Electrical stimulation for treating pressure ulcers
Abstract Background Pressure ulcers (also known as pressure sores, decubitus ulcers or bedsores) are localised injuries to the skin or underlying tissue, or both. Pressure ulcers are a disabling consequence of immobility. Electrical stimulation (ES) is widely used for the treatment of pressure ulcers. However, it is not clear whether ES is effective. Objectives To […]
Early enteral nutrition (within 48 hours) versus delayed enteral nutrition (after 48 hours) with or without supplemental parenteral nutrition in critically ill adults
Abstract Background Early enteral nutrition support (within 48 hours of admission or injury) is frequently recommended for the management of patients in intensive care units (ICU). Early enteral nutrition is recommended in many clinical practice guidelines, although there appears to be a lack of evidence for its use and benefit. Objectives To evaluate the efficacy […]
Palliative care interventions for people with multiple sclerosis
Abstract Background People with multiple sclerosis (MS) have complex symptoms and different types of needs. These demands include how to manage the burden of physical disability as well as how to organise daily life, restructure social roles in the family and at work, preserve personal identity and community roles, keep self‐sufficiency in personal care, and […]
Ethical case interventions for adult patients
Abstract Background Decisions in clinical medicine can be associated with ethical challenges. Ethical case interventions (e.g. ethics committee, moral case deliberation) identify and analyse ethical conflicts which occur within the context of care for patients. Ethical case interventions involve ethical experts, different health professionals as well as the patient and his/her family. The aim is […]
Ethical case interventions for adult patients
Abstract Background Decisions in clinical medicine can be associated with ethical challenges. Ethical case interventions (e.g. ethics committee, moral case deliberation) identify and analyse ethical conflicts which occur within the context of care for patients. Ethical case interventions involve ethical experts, different health professionals as well as the patient and his/her family. The aim is […]
Risk assessment tools for the prevention of pressure ulcers
Abstract Background Use of pressure ulcer risk assessment tools or scales is a component of the assessment process used to identify individuals at risk of developing a pressure ulcer. Use of a risk assessment tool is recommended by many international pressure ulcer prevention guidelines, however it is not known whether using a risk assessment tool […]
Interventions for preventing intensive care unit delirium in adults
Abstract Background Delirium is defined as a disturbance in attention, awareness and cognition with reduced ability to direct, focus, sustain and shift attention, and reduced orientation to the environment. Critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) frequently develop ICUdelirium. It can profoundly affect both them and their families because it is associated with […]
Follow‐up services for improving long‐term outcomes in intensive care unit (ICU) survivors
Abstract Background The intensive care unit (ICU) stay has been linked with a number of physical and psychological sequelae, known collectively as post‐intensive care syndrome (PICS). Specific ICU follow‐up servicesare relatively recent developments in health systems, and may have the potential to address PICS through targeting unmet health needs arising from the experience of the […]
Melatonin for the promotion of sleep in adults in the intensive care unit
Abstract Background Patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) experience sleep deprivation caused by environmental disruption, such as high noise levels and 24‐hour lighting, as well as increased patient care activities and invasive monitoring as part of their care. Sleep deprivation affects physical and psychological health, and patients perceive the quality of their sleep to […]
Early intervention (mobilization or active exercise) for critically ill adults in the intensive care unit
Abstract Background Survivors of critical illness often experience a multitude of problems that begin in the intensive care unit (ICU) or present and continue after discharge. These can include muscle weakness, cognitive impairments, psychological difficulties, reduced physical function such as in activities of daily living (ADLs), and decreased quality of life. Early interventions such as […]