Clinical research imperatives: principles and priorities from the perspective of Allied Health executives and managers.

Objective It is widely understood that a key means of improving health systems and patient outcomes is through research - accessing, understanding, generating and applying research evidence-based practice. To promote more targeted and strategic research in Allied Health practice, this study sought to establish the principles, areas and priorities for clinical research as perceived by Allied Health leaders in the South Australian public health system. Methods The study used a mixed-methods design (full, sequential and equal model).

Nutritional risk screening in noninvasively mechanically ventilated critically ill adult patients: A feasibility trial.

Background: Malnutrition rates for critically ill patients being admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) are reported to range from 38% to 78%. Malnutrition in the ICU is associated with increased mortality, morbidity, length of hospital admission, and ICU readmission rates. The high volume of ICU admissions means that efficient screening processes to identify patients at nutritional or malnutrition risk are imperative to appropriately prioritise nutrition intervention.

Relationship between nutritional status on admission to the intensive care unit and clinical outcomes.

Aim: To determine the prevalence of malnutrition on admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and the relationship between nutritional status on admission and clinical outcomes in adult critically ill patients.

Methods: This was a prospective study in an adult ICU. Patients with expected length of stay (LOS) >48 hours in ICU were assessed for nutritional status using the patient generated-subjective global assessment (PG-SGA) within 48 hours of admission to ICU.

Nutrition and Gastrointestinal Dysmotility in Critically Ill Burn Patients: A Retrospective Observational Study.

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) dysmotility impedes nutrient delivery in critically ill patients with major burns. We aimed to quantify the incidence, timing, and factors associated with GI dysmotility and subsequent nutrition delivery.

Methods: A 10-year retrospective observational study included mechanically ventilated, adult, critically ill patients with ≥15% total body surface area (TBSA) burns receiving nutrition support.

Nutrition-related outcomes and dietary intake in non-mechanically ventilated critically ill adult patients: A pilot observational descriptive study.

Background: Critically ill patients who do not receive invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) are a growing population, experiencing complex interventions that may impair dietary intake and nutrition-related outcomes.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to quantify intake and nutrition-related outcomes of non-IMV critically ill patients and to establish feasibility of methods to measure nutrition-related outcomes in this population.

Methods: Non-IMV adult patients expected to remain in the intensive care unit (ICU) for ≥24 h were eligible.

A retrospective evaluation of nutrition support in relation to clinical outcomes in critically ill patients with an open abdomen.

Background: Optimising nutrition support in critically ill patients with an open abdomen is challenging.

Objectives: The aims of this study were to (i) quantify the amount and adequacy of nutrition support administered and (ii) determine any relationships that exist between mode of nutrition support delivery and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients with an open abdomen.

Methods: A retrospective review of critically ill patients mechanically ventilated for at least 48 h with an open abdomen in a mixed quaternary referral intensive care unit.

Post-pyloric feeding tube placement in critically ill patients: Extending the scope of practice for Australian dietitians.

Aim: To determine whether the placement of a post-pyloric feeding tube (PPFT) can be taught safely and effectively to a critical care dietitian.

Methods: This is a prospective observational study conducted in an adult intensive care unit (ICU). The intervention consisted of 19 attempts at post-pyloric intubation by the dietitian.

Association Between Malnutrition and Clinical Outcomes in the Intensive Care Unit: A Systematic Review [Formula: see text].

Malnutrition is associated with poor clinical outcomes among hospitalized patients. However, studies linking malnutrition with poor clinical outcomes in the intensive care unit (ICU) often have conflicting findings due in part to the inappropriate diagnosis of malnutrition. We primarily aimed to determine whether malnutrition diagnosed by validated nutrition assessment tools such as the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) or Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) is independently associated with poorer clinical outcomes in the ICU and if the use of nutrition screening tools demonstrate a similar association.