Chiarchiaro and colleagues investigated the well-being and survival of intensive care unit (ICU) patients with advanced cancer, congestive heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Declines in physical, functional, emotional, and social well-being scores were significant during and after ICU hospitalization, with a return to baseline at 6 months—except for social well-being, which continued to decline. The following are considerations for clinical practice:
Future studies of trajectories that drive well-being may help researchers devise interventions to improve quality of life and long term outcomes.
—Bill Donnelly RN, PMBA, CCRN
See Article, pp 223–231
Finding a valid and reliable tool to assess pain in critically ill patients remains a challenge. This study by Rose and colleagues demonstrates the feasibility of instituting the Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT) as part of the routine care of the critically ill. This study indicated the following:
—Helen Miley,rn, phd, ccrn, ancp, gnp
See Article,...
.svg?versionId=1314)