Clinical Research Directory

The Effect of Changes in the Frequency of Endotracheal Tube Repositioning in Intensive Care Units on the Prevention of Oral Mucosal Pressure Injuries

Intensive care units (ICUs) are care centers equipped with a wide range of technological tools and devices used to provide the highest level of care to individuals whose lives are at risk, requiring a multidisciplinary team approach. Patients may require respiratory support from a ventilator to maintain breathing. In the intensive care unit, patients' breathing is maintained using a medical device called an endotracheal tube (ETT). ETTs can cause injuries due to the constant pressure they exert on the patient's mouth and lip area. Therefore, nurses must secure the ETT at specific times to different points in the mouth area (right and left sides of the mouth) to prevent these injuries. Injuries to the mucosa caused by medical equipment are defined as "mucosal membrane pressure injuries (MMPI)." One such injury is an injury to the mouth. Injuries occurring in the mouth are caused by the pressure of the tubes that enable the patient to breathe in and out. "The Effect of Changes in the Frequency of Endotracheal Tube Repositioning in Intensive Care Units on the Prevention of Oral Mucosal Pressure Injuries" is a doctoral thesis study; the aim of this study is to investigate the effect of differences in the time interval for changing the position of the tube in the lip region on the prevention of injuries occurring in the mouth in patients monitored with ETT in the ICU. A review of the literature revealed that there are gaps in studies conducted at the international or national level on this subject, and that there is no definitive time guideline for changing (repositioning) the tube in the lip area. The study will include patients over the age of 18 who are being monitored with an ETT in their mouth, who did not have any injuries in the mouth area at the time of admission to the ICU, who have not had the tube in their mouth for more than 24 hours, who are in moderate to good general condition, and whose first-degree relatives or legal presentative have given permission for them to participate in the study. In the study, the follow-up and evaluation of patients will be limited to fourteen days after tube insertion. Exclusion Criteria; Differences in respiratory support, Pre-existing artificial airway, Oncological conditions, Neurological and behavioral factors, Positional constraints, Sensory/perceptual impairment, Pre-existing injury. Patients who are discharged or transferred during the fourteen-day follow-up period will be excluded from the study. According to the sample calculation for the study, a total of 230 patients (115 volunteers in the 4-hour group and 115 volunteers in the 8-hour group) will be sufficient. In the study, patients will be stratified according to their APACHE II scores. ICU nurses are not bound by any specific time for securing the ETT. Nurses positioned the tube fixation site at the right lip edge/left lip edge/mid-lip line; however, since they were not bound by a specific time-based rule, tube care was nurse-specific. In this study, the location of tube fixation will be recorded through observation to determine the effect of tube fixation on the formation of oral injuries. This study is planned to be completed within a 24-month timeframe between May 30, 2026, and June 15, 2027. This research is a scientific research (doctoral thesis) study. The daily tube care of volunteers is already in place, and we emphasize that this research will not affect/interfere with the treatment and follow-up of volunteers, and that volunteers will not be negatively affected by the study in any way. The principal investigator will randomly assign volunteers being monitored with ETT to groups using a computer system and will request nurses to reposition their ETTs based on the time intervals (4 hours-8 hours) within these groups. At the same time, the researcher will collect relevant clinical data that may affect pressure injuries in patients (age, gender, smoking history, body mass index, medical history, ICU admission diagnosis, SOFA, RASS and APACHE II scores, Glasgow Coma Scale, laboratory findings (C-reactive protein, white blood cell, Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, Total Protein, Albumin, pH, PO2, Blood Sugar Level), Nutritional Status (Route and Type of Nutrition, Product), Medication Support (Sedatives, Inotropes, Antibiotics, Steroids), ETT-Related Data (Number, Depth, Fixation Site, Repositioning Time), Eilers Oral Assessment Guide and Oral Care Frequency, Braden Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment Scale and Overall Body Pressure Ulcer Presence, Reaper Oral Mucosa Pressure Injury Scale Grade data, etc.). The follow-up period in the study will be fourteen days, during which the principal investigator will record the patients' personal health data mentioned above and terminate the follow-up of patients who develop pressure injuries in the oral mucosa. Our expectation from the study is that no injuries will occur in the mouth. In the event of a possible injury, the intervention will be terminated immediately.

