CJCCN Volume 35, Number 2, Fall 2024

Abstract

Background: Post-extubation dysphagia occurs in 3% to 62% of adults who have received invasive mechanical ventilation in an intensive care unit (ICU). A stepwise approach to identify dysphagia includes a routine swallow screening in patients who are recently extubated followed by a formal assessment by a Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP), in the event of a failed swallow screen, has been suggested. This quality improvement project aimed to implement and evaluate a new post-extubation swallow screening process.

Abstract

Background: Delirium is a serious complication of critical care that can have lasting effects on the patient’s life. Much of the work to date about delirium has been focused on identifying delirium risk factors, developing tools for screening and recognizing delirium, and testing interventions to treat those diagnosed with delirium. Despite evidence, implementing known delirium prevention and management strategies remains abysmal. This review aimed to identify and summarize literature reporting on the barriers and facilitators of implementing delirium prevention and management practices in adult critical care.