[Diaries for intensive care unit patients reduce the risk for psychological sequelae : Systematic literature review and meta-analysis].

Background: Diaries are written for patients on intensive care units (ICU) by clinicians and relatives to reduce the risk of psychological complications such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. The authors of a Cochrane Review on this topic published in 2015, included studies with PTSD diagnoses based on interviews carried out by qualified personnel, and concluded that there is inadequate evidence to support the thesis that ICU diaries reduce the risk of psychological complications.

Methods: The present study replicated the design of the Cochrane Review with identical search algorithms, but included additional outcomes data from validated methods of diagnosing psychological complications that were not considered in the original Cochrane Review.

Extent and application of patient diaries in Austria: process of continuing adaptation.

Background: Diaries written for patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) are offered in many European countries. In Austria, ICU diaries have been relatively unknown, but since 2012, they have started to emerge.

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the extent and application of ICU diaries in Austria in 2015.

[Experiences of Austrian nursing staff in dealing with advance directives].

Background: Advance directive is a contemporary issue because of accentuation of patients' autonomy and the increasing medical progress. But problems arise in drafting an advance directive as well as in realisation of advance directives in institutions. The duties and the influence of nursing in this context are hardly an object of scientific investigations.