Continuous Connected Patient Care (CCPC), a Pilot Testing a Novel Device for Continuous Vitals Monitoring - Department of Anesthesia at PHC

To confirm feasibility and accessibility of the CCPC Platform (Oxymotion, Bridge Health Solutions medication adherence software, CloudDX home kit) in two different environments - in hospital and at-home, in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery.

An Exploratory Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Esketamine and Dexmedetomidine in Non-Intubated ICU Patients With Hyperactive Delirium

This investigator-initiated, randomized, controlled, superiority trial aims to assess the efficacy and safety of esketamine combined with dexmedetomidine for the management of agitation or delirium in intensive care unit (ICU) patients receiving non-invasive respiratory support. The primary endpoint is the duration of delirium.

Body Lateralization and Its Effects on Respiratory Drive, Ventilation, and Pulmonary Aeration in Critically Ill Patients

The goal of this quasi-experimental study is to investigate how different body positions, performed through Automatic Lateralization Therapy, affect respiratory drive, ventilation, and pulmonary aeration in critically ill adult patients under mechanical ventilation. The main questions this study aims to answer are: * Does Automatic Lateralization Therapy, modify respiratory drive, as measured by P0.1, estimated Pmus, and sEMG of the diaphragm and parasternal muscles? * Is there an association between respiratory drive, ventilation, and pulmonary aeration measured by Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) in different body positions promoted by Automatic Lateralization Therapy ? Does combining Automatic Lateralization Therapy, with Flow Bias improve physiological and functional outcomes compared to Automatic Lateralization Therapy, without Flow Bias? Participants will: * Be positioned in different lateralization strategies using Automatic Lateralization Therapy, while under mechanical ventilation; * Have respiratory parameters and ventilation images assessed by EIT and sEMG; Participate only during their ICU stay, with no need for additional visits after discharge.

Surface Electrical Myography, Oxygen Consumption, Effort, and Weaning in the Mechanically Ventilated Patient in the Intensive Care Unit

The goal of this observational study is to measure effort using esophageal pressure measurements, oxygen consumption and diaphragm activity in mechanically ventilated Intensive Care Unit patients during a Spontaneous Breathing Trial. The main question aims to answer whether the sEMG signal derived from the SERA device, effort parameters and oxygen consumption have an association with weaning failure. Participants will be measured while performing a spontaneous breathing trial.

Prevention of Phlebitis, Infiltration and Extravasation With Infusion Monitoring System

Peripheral venous catheter complications are conditions that are frequently seen in intensive care clinics and require nursing care. The most common complications are phlebitis, infiltration and extravasation. Nurses should take the necessary precautions to prevent these complications from developing.. Therefore, this planned thesis study aims to establish an infusion monitoring system and evaluate its effectiveness in early detection of complications related to peripheral intravenous catheters. The research is planned as a randomized controlled experimental study. The study will be conducted in Ordu State Hospital General Intensive Care Unit 1 and General Intensive Care Unit 3 clinics. The universe of the study will consist of patients receiving inpatient treatment in General Intensive Care Unit 1 and General Intensive Care Unit 3 clinics. The sample size will be determined by g-power analysis after a two-month preliminary follow-up. Data will be collected with the "Clinical Follow-up Form", "Patient Information Form", and "Complication Follow-up Form". The clinics included in the study will be divided into two groups as experimental and control groups. First, the frequency of complications will be determined in the experimental and control groups. Then, while the control group continues its routine protocol and applications, an infusion follow-up system will be developed in the experimental group and will be used by nurses in patient care. In the final stage, the frequency of peripheral venous catheter complications will be determined again. Data will be evaluated using the SPSS 22.0 package program at a significance level of p\<0.05 and a confidence interval of 95%.

