Who should manage continuous renal replacement in the intensive care setting? A nursing viewpoint

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Critical Care Nursing

Background:

• Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is a critical intervention in intensive care units.
• Nursing care models for CRRT vary, impacting patient management.
• The debate centers on effective nursing management rather than control of CRRT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine factors influencing CRRT nursing care structure.
• To describe and compare existing CRRT nursing care models.
• To determine the preferred nursing model for CRRT delivery.

Main Methods:

• Review of factors affecting nursing care structure for CRRT.
• Description of current nursing models for CRRT.
• Comparative analysis of different nursing model attributes.

Main Results:

• Single nursing specialty models may create practice gaps.
• A joint or collaborative nephrology/critical care nursing model offers enhanced expertise.
• Collaborative models foster joint standard-setting and research opportunities.

Conclusions:

• The joint/collaborative nursing model is preferred for CRRT delivery.
• This model optimizes nursing expertise and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Effective CRRT nursing management is crucial for critically ill patients.