SCCM RSS News

Glutamine and Antioxidants for Patients with Multiple Organ Failure

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:23:38 -0500

Critically ill patients are at risk for significant oxidative stress; however, several small analyses have proposed that supplementation with glutamine, with or without antioxidants, may improve survival. Heyland and colleagues from the Canadian Critical Care Trials Group conducted an international, multicenter study to test the hypothesis that 28-day mortality in critically ill adults would be reduced by supplementation with glutamine, with or without antioxidants. Results were published in a recent issue of The New England Journal of Medicine.

Wear Blue Tomorrow to Support Critical Care

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:23:25 -0500

Be sure to wear blue on Friday, May 17, to show your support for National Critical Care Awareness and Recognition Month (NCCARM). There is still time to mark this year’s NCCARM, and the Society offers several simple ideas for recognition of the critical care team. Some teams choose to offer tours of the intensive care unit to other hospital staff, while others organize educational symposia or invite former patients and their families back to the unit. No matter how you choose to celebrate, we hope you post your NCCARM photos and stories to the SCCM Facebook page.

SCCM Congratulates Members on Research Awards

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:23:08 -0500

The Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has approved 51 new awards, totaling $88.6 million over three years, to fund patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research projects under the first four areas of its National Priorities for Research and Research Agenda. The Society of Critical Care Medicine congratulates the following members for their award-winning projects related to critical care: Christopher Ethan Cox, MD, MPH - Improving Psychological Distress Among Critical Illness Survivors and Their Informal Caregivers J. Randall Curtis, MD, MPH - Health System Intervention to Improve Communication About End-of-Life Care for Vulnerable Patients Elliott R. Haut, MD - Preventing Venous Thromboembolism: Empowering Patients and Enabling Patient-Centered Care via Health Information Technology Rebecca Aslakson, MD - Utilizing Advance Care Planning Videos to Empower Perioperative Cancer Patients and Families Erik Paul Hess, MD, MS - Shared Decision Making in the Emergency Department: The Chest Pain Choice Trial; and Shared Decision Making in Parents of Children with Head Trauma: Head CT Choice Debra Kay Moser, DNSc, RN - Reducing Health Disparities in Appalachians with Multiple Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Rachel Berger, MD, MPH - Using the Electronic Medical Record to Improve Outcomes and Decrease Disparities in Screening for Child Physical Abuse We congratulate these members for their dedication to evolving research and to the field of critical care medicine.

Critical Connections Focuses on Sepsis Management

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:22:48 -0500

The April/May issue of Critical Connections focuses on managing sepsis in the intensive care unit, highlighting various strategies, from the use of early goal-directed therapy to implementing the Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) guideline recommendations and bundles. Find the following articles: Surviving Sepsis Campaign Enters Second Decade with Dynamic Plans Rapid Identification of Sepsis: The Value of Screening Tools Early Goal-Directed Therapy: Contemporary Care and Controversies Ongoing Clinical Trials in Sepsis Challenges in Pediatric Sepsis

Apply for ANZICS New Fellowship Program

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:22:32 -0500

The Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society (ANZICS) has instituted a fellowship program, Intensive Care Global Rising Star Programme, in support of innovative and productive research. ANZICS will be awarding three travel fellowships for attending their 38th Annual Scientific Meeting, to be held October 25 to 27, 2013, in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. One fellowship will be awarded to a clinician/scientist from each of the following regions: America (USA, Canada and South America), Europe (including United Kingdom and Ireland) and Asia. Award recipients will have the opportunity to present an overview of their past and ongoing research activities during a dedicated symposium. Travel expenses (to the value of $3,000), accommodation and registration costs for the recipients will be covered.

Webcast Highlights Third Edition of SSC Guidelines

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:22:14 -0500

Severe sepsis and septic shock are major healthcare problems, affecting millions of people around the world each year, killing one in four (and often more), and increasing in incidence. Similar to polytrauma, acute myocardial infarction, or stroke, the speed and appropriateness of therapy administered in the initial hours after severe sepsis develops are likely to influence outcome. During the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) webcast, What's New in the Third Edition of the SSC Guidelines?, R. Phillip Dellinger, MD, MCCM, and Christa A. Schorr, RN, MSN, FCCM, will discuss the additions to the latest update of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines and the rationale for the changes. The webcast will be held Wednesday, May 29, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Central Time.

Effect of Cardiac Function and Systemic Vascular Resistance in Premature Infants

Fri, 3 May 2013 09:01:48 -0500

Permissive hypercapnia is a well-accepted ventilator strategy for the management of acute respiratory distress syndrome as well as other causes of respiratory failure, such as the respiratory distress syndrome seen in premature infants. Multiple studies have demonstrated that both myocardial contractility and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) decrease with hypercapnic acidosis, the ultimate effect being that cardiac function is maintained or even augmented. The effects of hypercapnic acidosis on cardiac function in the preterm infant have not been elucidated. In a prospective observational study, published in the May issue of The Journal of Pediatrics, the authors analyzed paired blood gasses and echocardiograms from 29 hemodynamically stable preterm infants at 30 weeks gestation.

Be Critical Care Aware in May

Fri, 3 May 2013 09:01:27 -0500

During National Critical Care Awareness and Recognition Month (NCCARM), be sure to share your celebration ideas and stories with the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) and your colleagues. This month-long celebration allows critical care team members to exemplify their dedication to patient care while creating more awareness of this demanding, life-saving practice...

Recognizing Nursing Excellence

Fri, 3 May 2013 09:01:07 -0500

Barbara McLean, MN, RN, CCRN, FNP, FCCM, received this year’s Norma J. Shoemaker Award for Critical Care Nursing Excellence in recognition of her dedication to critical care as both a clinician and educator. As a critical care specialist at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, McLean exemplifies excellence in critical care nursing through her tireless efforts as a patient care provider and advocate. A well-known educator, she has been invited to speak all over the world including the Philippines, Saudi Arabia and Spain. She has been active in Nursing Section leadership and has served on numerous Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) committees. In 2001, McLean became the 20th nurse to be inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Critical Care Medicine. Additionally, she was elected to an at-large seat on SCCM’s Council in 2004, then re-elected in 2007. Her care for the critically ill and injured are evidenced through her service after Hurricane Katrina and again in Haiti after the devastating earthquake; she has made more than eight trips back to Haiti in continued support of those in need. In recognition of her contributions, SCCM presented her with the Distinguished Service Award in 2011...

Call for CCM Editor Applicants

Fri, 3 May 2013 09:00:49 -0500

The Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) is seeking an Editor-in-Chief for its journal Critical Care Medicine. This position requires a commitment to publication excellence and timely but fair editorial decision, upholding and enhancing the journal’s quality and reputation. To this end, the Editor-in-Chief is responsible for directing the journal’s editorial board, including the Associate Editors, and the Editor of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, to ensure they are following all appropriate procedures and working within the journals’ defined budgets. Job responsibilities include maintaining and establishing editorial policies, ensuring the content, quality, and timeliness of each issue, directing the peer review process, ensuring that accepted manuscripts conform to defined standards, and meeting all publishing responsibilities assigned...

Submit Your Abstract for Congress

Fri, 3 May 2013 09:00:32 -0500

Abstract submission for the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) 43rd Critical Care Congress is now open. Contribute to the advancement of critical care by submitting your original investigative research and case reports for presentation at the 2014 Congress to be held in San Francisco, California, USA. If accepted, your work will be on display from January 10 to 12, 2014, and will be published in Critical Care Medicine, the #1 critical care subspecialty journal...

$50,000 in Funding Available for Research Projects

Fri, 3 May 2013 09:00:11 -0500

Through generous funding from the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM), a Vision Grant of $50,000 is offered to support member researchers. Submit your application by August 31, 2013, to be considered for grant support in 2014...

Family Presence During CPR

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 10:42:20 -0500

Observational and qualitative studies have suggested positive benefits associated with family presence during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Family presence may help alleviate the emotional burden and improve the bereavement process. Concerns about interference with resuscitative efforts and medicolegal ramifications have yet to be answered in rigorously designed studies. Patricia Jabre and colleagues in France conducted a multicenter, randomized controlled trial to determine if family presence during CPR was associated with a reduction in the likelihood of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-related symptoms. Results were published in the March 14 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine...

New Bird Flu Virus Hits China

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 10:42:02 -0500

A new bird flu virus, influenza A (H7N9), has killed or critically stricken patients in China. Genetic evaluation of the virus shows it has the ability to mutate readily. The World Health Organization notes, “analysis of the genes of these viruses suggests that although they have evolved from avian (bird) viruses, they show signs of adaptation to growth in mammalian species." So far, H7N9 has not been found to be transmissible from human to human; those who’ve contracted it have had contact with poultry...

Join the Creative Community

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 10:41:46 -0500

There is still time to join the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s Creative Community. Participation is one of the most important contributions a member can make in helping the Society achieve its mission and vision. Applications to join are due May 1, 2013. Please note that reappointment to a committee is not automatic. If you are already a committee or task force member and your term is about to expire, you will need to reapply...

Call for 2014 Council Nominations

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 10:41:28 -0500

The Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) Nominating Committee is seeking candidates for the 2014 election. Council terms are for three years, and both at-large and designated seats are open. Elections for designated seats are staggered to allow for a sustained experience and memory of Council deliberations, as well as to promote fresh perspectives in the governance of the Society...

Start Preparing for Critical Care Awareness Month

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 10:41:09 -0500

As May approaches, it is time for intensive care unit (ICU) teams to consider how they will celebrate National Critical Care Awareness and Recognition Month (NCCARM). ICUs mark this special month in various ways, from sharing blue treats with staff or providing educational symposia, staff recognition ceremonies, or ICU tours. Other units invite former patients and their families to meet staff and share their progress...

Apply New SSC Bundles in Triage

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 10:40:50 -0500

The recently revised Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) guidelines identify triage in the emergency room as “time zero,” starting the clock on measuring compliance with the bundle elements. This measurement is central to the Campaign’s goals of performance improvement and mortality reduction. When determining patient eligibility for the three- and six-hour bundles, clinicians must understand the rationale for establishing triage as time zero and recognize how to implement the bundles in various scenarios...

