Reducing neuropathies between the 2020 and 2021 Covid‐19 surges in a large UK intensive care unit: A quality improvement project

• DOI: 10.1111/nicc.12837
• Publication Date: 2022-08-15T12:35:21Z
• Authors: Jack Jeffrey; Caroline Miller; Joel O'Sullivan; Emma Cahill; Alejandro Barrios; Dominic Power
• Keywords: Prone position

Abstract Background Peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) can be acquired by patients in intensive care unit (ICU) who are critically unwell with Covid pneumonitis. Prone position ventilation has been linked to this life‐changing complication. Aim To reduce the occurrence and severity of PNIs for pneumonitis requiring prone positioning whilst sedated ventilated ICU. Study Design This study is a quality improvement project that evolved over course first two surges admissions within ICU at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (Surge 1: March 2020–July 2020, 93 survivors; Surge 2: September 2020–May 2021, 309 survivors). Implementation updated guidelines aimed risk PNI. was supplemented face‐to‐face teaching professionals. The number sustained PNI such were recorded. Results During surge 21 (22.6%) had least one high grade second there 12 (3.9%) sustaining an intermediate or For patients, increase mean proning episodes (6–13) duration (17.8–18.6 h). represents 82% reduction cases. High reduced from 14/21 (66%) 4/12 (33%). Conclusions Optimizing may key reducing development Changes pharmacological management have influenced results seen study. Relevance Clinical Practice Clinicians working acutely should acknowledge heightened take relevant steps injury acquisition.