UNLABELLED: Critical care ultrasound (CCUS) is an essential component of intensive care practice. Although existing international guidelines have focused on training principles and determining competency in CCUS, few countries have managed to operationalize this guidance into an accessible, well-structured programme for clinicians training in multidisciplinary intensive care. We seek to update and reaffirm appropriate CCUS scope so that it may be integrated into the international Competency-based Training in Intensive Care Medicine. The resulting recommendations offer the most contemporary and evolved set of core CCUS competencies for an intensive care clinician yet described. Importantly, we discuss the rationale for inclusion but also exclusion of competencies listed. BACKGROUND/AIM: Critical care ultrasound (CCUS) is an essential component of intensive care practice. The purpose of this consensus document is to determine those CCUS competencies that should be a mandatory part of training in multidisciplinary intensive care. METHODS: A three-round Delphi method followed by face-to-face meeting among 32 CCUS experts nominated by the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine. Agreement of at least 90% of experts was needed in order to enlist a competency as mandatory. RESULTS: The final list of competencies includes 15 echocardiographic, 5 thoracic, 4 abdominal, deep vein thrombosis diagnosis and central venous access aid. CONCLUSION: The resulting recommendations offer the most contemporary and evolved set of core CCUS competencies for an intensive care clinician yet described.

• Klíčová slova
• Competencies, Core critical care ultrasound, Education in intensive care, Specialist training,
• MeSH
• delfská metoda MeSH
• jednotky intenzivní péče organizace a řízení   trendy   MeSH
• klinické kompetence MeSH
• kontinuální vzdělávání lékařů metody   trendy   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• péče o pacienty v kritickém stavu metody   trendy   MeSH
• průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
• studium lékařství specializační postgraduální metody   trendy   MeSH
• ultrasonografie metody   trendy   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

• MeSH
• jednotky intenzivní péče * MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• péče o pacienty v kritickém stavu * MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• komentáře MeSH
• úvodníky MeSH

• MeSH
• jednotky intenzivní péče trendy   MeSH
• lékařství trendy   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• péče o pacienty v kritickém stavu trendy   MeSH
• perioperační péče trendy   MeSH
• peroperační monitorování trendy   MeSH
• předpověď MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

BACKGROUND: Management and monitoring of pain and sedation to reduce discomfort as well as side effects, such as over- and under-sedation, withdrawal syndrome and delirium, is an integral part of pediatric intensive care practice. However, the current state of management and monitoring of analgosedation across European pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) remains unknown. The aim of this survey was to describe current practices across European PICUs regarding the management and monitoring of pain and sedation. METHODS: An online survey was distributed among 357 European PICUs assessing demographic features, drug choices and dosing, as well as usage of instruments for monitoring pain and sedation. We also compared low- and high-volume PICUs practices. Responses were collected from January to April 2021. RESULTS: A total of 215 (60% response rate) PICUs from 27 European countries responded. Seventy-one percent of PICUs stated to use protocols for analgosedation management, more frequently in high-volume PICUs (77% vs 63%, p = 0.028). First-choice drug combination was an opioid with a benzodiazepine, namely fentanyl (51%) and midazolam (71%) being the preferred drugs. The starting doses differed between PICUs from 0.1 to 5 mcg/kg/h for fentanyl, and 0.01 to 0.5 mg/kg/h for midazolam. Daily assessment and documentation for pain (81%) and sedation (87%) was reported by most of the PICUs, using the preferred validated FLACC scale (54%) and the COMFORT Behavioural scale (48%), respectively. Both analgesia and sedation were mainly monitored by nurses (92% and 84%, respectively). Eighty-six percent of the responding PICUs stated to use neuromuscular blocking agents in some scenarios. Monitoring of paralysed patients was preferably done by observation of vital signs with electronic devices support. CONCLUSIONS: This survey provides an overview of current analgosedation practices among European PICUs. Drugs of choice, dosing and assessment strategies were shown to differ widely. Further research and development of evidence-based guidelines for optimal drug dosing and analgosedation assessment are needed.

• Klíčová slova
• Analgesia, Critical care, Monitoring, Pediatric intensive care unit, Sedation,
• MeSH
• analgezie * metody   MeSH
• bolest MeSH
• dítě MeSH
• jednotky intenzivní péče pediatrické * MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
• Check Tag
• dítě MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Evropa MeSH

The European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM) has developed evidence-based recommendations and expert opinions about end-of-life (EoL) and palliative care for critically ill adults to optimize patient-centered care, improving outcomes of relatives, and supporting intensive care unit (ICU) staff in delivering compassionate and effective EoL and palliative care. An international multi-disciplinary panel of clinical experts, a methodologist, and representatives of patients and families examined key domains, including variability across countries, decision-making, palliative-care integration, communication, family-centered care, and conflict management. Eight evidence-based recommendations (6 of low level of evidence and 2 of high level of evidence) and 19 expert opinions were presented. EoL legislation and the importance of respecting the autonomy and preferences of patients were given close attention. Differences in EoL care depending on country income and healthcare provision were considered. Structured EoL decision-making strategies are recommended to improve outcomes of patients and relatives, as well as staff satisfaction and mental health. Early integration of palliative care and the use of standardized tools for symptom assessment are suggested for patients at high risk of dying. Communication training for ICU staff and printed communication aids for families are advocated to improve outcomes and satisfaction. Methods for enhancing family-centeredness of care include structured family conferences and culturally sensitive interventions. Conflict-management protocols and strategies to prevent burnout among healthcare professionals are also considered. The work done to develop these guidelines highlights many areas requiring further research.