What Are the Risks in Pediatric RBC Transfusion?

Mon, 8 Apr 2013 16:17:30 -0500

Although anemia may cause an increase in morbidity and mortality rates in critically ill pediatric patients, transfusion of packed red blood cells (pRBCs) carries significant risks, which have also been demonstrated in pediatric cardiac surgery patients. However, studies related to these risks have had problems with confounding and the use of pRBCs that were not leukoreduced. Kneyber et al address these concerns in their study testing whether transfusion of leukocyte-depleted pRBCs within the first 48 hours after cardiac surgery would be independently associated with prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation. Results were published in the March 2013 issue of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine...

Hong Kong Warns of New Coronavirus

Mon, 8 Apr 2013 16:17:10 -0500

A new coronavirus is on the loose, and Hong Kong and world health authorities are taking notice. The virus has killed 11 of the 17 people known to have contracted it, a death rate much higher than that of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Unlike SARS, which affected the respiratory system, this new virus, dubbed “novel coronavirus,” attacks multiple organs. The most likely source of this new disease is bats, though monkeys, pigs, civet cats and even rabbits can also harbor it. To be prepared, Hong Kong officials have started conducting simulations in the event of an outbreak, including quarantines and treatment protocols. The new potential outbreak seems to be centered in the Middle East, with several cases linked to travelers who visited Qatar, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. The Society will continue to monitor this situation and will keep members abreast of any new information...

SCCM Highlights 2013 Vision Grant Winner

Mon, 8 Apr 2013 16:16:44 -0500

Interested in applying for the 2013 Vision Grant? The 2013 recipient, Azra Bihorac, MD, MS, FCCM, FASN, summarizes her research project and offers insight into the grant application process. Her work also is featured in the February/March issue of Critical Connections. The Vision Grant offers up to $50,000 in funding to an SCCM member whose work supports education, teamwork, outcomes measures, and reporting and continuous improvement. The deadline to submit an application is August 31, 2013...

Nominate Prestigious Fellows for MCCM

Mon, 8 Apr 2013 16:16:25 -0500

The deadline to nominate colleagues for the American College of Critical Care Medicine’s (ACCM) Master of Critical Care Medicine (MCCM) designation is approaching. Those with the MCCM designation have distinguished themselves through outstanding contributions in research and education, as well as through service to the Society and the field. They have achieved national and international professional recognition due to personal character, leadership and eminence in clinical practice. To be eligible, candidates must have been Fellows of the ACCM for at least five years. Nominations for the MCCM designation are due April 15, 2013...

Access Webcasts from the 41st Critical Care Congress

Mon, 8 Apr 2013 16:16:04 -0500

Webcasts featuring the sponsored sessions from the Society’s Critical Care Congress in Houston, Texas, USA, still are available at LearnICU.org. Access these complimentary presentations before they expire and earn continuing education credits..

New Pediatric Board Prep and Review Tool Available

Mon, 8 Apr 2013 16:15:46 -0500

Assess your critical care knowledge and prepare for the subspecialty board examination in critical care with the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) Advanced Knowledge Assessment in Pediatric Critical Care. This self-study tool is designed for physicians working on board preparation and maintenance of certification (MOC)...

Can Respiratory Tract Cultures Predict VAP?

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 16:01:49 -0500

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is an important complication in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Current guidelines in the United States strongly recommend that surveillance be conducted for bacterial pneumonia in ICU patients, but diagnostic criteria have been criticized for the lack of sensitivity and specificity, especially regarding multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. Brusselaers and investigators from Ghent University in Belgium performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the sensitivity and specificity of surveillance cultures in predicting pathogens in VAP. Their results were published in the March issue of Intensive Care Medicine...

NQF Endorses SSC Measures

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 16:01:31 -0500

The National Quality Forum (NQF) ratified the measures for the treatment and management of patients with severe sepsis and septic shock as submitted collaboratively by the Henry Ford Hospital, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, and the Society of Critical Care Medicine. Measures ratified by NQF are considered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for public reporting and payment programs. The measures are consistent with the updated Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) bundles. The SSC’s North American Steering Committee will conduct grand rounds with CMS on March 27 to outline the measures and data that informed them. Participating in the grand rounds will be SSC members Sean R. Townsend, MD, Emanuel P. Rivers, MD, MPH, Mitchell M. Levy, MD, FCCM, and R. Phillip Dellinger, MD, MCCM. The Society thanks Townsend and Rivers who were instrumental in developing the application to NQF and in providing testimony to support the approval of the measures...

What's New in the Latest Glycemic Control Guidelines?

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 16:00:54 -0500

Judith Jacobi, PharmD, BCPS, FCCM, lead author on the Society of Critical Care Medicine's (SCCM) new glycemic control guidelines, summarizes key points and implementation strategies. Guidelines for the Use of an Insulin Infusion for the Management of Hyperglycemia in Critically Ill Patients, was published in the December issue of Critical Care Medicine. The guideline release was accompanied by a podcast interview with Jacobi, as well as an issue of Critical Connections dedicated to the topic...

SSC Implementation Benefits Individual Team Members

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 16:00:35 -0500

Customizing protocols and testing changes are key elements to improving care using the Surviving Sepsis Campaign’s (SSC) quality improvement model. These elements allow teams to focus on changes that will create a reliable system. During the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) April 4 webcast, Participating in the SSC Campaign: How It Can Help You, Laura Evans, MD, MSc, will demonstrate the value of participating in a team-based research project, explain how implementing quality improvement initiatives can benefit the workforce, and provide information on how to improve sepsis care...

Put Your ICU to the Test

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 16:00:18 -0500

Improving quality and safety in the intensive care unit (ICU) often involves the coordinated efforts of multiple critical care team members. The Intensive Care Unit Resource, Evaluation, and Patient Outcomes Rating Tool (ICU REPORT) allows hospitals to thoroughly evaluate their critical care units in terms of personnel, organization and quality improvement processes. This easy-to-use online tool provides an opportunity for ICU directors and staff, as well as hospital administrators, to review the current state of their units, and subsequently implement plans for process and performance improvement...

CMS Finalizes Rule to Disclose Financial Relationships

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 15:59:56 -0500

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has launched the National Physician Payment Transparency Program, known as OPENPAYMENTS. CMS will post any transfer of value from applicable manufacturers to physicians and teaching hospitals on OPENPAYMENTS in an effort to create transparency and reduce the potential for conflicts of interest. Data will be collected starting August 1, 2013, and will be available on the website in September 2014...

Proton Pump Inhibitors Versus H2 Blockers

Fri, 8 Mar 2013 08:40:12 -0600

Up to 25% of intensive care unit (ICU) patients may have gastrointestinal bleeding when stress ulcer prophylaxis is not administered. In a systematic review and meta-analysis by Alhazzani et al, the effect of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) versus histamine 2 receptor antagonists (H2RA) on the prevention of clinically important gastrointestinal bleeding was investigated. Their results were published in the February issue of Critical Care Medicine. After screening 1,215 titles and abstracts, fourteen randomized trials were found. PPIs were associated with a lower risk of clinically important bleeding compared to H2RAs (risk ratio [RR] 0.36;95% confidence interval [CI], 0.19-0.68, P=0.002;I2=0%). PPIs were also associated with a lower risk of overt bleeding compared to H2RAs, with a number needed for prophylaxis of 30 using a control event rate of 5%. The overall methodology employed for this study was outstanding, and this study should serve as a model of how to properly conduct and report a systematic review and meta-analysis. Read the full Concise Critical Appraisal...

Wish Dr. Shoemaker a Happy Birthday!

Fri, 8 Mar 2013 08:39:55 -0600

One of the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s founding fathers and third president (1973-1974), William C. Shoemaker, MD, MCCM, celebrated his 90th birthday on February 27, 2013. Please take a moment to wish him a happy birthday and share your favorite memories...

Nominate Prestigious Fellows for MCCM

Fri, 8 Mar 2013 08:39:38 -0600

The American College of Critical Care Medicine (ACCM), is accepting nominations for Master of Critical Care Medicine (MCCM). Those awarded the MCCM designation have distinguished themselves through outstanding contributions in research and education, as well as through service to the Society and the field. They have achieved national and international professional prominence through personal character, leadership and eminence in clinical practice. MCCMs must have been Fellows of the ACCM for at least five years. Nominations for the MCCM designation are due April 15, 2013. For additional information on eligibility criteria and the nomination process, visit www.sccm.org/accm...

Award Recognizes Excellence in Bedside Teaching

Fri, 8 Mar 2013 08:39:16 -0600

Robert N. Sladen, MBChB, FCCM, and Robert D. Truog, MD, FCCM, both received this year’s Shubin-Weil Master Clinician/Teacher: Excellence in Bedside Teaching Award in recognition of their excellence in both teaching and the ethical practice of critical care. As a professor of anesthesiology at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Sladen sets himself apart from his peers through his commitment to excellence at the bedside. His teaching skills are facilitated by his ability to transform complex subjects and break them into their essential components. His critical care fellowship curriculum at Columbia enhances learning and understanding on the nature of the disease but also in the management of complications. He often brings in nationally recognized lecturers from other institutions to address his students...

New Acute Cardiac Care Products Available

Fri, 8 Mar 2013 08:38:53 -0600

Acute cardiac conditions are becoming increasingly prevalent in critical care units. The publication Acute Cardiac Care: Selected Proceedings from the 10th Summer Conference in Intensive Care Medicine focuses on the effective diagnosis, management and treatment of cardiac complications in critically ill and injured patients. Based on presentations by experts in the field, this monograph is a valuable resource for clinicians who must be ready to provide high-quality care to patients with life-threatening cardiac conditions. You can also experience the educational content from the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) 10th Summer Conference in Intensive Care Medicine: Acute Cardiac Care, via Acute Cardiac Care On Demand. Videos containing both slides and lectures from every session are available in a searchable format, making it the next best thing to attending the live event...

OSCILLATE Trial Finds Possible Problems for ARDS Patients

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 08:48:06 -0600

High-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) has been shown to improve oxygenation and survival in several small trials. Niall Ferguson and the OSCILLATE Trial Investigators, as well as researchers from the Canadian Critical Care Trials Group, performed a study to compare HFOV with a conventional ventilation strategy for patients with new-onset, moderate to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Their results were published online January 22, 2013, in The New England Journal of Medicine...

