Statistics In The Intensive Care Unit
What is Statistics?
"Statistics is a mathematical science pertaining to collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data" (Wikipedia contributors, 2006). Statistics are a valuable kind of information because they can provide data for making comparisons and determining trends. There are many uses for statistics, "but perhaps its most important purpose is to help us make good decisions about issues that involve uncertainty" (Bennett, Briggs, & Triola, 2003, p. 8).
Kinds of Statistical Information Collected in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
There are two primary areas of statistical information collected in the ICU. These two areas are:
1.Central line infections
2.Ventilator associated pneumonias (VAP)
Central Line Infections …show more content…
Both respiratory and nursing staff has been educated on the need for strict compliance with this intervention (personal communication, June 8 and 9, 2006). According to the 100,000 lives campaign (2006), the elevation of the head of bed intervention was suggested for several reasons which are as follows: decreases the risk of aspiration of gastric contents or oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal secretions (primary reason for initial recommendation), and may aid ventilatory efforts and decrease atelectasis (p. 5).
Daily "sedation vacations" and assessing the clients potential to extubate is a necessary part of the ventilator bundle that is also strictly adhered to in the ICU according to Peaks (personal communication, June 8 and 9, 2006). Decreasing the amount of sedation for a ventilator dependent client appears to decrease the amount of time spent on mechanical ventilation and therefore decreases the risk of VAP according to the 100,000 lives campaign (p. …show more content…
Delays in the removal of CVCs will increase the risk of infection over time and the sooner the CVC is removed the risk of infection decreases
Daily monitoring of PUD and DVT prophylaxis should be collected in order to assist in establishing documented association with VAP. Even though no clear association has been established between PUD and DVT prophylaxis, the 100,000 lives campaign has noted that the rate of pneumonia has decreased when these interventions were applied (p, 9 & 11).
The advantages of accurate interpretation of statistical information to improve decision-making in the ICU allows for decreased length of stay for the client, decreased cost for the care of the client, and a safer and more effective health care experience for the client.
In conclusion, all possible efforts should be made in order to comply with the components of the central line bundle and the ventilator bundle. Compliance will allow for a better, safer, shorter, and more cost-effective hospital experience for the client.
"Statistics is a mathematical science pertaining to collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data" (Wikipedia contributors, 2006). Statistics are a valuable kind of information because they can provide data for making comparisons and determining trends. There are many uses for statistics, "but perhaps its most important purpose is to help us make good decisions about issues that involve uncertainty" (Bennett, Briggs, & Triola, 2003, p. 8).
Kinds of Statistical Information Collected in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
There are two primary areas of statistical information collected in the ICU. These two areas are:
1.Central line infections
2.Ventilator associated pneumonias (VAP)
Central Line Infections …show more content…
Both respiratory and nursing staff has been educated on the need for strict compliance with this intervention (personal communication, June 8 and 9, 2006). According to the 100,000 lives campaign (2006), the elevation of the head of bed intervention was suggested for several reasons which are as follows: decreases the risk of aspiration of gastric contents or oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal secretions (primary reason for initial recommendation), and may aid ventilatory efforts and decrease atelectasis (p. 5).
Daily "sedation vacations" and assessing the clients potential to extubate is a necessary part of the ventilator bundle that is also strictly adhered to in the ICU according to Peaks (personal communication, June 8 and 9, 2006). Decreasing the amount of sedation for a ventilator dependent client appears to decrease the amount of time spent on mechanical ventilation and therefore decreases the risk of VAP according to the 100,000 lives campaign (p. …show more content…
Delays in the removal of CVCs will increase the risk of infection over time and the sooner the CVC is removed the risk of infection decreases
Daily monitoring of PUD and DVT prophylaxis should be collected in order to assist in establishing documented association with VAP. Even though no clear association has been established between PUD and DVT prophylaxis, the 100,000 lives campaign has noted that the rate of pneumonia has decreased when these interventions were applied (p, 9 & 11).
The advantages of accurate interpretation of statistical information to improve decision-making in the ICU allows for decreased length of stay for the client, decreased cost for the care of the client, and a safer and more effective health care experience for the client.
In conclusion, all possible efforts should be made in order to comply with the components of the central line bundle and the ventilator bundle. Compliance will allow for a better, safer, shorter, and more cost-effective hospital experience for the client.