• Klíčová slova
• Communication, Conflict management, Cultural variations, Decision-making, End of life, Family-centered care, GRADE, Intensive care unit, Palliative care,
• MeSH
• jednotky intenzivní péče * organizace a řízení   normy   MeSH
• komunikace MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• paliativní péče * normy   metody   MeSH
• péče o pacienty v kritickém stavu metody   normy   MeSH
• péče o umírající * normy   metody   MeSH
• rozhodování MeSH
• společnosti lékařské MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• směrnice pro lékařskou praxi MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Evropa MeSH

IMPORTANCE: Continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT) is the preferred method of kidney support for children with critical illness in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). However, there are no data on the current CKRT management practices in European PICUs. OBJECTIVE: To describe current CKRT practices across European PICUs. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This cross-sectional survey of PICUs in 20 European countries was conducted by the Critical Care Nephrology Section of the European Society of Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care from April 1, 2020, to May 31, 2022. Participants included intensivists and nurses working in European PICUs. The survey was developed in English and distributed using SurveyMonkey. One response from each PICU that provided CKRT was included in the analysis. Data were analyzed from June 1 to June 30, 2022. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES: Demographic characteristics of European PICUs along with organizational and delivery aspects of CKRT (including prescription, liberation from CKRT, and training and education) were assessed. RESULTS: Of 283 survey responses received, 161 were included in the analysis (response rate, 76%). The attending PICU consultant (70%) and the PICU team (77%) were mainly responsible for CKRT prescription, whereas the PICU nurses were responsible for circuit setup (49%) and bedside machine running (67%). Sixty-one percent of permanent nurses received training to use CKRT, with no need for certification or recertification in 36% of PICUs. Continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration was the preferred dialytic modality (51%). Circuit priming was performed with normal saline (67%) and blood priming in children weighing less than 10 kg (56%). Median (IQR) CKRT dose was 35 (30-50) mL/kg/h in neonates and 30 (30-40) mL/kg/h in children aged 1 month to 18 years. Forty-one percent of PICUs used regional unfractionated heparin infusion, whereas 35% used citrate-based regional anticoagulation. Filters were changed for filter clotting (53%) and increased transmembrane pressure (47%). For routine circuit changes, 72 hours was the cutoff in 62% of PICUs. Some PICUs (34%) monitored fluid removal goals every 4 hours, with variation from 12 hours (17%) to 24 hours (13%). Fluid removal goals ranged from 1 to 3 mL/kg/h. Liberation from CKRT was performed with a diuretic bolus followed by an infusion (32%) or a diuretic bolus alone (19%). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This survey study found a wide variation in current CKRT practice, including organizational aspects, education and training, prescription, and liberation from CKRT, in European PICUs. This finding calls for concerted efforts on the part of the pediatric critical care and nephrology communities to streamline CKRT education and training, research, and guidelines to reduce variation in practice.

• MeSH
• dítě MeSH
• diuretika MeSH
• heparin MeSH
• jednotky intenzivní péče pediatrické MeSH
• kontinuální metody náhrady funkce ledvin * MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• novorozenec MeSH
• průřezové studie MeSH
• Check Tag
• dítě MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• novorozenec MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Evropa MeSH
• Názvy látek
• diuretika MeSH
• heparin MeSH

PURPOSE: The heterogeneity of very old patients (age ≥ 80 years) and the prevalence of complex geriatric syndromes in this cohort constitute major challenges for the classical methods of evidence-based medicine to inform clinical practice. The lack of robust guidance for the management of critical conditions in these patients contributes to considerable uncertainty among practitioners and unwarranted variations of care. The European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM) initiated a Delphi study to translate the empirical knowledge of experts in this field into consensus-based recommendations for clinical practice. METHODS: A multi-national group of specialists in intensive care, emergency, and geriatric medicine provided opinions on managing very old patients with critical conditions. Strong or moderate consensus was defined as having at least 90% or 80% of experts, respectively, expressing agreement or disagreement on the three highest or lowest levels of a 9-points Likert scale. RESULTS: Twenty-eight members of the expert steering group and 82 additional experts completed two Delphi rounds. After discussing the results, the steering group issued recommendations for 48 statements and 2 checklists for which consensus was achieved. In addition to determining fundamental principles, they include advice on goals of care and the decision-making about admission to and treatment of patients in intensive care and the management after discharge. CONCLUSION: A multi-disciplinary group of experts achieved consensus on recommendations concerning intensive care for very old patients, which were approved and endorsed by ESICM. The implementation requires a careful analysis of available healthcare resources and should proceed in a stepwise fashion.