Guidelines for Pain, Agitation & Delirium

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 08:47:47 -0600

The Society of Critical Care Medicine's American College of Critical Care Medicine published updated sedation guidelines in the January issue of Critical Care Medicine. “Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Pain, Agitation and Delirium in Adult Patients in the Intensive Care Unit” provides a road map for developing integrated, evidence-based, and patient-centered protocols for these conditions. Additionally, the February/March issue of Critical Connections focuses on the importance of pain management in patients in the intensive care unit, highlighting a variety of common issues associated with pain, agitation and delirium: managing patients with neurological injuries, optimizing short- and long-term outcomes, and a historical perspective on modernized sedation management. Guideline lead author Juliana Barr, MD, FCCM, contributed to this issue and participated in an accompanying iCritical Care podcast, SCCM Pod-205...

Celebrate Critical Care Awareness This May

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 08:47:28 -0600

It is not too early to make plans for celebrating National Critical Care Awareness and Recognition Month (NCCARM) this May. Clinical professionals mark this month in various ways, from sharing blue treats with staff and wearing blue on Friday, May 17, 2013, to more formal events, such as educational symposia, staff recognition ceremonies, or intensive care unit tours. Others invite former patients and their families to meet staff and share their progress. Regardless of how you celebrate NCCARM this year, be sure to share your stories and photos with the Society of Critical Care Medicine. Post to our Facebook page or email info@sccm.org...

Awards Recognize Excellence in Critical Care

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 08:47:10 -0600

The Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) offers numerous awards that recognize dedication and contributions to the field in a variety of areas. Nominate yourself or a colleague, or recognize your entire intensive care unit (ICU) team. Most award recipients receive a complimentary registration to the Critical Care Congress. The Shubin-Weil Master Clinician/Teacher: Excellence in Bedside Teaching Award honors a Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) member who is a role model of excellence in both the teaching and ethical practice of critical care. The nominee should be someone with direct patient responsibilities who is not well known nationally or internationally or whose name is not recognized from research efforts. The primary criteria for selection is excellence in teaching as evidenced by the accomplishments of the recipient’s trainees and ability to inspire the next generation of clinician-teachers. Applications and nominations are due April 1, 2013...

FCCM and MCCM Application Deadlines Approaching

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 08:46:53 -0600

The deadline to submit the completed application for the American College of Critical Care Medicine’s (ACCM) prestigious designation of Fellow of the American College of Critical Care Medicine (FCCM) or Master of Critical Care Medicine (MCCM) is April 15, 2013. The FCCM designation honors practitioners, researchers, administrators and educators who have made outstanding contributions to the collaborative field of critical care...

Gain Advanced or Fundamental Ultrasound Skills

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 08:46:31 -0600

Ultrasonography has become an invaluable tool in the management of critically ill and injured patients due to its portability, ease of use and accurate evaluation. With demand for ultrasound on the rise and new developments in technology, it is imperative that critical care practitioners stay up to date in this advanced modality. Obtain the latest ultrasound information available at the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) popular course, Fundamentals of Critical Care Ultrasound, to be held August 7 and 8, 2013, at the JW Marriott in Washington, DC, USA. Participants will benefit from guided, focused skill stations, featuring live models and interactive presentations to reinforce key learning points...

Registration Open for 2013 Board Review Course

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 08:46:05 -0600

The Society of Critical Care Medicine’s 2013 Adult Multiprofessional Critical Care Board Review Course (MCCBRC) sets the standard in board preparation with a comprehensive review that prepares fellows and attending physicians for the certification and recertification examinations in critical care. Led by an internationally recognized faculty, this four-and-a-half-day course offers expert guidance on the core areas of critical care medicine. Whether you need to certify, recertify or simply review, MCCBRC provides an excellent update and thorough overview of the field...

Is Measuring Gastric Residual Volume Necessary?

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 09:02:11 -0600

Monitoring gastric residual volume (GRV), a common practice in intensive care units (ICUs), is believed to decrease the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Jean Reignier and members of the Clinical Research in Intensive Care and Sepsis (CRICS) Group sought to test this belief and published their results in the January 16, 2013, issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association. The results of this study challenge the practice of routinely checking GRVs in all mechanically ventilated patients receiving gastric feeds. A GRV cutoff of 250 mL was used; several other studies have evaluated higher GRVs (up to 500 mL). It is possible that more complications might occur at higher GRVs, but previous work has not shown VAP rates to be greater. Hence, the results are not necessarily externally generalizable to all ICU populations, including surgical and trauma populations. Based on the results of this study, the routine stopping of enteral nutrition for GRVs < 250 mL should be reconsidered in medical ICU patients receiving gastric feeds. Read the full Concise Critical Appraisal...

Surviving Sepsis: Renewed Commitment

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 09:01:46 -0600

The Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) guidelines were published jointly in the February issues of Critical Care Medicine and Intensive Care Medicine, providing an update on best clinical practices for patients with severe sepsis or septic shock. The guidelines were unveiled at a session during the 42nd Critical Care Congress, where leaders of the Campaign championed for a renewed commitment, seeking to increase the number of hospitals contributing data to the Campaign to 10,000 worldwide, to apply the guidelines to 100% of patients in whom the diagnosis is suspected, and to develop a strategy to improve the care of septic patients where healthcare resources are limited...

New USP Label Standard for Heparin Products

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 09:01:23 -0600

The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) has changed the labeling standard for heparin sodium injection and heparin lock flush solution. The new standard requires manufacturers to clearly state on the label the strength of the entire container of the medication, followed closely by how much of the medication is in each milliliter. The standard will become official in May 2013.To assist physicians in transitioning through this change, USP has updated the resources page of their website with additional information on the new standard...

Embark on a Study Mission to South Africa

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 09:01:00 -0600

Visit critical care units in South Africa for an amazing opportunity to expand your knowledge of the scope and practice of care during the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) Study Mission to South Africa, August 25 to September 2, 2013. South Africa is one of the most diverse and enchanting countries in the world. Participants will enjoy great amenities, outstanding sightseeing and exotic adventures throughout the trip...

Restrictive vs. Liberal Transfusion

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 09:06:07 -0600

Current guidelines for the management of upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding recommend a transfusion threshold hemoglobin (hgb) level of 7 g/dL. However, evidence for a restrictive transfusion strategy in acute GI bleeding is lacking. Càndid Villanueva and investigators performed a randomized clinical trial to assess whether a restrictive versus liberal blood transfusion strategy was safer for patients with acute GI hemorrhage. Their results were published in the January 3, 2013, issue of The New England Journal of Medicine...

CCM and PCCM Debut New Look

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 09:05:49 -0600

The Society of Critical Care Medicine’s journals, Critical Care Medicine and Pediatric Critical Care Medicine have a fresh new look. The redesign offers an easy to read two-column page layout with more enhanced tables and figures...

Registration Deadline Approaching for MCCKAP

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 09:05:23 -0600

Friday, February 1, 2013, is the deadline to take advantage of reduced rates for the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) 2013 Multidisciplinary Critical Care Knowledge Assessment Program (MCCKAP). Administered online February 28 to March 8, 2013, the MCCKAP exam is used by critical care program directors to assess the strengths and weaknesses of their fellowship program participants. Available in both adult and pediatric formats, the exam allows program directors...

Are More Patients Surviving In-Hospital Cardiac Arrests?

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 13:42:37 -0600

Despite the increase in evidence-based guidelines for advanced cardiac life support and resuscitation care during the past decade, it is not clear whether survival and neurologic function after in-hospital cardiac arrest have improved. In the November issue of The New England Journal of Medicine, investigators with the American Heart Association’s Get with the Guidelines® (GWTG)-Resuscitation used clinical registry data to examine trends in rates of survival to hospital discharge. The authors concluded that both survival and neurological outcomes improved substantially from 2000 to 2009. While improved survival for in-hospital cardiac arrest is encouraging, future confirmatory studies are indicated to identify the specific aspects responsible for this positive trend. Read the full Concise Critical Appraisal. Additional resources related to critical care cardiac issues are available in the Cardiovascular Knowledge Line of LearnICU.org.

Access Free Webcasts from the 41st Critical Care Congress

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 13:42:20 -0600

Webcasts featuring the sponsored sessions from the Society’s Critical Care Congress in Houston, Texas, USA, still are available for free at LearnICU.org. Access these presentations and earn continuing education credit before they expire: Sedation and Delirium in the ICU - Supported by Hospira, Inc. Sodium Challenges in the Critical Care Patient - Supported by Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. Hypercoagulopathy and Hypocoagulopathy - Supported by The Medicines Company Who Needs Renal Support? - Supported by Gambro

PDR Drug Alert Issued on Rheumatoid Arthritis Agent

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 13:42:02 -0600

PDR Drug Alerts sent an alert to the critical care community regarding the drug Xeljanz (tofacitinlib), which is used to treat adults with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to methotrexate. Xeljanz, which is marketed by Pfizer Inc., was associated with an increased risk of serious infections, including opportunistic infections (which occur primarily when the immune system is suppressed), tuberculosis, cancers and lymphoma. Xeljanz treatment is also associated with increases in cholesterol and liver enzyme tests and decreases in blood counts. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy is necessary for Xeljanz to ensure that the benefits of the drug outweigh the potential risks...

NQF Endorses Stroke Rehabilitation Measures

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 13:41:45 -0600

The National Quality Forum (NQF) has endorsed 14 stroke and stroke rehabilitation measures developed by the American Medical Association (AMA)-convened Physician Consortium for Performance Improvement (PCPI) in collaboration with the American Academy of Neurology, American College of Radiology and the National Committee for Quality Assurance. The Society of Critical Care Medicine contributed to the development and revision of these measures through liaison Thomas Bleck, MD, FCCM. The revised measures are focused on issues related to ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage and transient ischemic attack and are designed to evaluate processes that have been demonstrated to improve outcomes. The revised measures can be downloaded from the AMA website.

