Improved Outcomes With Integrated Intensivist Consultation for Cardiac Surgery Patients.

This study examined the impact of integrated intensivist consultation in the immediate postoperative period on outcomes for cardiac surgery patients. A retrospective cohort study was conducted in 1711 adult cardiac surgery patients from a single quaternary care center in Minnesota. Outcomes were compared across 2 consecutive 2-year time periods reflecting an elective intensivist model (n = 801) and an integrated intensivist model (n = 910).

Development and pilot testing of an OSCE for difficult conversations in surgical intensive care.

Objectives: To describe the development and results of an Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) for leading family conferences in the surgical intensive care unit (SICU).

Design: Pilot demonstration and reliability assessment.

Setting: General surgery residency program at a major academic teaching hospital.