Characteristics and costs in adults with acute poisoning admitted to the emergency department of a university hospital in Belgium.

Objective: The aims of this study were to assess the characteristics of all acute poisoning admissions among adult emergency department (ED) patients, to identify factors associated with admission and to calculate direct medical cost.

Methods: Data of 2017 (1st January to 31st December) were collected and analyzed retrospectively using patients' medical records and hospital invoices. Factors associated with type of hospitalization were identified using appropriate statistics.

Belgian Poison Centre impact on healthcare expenses of unintentional poisonings: a cost-benefit analysis.

Objectives: This study evaluates the impact of the Belgian Poison Centre (BPC) on national healthcare expenses for calls from the public for unintentional poisonings.

Methods: The probability of either calling the BPC, consulting a general practitioner (GP) or consulting an emergency department (ED) was examined in a telephone survey (February-March 2016). Callers were asked what they would have done in case of unavailability of the BPC.

The Value of E-Learning for the Prevention of Healthcare-Associated Infections.

BACKGROUND Healthcare workers (HCWs) lack familiarity with evidence-based guidelines for the prevention of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). There is good evidence that effective educational interventions help to facilitate guideline implementation, so we investigated whether e-learning could enhance HCW knowledge of HAI prevention guidelines. METHODS We developed an electronic course (e-course) and tested its usability and content validity.

What determines health-related quality of life among people living with HIV: an updated review of the literature.

Background: As infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has evolved to a chronic disease, perceived health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is becoming a prominent and important patient-reported outcome measure in HIV care. Literature discusses different factors influencing HRQoL in this population, however, currently no consensus exists about the main determinants. In this review a clear, up-to-date overview of the determinants influencing HRQOL among people living with HIV is provided.

Sexual experience and HIV-related knowledge among Belgian university students: a questionnaire study.

Background: Adolescents are a risk group for acquiring sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. Correct knowledge about transmission mechanisms is a prerequisite to taking appropriate precautions to avoid infection. This study aimed at assessing the level of HIV-related knowledge among university students as a first step in developing targeted interventions.

Socio-economic, behavioural, (neuro)psychological and clinical determinants of HRQoL in people living with HIV in Belgium: a pilot study.

Introduction: Due to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), HIV-1 infection has evolved from a lethal to a chronic disease. As such, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has become an important outcome variable. The purpose of this study was to identify socio-economic, behavioural, (neuro)psychological and clinical determinants of HRQoL among people living with HIV (PLHIV).

Quality of life after intensive care: a systematic review of the literature.

Objectives: To evaluate quality of life at least 12 months after discharge from the intensive care unit of adult critically ill patients, to evaluate the methodology used to assess long-term quality of life, and to give an overview of factors influencing quality of life.

Data Sources: EMBASE-PubMed, MEDLINE (OVID), SCI/Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and personal files.

Data Extraction: Data extraction was performed independently and cross-checked by two reviewers using a predefined data extraction form.

Prevention of nosocomial infections in intensive care patients.

Background: Changes in patient profile, and in the health care environment, altering socioeconomic conditions and advances in science and information technology challenge the nursing profession, in particular intensive care nursing. All these changes will undoubtedly affect the way we will practice in the (near) future. A comprehensive understanding of these factors is therefore essential if nursing is to meet the challenges presented by tomorrow's critical care environment.

Impact of organ dysfunction on mortality in ICU patients with hematologic malignancies.

Purpose: To compare evolution in organ dysfunction (OD) between hematologic malignancy patients with and without bacterial infection (BI) precipitating intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and to assess its impact on mortality.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed. Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores from day 1 to 5 were calculated in all consecutive hematologic malignancy patients admitted to the ICU (2000-2006).

An evaluation of family-centered care services and organization of visiting policies in Belgian intensive care units: a multicenter survey.

Background: Admission in an intensive care unit (ICU) is a major cause of psychologic stress for the patient and the entire family, and liberalization of visitation has been shown to have a beneficial impact. However, despite the data available, practice has not changed much to incorporate these findings.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the visiting policies of Belgian ICUs.

Thrombocytopenia and outcome in critically ill patients with bloodstream infection.

Objective: Thrombocytopenia is common in intensive care units (ICUs), and is associated with a poor prognosis. An acute decrease in total platelet count is frequently observed in severe sepsis, followed by a relative increase indicating organ-failure recovery. However, few data are available describing this effect and its relationship with outcomes in specific subgroups of ICU patients.

Nurses' knowledge of evidence-based guidelines for the prevention of surgical site infection.

Background: Prevention of surgical site infection (SSI) is an important responsibility for nurses. Knowledge of the related evidence-based recommendations is necessary to provide high-quality nursing care.

Aim: Development of an evaluation tool and subsequent evaluation of intensive care unit (ICU) nurses' knowledge of the SSI prevention guideline to identify their specific educational needs, as part of a needs analysis preceding the development of an e-learning module on infection prevention.

Implementation of an evidence-based sepsis program in the intensive care unit: evident or not?

Severe sepsis and septic shock are among the most serious health conditions and are associated with unwelcome clinical, social, and economic outcomes. With the introduction of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines, the campaign leaders aimed to reduce mortality from severe sepsis by at least one quarter by 2009 by means of a six-point action plan, namely, building awareness among health care professionals, improving early and accurate disease recognition and diagnosis, increasing the use of appropriate treatments and interventions, education, getting better post-intensive care unit access, and developing standard processes of care. However, adherence to these recommendations is a first but crucial step in obtaining these goals.

Epidemiology of infection in critically ill patients with acute renal failure.

Objectives: Critically ill patients with infection are at increased risk for developing acute renal failure (ARF), and ARF is associated with an increased risk for infection. Both conditions are associated with prolonged length of stay (LOS) and worse outcome; however, little data exist on the epidemiology of infection in this specific cohort. Therefore, we investigated the occurrence of infection in a cohort of critically ill patients with ARF treated with renal replacement therapy (RRT).

The role of nurses working in emergency and critical care environments in the prevention of intravascular catheter-related bloodstream infections.

Intravascular catheter-related infections are a major problem in healthcare. This review provides up-to-date guidance of evidence-based recommendations for the prevention of intravascular catheter-related infections with special focus on strategies relevant for nurses working in emergency and critical care environments or practitioners responsible for surveillance and control of infections. The review concludes by providing a range of approaches advocated for: (i) translating guidelines to the needs and expectations of emergency and critical care nurses, and (ii) increasing the chance of successful implementation and compliance with these recommendations.