Assess Your Fellowship Program with the MCCKAP Exam

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 13:41:24 -0600

Administered online February 28 to March 8, 2013, the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) 2013 Multidisciplinary Critical Care Knowledge Assessment Program (MCCKAP) exam is used by critical care program directors to assess the strengths and weaknesses of their fellowship program participants. Available in both adult and pediatric formats, MCCKAP consists of approximately 200 multiple-choice questions pertaining to critical care knowledge and patient management based on national standards. The MCCKAP exam allows program directors to: Prepare fellows for the subspecialty board examinations in critical care Identify specific knowledge areas of strength and weakness with a list of key terms and references provided for missed questions Receive results for individual fellows and the overall program as well as the institution’s national ranking Assess preliminary scores and analysis immediately upon completion of the test Register before February 1, 2013, to take advantage of discounted rates.

Advance Registration for Congress Ends Next Week

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 13:41:00 -0600

December 12 is the last day to take advantage of advance registration discounts for the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) 42nd Critical Care Congress, to be held in sunny San Juan, Puerto Rico, January 19 to 23, 2013. Thereafter, registration will be accepted on site only. Additional hotels have just been added in Puerto Rico. Visit the Congress housing Web page and make your hotel reservation today! Register online using your Customer ID (INSERT_CUSTOM02) and password, or call SCCM Customer Service at +1 847 827-6888. Download the Congress App Prepare for the 42nd Critical Care Congress by downloading the Congress App to access the complete schedule of events, create your schedule, view the list of speakers and much more. Point your mobile web browser to www.sccm.org/ccc42app to access this handy tool. Apps designed specifically for the iPhone, iPad, Android are available now! Search "SCCM" in Google Play or the iTunes store. Blackberry is coming soon.

Get an Inside View of South Africa’s Healthcare System

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 13:40:41 -0600

Expand your knowledge of the scope and practice of critical care during the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) 2013 Study Mission to South Africa, August 25 to September 2, 2013. Participants of SCCM’s 2013 Study Mission will experience: Daily visits to local private and public hospitals in Johannesburg and Durban, as well as a community clinic in Zululand Sunrise and afternoon safaris through a 55,000 acre wildlife reserve, populated with buffalos, elephants, leopards, rhinos, lions, cheetahs, and more An afternoon of attendance at the 2013 World Congress Meeting in Durban Breathtaking tours to such famous sites as the Apartheid Museum, Nelson Mandela’s house in Soweto, the Voortrekker Monument and Paul Kruger House Museum in Pretoria, Lesedi Cultural Village, and the Zamapilo Craft Market Following the Study Mission is an optional excursion to Cape Town, from September 2 to 6, 2013. During this trip, participants will retreat to a luxury waterfront resort and enjoy tours to Table Mountain, the Groote Schuur Heart Transplant Museum, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, and more.

Intra-Aortic Balloon Support for Cardiogenic Shock, AMI

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 15:12:18 -0500

Despite relative scarce evidence to support their use, intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABPs) have received high-grade recommendations in both U.S. and European guidelines for use in the management of cardiogenic shock. In the October issue of The New England Journal of Medicine, Holger Thiele, MD, and the IABP-SHOCK II trial investigators conducted a controlled study to see whether IABP counterpulsation is associated with improved survival for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and cardiogenic shock...

NQF Seeks Comment on Infectious Disease Standards

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 15:12:01 -0500

The National Quality Forum (NQF) reviews, endorses and recommends healthcare performance measures in an effort to improve care. Two importance measures related to infectious disease should garner special attention from the critical care community. The NQF is seeking public comment on its consensus standards for central line bundle compliance by November 9, 2012. The NQF has voted not to recommend this compliance measure, as it did not pass importance criteria to measure and report. This is related to the drastic improvement in central line infections that have been noted over time and the robust reporting structure currently in place. Measures can be retired when they have met their intended purpose...

SCCM Member Appointed Liaison of NQF

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 15:11:43 -0500

The Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) congratulates member Jason M. Kane, MD, MS, for his recent appointment as liaison to the National Quality Forum (NQF). Kane, who serves as assistant professor of pediatrics and as a pediatric intensivist at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, brings important expertise in patient safety having completed a master’s of science degree in patient safety and healthcare quality at Northwestern University. In his new role, Kane will serve on the Health Professionals Council, providing information on performance measurement and public reporting to SCCM’s leadership and membership...

New Drugs Tied to Fungal Meningitis Outbreak

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 15:11:27 -0500

The Society of Critical Care Medicine is staying apprised of the multistate fungal meningitis outbreak stemming from steroid injections. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has noted two additional tainted drugs. A cooling cardioplegia solution made by New England Compounding Center (NECC), used in heart surgery; and triamcinolone acetonide, utilized for skin conditions, have been implicated. While the FDA hasn’t confirmed that the two products are to blame, it has issued a warning...

New Webcast Series Offers Sepsis Care Strategies

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 15:11:07 -0500

Please join us on Tuesday, November 13, 2012, for the first event in a newly developed free webcast series that provides strategies for successful implementation of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC). The SSC, an initiative of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM) and the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM), aims to improve the management, diagnosis and treatment of sepsis in order to reduce the high mortality rate associated with the condition. The SSC’s guidelines for management of severe sepsis and septic shock involve the implementation of process improvement initiatives via care bundles...

Pro/Con: Deactivating Durable Mechanical Support Devices

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 15:10:48 -0500

Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) and total artificial hearts (TAH) are surgically implanted as a permanent treatment of unrecoverable heart failure. Both are durable mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices that can prolong patient survival but can also influence the end-of-life trajectory. Discontinuing assisted circulation is a prevalent ethical challenge because device deactivation is a life-ending intervention. The Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) November 15 webcast, When Is Deactivating Durable MCS Devices Physician-Assisted Death?, will present a pro/con debate on the permissibility of end-of-life deactivation of durable MCS devices...

Cue the Calypso Music and Register for Congress Today

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 15:10:31 -0500

Surrender to the charm of island life, and experience the true beauty of the Caribbean at the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) 42nd Critical Care Congress, to be held January 19 to 23, 2013, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where attendees will encounter new health principles that can be integrated into patient care and utilized to create healthier, safer work environments...

Embark on a Unique Critical Care Study Mission to South Africa

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 15:10:14 -0500

Expand your knowledge of the scope and practice of critical care during the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) Study Mission to South Africa, to be held August 25 to September 2, 2013. South Africa is one of the most diverse and enchanting countries in the world. Exotic combinations of landscapes, people, history and culture offer a unique and inspiring setting...

Increased Risk of Death with Insulin Control and Hypoglycemia

Thu, 4 Oct 2012 14:44:02 -0500

The Normoglycemia in Intensive Care Evaluation-Survival Using Glucose Algorithm Regulation (NICE-SUGAR) trial recruited 6,104 intensive care unit (ICU) patients in 24 hospitals. In this post hoc analysis of the trial’s database, the NICE-SUGAR investigators explored the association between different levels of hypoglycemia and death. Findings were published in the September 20 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine. Forty-five percent of patients had moderate hypoglycemia, including 74.2% of patients in the intensive glucose control group. In the intensive glucose control group, 6.9% of patients had severe hypoglycemia (n=208/3013). Patients with moderate hypoglycemia were more likely to have severe sepsis, trauma, diabetes, and cardiovascular failure...

10 Ethical Rules for Hospitals During a Drug Shortage

Thu, 4 Oct 2012 14:43:45 -0500

A group of clinicians at Duke University Medical Center have published a drug rationing plan to help healthcare providers make fair and equitable choices when medications run low. “Coping with Critical Drug Shortages: An Ethical Approach for Allocating Scarce Resources in Hospitals,” published in the Archives of Internal Medicine outlines 10 ethical rules for hospitals. In an accompanying editorial, Paula Rochon, MD, MPH, FRCPC, and Jerry Gurwitz, MD, called the article a wake-up call to clinicians to become better educated about and more engaged in the issue of drug shortages. "Clinicians need to be vigilant about reviewing the drug shortage alert they receive because these alerts may directly affect their patients and their plans for patient care," they wrote...

SCCM Member Receives National Pharmacy Research Grant

Thu, 4 Oct 2012 14:43:24 -0500

The Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) congratulates Pamela L. Smithburger, PharmD, BCPS, one of only two pharmacist investigators to receive the New Investigator Research Grant from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Research and Education Foundation. The grant helps ensure that pharmacists participate on interdisciplinary patient care teams by accounting for patients’ medication outcomes. The $20,000 grant will be used to conduct Smithburger’s research related to off-label medication use and adverse drug events in adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients, with guidance from senior investigator and fellow SCCM member Sandra Kane-Gill, PharmD, MS, FCCM...

Optimize Airway Functions in Critically Ill Patients

Thu, 4 Oct 2012 14:43:06 -0500

Reducing potential complications associated with airway devices in critically ill patients requires a thorough understanding of current airway management practices and trends. Utilizing research-based protocols is an important way in which critical care practitioners may contribute to improving patient care and outcomes. The Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) October 18 webcast, Airway Complications and Management, will provide strategies on how to assess for airway problems before intubation and how to manage an intubated patient.

On-Site Registration Available for Pharmacotherapy Course

Thu, 4 Oct 2012 14:42:49 -0500

Registration will be available on site for the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) Pharmacotherapy in Critical Illness conference, to be held October 19 and 20, 2012, at the Loews New Orleans Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. An SCCM member will be available to assist you starting Friday, October 19, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the SCCM registration desk in Parish Hall. Participate in thought-provoking discussions on effective drug therapies for challenges that arise in the pharmacological treatment of critically ill patients. This conference will feature didactic sessions, case presentations, pro/con debates, audience participation, and question-and-answer sessions...

Get in the Spirit of Puerto Rico

Thu, 4 Oct 2012 14:42:31 -0500

The production of "Ron" (Spanish for Rum) has been a stalwart of the Puerto Rican economy since the 16th century. Rum production began in the 1650s, a byproduct of the sugar cane industry on which Puerto Rico made its early living. Today, Puerto Rico produces approximately 70% of the rum consumed in the United States and boasts internationally recognized and celebrated brands that have garnered countless awards. Here’s an introductory “rumdown” on which rum to use for a particular occasion: Light or Silver Rum Subtle flavor and delicate aroma. Ideal to mix with fruit juices. Gold or Amber Rum Full-bodied with a deep, mellow flavor. Perfect with seafood dishes. Dark or Black Rum Full-bodied with a deep taste and a complex flavor. Pairs well with steak. Premium Aged Rums Specially aged to provide a slight twist in flavor. The perfect after-dinner sip.

