy and its effects on outcome in the pediatric intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of study was to find an association between the timing of tracheostomy with duration of mechanical ventilation (MV) and length of stay (LOS) in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and hospital. METHODS: The data were collected prospectively from 2000 to 2018 and were analyzed retrospectively. Data included clinical diagnosis, indication, and duration (days) of MV, LOS in PICU and hospital before and after tracheostomy. Patients who did not receive MV or underwent MV for <24 h were excluded. According to the indication of tracheostomy enrolled patients were divided into four groups-airways anomalies (AA), central neurological impairment (CNI), cardiopulmonary insufficiency (CPI), and neuromuscular disorders (NMD). Patients in each group were divided into early (ET) and late tracheostomy (LT) category based on the median (interquartile range interquartile range [IQR]) days of pretracheostomy MV. RESULTS: Two hundred and fifty six patients were analyzed. The frequency and median [IQR] days of pretracheostomy MV were -AA 54 [7(3,16)], CNI 120 [12(9,16)], CPI 51 [25(16.5,30.5)], and NMD 31[12(8,16.5)]. In AA patients, median (IQR) durations of posttracheostomy MV [2(1,5.2) versus 3.5(2,12); p = 0.032], PICU [7(5,8.2) versus11(7,18); p = 0.004] and hospital [12(9.7,21) versus 21.5(12,28); p = 0.027] stays were lower in ET as compared with LT group. Posttracheostomy MV duration was significantly short in ET patients with CNI and NMD (p < 0.005). The total days of MV, PICU and hospital stay were significantly lower in ET as compared with LT patients in all four groups (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: As compared with LT, ET patient had shorter durations of total MV and PICU and hospital stay.

Comparison of Ketamine and Propofol-Based Regimens for Deep Sedation in Children Undergoing Esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 180 children sedated for esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with ketamine or propofol-based regimens at our institution. Pre-EGD diagnoses and American Society of Anesthesiology physical status were similar in all subjects. Onset of action and recovery time for both regimens were not statistically significant ( p > 0.05). Mean onset of sedation for all patients was 3.85 ± 3.04 minutes, mean Aldrete score was 6.31 ± 0.61, and mean recovery time was 51.85 ± 31.78 minutes ( p > 0.05). Sedation-related adverse events observed include apnea, hypoxemia, bradycardia, hypotension, laryngospasm, skin rash, and wheezing. Deep sedation for pediatric EGD is safe if patients are carefully screened and properly monitored.

The effect of different inflating volume on the measurement accuracy of the modified cuff pressure measurement method.

To evaluate the effect of different inflation volume on the measurement accuracy of the modified cuff pressure measurement method in different shapes of cuffs, so as to provide reference for the correct monitoring of cuff pressure in clinic. In vitro study: The traditional cuff pressure measurement method (the cuff pressure gauge before measurement shows 0 cm H2O) and the modified cuff pressure measurement method (the cuff pressure before measurement shows 25 cm H2O, 28 cm H2O, 30 cm H2O or 32 cm H2O) were used to measure cylindrical and tapered cuffs, and the effect of different inflation volume on cuff pressure was analyzed statistically. Clinical study: patients with the artificial airway established by orotracheal intubation or tracheotomy in Neuro-ICU were prospectively selected as subjects, and the measurement procedure was the same as in vitro study. In vitro study showed that the pressure loss values of cylindrical cuff and tapered cuff using the traditional cuff pressure measurement method were (3.75 ± 0.31) cm H2O and (4.92 ± 0.44) cm H2O, respectively, and clinical study showed that the pressure loss values were (5.07 ± 0.83) cm H2O and (5.17 ± 0.93) cm H2O, respectively. The actual measured values measured by the traditional cuff pressure measurement method of the two cuff shapes were compared with the corrected target value of 28 cm H2O, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.000). Both in vitro and clinical study had shown that all differences between the actual measured value and the corrected target value using the modified cuff pressure measurement method (measured with 25 cm H2O, 30 cm H2O, 32 cm H2O) were statistically significant (P < 0.000), and the range of overall differences was (0-1.23 ± 0.25) cm H2O. In vitro study had shown that the pressure variation coefficient (CV) of the tapered cuff was greater than that of the cylindrical cuff, and the difference was statistically significant (3.08 ± 0.25 VS 2.41 ± 0.21, P < 0.000). The traditional cuff pressure measurement method can directly lead to the cuff pressure drop, which is easy to cause the leakage of secretions on the cuffs and the misjudgment of the cuff pressure by medical personnel. However, the modified cuff pressure measurement method can effectively reduce cuff pressure loss, and taking the actual cuff pressure value as the inflation volume is the highest measurement accuracy.The tapered cuff is more susceptible to air volume, so it is necessary to pay attention to its measurement and correction in clinical practice.