Effects of Artificial Intelligence Nurse Orientation Program on Psychological Outcomes and Length of Hospital Stay in Intensive Care Unit

Artificial intelligence (AI), now an integral part of healthcare services and presents numerous opportunities. Customized treatment plans, clinical decision support systems, predictive analysis for disease prevention, patient engagement and education, quality improvement, and error reduction are some of these opportunities. In the context of delirium prevention, risk assessment, and treatment planning, the AI-supported system AI-AntiDelirium is designed to standardize the approach to delirium management in alignment with the PADIS guidelines. A randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of this system found that the workload of nurses decreased, facilitated early diagnosis and prevention of delirium, and recommended evidence-based and individualized delirium interventions. A systematic review concluded that AI applications did not significantly impact the length of hospital stay and emphasized the need for further research. Also, AI platforms contributed to positive results in reducing anxiety and depression in patients. Furthermore, systematic reviews have demonstrated that AI-based chatbots are effective in alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, the literature includes a limited number of patient education programs specifically designed to prevent or manage delirium through AI-based approaches. Notably, there is a lack of studies comparing the effectiveness of AI-supported educational interventions with those delivered directly by nurses. The goal of this clinical trial is to develop a structured AINurse and Human Nurse orientation training program for intensive care unit (ICU) patients and compare the effects of these training programs on ICU patients' delirium-free days, level of anxiety and depression, and length of stay in the ICU. Hypotheses of the study: H1: Patients who receive the structured AINurse patient orientation training program will have longer delirium-free days than patients who receive Human Nurse orientation training. H2: Patients who receive the structured AINurse patient orientation training program will have lower levels of anxiety and depression than patients who receive the Human Nurse orientation training. H3: Patients who receive the structured AINurse patient orientation training program will have shorter lengths of stay in the intensive care unit than patients who receive the Human Nurse orientation training. Researchers will compare the AINurse patient orientation training program and the orientation training program provided by human nurses in terms of patients' delirium-free days, level of anxiety and depression, and length of stay in the ICU. * Those in the intervention group will receive the AINurse orientation training program twice daily for 3 days. * Participants in the control group will receive face-to-face structured orientation training from researchers twice daily for 3 days. * Delirium-free day assessment, anxiety and depression will be evaluated for patients in both groups over 3 days. * The length of stay in the intensive care unit will be monitored for patients in both groups.

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Critically Ill Patients Aged 80 and Over

The aim of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of Medium-Frequency Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation, in combination with standard physical therapy, compared to standard physical therapy alone, on muscle mass, muscle strength, and functionality in critically ill patients aged 80 and over during their hospital stay. The safety of the intervention and the standardization of protocol parameters will also be assessed. The main research questions are: * Does the implementation of a standardized Medium-Frequency Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation protocol, in combination with standard physical therapy, compared to standard physical therapy alone, help attenuate the loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and functionality in critically ill patients aged 80 and over? * Is the use of this protocol and its proposed parameters safe for critically ill patients aged 80 and over? The study will consist of applying a standardized Medium-Frequency Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation protocol to oldest old patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of Dr. Hernán Henríquez Aravena Hospital in Temuco, Chile. The sample will consist of oldest old participants (≥80 years), who will be randomly divided into two subgroups: a control group that will receive standard physical therapy typically provided during hospitalization, and an experimental group that will receive the same standard therapy plus Medium-Frequency Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation, which will begin within the first 48 hours of Intensive Care Unit admission. The following variables will be assessed in both groups (control and experimental), from Intensive Care Unit admission to hospital discharge: * Skeletal muscle mass characteristics and evolution (quadriceps femoris and anterior tibialis muscle thickness), measured by ultrasonography. * Handgrip strength, measured using a digital hand dynamometer. * Inspiratory muscle strength, assessed using a pimometer. * Peripheral muscle strength, evaluated with the Medical Research Council Sum Score (MRC-SS). * Functionality, assessed by the Functional Status Score for the Intensive Care Unit (FSS-ICU) . * Independence in basic activities of daily living, measured using the Barthel Index. * Quality of life, evaluated using the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36). * Cognitive impairment, assessed through the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). * Frailty, measured using the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS).

Rehabilitation Practices in Critically Ill Patients Receiving Invasive Mechanical Ventilation in the Intensive Care Unit.