Is Too Much Fluid Bad for Patients With SAH?

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 09:07:43 -0500

Induced hypertension, hypervolemia and hemodilution (triple-H) therapy has historically been considered to be beneficial for the treatment of vasospasm in patients with non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). In the October issue of Neurocritical Care, Martini and colleagues from the Oregon Health and Science University and University of Washington sought to determine the association between early fluid balance and outcomes for patients with SAH. They reviewed 356 patients with SAH in a retrospective trial at a level I trauma and stroke referral center in Seattle, Washington...

Read Pediatric Critical Care Medicine on Your iPad

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 09:07:27 -0500

The September issue of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine (PCCM) is now available online. The issue includes an article by Katri Typpo, MD, MPH, titled “Impact of Resident Duty Hour Limits on Safety in the ICU: A National Survey of Pediatric and Neonatal Intensivists.” Read the article and then listen to an in-depth interview with the author in SCCM Pod-192 PCCM: Residents Reveal Patient Safety Perceptions. Subscribe to the iCritical Care podcasts at iTunes or download episodes at www.sccm.org/iCriticalCare...

Critical Connections Highlights Palliative Care, ACCM Guidelines

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 09:07:11 -0500

The August/September issue of Critical Connections focuses on the importance of providing quality palliative care in the intensive care unit. Find practical tools for integrating palliative care professionals into the emergency department, learn more about palliative care in the pediatric intensive care unit, and gain insight into the chaplain’s perspective...

New Webcast Provides Strategies to Prevent Airway Issues

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 09:06:52 -0500

Airway complications are among the most common issues reported in the intensive care unit, with human error playing the most important role. Although airway control is often a challenging task, research indicates the following strategies can help minimize the risks associated with intubation: a thorough airway assessment, use of continuous capnography and suitably trained operators and assistants...

Pharmacotherapy On-Site Registration Available

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 09:06:35 -0500

Join your colleagues October 19 and 20, 2012, in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, for the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) conference, Pharmacotherapy in Critical Illness. Registration will be available on site at Loews New Orleans Hotel. An SCCM member will be available to assist you starting Friday, October 19, from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the SCCM registration desk in Parish Hall. To take advantage of the exclusive discounted hotel rate for attendees, make your hotel reservation by Wednesday, September 26, 2012...

Explore the Latest Developments in Critical Care at Congress

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 09:06:13 -0500

From the breathtaking sunsets and shimmering beaches, to the ancient caves and cool, mountainous, subtropical rainforests, Puerto Rico provides a canvas of diverse environments and unrivaled natural wonders. Experience paradise perfected at the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) 42nd Critical Care Congress, to be held January 19 to 23, 2013, at the Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This five-day event will offer opportunities to make valuable connections and draw diverse perspectives from all members of the multiprofessional critical care team. Learn about the latest developments in critical care by attending the always-popular abstract presentations and Poster Hall events offered at Congress...

Corticosteroids and Outcomes for Patients with Pneumonia

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 10:43:26 -0500

Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are often prescribed systemic corticosteroids for a wide variety of indications, including chronic obstructive lung disease and multiple trauma injuries. To assess the characteristics and outcomes of patients with ICU-acquired pneumonia that received steroids, Ranzani and colleagues performed a prospective observational study at a major university teaching hospital in Barcelona, Spain. Their findings were published in the September issue of Critical Care Medicine. Of the 316 consecutive patients included, 125 (40%) received steroids at the time ICU-acquired pneumonia was diagnosed. In the steroid group, unadjusted mortality was 39% (n=49) compared to 28% in the group that did not receive steroids. After adjustment for multiple independent variables, steroid treatment was statistically significantly associated with decreased 28-day survival (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.503; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-5.33; p=0.017).

FDA Hold Workshops on Safety of Starch IV Drips

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 10:43:11 -0500

Clinicians have debated the safety and efficacy of hydroxyethyl starch, widely used for fluid resuscitation in intensive care units, especially in patients with severe sepsis. A study published in the July New England Journal of Medicine found that after 90 days, 201 patients of 398 given starch had died, compared with 172 of 400 given the fluid Ringer's acetate. Starches have been used in the belief that they are less likely to leach out of the circulatory system than saline. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has convened public workshops this week to discuss whether the use of starches should be discontinued. "The Society is following these developments closely and will keep our members informed as more information becomes available," said SCCM president-elect Carol Thompson, PhD, ACNP, CCRN.

Section and Chapter Grants Support Educational Opportunities

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 10:42:54 -0500

The deadline to apply for travel grants has been extended through Friday, September 14, 2012. Select Society of Critical Care Medicine Specialty Sections are offering $500 to first and presenting authors of accepted abstracts to help offset travel expenses to Congress. For additional information on the grant, please contact Colette Punda at cpunda@sccm.org. In addition, the Northeast Chapter provides grant opportunities to support grand rounds, visiting lecturers and more. Applicants must be members of the Northeast Chapter, allow attendance of fellow chapter members, and advertise events in the chapter’s iRoom. Applications should include a brief statement about an event’s relation to patient care, staff/faculty development, quality and patient safety, or focused critical care populations. For additional information, contact the chapter. The Northeast Chapter serves Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. Follow the chapter on Twitter.

Upcoming Webcast Will Address Management of IAH and ACS

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 10:42:35 -0500

Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) is recognized as the cause and consequence of many adverse events in critically ill patients. While generally occurring in surgical patients, IAH may also occur in medical patients without abdominal conditions and is a potential cause of kidney failure in critically ill patients. The Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) September 20 webcast, Managing Intra-abdominal Hypertension and Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (ACS), will discuss the current understanding of these conditions, early recognition and assessment, and treatment and preventative measures using the collaborative practices of the intensive care unit clinical staff.

New Orleans is Jazzed Up for the Pharmacotherapy Conference

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 10:42:17 -0500

Hurricane Isaac had no lasting impact on New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, and the city is ready to host the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) Pharmacotherapy in Critical Illness conference October 19 and 20, 2012, with its world-class music, piping hot gumbo and sweet beignets. Recent news reports regarding flooding are for regions outside of the metropolitan area and New Orleans remains unaffected. Join your colleagues for a trip to the Big Easy to obtain the latest evidence-based information on how to optimize drug therapy outcomes. Register by Wednesday, September 19, 2012, to take advantage of reduced registration rates.

Congress Offers Innovative Learning Opportunities

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 10:41:56 -0500

Discover the unique experience of Congress, the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) largest gathering of diverse and creative thought leaders from around the world. Explore opportunities to make powerful advances in critical care while learning alongside other members of the multiprofessional team during these popular Congress sessions: Pre-Congress Educational Sessions Arrive at Congress early and participate in pre-Congress educational sessions. Each course is packed with essential clinical information to keep you well informed on various critical care topics. Educational Symposia Learn about clinical breakthroughs and advances that lead to better patient care during the stimulating discussions of educational symposia. Sessions are presented by experts in critical care and are complimentary for all registrants. Plenary Sessions Attend thought-provoking presentations that promote innovative developments in critical care. Plenary sessions are held at unopposed times with presentations given by leaders in the critical care field. Exhibit Hall One of the world’s largest critical care exhibitions, the exhibit hall features companies showcasing the latest technologies, products, services, and career opportunities available to critical care practitioners.

Acquire the Fundamentals with SCCM's Ultrasound Course

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 10:41:48 -0500

In the evaluation and treatment of acute illness and injury, every second makes a difference. Focused ultrasound examinations in the critical care setting have become an extension of the clinical assessment because of their rapid, precise detection capabilities. The Society of Critical Care Medicine's (SCCM) innovative course, Fundamentals of Critical Care Ultrasound, to be held January 18 and 19, 2013, at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel and Casino in San Juan, Puerto Rico, will provide participants with the latest ultrasound information available...

Find Comprehensive Web Resources on Drug Shortages

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 10:40:20 -0500

The Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) Drug Shortage Task Force has compiled a list of websites for those facing drug shortages in their intensive care units. This comprehensive resource includes links to relevant government and professional organizations that provide information on shortages, as well as access to Canadian-based websites, drug wholesalers and drug manufacturers...

CRBIs: Are Femoral Lines as Bad as Previously Thought?

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 09:12:28 -0500

In the 2011 recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Infectious Diseases Society of America, avoidance of the femoral vein for central venous access is listed as a class 1A recommendation for the prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBIs). In the August issue of Critical Care Medicine, Marik and colleagues conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the risk of CRBI for catheters placed in the femoral versus the subclavian and internal jugular (IJ) veins...

Call for Abstract Reviewers

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 09:12:10 -0500

The Society of Critical Care Medicine is seeking abstract reviewers for the 42nd Critical Care Congress. Applications are being accepted until Friday, August 31. Reviewing will be performed online from September 10 to 23, 2012, and is open to those who have at least three years experience in critical care and have been previously published...

Past-President Discusses Importance of Supply Chain Integrity

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 09:11:27 -0500

The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP), of which the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) is a member, has drafted a document recommending best practices to ensure supply chain integrity for drug components and products. Good Distribution Practices -- Supply Chain Integrity highlights strategies to combat counterfeit drugs and medical devices and avoid theft and diversion. Supply chain integrity has been a major issue as the pharmaceutical industry globalizes, procuring materials from distant sources through complex distribution paths with multiple handoffs. Counterfeit heparin was identified in the United States and Europe in 2007, and counterfeit cancer medicines Avastin and Altuzan were distributed this year...

FCCS Fifth Edition Officially Launches

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 09:11:07 -0500

The Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) Fundamental Critical Care Support Course (FCCS) has been updated and enhanced to reflect the latest research and the most effective training approaches in critical care. The fifth edition curriculum emphasizes case-based education, with scenarios that mirror clinical reality...

