Targeted Temperature Modulation in the Neuroscience Patient

There are many approaches to and opportunities for implementing temperature modulation in critically ill patients, but barriers also exist. Conceptually, the process of cooling is rather straightforward; however, targeted temperature management is anything but simplistic. The need for a collaborative approach (physicians champions, nursing support, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, laboratory personnel, and supply chain representatives) to address definitions of normothermia and fever, patient inclusion/exclusion criteria for therapy based on underlying neurorelated pathologies, determination of methods of induction/maintenance, monitoring required, education planning, and strategies to minimize potential complications are warranted.