Tracheostomy in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit-A Two Decades of Experience.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To study the profile, indications, related complications, and predictors of decannulation and mortality in patients who underwent tracheostomy in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of tracheostomies was done on patients admitted at PICU. Demographics, primary diagnosis, indication of tracheostomy, and durations of endotracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation, and tracheostomy cannulation were recorded. The indication was recorded in one of the four categories-upper airway obstruction (UAO), central neurological impairment (CNI), prolonged mechanical ventilation, and peripheral neuromuscular disorders). RESULTS: Two hundred ninety cases were analyzed. UAO (42%) and CNI (48.2%) were main indications in the halves of the study period, respectively. Decannulation was successful in 188 (64.8%) patients. Seventy-seven percentage UAO patients were decannulated successfully [OR (odds ratio); 95% CI (confidence interval), 2.647; 1.182-5.924, p = 0.018]. Age <1 year (0.378; 0.187-0.764; p = 0.007), nontraumatic, noninfectious central neurological diseases (0.398; 0.186-0.855; p = 0.018), and malignancy (0.078; 0.021-0.298; p <0.001), durations of posttracheostomy ventilation (0.937; 0.893-0.983; p = 0.008), and stay in the PICU (0.989; 0.979-0.999; p = 0.029) were predictors of unsuccessful decannulation. There were 91 (31.4%) deaths. Age <1 year (2.39 (1.13-5.05; p = 0.02), malignancy (17.55; 4.10-75.11; p <0.001), durations of posttracheostomy ventilation (1.06; 1.006-1.10; p = 0.028), and hospital stay (1.007; 1.0-1.013; p = 0.043) were independent predictors of mortality. Indication of UAO favored survivor (0.24; 0.09-0.57; p <0.001). CONCLUSION: The indications for tracheostomy in children had changed over the years. Infancy, primary diagnosis, length of posttracheostomy ventilation, and stay in the PICU and hospital were independent predictors of decannulation and mortality. WHAT THIS ADDS: Similar to developed countries, the age at the time of tracheostomy and indication are changing. Inability to decannulate and mortality were associated with the age of a child at the time of tracheostomy, indication, medical diagnosis, and duration of postprocedure mechanical ventilation and stay in the hospital. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Sachdev A, Chaudhari ND, Singh BP, Sharma N, Gupta D, Gupta N, et al. Tracheostomy in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit-A Two Decades of Experience. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(7):803-811.

Establishment of evidence-based nursing review indicators for airway management of adult critical patients and analysis of obstacle factors.

AIM: To select and obtain relevant evidence of airway management in adult critically ill patients at home and abroad, formulate clinical quality review indicators based on evidence and analyse obstacle factors and promoting factors in evidence-based nursing practice. To promote standardized ICU airway management evidence-based nursing practice to provide the basis. DESIGN: Obstacle factor analysis. METHODS: Take the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) evidence-based healthcare model as theoretical guidance, establish evidence-based problems, form a team, systematically search for literature, evaluate quality and summarize evidence, establish quality review indicators and review methods, analyse obstacles and facilitating factors based on the review results and formulate corresponding action strategies. RESULTS: According to the 29 best evidences, 21 review indicators were developed. Through the results of clinical quality review, the main barriers to evidence-based practice were analysed: the lack of nurse training and relevant evidence-based knowledge at the practitioner level, the lack of standardized procedures for airway management and the lack of materials at the system level. CONCLUSION: There is a big gap between airway management evidence and clinical practice in critically ill adult patients. Therefore, improvement measures should be formulated for obstacle factors to promote effective transformation of evidence into clinical practice.

Caring for critically ill patients during interhospital transfers: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in an increased number of interhospital transfers of patients with artificial airways. The transfer of these patients is associated with risks and has been experienced as highly challenging, which needs to be further explored. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To describe critical care nurses' experiences of caring for critically ill patients with artificial airways during interhospital transfers. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study using a qualitative approach was conducted during spring 2020. Participants were critical care nurses (n = 7) from different hospitals (n = 2). METHODS: The data were collected through semi-structured interviews based on an interview guide. A qualitative content analysis using an inductive approach was performed. RESULTS: The analysis resulted in one main theme, "Preserving the safety in an unknown environment," and three sub-themes, "Being adequately prepared is essential to feel secure," "Feeling abandoned and overwhelmingly responsible," and "Being challenged in an unfamiliar and risky environment." CONCLUSIONS: Critical care nurses experienced interhospital transfers of critically ill patients with artificial airways as complex and risky. It is essential to have an overall plan in order to prevent any unpredictable and acute events. Adequate communication and good teamwork are key to the safe transfer of a critically ill patient in that potential complications and dangers to the patient can be prevented. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Standardized checklists need to be created to guide the transfers of critically ill patients with different conditions. This would prevent failures based on human or system factors, such as lack of experience and lack of good teamwork.