New Webcast Addresses Management of IAH and ACS

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 09:10:25 -0500

A recent study concluded that intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) is associated with an increased risk of mortality in critically ill patients. Generally occurring in surgical patients, IAH may also occur in medical patients with no abdominal conditions and is a potential cause of kidney failure in critically ill patients. The Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) Sept. 20 webcast, Managing Intra-Abdominal Hypertension and Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (ACS), will discuss the current understanding of IAH and ACS, early recognition and assessment, and treatment and preventative measures using the collaborative practices of the intensive care unit clinical staff...

Early Registration for Pharmacotherapy Conference Ends Soon

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 09:10:06 -0500

Register for the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) Pharmacotherapy in Critical Illness conference by Wednesday, August 22, 2012, to take advantage of reduced registration rates. Renowned faculty will provide strategies for identifying and rapidly intervening to promote a significant and sustainable decrease in deaths related to adverse medication reactions and complications...

Help Shape the Future of Critical Care Medicine

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 09:09:47 -0500

Learn about new developments and tools to help expand your knowledge and advance your practice of critical care at the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) 42nd Critical Care Congress to be held January 19 to 23, 2013, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. As the oldest city under the U.S. flag, San Juan’s rich history and culture will serve as a stimulating backdrop for the 2013 Congress...

Hydroxyethyl Starch Harmful in Severe Sepsis

Thu, 2 Aug 2012 15:01:40 -0500

Based on the results of several small trials, the safety of colloid solutions containing high-molecular-weight hydroxyethyl starch (HES) has been questioned in patients with severe sepsis. In the July 12 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine, Perner and investigators from the 6S Trial Group and the Scandinavian Critical Care Trials Group reported the results from a multicenter, blinded, stratified, parallel-group randomized trial conducted in 26 Scandinavian intensive care units from 2009 to 2011. The effects of HES (130/0.42) were compared to those of Ringer’s acetate on the composite outcomes of death or end-stage renal failure in patients with severe sepsis...

Participate in an International Study on Mechanical Ventilation

Thu, 2 Aug 2012 15:01:22 -0500

The International Observational Study Investigators are looking at mechanical ventilation (MV) discontinuation practices internationally in intensive care units (ICU). The investigators have selected various international ICUs, and are now seeking a few U.S. ICUs to join in this research endeavor. The goal of the study is to characterize practice variation in weaning critically ill adults from invasive MV as well as the influence of selected discontinuation strategies on important outcomes. Each ICU will be asked to collect data on at least 10 consecutive discontinuation events – one event (e.g., tracheostomy, direct extubation, initial successful spontaneous breathing trial) per patient receiving invasive ventilation for at least 24 hours and all patients who die before any attempt at MV discontinuation can be made...

Registration Ends Tomorrow for Bimonthly Lecture

Thu, 2 Aug 2012 15:01:02 -0500

The Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) many regional chapters provide educational sessions and networking opportunities. The Southeast Chapter will hold its bimonthly lecture, Therapeutic Hypothermia: (Almost) Everything You Want to Know! Evidence to Practice and Beyond, on August 8, 2012, in the Grady Trauma Auditorium of Grady Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Dinner will be provided for all registered attendees. The deadline to register is August 3, 2012. Contact chapter secretary Marina Rabinovich, PharmD, BCPS, at mrabinovich@gmh.edu to register...

Access Free Webcasts from the 41st Critical Care Congress

Thu, 2 Aug 2012 15:00:43 -0500

Several webcasts featuring industry-supported sessions from the Society’s Critical Care Congress in Houston, Texas, USA, are now available for free at LearnICU.org...

Pharmacotherapy Early Registration Deadline Approaching

Thu, 2 Aug 2012 15:00:23 -0500

Take advantage of reduced rates for the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) Pharmacotherapy in Critical Illness conference by registering before August 22, 2012. The course, to be held October 19 and 20, 2012, in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, will examine research on the latest drug therapy advances with didactic sessions, case presentations, pro/con debates, and question-and-answer sessions...

Explore Puerto Rico at Congress with SCCM's Organized Tours

Thu, 2 Aug 2012 14:59:41 -0500

San Juan, Puerto Rico, is known for its blend of warm tropical waters, vibrant culture and fascinating history. Make the most of this ecological paradise during the Society of Critical Care Medicine's 42nd Critical Care Congress by participating in one of the tours...

Registration Now Open for January 2013 Ultrasound Course

Thu, 2 Aug 2012 14:59:23 -0500

Ultrasonography has become an invaluable tool in the management of critically ill and injured patients due to its portability, ease of use and accurate evaluation. Ultrasound is relatively inexpensive and presents little threat to patients and practitioners. With demand for ultrasound on the rise and new developments in technology, it is imperative that critical care practitioners stay up to date in this advanced modality...

Is Combination Antibiotic Treatment Beneficial for Sepsis?

Thu, 2 Aug 2012 14:59:02 -0500

Combination empirical antimicrobial therapy, including agents that target Gram-negative bacteria, have been reported to lower mortality and morbidity in patients with severe sepsis. Investigators from the German-based SepNet trials group performed a randomized, open-label, parallel-group study to compare the effect of combination therapy with meropenem and moxifloxacin (combination therapy) versus meropenem alone (monotherapy) for empirical treatment of patients with severe sepsis. Results were published in the June issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association...

Updated Stroke Measures Approved

Thu, 2 Aug 2012 14:58:47 -0500

The membership of the American Medical Association (AMA)-convened Physician Consortium for Performance Improvement (PCPI) has approved the updated Stroke Rehabilitation Measure Set, developed in collaboration with the American Academy of Neurology, the American College of Radiology and the National Committee for Quality Assurance...

PCCM and CCM Receive High Impact Factors

Thu, 2 Aug 2012 14:58:29 -0500

The Society of Critical Care Medicine extends its congratulations and thanks to Pediatric Critical Care Medicine editor Patrick Kochanek, MD, MCCM, and Critical Care Medicine editor-in-chief Joseph E. Parrillo, MD, MCCM, as well as to the editorial boards and staff involved in both journals on their recent rise in the standings among critical care journals...

Has Your Team Improved Family-Centered Care in the ICU?

Thu, 2 Aug 2012 14:58:10 -0500

As the surgical intensive care/rapid response team at the University of Michigan Hospital & Health System sought to create a family friendly environment within the ICU, they opened visiting hours without restrictions, allowed families to be present during emergencies, procedures and routine care, and encouraged family participation in multidisciplinary rounds. The team also created a Getting to Know You form to help them personalize patient conversations...

Are You Preventing Adverse Drug Events?

Thu, 2 Aug 2012 14:57:46 -0500

No matter what your role in patient care, you can help provide patients with the maximum benefits of pharmacotherapy. The Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) upcoming conference, Pharmacotherapy in Critical Illness, will examine research on the latest drug therapy advances...

Cast Away in the Turquoise Waters of the Caribbean

Thu, 2 Aug 2012 14:57:27 -0500

Surrender to the sound of tropical wind rushing through palm trees and the tide crashing on the sand. Imagine the soothing sound of the Puerto Rican coquí serenading islanders and visitors alike to sleep while dusk sets. Experience paradise perfected at the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) 42nd Critical Care Congress, to be held January 19 to 23, 2013, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where more than 4,000 critical care professionals will come together to advance the mission of providing the best possible care to critically ill and injured patients...

Intravenous Sodium Bicarbonate

Thu, 2 Aug 2012 14:57:06 -0500

The Society of Critical Care Medicine has formed a Drug Shortage Task Force to alert its members of shortages affecting care in the intensive care unit. This group of experts will highlight common and/or recent drug shortages and will outline management strategies, pharmacotherapeutic considerations, safety implications and additional resources.

An Updated Definition for ARDS

Thu, 5 Jul 2012 15:21:50 -0500

Since the 1994 American-European Consensus Conference (AECC), the definition for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has been widely used in both clinical practice and applied research, however, the AECC definition has several problems. Therefore, a consensus process was initiated, an expert panel was assembled and the background literature was reviewed. Following in-person informal consensus discussions in September and October 2011, in Berlin, Germany, a draft of the revised definition was created. The finalized definition was published as a special communication in the June issue of The Journal of the American Medicine Association (JAMA)...

PQRIwizard Helps Providers Report Data to CMS

Thu, 5 Jul 2012 15:21:33 -0500

The Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) has launched the PQRIwizard, a fast, convenient and cost-effective online tool to help collect and report quality measure data for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) incentive payment program. Similar to online tax preparation software, the PQRIwizard helps guide users through a few easy steps to collect, validate, report, and submit results to the CMS for payment. Eligible providers who participate in PQRS 2012 can receive an incentive payment of 1% of their total allowed charges for Physician Fee Schedule-covered services. Physicians, eligible healthcare providers and hospitals should begin reporting data to the PQRS by January 1, 2013. Those who do not will be assessed a 1.5% penalty beginning in 2015 (which will be based on whether they reported in 2013)...

Congratulations to SCCM Members on Prominent Appointments

Thu, 5 Jul 2012 15:21:01 -0500

The Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) congratulates several of its members for the following recent appointments: Avery Tung, MD, will serve as the SCCM representative to the Physician Consortium for Performance Improvement (PCPI) Anesthesiology and Critical Care Workgroup. Members of the workgroup will have an opportunity to propose revisions to current measures and to identify new measures. Tung currently practices at the University of Chicago Medical Center...

Regional Chapter to Hold Annual Conference

Thu, 5 Jul 2012 15:20:43 -0500

The Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) many regional chapters provide educational sessions and networking opportunities. The Pennsylvania Chapter of SCCM will hold its 17th Annual Challenges in Critical Care conference on August 24, 2012, at the Hotel Hershey in Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA. The deadline to submit a one-page poster abstract and/or a one-page case study for the meeting is July 30, 2012. Guidelines and online submission information are available at www.pennstatehershey.org/web/ccc. Contact chapter president Sandralee A. Blosser, MD, FCCM, at sblosser@psu.edu for additional information about the meeting...

SCCM Awards Recognize Dedication to Critical Care

Thu, 5 Jul 2012 15:20:27 -0500

Register On Site for Ultrasound Courses

Thu, 5 Jul 2012 15:20:08 -0500

Register on site for the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) Fundamentals of Critical Care Ultrasound and Advanced Ultrasound courses. The Fundamentals course will be held July 29 and 30, 2012, at the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park in Chicago, Illinois, USA. The Advanced course will be held on July 31, 2012...

