Rationale: Breathlessness is a prevalent and distressing symptom in intensive care unit patients. There is little evidence of the ability of healthcare workers to assess the patient's experiences of breathing. Patient perception of breathing is essential in symptom management, and patient perception during a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) might be related to extubation success.

Objectives: To assess mechanically ventilated patients' experiences of breathlessness during SBT.

Methods: This was a prospective observational multicenter study of 100 mechanically ventilated patients. We assessed the agreement between nurses, physicians, and patients' 11-point Numerical Rating Scales scores of breathlessness, perception of feeling secure, and improvement of respiratory function at the end of an SBT (most performed with some level of support). We also determined the association between breathlessness and demographic factors or respiratory observations.

Measurements And Main Results: Sixty-two patients (62%) reported moderate or severe breathlessness (Numerical Rating Scales ≥ 4). The median intensity of breathlessness reported by patients was five compared with two by nurses and physicians (P < 0.001). Patients felt less secure and reported less improvement of respiratory function compared with nurses' and physicians' ratings. About half of the nurses and physicians underestimated breathlessness (difference score, ≤-2) compared with the patients' self-reports. Underestimation of breathlessness was not associated with professional competencies. There were no major differences in objective assessments of respiratory function in patients with moderate or severe breathlessness, and no apparent relationship between breathlessness during the SBT and extubation outcome.

Conclusions: Patients reported higher breathlessness after SBT compared with nurses and physicians. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT 01928277).

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1164/rccm.201503-0419OCDOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

nurses physicians
20
breathlessness
12
respiratory function
12
spontaneous breathing
8
breathing trial
8
patient perception
8
sbt extubation
8
mechanically ventilated
8
numerical rating
8
rating scales
8

Similar Publications

Aim: Transitional care in the emergency department (ED) has the potential to improve outcomes for older patients, but the specific population benefits from it and impact in Taiwan remain unclear. Therefore, we conducted this study.

Methods: An interdisciplinary team comprising emergency physicians, dedicated transitional care nurse (TCN), nurse practitioners, nurses, geriatricians, and social workers was established at a tertiary medical center.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: Specialized Health Training is a postgraduate training pathway in which physicians and nurses can choose to continue their learning and obtain the qualification of specialist professional in a specific field. The training is eminently practical with different clinical tracks in which nurses and physicians are tutored by clinician tutors. Our research aims to describe the experiences and perceptions of clinician tutors related to their own teaching performance and training needs.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Oxygen is an essential drug that is commonly used in clinical practice, and its misadministration can result in severe consequences. This research sought to evaluate the knowledge and perceptions of physicians and nurses regarding acute oxygen therapy and delivery barriers.

Methodology: This was a cross-sectional hospital-based survey.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a common condition affecting individuals who spend prolonged periods using electronic devices. It is characterized by symptoms such as eye strain, dryness, headaches, and neck pain. This study aims to assess the prevalence of CVS symptoms among healthcare professionals, their awareness of the condition, and the effectiveness of various preventative practices.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objective: Residents interact, collaborate with, and learn from nurses, advanced practice providers, and physicians in multiple specialties. Both positive and negative experiences in the clinical workspace can affect residents' well-being, their ability to learn, and their development into effective, independent physicians. The aim of this study is to evaluate the general surgery resident experience in the nonsurgical clinical learning environment to identify how interactions outside of the operating room affect resident well-being and their ability to learn.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!