A standardized, closed-loop system for monitoring pediatric tracheostomy-related adverse events.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Advancement in neonatal and pediatric intensive care has increased the need for chronic-care interventions, including tracheostomy. It is well established that children with a tracheostomy are at a high risk for adverse events, many of which are preventable. Despite this, there is no standardized method of monitoring tracheostomy-related adverse events (TRAEs). Our objective was to describe and assess a standardized, closed-loop system for monitoring TRAEs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective Study. METHODS: A specific tracheostomy-related category was established within the adverse event reporting system in January 2015. Monthly TRAE reports were supplied to the multidisciplinary tracheostomy team (MDT) with descriptions of event type, severity, and preventability. The MDT reviewed events and discussed necessary follow-up. The frequency of events was standardized by inpatient tracheostomy days (ITDs) using an automated monthly list. Adverse events were tracked using a control chart. Aggregated data were divided into biannual reports for analysis. RESULTS: Eighty-five TRAEs were reported between January 2015 and June 2017, averaging 5.75 per 1,000 ITDs. Most common events include unplanned decannulation (50%) and improper use of tracheostomy supplies (21%). The frequency of all preventable events has decreased by 76% since the second half of 2015. During this timeframe, minor events have decreased, moderate events have maintained a frequency of less than one per 1,000 ITDs, and only one severe event occurred. CONCLUSIONS: This standardized, closed-loop reporting method, modeled after other successful intensive care unit reporting systems, accurately tracks TRAEs. We have observed a decrease in preventable TRAEs without a negative impact on rates of severe events. Results suggest improved quality of care for patients with tracheostomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 128:2419-2424, 2018.

Preliminary experience on the safety and tolerability of mechanical "insufflation-exsufflation" in subjects with artificial airway.

BACKGROUND: Catheter suctioning of respiratory secretions in intubated subjects is limited to the proximal airway and associated with traumatic lesions to the mucosa and poor tolerance. "Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation" exerts positive pressure, followed by an abrupt drop to negative pressure. Potential advantages of this technique are aspiration of distal airway secretions, avoiding trauma, and improving tolerance. METHODS: We applied insufflation of 50 cmH2O for 3 s and exsufflation of - 45 cmH2O for 4 s in patients with an endotracheal tube or tracheostomy cannula requiring secretion suctioning. Cycles of 10 to 12 insufflations-exsufflations were performed and repeated if secretions were aspirated and visible in the proximal artificial airway. Clinical and laboratory parameters were collected before and 5 and 60 min after the procedure. Subjects were followed during their ICU stay until discharge or death. RESULTS: Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation was applied 26 times to 7 male and 6 female subjects requiring suctioning. Mean age was 62.6 ± 20 years and mean Apache II score 23.3 ± 7.4 points. At each session, a median of 2 (IQR 1; 2) cycles on median day of intubation 11.5 (IQR 6.25; 25.75) were performed. Mean insufflation tidal volume was 1043.6 ± 649.9 ml. No statistically significant differences were identified between baseline and post-procedure time points. Barotrauma, desaturation, atelectasis, hemoptysis, or other airway complication and hemodynamic complications were not detected. All, except one, of the mechanical insufflation-exsufflation sessions were productive, showing secretions in the proximal artificial airway, and were well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary data suggest that mechanical insufflation-exsufflation may be safe and effective in patients with artificial airway. Safety and efficacy need to be confirmed in larger studies with different patient populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: EudraCT 2017-005201-13 (EU Clinical Trials Register).

The best practice strategy of humidification oxygen therapy for patients with artificial airway during weaning from ventilation / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective To explore the better humidification oxygen therapy for patients with artificial airway from weaning to extubation, ensure the best humidification effect, keep airway unobstructed,shorten tubulization time and reduce the incidence of infection. Methods A total of 133 patients with artificial airway during weaning from ventilation admitted from March to December in 2016 in intensive care unit of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were included in the study.They were divided into the experimental group(69 patients)and the control group(64 patients) by random lottery form.The experimental group was given improved combination device(venturi,heated humidifier and ventilator tube)during oxygen therapy for humidification and heating, while the control group was treated with oxygen therapy in endotracheal tube and continuous wet micro-injection pump 0.45% sodium chloride method.The heart rate,respiratory rate,blood oxygen saturation,offline time with tube,offline failure rate,sputum viscosity,sputum scab formation,irritant cough and pulmonary infection were compared between the two groups. Results The heart rate,respiratory rate,blood oxygen saturation and offline time with tube in the experimental group were(80.50±7.07)times/min,(17.38±1.92)times/min, 0.98±0.01,and(1.58±1.06)days,and which were(88.50±3.07)times/min,(21.38±1.51)times/min,0.96± 0.01 and(3.00±1.09)days in the control group.The differences were statistically significant(t=2.268-4.782,P<0.05 or 0.01).The offline failure(2 cases),sputum scab formation(3 cases),irritant cough(4 cases) and pulmonary infection(4 cases) were less than 8 cases, 12 cases, 20 cases,12 cases in control group. The differences were statistically significant (χ2=4.652-14.545, P < 0.05 or 0.01). The sputum viscosity ofⅠ,ⅡandⅢwere 5 cases,52 cases and 12 cases in the experimental group,which were better than 13 cases,11 cases and 40 cases in the control group.The difference was statistically significant(Z=3.385, P < 0.01). Conclusions The improved oxygen therapy heated humidify strategy can not only achieve satisfactory humidification effect, but also improve the success rate of offline machines, shorten tubulization time,promote the comfort and tolerance of patients,and reduce the occurrence of infection.