• Klíčová slova
• Critical care, Delphi study, Emergency medicine, Geriatric medicine, Intensive care,
• MeSH
• delfská metoda * MeSH
• geriatrie metody   normy   MeSH
• konsensus * MeSH
• kritický stav terapie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• medicína založená na důkazech normy   metody   MeSH
• péče o pacienty v kritickém stavu * normy   metody   MeSH
• senioři nad 80 let MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři nad 80 let MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Evropa MeSH

BACKGROUND: The cultural competence of nurses is crucial in providing nursing care for patients from different cultures. The absence of cultural competence can negatively impact the entire course of care; however, implementing cultural competence in critical care unit can be complicated. AIM: This study aimed to determine nurses' perceptions regarding cultural competence in critical care units. STUDY DESIGN: This study used a qualitative design with semi-structured interviews with nurses (n = 10) working in critical unites. Data were collected from February to June 2022 and then categorized and evaluated. Atlas.ti was used for the inductive thematic content analysis. RESULTS: Three key areas identified were as follows: (1) nurses and culturally competent care in critical care, (2) cultural challenges in practice and (3) suggestions for improving culturally competent care. The participants expressed that culturally competent care in critical care units has specific limitations because of the nature of the intensive care units (ICUs). Additional learning included opportunities to improve culturally competent care, such as raising cultural awareness, developing language skills and promoting culturally competent care. CONCLUSIONS: Providing culturally competent care in critical care units is an understudied area. Identifying barriers and cultural challenges is one strategy nurses can use to improve culturally competent ICU care. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Creating cultural awareness by training nurses in their own culture, in cultural diversity, and in overcoming prejudices and stereotypes is an essential step towards increasing cultural competence. Understanding nurses' perceptions on this topic can provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities for providing culturally sensitive care in a critical care setting.

• Klíčová slova
• critical care, cultural competence, cultural diversity, nurses, prejudice,
• MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• jednotky intenzivní péče MeSH
• kulturně kompetentní péče * MeSH
• kulturní kompetence MeSH
• kvalitativní výzkum * MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• ošetřovatelská péče o pacienty v kritickém stavu * MeSH
• péče o pacienty v kritickém stavu MeSH
• percepce MeSH
• postoj zdravotnického personálu MeSH
• rozhovory jako téma MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

INTRODUCTION: Nutrition therapy becomes one of the fundamental conditions of a successful outcome in malnourished patients and in critically ill patients. The administration of enteral feeding in critically ill patients is mostly performed by continuous or cyclic feeding. On the contrary, the potential benefits of intermittent feeding include increased muscle protein synthesis. This review outlines the theory of a possible anabolic effect of intermittent feeding. The authors describe their experience with implementation of this method of administration in the intensive care unit including the follow-up of possible complications and adverse effects. METHODS: Six patients with intermittent feeding were followed retrospectively during the study period. In addition to demographic data, potential complications related to intermittent enteral feeding (aspiration pneumonia, increased gastric residual volume, abdominal discomfort, osmotic diarrhoea) were evaluated. RESULTS: The average time of intermittent feeding was 8 days. The sum of intermittent feeding days was 63. No aspiration followed by pneumonia was detected during this period. The gastric residual volume did not increase, either. Abdominal discomfort and osmotic diarrhoea were not observed in any patient. CONCLUSION: Although continuous and cyclic enteral feeding in critically ill patients remains the standard and the most common practice, it is considered as a non-physiological method with possible negative consequences for the patient. On the other hand, intermittent feeding is theoretically associated with respecting of the circadian rhythm and with activation of autophagy. Intermittent feeding increases muscle protein synthesis and supports the release of fatty acids. As shown by our observational study, intermittent administration of enteral nutrition in intensive care can be implemented without any adverse effects; however, it is more time consuming for the nurses.

• Klíčová slova
• Protein synthesis, enteral nutrition, intensive care, intermittent feeding, muscle atrophy,
• MeSH
• enterální výživa * MeSH
• jednotky intenzivní péče MeSH
• kritický stav MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• péče o pacienty v kritickém stavu * MeSH
• pozorovací studie jako téma MeSH
• retrospektivní studie MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

Thanks to advances in intensive care, number of patients discharged from intensive care units is increasing. Along with that, there is also growing interest in long-term outcomes monitoring. A large proportion of patients suffers from cognitive, psychiatric and physical disabilities after discharge from intensive care unit. A set of these disabilities is called Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). Along with patients, also their relatives could be affected, especially by mental disorders (PICS-Family, PICS-F). Long term or permanent consequences can lead to the loss of self-sufficiency, reduced quality of life, frequent rehospitalizations and numerous other health and economical consequences. A set of preventive procedures, applied during ICU hospitalization, is essential in preventing the development of PICS. In particular, prevention of extensive sedation, delirium management and early mobilization and thorough rehabilitation is needed. A much discussed topic is further outpatient monitoring of discharged patients in various post-intensive care facilities.

• Klíčová slova
• Quality of life, critical disease, intensive care, post-intensive care syndrome, quality of life,
• MeSH
• jednotky intenzivní péče MeSH
• kritický stav * psychologie   MeSH
• kvalita života * psychologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• péče o pacienty v kritickém stavu MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH