Perspectives of Non-Speaking ICU Patients and their Families on Goals-of-Care and End-of-Life Discussions

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to explore how patients and their caregivers perceived their communication during goals-of-care/end-of-life discussions and decision-making in the intensive care unit (ICU). The patient participants were temporarily non-speaking due to their medical treatment and used augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) during their stay in the ICU. Results from patient participants were garnered when they reported their experience retrospectively. The long-term goal was to support strategies and assist in the development of AAC tools for patient participation during goals-of-care and end-of-life conversations.

Cultural adaptation in Quebec of the COMHON index: a tool for assessing the risk of pressure injury in critically ill patients

CJCCN Volume 37, Number 1, 2026

Addressing Barriers and Facilitators to Post-PICU Shared Care: Insights from British Columbia.

Abstract

Background: The sequelae of surviving a critical illness and admission to a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) is called Post-Intensive Care Syndrome in Pediatrics (PICS-p). Survivors experiencing PICS-p may require ongoing comprehensive follow-up care. In British Columbia (BC), Canada, the province’s extensive land mass and sparsely populated regions, and the centralized location of the quaternary and tertiary PICUs complicate access to specialized post-PICU care, highlighting the need for a shared-care model between PICU specialists and community providers.

Ready for Practice! Virtual Simulation in Critical Care and Emergency Nursing Education

Abstract

Traditional orientations for nurses transitioning to critical care, critical care transport (CCT) and emergency department (ED) practice areas have relied on classroom lectures, apprenticeships and preceptored clinicals. Increasing patient acuity, workforce shortages, and limited clinical placement opportunities have challenged these traditional models. In the early 2000’s, simulation began to emerge as a strategy to accelerate readiness for transitioning into the practice area, enhancing clinical judgement, building confidence, and fostering interprofessional team competencies.

CJCCN Volume 36, Number 3, Winter 2025

Call for Peer Reviewers: External

The Canadian Journal of Critical Care Nursing (CJCCN) is looking to add to our external Peer Review list.  
 

CJCCN Aim and Scope

• The Canadian Journal of Critical Care Nursing (CJCCN) is an open access scientific, peer reviewed journal.
• The aim of the Canadian Journal of Critical Care Nursing (CJCCN) is to publish innovative and current research as well as recent clinical evidence related to critical care and critical care nursing.

Exploring long-term impacts on ICU survivors: A concept analysis of post-intensive care syndrome

Abstract

Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) has emerged as a concern for intensive care unit (ICU) survivors, particularly in the context of the increasing survival rates of patients with severe illness. This syndrome encompasses a range of physical, cognitive, and psychological impairments that can continue long after ICU discharge. PICS impacts survivors’ quality of life, with common manifestations including muscle weakness, memory deficits, and depression. Despite growing awareness, PICS remains underexplored in clinical practice,

CJCCN Volume 36, Number 2, Summer 2025

CJCCN Volume 36, Number 1, Spring 2025