Background: Respiratory distress protocols (RDPs) are protocolized prescriptions comprised of 3 medications (a benzodiazepine, an opioid, and an anticholinergic) administered simultaneously as an emergency treatment for respiratory distress in palliative care patients in the province of Quebec, Canada. However, data on appropriate use that justifies the combination of all 3 components is scarce and based on individual pharmacodynamic properties along with expert consensus.

Objectives: Our study aimed to evaluate the conformity and the effectiveness of RDPs prescribed and administered to hospitalized adult patients.

Methods: This was a prospective and descriptive study conducted in a single center. Prescription and administration conformity were assessed based on predefined appropriateness criteria.

Results: A total of 467 adult patients were prescribed a RDP, 175 administrations were documented, and 78 patients received at least 1 RDP. Prescription conformity was assessed on 1473 separate occasions over the trial period. Overall prescription conformity was found to be 37% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 33.6-40.4), and administration conformity was 37.7% (95% CI: 26.2-50.7). Low administration conformity was primarily explained by incorrect indications for RDP use. Seemingly important determinants of higher conformity were prescriber's speciality in palliative care, use of preprinted orders, pharmacist involvement, and hospitalization in the palliative care unit.

Conclusion: This study highlights important gaps in the use of RDPs in our institution. Health-care provider training appears necessary in order to ensure adequate conformity and allow for further evaluation of RDP effectiveness.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0825859719835555DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

respiratory distress
12
palliative care
12
administration conformity
12
conformity
9
prescription administration
8
distress protocols
8
province quebec
8
conformity assessed
8
prescription conformity
8
conformity prescription
4

Similar Publications

Chest imaging in children presents unique challenges due to varying requirements across age groups. For chest radiographs, achieving optimal images often involves careful positioning and immobilisation techniques. Antero-posterior projections are easier to obtain in younger children, while lateral decubitus radiographs are sometimes used when expiratory images are difficult to obtain and for free air exclusion.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by severe infection and often complicates acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and acute lung injury (ALI) due to the collapse of the oxidative and inflammatory balance induced by microbial pathogens, including lipopolysaccharides (LPS). In sepsis-related ARDS/ALI, NADPH oxidase (NOX) and toll-like receptors (TLR) in neutrophils and macrophages are key players in initiating oxidative and inflammatory imbalances. Although NOX and TLR activation has been linked to carbon monoxide (CO), the mechanism by which CO affects sepsis-related ARDS/ALI through NOX and TLR remains unknown.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

A randomised non-inferiority trial investigating antibiotic adjustments based on blood culture in acute cholangitis.

Clin Microbiol Infect

January 2025

Department of internal medicine and liver research institute, Seoul national university hospital, Seoul national university college of medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea. Electronic address:

Objectives: This study evaluated the adequacy of using blood cultures alone for antibiotic therapy in mild-to-moderate acute cholangitis after adequate biliary drainage.

Methods: A prospective, multi-centre, non-inferiority, randomised trial was conducted from August 2015 to September 2023 across 12 tertiary hospitals in South Korea. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to groups.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objective: To determine whether a standardized perioperative protocol for patients undergoing brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) surgery reduces the incidence of regurgitation, aspiration pneumonia, and respiratory distress in the postoperative period.

Methods: The records of client-owned dogs referred to the Texas A&M University Small Animal Teaching Hospital for surgical correction of BOAS over 4 years (February 2019 to June 2023) were retrospectively reviewed. A perioperative protocol for patients undergoing surgical correction of BOAS was implemented in June 2021, which included preoperative cisapride and antacid administration, minimizing opioid use, and a slow recovery with nebulization of hypertonic saline.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objectives: Balancing oxygen requirements, neurologic outcomes, and systemic complications from transfusions in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients is challenging. This review compares liberal and restrictive transfusion strategies in TBI patients.

Data Sources: Electronic databases were searched from inception to October 2024.

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!