This international, multicenter, observational study aims to describe rehabilitation practices in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) worldwide. The primary objective is to provide an overview of current rehabilitation strategies used in ICUs globally. Secondary objectives include assessing the relationship between rehabilitation and key ICU outcomes such as ICU and hospital mortality, length of stay, duration of invasive ventilation, extubation failures, and long-term outcomes including quality of life and functional performance 28 days post-ICU discharge. The study will also compare rehabilitation practices across different geographic and economic regions to identify potential disparities. The study is structured into three modules, with participation contingent on local resources and feasibility. The BASIC Module (mandatory for all centers) gathers fundamental data on rehabilitation practices and their association with patient outcomes. The EXTENDED Module (optional) collects more detailed information on the type, timing, duration, and safety of rehabilitation interventions, including passive exercises, active mobilization, respiratory therapies, dysphagia training, occupational therapy, and cognitive support. The EXTENDED FOLLOW-UP Module (optional) evaluates the patient's quality of life and functional recovery 28 days after ICU discharge. By examining global rehabilitation practices and their impact on patient outcomes, this study aims to improve rehabilitation strategies in ICUs, contributing to better patient care, recovery, and long-term health outcomes.

Study Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Psychosocial Care Intervention in Intensive Care

This Pilot-RCT is part of a feasibility study that aims to learn if the IPS-psychosocial care intervention and an RCT on its efficacy are feasible in patients, relatives and staff on icu wards. The Pilot-RCT will examine outcomes, that might indicate an improvement in psychosocial safety climate and other health- and wellbeing-related measures due to the administration of the intervention that is described in the following. The main question the Pilot-RCT aims to answer is: Is there evidence that the IPS intervention improves the psychosocial safety climate and other components of psychosocial well-being in ICU teams, patients and their relatives? Researchers will compare four intervention groups (icu wards with implementation of the IPS-Intervention) with four control groups (icu wards with regular supply of psychosocial care) to see if the comparison of two groups in this RCT is feasible. The IPS-Intervention consists of a ward psychologist who works as part of the ICU team and takes care of the staff, patients and relatives in accordance to the intervention manual that was developed in a prior phase of this project.

Ultrasound Evaluation of Cardiac Function During Spontaneous Breathing Trials

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the evolution of a cardiac ultrasound index (E/E') during 3 spontaneous breathing trials in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) adults (over 18 years) patients at risk for weaning failure. The main objective is to find out which spontaneous breathing trial is the least demanding in terms of heart work. Investigators will compare 3 consecutive spontaneous breathing trials in a random order to see if one is superior to the others. Participants will not have to perform any specific procedure apart from breathing without respiratory support during the spontaneous breathing trial. During these trials, the investigator will perform cardiac ultrasound measurements.

Adaptation of the Intensive Care Unit-specific Pressure Injury Risk Scale to Turkish (RAPS-ICU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the translation, cross-cultural fit, and psychometric properties of the ICU-specific pressure injury risk scale

Assessment of the PEEP Responsiveness to Titrate End-expiratory Pressure and of the Need for Muscle Relaxation During Prone Positioning in Moderate-to-severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Master Protocol

Despite best supportive care, mortality of the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrom (ARDS) remains high. In the absence of specific treatments, providing safe and efficient mechanical ventilation (MV) is key to survival. The use of low tidal volumes (VT) and plateau pressures (PPLAT) improves survival in randomized controlled trials (RCTs), but the safest VT to be applied for each patient remains unknown. Whether targeting low ∆P instead of a 6 mL/kg VT improves outcome has not been tested prospectively. The optimal method to set PEEP is also a matter of debate. As the amount of potentially recruitable lung vary widely among patients and is strongly associated with the response to PEEP, it may be necessary to tailor PEEP settings based on the response to a PEEP trial. The first aim is to test a personalized approach to set PEEP widely supported by the literature. The first hypothesis is that i) patients with greater amounts of recruitable lung may benefit from higher PEEP levels, provided that attention is paid to maintain ∆P below 14 cmH2O, ii) setting PEEP based on results of a PEEP-responsiveness test improves survival as compared to low- and high-PEEP strategies applied independently of the patient response. Apart from VT reduction and PPLAT control below 30 cmH2O, only 2 interventions demonstrated a reduction of mortality in large RCTs: a 48-hour continuous infusion of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) at the acute phase of ARDS6 and the use of prone positioning (PP). Whereas there is little doubt on the utility of PP in patients with PaO2/FiO2 ratio \< 150 mmHg, there is more controversy on the impact of NMBAs on survival. Despite a strong rationale and a very widespread use in clinical practice, no current guidelines answer the question of the best timing of muscle relaxation in moderate to severe ARDS patients treated with PP. As a second aim, the hypothesis is that the early systematic and combined use of NMBAs improved survival of patients with moderate to severe ARDS requiring prone positioning after optimization of PEEP settings.