I am writing in regards to the article by Peggy Siegele (“Enhancing Outcomes in a Surgical Intensive Care Unit by Implementing Daily Goals Tools,” December 2009:58–69) on improving outcomes in a surgical intensive care unit (SICU) after initiating a daily goals tool. I must say the timing of this article was perfect. The Shared Governance Council for our SICU began work on a daily goals sheet a few months ago. Our aim was to improve communication among the physicians, nurses, patients, and families. Our sheet was basic and included the resident completing the form on rounds and writing down the plan for the day, including diet, change of central catheter, and transfer to the step-down unit.

As this daily goals sheet was discussed among the council, physicians, and management, we found that, as described in the article by Siegele, this tool could be used to improve communication and team-work but...

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