Register On Site for SCCM's Adult and Pediatric MCCBRC

Thu, 5 Jul 2012 15:19:50 -0500

Join your colleagues July 24 to 28, 2012, in Chicago, Illinois, USA, for the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) Adult and Pediatric Multiprofessional Critical Care Board Review Courses (MCCBRC). The Adult MCCBRC is led by founding directors Joseph E. Parrillo, MD, MCCM, and Henry Masur, MD, FCCM; the Pediatric MCCBRC by founding directors, Heidi J. Dalton, MD, FCCM, and Anthony D. Slonim, MD, PhD, FCCM. Both courses will provide attendees with first-hand expert guidance from internationally recognized faculty members on the essential exam areas. For those not preparing for the exam, the courses provide an excellent update and overview of critical care medicine...

Integrate New Drug Therapy Trends into Your Clinical Practice

Thu, 5 Jul 2012 15:19:15 -0500

Advances in diagnostic tests, technological interventions and pharmacotherapy have led to positive results for many critical care patients. However, the complexity and intensity of care required for these patients is often associated with higher risks for drug complications. Obtain the latest evidence-based information on how to optimize drug therapy outcomes and integrate new trends into your clinical practice at the Society of Critical Care Medicine's (SCCM) upcoming conference, Pharmacotherapy in Critical Illness, to be held October 19 and 20, 2012, in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA...

Arrive in San Juan Early for Pre-Congress Educational Sessions

Thu, 5 Jul 2012 15:18:56 -0500

The Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) 42nd Critical Care Congress will be packed with essential clinical information to keep you well-informed on the latest groundbreaking research and developments in critical care. Each year the pre-Congress educational sessions reflect the most up-to-date topics and evidence-based information so you can incorporate the latest clinical treatments and administrative strategies into your everyday practice. Space for each course is limited, so register early to guarantee your top choices...

2013 Health Research and Services Funding Bill Approved

Thu, 5 Jul 2012 15:18:35 -0500

Earlier this month, Society of Critical Care Medicine president Clifford S. Deutschman, MS, MD, FCCM, sent a letter to members urging them to reach out to their senators to oppose the President’s FY2013 budget, which would further decrease funding to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Last week, the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations subcommittee officially passed the 2013 health research and services spending bill, known as the LHHS-ED bill, which provides funding for both the NIH and CDC, as well as many other federal health programs...

Is Nighttime Staffing by Intensivists Really Necessary?

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 16:28:22 -0500

Several studies have demonstrated improved outcomes when intensive care units (ICUs) are staffed by intensivists. Data supporting the benefits of 24-hour intensivist staffing have been inconsistent, with most studies hailing from single centers. In the May issue of The New England Journal of Medicine, researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in Pennsylvania retrospectively examined the relationship between nighttime intensivist physician staffing and mortality among ICU patients in a multicenter study involving 34 hospitals using the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) clinical information system...

Recognize Excellence in Critical Care Management

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 16:27:57 -0500

Congratulations to Emmanuel P. Rivers, MD, MPH, IOM, who received the 2012 Barry A. Shapiro Award for Excellence in Critical Care Management. Rivers serves as vice chair and director of research in the Department of Emergency Medicine and Critical Care at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, USA. An internationally recognized lecturer, researcher and practitioner of critical care, Rivers has helped change the way practitioners treat sepsis. His early work in oxygen transport during resuscitation resulted in the landmark 2001 study, “Early Goal-Directed Therapy in the Treatment of Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock,” published in The New England Journal of Medicine. It provided a framework for hospital implementation of multiprofessional resuscitation bundles, resulting in improved patient outcomes and significant cost savings. Additionally, his expertise in post-operative management of abdominal organ transplant patients was instrumental in the development of the liver transplant program at his institution...

Are You Listening to the iCritical Care Podcasts?

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 16:27:30 -0500

The iCritical Care podcasts continue to deliver engaging, in-depth interviews with new hosts Jeffrey Guy, MD, MSc, MMHC, and Michael Weinstein, MD, FACS, FCCP, and returning host Margaret Parker, MD, FCCM. Access episodes at www.sccm.org/iCriticalCare or subscribe via iTunes and tell us how we are doing. Your colleagues have offered encouraging feedback, which has iCritical Care emerge as one of the top 20 medical podcasts on iTunes...

SCCM Now Offers Customized Apparel

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 16:27:11 -0500

Make an item uniquely yours by adding a personal touch to the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) apparel. The new apparel store offers high-quality caps, fleece jackets, polo shirts, wind shirts and woven shirts. Choose from a wide variety of styles, colors and sizes. Now you can even customize the placement of SCCM logos to your liking. Ordering is easy; simply select a color, size, logo and quantity. Items ship directly to you within five to seven business days...

Ultrasound Registration Deadlines Next Week

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 16:26:53 -0500

Register for the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) Fundamentals of Critical Care Ultrasound and Advanced Ultrasound courses by Wednesday, June 27, 2012, to take advantage of the advanced registration rate. With the power of real-time ultrasound examinations, you can make faster, better-informed decisions that can improve patient outcomes. Learn to recognize imaging characteristics of commonly seen critical care cases and guide treatment based on your findings...

Board Review Hotel and Registration Deadlines Approaching

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 16:26:36 -0500

Registration Now Open for Pharmacotherapy Conference

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 16:26:20 -0500

Obtain the latest evidence-based information on how to optimize drug therapy outcomes and integrate new trends into your clinical practice at the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) upcoming conference, Pharmacotherapy in Critical Illness, to be held October 19 and 20, 2012, in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. Take advantage of reduced registration rates and act before August 22, 2012...

Palliative Care Podcast and Webcast On Demand Now Available

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 16:25:51 -0500

Palliative care is increasingly accepted as an integral component of comprehensive care for critically ill patients, including those pursuing every reasonable treatment to prolong life. For these patients, symptom control and patient and family support require strong communication skills to ensure treatments are aligned with patient and family values and preferences...

ECMO as a Bridge to Lung Transplantation

Fri, 8 Jun 2012 09:09:33 -0500

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for support of adult patients with acute lung failure has been a vigorously debated topic among critical care professionals. As researchers continue to investigate its risks and benefits, indications for use are slowly expanding. Increasing wait times for lung transplants and the poor outcomes associated with endotracheal intubation warrant new support strategies for patients with end-stage lung disease. The authors of an article published in the April 2012 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine examined the role of ECMO as a bridge to lung transplantation...

ICUs Throughout the U.S. are Eliminating HAIs

Fri, 8 Jun 2012 09:09:13 -0500

The Critical Care Societies Collaborative, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has recognized 12 hospital and healthcare facilities for eliminating central line-associated bloodstream infections and ventilator-associated pneumonia. This national awards program, created in 2011, aims to motivate the healthcare community to achieve wide-scale elimination of healthcare-associated infections and to inspire other clinicians, hospital executives and facilities to improve clinical practice through the utilization of evidence-based guidelines. The awards were presented last month during the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition. The April/May issue of Critical Connections features an article that chronicles select award-winning intensive care units from last year and highlights how they achieved their success...

SCCM Awards Recognize Dedication to Critical Care

Fri, 8 Jun 2012 09:08:51 -0500

Electronic Drug Alerts Provide Timely Safety Info

Fri, 8 Jun 2012 09:08:32 -0500

PDR Drug Alerts disseminate immediate, electronic delivery of any alerts and safety information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The Society of Critical Care Medicine is proud to extend this complimentary service to its members. Expanded services, such as weekly updates to reflect labeling changes and continuing medical education for reviewing information, are also available through the PDR Network...

Effects of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Pediatric Oxygenation

Fri, 8 Jun 2012 09:08:13 -0500

The energy production required for a newborn or child to maintain metabolic functions is reliant upon the availability of oxygen to the mitochondria and its subsequent transformation. Mitochondria play multiple roles, including maintaining energy homeostasis in response to environmental and cellular stress. Therefore, a key aspect of normal function is the ability of the cell to respond to stress by stimulating mitochondrial biogenesis and turnover. Impairment of this ability can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and disruption of cell energetics...

Adult/Pediatric Board Review Courses Are Quickly Approaching

Fri, 8 Jun 2012 09:07:54 -0500

Before you take the most important exam of your medical career, attend the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) Adult and Pediatric Multiprofessional Critical Care Board Review Courses (MCCBRC)...

Set Your Watch to Island Time: Congress Registration Now Open

Fri, 8 Jun 2012 09:07:05 -0500

Registration is now open for the largest multiprofessional critical care event of the year! Embrace tropical influences and natural wonders in a Caribbean setting at the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) 42nd Critical Care Congress, to be held January 19 to 23, 2013, in San Juan, Puerto Rico...

Activated Protein C for Sepsis

Fri, 18 May 2012 08:24:41 -0500

Results of the PROWESS-SHOCK trial, as well as a 2012 Cochrane review, seem to have resolved the controversy related to efficacy of recombinant human activated protein C (rhAPC). However, discussion continues, as the May issue of Critical Care Medicine examines observational data from the Surviving Sepsis Campaign to analyze the association between treatment with rhAPC and outcomes among patients with severe sepsis. Casserly et al completed this study before the release of the PROWESS-SHOCK results. After adjusting for multiple confounders, patients who received rhAPC had statistically significantly lower in-hospital mortality according to a multivariable logistic regression analysis (odds ratio, 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.66-0.86; P<0.001). Propensity score matching was used to validate the risk adjusted multivariate regression model, and the results were similar. Patients with thrombocytopenia and coagulopathy also were found to have lower, and statistically significant, adjusted risks of hospital mortality...

Wear Blue Tomorrow to Show Support for NCCARM

Fri, 18 May 2012 08:24:19 -0500

Be sure to wear blue on Friday, May 18, to show your support for National Critical Care Awareness and Recognition Month (NCCARM). There is still time to mark this year’s NCCARM, and the Society offers several simple ideas for recognition of the critical care team. Some teams choose to offer tours of the intensive care unit to other hospital staff, while others organize educational symposia or invite patients and families back to the unit. No matter how you choose to celebrate, we hope you post your NCCARM photos and stories to the SCCM Facebook page...

