Clinical Research Directory

Mechanical Power and Mortality in Mechanically Ventilated Adults

This prospective observational cohort study aims to investigate the relationship between mechanical power during the first 72 hours of invasive mechanical ventilation and 28-day mortality in mechanically ventilated adult patients admitted to the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Zagazig University Hospitals.

FOUR-Based Modification of ICU Severity Scores

The goal of this observational study is to evaluate whether the Full Outline of UnResponsiveness (FOUR) score can replace the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) as the neurologic component of established intensive care unit (ICU) severity scoring systems and to derive and validate modified APACHE, SAPS, MODS, LODS, and SOFA models incorporating the FOUR score in critically ill adult patients. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does replacing the GCS with the FOUR score provide comparable or improved discrimination for in-hospital mortality across established ICU severity scoring systems? Can FOUR-based modifications of APACHE, SAPS, MODS, LODS, and SOFA be successfully derived and validated with adequate discrimination, calibration, and overall predictive performance? Do the modified FOUR-based models demonstrate predictive performance comparable to or different from the corresponding original GCS-based models? Researchers will compare the performance of the modified FOUR-based models with their original GCS-based counterparts to determine whether substitution of the FOUR score provides valid and clinically useful risk prediction in critically ill adults. Participants will not receive an experimental intervention. Data routinely collected during ICU care will be used to: Calculate the original GCS-based APACHE, SAPS, MODS, LODS, and SOFA scores. Replace the GCS component with the FOUR score and derive the corresponding modified models. Evaluate and validate the predictive performance of the original and modified models using measures of discrimination, calibration, and overall predictive accuracy.

Impact of Nurses' Behavior Change and Evidence-Based Practice Implementation on Quality Indicators in Intensive Care Units in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Study title: Impact of nurses' behavior change and implementing evidence-based practice to improve quality indicators in intensive care units in low-and middle-income countries Background and Rationale: Quality care is crucial for preventing adverse events and improving patient survival rates in healthcare settings, especially in the intensive care units (ICU). To improve patient outcomes, complying with evidence-based practice (EBP) and continuous monitoring of quality indicators by Plan-Do-Check- Act (PDCA) cycle is effective; in which "P: decide and plan target actions", "D: implement the plans", "C: measure and evaluate the indicators", and "A: discuss the next step for improvement". Regarding quality indicators at ICU, Japan has achieved the highest global survival rate with the fewest adverse events. In a scoping review, when EBPs were implemented, 90% of the studies showed improved patient outcomes, and 94% found a positive return on investment. In ICU, EBP is essential for providing high-quality care, reducing errors, educating healthcare professionals, ensuring the efficacy of treatments, and fostering trust and good patient care relationships. In Egypt, as a one of the low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), 59.9% of ICU patients had poor outcomes, with a 14.9% mortality rate. The incidence rate of total device- associated infections was 35.3/1000 device-days. The incidence of VAP is 38.4%, and it has reached 75% in some Egyptian hospitals; contrarily, in Japan, where Bundle care (evidence-based guideline) is strictly followed by nurses, the incidence of VAP is only 5.7%. EBP is hindered in LMICs by a lack of research infrastructure, a knowledge gap, poor nursing management, and limitation of resources. However, promoting this change will require increased advocacy of nurses, technical advancements, and integration into curricula and continuing education programs. Moreover, global collaboration is imperative for comprehensive development. Objectives: Primary Objective: Improve the quality of care in the ICU through implementation of EBP (indicated by selected quality indicators which assessed as routine work monthly in the selected ICU). Secondary Objective: To enhance ICU nurses' professional competency in applying EBP. The level of compatibility between the research proposal and the department's research goals. There is a high level of compatibility between the research proposal and the department's research goals, particularly in terms of enhancing the competency of ICU staff through targeted training, improving the quality of care, and ultimately contributing to better patient outcomes. The level of compatibility between the research proposal and the NCI 's research Plan. The research proposal demonstrates a high level of compatibility with the NCI's research plan through the implementation of the latest evidence-based practices (EBP), standardized care protocols, and up-to-date clinical guidelines. It also aims to reduce contributing factors associated with increased morbidity and complication rates, thereby aligning with the institute's goals to advance patient safety and care quality. \- Study Design: An open- label, prospective, parallel-group (1:1), non-randomized controlled trial, with a pre- and post-design.