Biomedical subjects

Suzanne Bench

Publications and source records attributed to Suzanne Bench.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2003

Humidification in the long-term ventilated patient; a systematic review.

This review aims to identify which method of humidification is most effective in Intensive Care patients intubated and ventilated for longer than 48hours with regard to the prevention of tracheal tube occlusion and the incidence of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP). The Cochrane Library, Medline, CINAHL and Embase databases were searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared any type of heated water humidifier with any type of heat moisture exchange (HME) filter. Two prospective RCTs met the inclusion criteria and were available to include in the main body of the review. These studies showed no difference in the rate of tracheal tube occlusion between devices but a significantly higher level of VAP with the heated humidifier. However, many potential studies were excluded from the review due to insufficient data within the published articles, and both included studies were undertaken in USA and excluded high risk patients. This limits the wide applicability of findings.

Cross Infection↗

PubMed2003

Developing a competency framework for critical care to match patient need.

UNLABELLED: The competency framework developed by the critical care education group of the London Standing Conference aims to serve every grade and level of practitioner. It is neither time specific nor static. The patient is the central focus of the framework and the elements of competence reflect patient need at any critical care level [Comprehensive Critical Care: A Review of Adult Critical Care Services, The Stationary Office, London]. A group of expert nurses have developed the competency framework, with widespread consultation and collaboration. This approach intended to develop consistency for critical care education and practice. It is envisaged that this will reduce pockets of repeated activity, which places huge demands on limited resources. The critical care competency framework was developed using the method of functional analysis. A plan for the future has been identified, including continued collaboration and consultation with Trusts and Higher Educational Institutions and the development of an online manual to support the competency framework. KEY POINTS: 1. Critical care delivery has been under close scrutiny and a number of key contemporary drivers have led to the development of this competency framework. 2. The development of a consistent pan-London approach to critical care education has been identified. 3. The patient is the focus of critical care delivery and therefore patient need is central to the critical care competency framework. 4. Wider collaboration is needed with other agencies and groups to prevent the repetition of work already carried out.

Clinical Competence↗

PubMed2002

Tracheostomy management for patients in general ward settings.

Tracheostomies were once rarely seen outside critical care settings but are now more commonplace among patients nursed in general wards. This paper aims to provide nurses with some background information on the need for good tracheostomy care and practical clinical guidance on how to care for a patient with a tracheostomy in a safe and effective manner.

Hospital Units↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Clinical skills: assessing and treating shock: a nursing perspective.

This article outlines the pathophysiology associated with hypovolaemic, cardiogenic and distributive shock, and discusses how each of these might present clinically in the patient. Nursing assessment of a patient in shock is explored, and the use of tools such as the pulse oximeter is examined. The evidence base for a variety of interprofessional interventions is analysed, including fluid therapies such as blood transfusion, the use of crystalloids and colloids, and drug therapies such as the use of inotropic and vasoactive agents. The nursing role in managing the patient in shock is considered throughout. The importance of recognizing the clinical presentation of shock is highlighted, with an emphasis on understanding the pathophysiology and potential systemic effects. Treatment is discussed and covers: providing optimal oxygen therapy, appropriate patient monitoring and location of care, using effective communication skills, assisting with activities of living, psychological support, and working collaboratively to maximize the overall quality of patient care delivered.

Aged↗