NQF Seeks Comment on Critical Care, Pulmonary Measures

Fri, 18 May 2012 08:23:56 -0500

The National Quality Forum (NQF) is seeking public comment on its voluntary consensus standards for pulmonary conditions and critical care. In the last decade, the organization has endorsed many consensus standards to evaluate the quality of care within these areas, but as data collection, care delivery and other factors improve, it is necessary to develop more sophisticated measures of healthcare processes and outcomes. An evaluation of the NQF-endorsed® current and new pulmonary and critical care measures will ensure the currency of NQF’s portfolio of voluntary consensus standards...

Former SCCM President Awarded CMS Innovation Grant

Fri, 18 May 2012 08:23:36 -0500

The Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) congratulates former president Timothy Buchman, MD, PhD, MCCM, and the Emory University Center for Critical Care on earning a $10.7 million Health Care Innovation Award. Their project, The Rapid Development and Deployment of Non-Physician Providers in Critical Care, will build a collaborative network supporting intensive care units in Georgia. By combining specialty training for nurse practitioners and physician assistants with telemedicine intensive care services, the collaborative will improve critical care for patients in rural and underserved areas...

What is the Role of Clinical Research in Everyday Practice?

Fri, 18 May 2012 08:23:17 -0500

Clinical research is clearly valuable in the care of critically ill patients, but its limitations and role in decision making are often debated. Members of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM), the American College of Chest Physicians and the American Thoracic Society, in an effort to help define the role of research results within practice, published an article in the May issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. The article "The Role of Clinical Research Results in the Practice of Critical Care Medicine" is available for free on the SCCM website...

Critical Connections Highlights Workforce Issues, VAE Algorithm

Fri, 18 May 2012 08:22:56 -0500

The April/May issue of Critical Connections focuses on critical care workforce issues, highlighting various strategies to meet workforce demands, from increasing the role of nurse practitioners and physician assistants in the ICU to resident education...

Explore Roles and Strategies in End-of-Life Decision Making

Fri, 18 May 2012 08:22:37 -0500

A large proportion of critically ill patients lack the capacity to voice directives; the family is often central to end-of-life decision making in the intensive care unit (ICU). For clinicians, managing these difficult moments has become a key professional skill. High-quality decisions require adequate training and familiarity with the ethical framework, good communication between the clinician and family, as well as collaboration among members of the critical care team. The Society of Critical Care Medicine's (SCCM) May 24 webcast, Talking to Families About Palliative and End-of-Life Care, will provide methods for communicating with families of critically ill patients in order to provide optimal outcomes, overcome communication barriers and work together more effectively...

Early Registration for Adult/Pediatric MCCBRC Ends Soon

Fri, 18 May 2012 08:22:18 -0500

Take advantage of discounted registration rates for the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) 2012 Adult and Pediatric Multiprofessional Critical Care Board Review Courses (MCCBRC). The deadline to register at early-bird rates is May 31, 2012. Ensure that you are taking the necessary steps to prepare for the subspecialty exams by participating in four-and-a-half days of extensive coverage in the diagnosis, monitoring and management of critically ill patients. The Adult MCCBRC is led by founding directors Joseph E. Parrillo, MD, MCCM, and Henry Masur, MD, FCCM, the Pediatric MCCBRC by founding directors, Heidi J. Dalton, MD, FCCM, and Anthony D. Slonim, MD, PhD, FCCM. Both courses will provide attendees with first-hand expert guidance from internationally recognized faculty members on the essential exam areas. For those not preparing for the exam, the courses provide an excellent update and overview of critical care medicine...

Limited Space Available for Ultrasound Courses

Fri, 18 May 2012 08:21:58 -0500

Register by May 31, 2012, to take advantage of early-bird registration rates for the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) Fundamentals of Critical Care Ultrasound and Advanced Ultrasound courses. Space is limited for both of these hands-on courses so register today to guarantee your spot. With the power of real-time ultrasound examinations, you can make faster, better-informed decisions that can improve patient outcomes. Learn to recognize imaging characteristics of commonly seen critical care cases and to guide treatment based on your findings. Both courses will feature didactic presentations and hands-on skill stations for performing and interpreting ultrasound imaging...

The Role of Mitochondria in Pediatric Oxygenation

Fri, 18 May 2012 08:21:38 -0500

Mitochondria play multiple roles in the cell, including maintaining energy homeostasis in response to environmental and cellular stress. Therefore, a key aspect of normal cellular function is the ability of the cell to respond to stress by stimulating mitochondrial biogenesis and turnover. Impairment of this ability can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and disruption of cell energetics. Emerging literature suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction represents an important pathophysiologic aspect of adult and pediatric critical illness...

Dexmedtomidine in Patients Requiring Mechanical Ventilation

Fri, 4 May 2012 09:07:25 -0500

Sedation in intensive care unit (ICU) patients is assumed to facilitate proper care with improved patient comfort and safety, though long-term use is fraught with potential serious adverse effects. The use of dexmedetomidine, a sedative with alpha-2 agonist properties, may enhance patient safety and comfort in long-term sedation, but evidence has been limited and inconclusive. In the April issue of The Journal of American Medicine Association, Jakob and the Dexmedetomidine for Long-Term Sedation Investigators conducted two parallel randomized trials to determine the efficacy of dexmedetomidine versus midazolam or propofol in maintaining sedation, reducing duration of mechanical ventilation and improving patient interaction with nursing care...

Be Critical Care Aware in May

Fri, 4 May 2012 09:07:07 -0500

Recognizing Nursing Excellence

Fri, 4 May 2012 09:06:48 -0500

Diane Byrum, RN, CCNS, CCRN, FCCM, received this year’s Norma J. Shoemaker Award for Critical Care Nursing Excellence in recognition of her dedication to high-quality clinical practice. As a clinical nurse specialist at Presbyterian Hospital Huntersville in Huntersville, North Carolina, USA, Byrum exemplifies excellence in critical care nursing through her commitment to critically ill patients and critical care providers. A skilled clinical educator and mentor, she consistently makes a difference in staff education through her expertise and program development, while also devoting significant time to advance the profession. She has worked to improve the skills and training of direct care nurses, increasing the number of nationally certified nurses at her institution...

Sessions on Sedation, Sodium and Renal Added to LearnICU.org

Fri, 4 May 2012 09:06:32 -0500

Several videos featuring the sponsored sessions from the Society’s Critical Care Congress in Houston, Texas, USA, are now available free of charge at LearnICU.org...

New Techniques to Measure Adequacy of Oxygenation

Fri, 4 May 2012 09:06:15 -0500

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) monitors are increasingly being used in pediatric intensive care units to determine regional changes in oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin. These monitors provide a continuous, noninvasive measure of tissue oxygenation and are not dependent on a pulsatile signal from the arteries. Rather, they gauge the mix of arterial and venous blood in the tissue over which they are placed...

Practice and Prepare with SCCM's Board Review Courses

Fri, 4 May 2012 09:05:56 -0500

The Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) Adult and Pediatric Multiprofessional Critical Care Board Review Courses (MCCBRC) are the preferred resources for critical care professionals seeking a comprehensive review of content focused on the diagnosis, monitoring and management of critically ill patients. Spend four-and-a-half days in intensive review sessions designed to prepare fellows and attendings for the certification and recertification examinations in critical care...

Improve Imaging Capabilities with Ultrasound Courses

Fri, 4 May 2012 09:05:37 -0500

Ultrasound imaging enhances the practitioner’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat critical care patients. Additional benefits of focused bedside ultrasound include its portability, accuracy, real-time visualization, and efficacy in various procedures in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting. Receive the latest ultrasound information and training during the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) popular course, Fundamentals of Critical Care Ultrasound...

Webcast Addresses Family Communication, End-of-Life

Fri, 4 May 2012 09:05:12 -0500

In recent years, increased attention has been paid to improving end-of-life care for both patients and their families. The complexity of situations in the intensive care unit (ICU) often makes it difficult to determine patients’ preferences and values. To communicate a consistent message to the patients’ families, and to support and facilitate decision making, collaboration among members of the critical care team is vital.
The Society of Critical Care Medicine's (SCCM) May 24 webcast, Talking to Families About Palliative and End-of-Life Care, will provide methods for communicating with families of critically ill patients to provide optimal outcomes, overcome communication barriers and work together effectively...

SCCM Sign-On Letter Addresses Antibacterial Drug Approval

Fri, 4 May 2012 09:04:55 -0500

The Society of Critical Care Medicine, in collaboration with patients, public health facilities and other medical societies, signed on to a letter urging Congress to establish a new antibacterial drug approval pathway as part of the upcoming Prescription Drug User Fee Act legislation. The Society asks its members to review the letter and to consider expressing concern to their elected officials as well...

Epinephrine for Cardiac Arrest

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:51:46 -0500

For more than 40 years, epinephrine has been regarded as a standard of care in advanced cardiac life support. In the March 21 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association, Hagihara et al performed the largest prospective, nonrandomized observational study to date to determine how epinephrine use in cardiopulmonary resuscitation before hospital arrival was associated with immediate and one-month survival. Among cardiac arrest patients, 15,030 received epinephrine versus 402,158 patients who did not. In the adjusted propensity-matched analysis, epinephrine use was associated with better return of spontaneous circulation (hazard ratio [HR], 2.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.03 to 2.48), but worse one-month survival (HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.43 to 0.68) and worse functional outcomes (HR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.10-0.44). In all other adjusted analyses, including various sensitivity analyses, epinephrine was found to have a negative association with survival at one month and with functional outcomes, despite an improvement in immediate return of spontaneous circulation...

Study Highlights Disparities in Critical Care Research Funding

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:51:28 -0500

A new study from the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) has uncovered that the proportion of federally funded research dollars spent on critical care is significantly lower than the percentage of dollars spent delivering that care. "A Comparison of Critical Care Research Funding and the Financial Burden of Critical Illness in the United States" found that research funding for critical care represents as little as 1.7% of the federal research budget, while care for critically ill patients is estimated to make up as much as 11% of national healthcare expenditures and 39% of all hospital admission costs. Find additional information, including a detailed chart comparing research dollars for cancer and heart disease to those spent on critical care...