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Mechanical ventilation (MV) is a critical intervention for critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs). However, extended durations of MV are associated with adverse outcomes such as prolonged ICU stays, elevated mortality rates, and increased health-care costs. To address these challenges, nurse-led weaning protocols have been identified to be a promising strategy for enhancing the weaning process. This approach leverages the advantages of nurses' closer patient monitoring and more stringent adherence to protocols relative to physicians.
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the safety and efficacy of nurse-led weaning protocols compared with physician-directed weaning, specifically in terms of reducing MV duration and improving patient outcomes in ICU settings.
A comprehensive search of databases was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared nurse-led weaning protocols with physician-directed weaning. A total of 6 RCTs met the inclusion criteria, encompassing 1278 patients across various countries. Data on MV duration, failed weaning rates, in-hospital mortality, and ICU length of stay were extracted and analyzed using meta-analytic techniques.
The meta-analysis revealed that nurse-led weaning protocols significantly reduced MV duration by 8% to 45% across the included studies. However, no significant differences were observed in the rates of failed weaning (risk ratio [RR]: 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.63, 1.47]; p = 0.86) or in-hospital mortality (RR: 1.06; 95% CI [0.85, 1.33]; p = 0.58). Additionally, patients in the nurse-led group experienced a shorter ICU length of stay, with a standardized mean difference of 0.62 (p < 0.01).
Nurse-led weaning protocols are a safe and effective strategy for reducing MV duration without compromising patient safety. The implementation of these protocols has the potential to enhance ICU operational efficiency and reduce health-care costs, thereby reinforcing the critical role of nurses in leading interventions in critical care environments.
COVID-19 survivors may experience complex, distressing and persistent symptoms, referred to as long COVID, lasting months or years after diagnosis. More evidence is needed for effective long COVID screening and management.
To explore the clinical profile of long COVID and factors associated with its development.
A multicentre correlational study using a cross-sectional design.
Adults diagnosed with COVID-19 6–9 months earlier were recruited via social media and referrals from three facilities. Participants provided demographic data and assessed their symptoms and functional status using validated questionnaires. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and binomial logistic regression.
Among 102 participants, 13%–30% reported significant impairments in cognitive, emotional and physical functioning. Over 10% experienced symptoms such as diarrhoea, sleep problems, dyspnoea, nausea, fatigue and pain. These impairments and symptoms were associated with acute symptom severity, chronic disease, overweight status, regular exercise and living without partners.
This study adds to the literature by examining long-term functional status and symptoms in omicron survivors using comprehensive, validated tools. The findings highlight the prevalence and clinical significance of long COVID symptoms, aiding in the identification of functional impairments requiring medical and nursing interventions.
Nurses should recognise these symptoms and educate survivors about potential challenges. Policies addressing long-term issues, including research, health services and education, are essential.
This study follows the STROBE guideline (Table S1).
Patients self-reported symptoms for this study.
ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05303103)
This study aimed (1) to describe how trends in pediatric palliative care (PPC) utilization changed from 2002 to 2017, and (2) to examine factors predicting PPC utilization among decedent children in Taiwan.
This retrospective, correlational study retrieved 2002–2017 data from three national claims databases in Taiwan.
Children aged 1 through 18 years who died between January 2002 and December 2017 were included. Pediatric palliative care utilization was defined as PPC enrollment and PPC duration, with enrollment described by frequency (n) and percentage (%) and duration described by mean and standard deviation (SD). Logistic regression was used to examine the associations of various demographic characteristics with PPC enrollment; generalized linear regression was used to examine associations of the demographic characteristics with PPC duration.
Across the 16-year study period, PPC enrollment increased sharply (15.49 times), while PPC duration decreased smoothly (by 29.41%). Cause of death was a continuous predictor of both PPC enrollment and PPC duration. The children less likely to be enrolled in PPC services were those aged 1 to 6 years, boys, living in poverty, living in rural areas, and diagnosed with life-threatening noncancer diseases.
This study used nationwide databases to investigate PPC enrollment and PPC duration among a large sample of deceased children from 2002 to 2017. The findings not only delineate trends and predictors of PPC enrollment and PPC duration but also highlight great progress in PPC as well as the areas still understudied and underserved. This information could help the pediatric healthcare system achieve the core value of family-centered care for children with life-threatening diseases and their families.
Pediatric palliative care should be widely and continuously implemented in routine pediatric clinical practice to enhance quality of life for children and their families at the end of life.
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