Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 21, 2026
The Participant-Reported Implementation Update and Score PRIUS: A Novel Method for Capturing Implementation-Related Data Over Time
Published on: February 19, 2021
Implementation of an Intensive Care Unit Diary Program at a Veterans Affairs Hospital
Kelly Drumright1, Abigail C Jones, Ralph Gervasio
1TN Valley Healthcare System, Nashville Veterans Affairs Hospital, Nashville, Tennessee (Mss Drumright and Russell, Messrs Gervasio and Hill, and Dr Boehm); Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, Tennessee (Ms Jones and Dr Boehm); and Critical Illness, Brain dysfunction, and Survivorship Center at Vanderbilt, Nashville, Tennessee (Ms Jones and Dr Boehm).
Background:
Intensive care unit (ICU) diaries are recommended to address psychological sequelae following critical illness. Diaries are correlated with reduced prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder in survivors of critical illness and their families.
Local Problem:
Our ICU was not adequately meeting the psychological needs of patients and families.
Methods:
We established an interprofessional team to implement an ICU diary program in partnership with implementation of the ABCDEF (Assess, prevent, and manage pain; Both awakening and breathing trials; Choice of analgesia and sedation; Delirium: assess, prevent, and manage; Early mobility and exercise; Family engagement and empowerment) bundle and peer support programs. Staff knowledge and perception of ICU diaries were obtained.
Interventions:
Diaries were initiated for patients at high risk for post-intensive care syndrome, and entries by all ICU staff and family members/visitors were encouraged.
Results:
A total of 75 diaries were initiated between January 2017 and January 2019. The ICU diaries have been received positively by patients, family members, and staff.
Conclusions:
The ICU diary is a cost-effective and efficient intervention to help patients and family members cope with the burden of critical illness.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II
Rural health centers are specialized care facilities in remote locations with very few medical personnel. The primary care providers who run the centers are mostly Registered Nurse Practitioners. Here, emergency treatment is provided to critically ill or injured patients before they are transferred to the closest hospital. Fortunately, due to advancement in technology, many rural healthcare facilities and professionals have easy access to diagnostic and treatment...
00:59Hospitals-II
Nurses that work in hospitals have...
01:26Guidelines for Nursing Documentation II
Timely documentation is crucial to ensure continuity of care for patients. Any delays in recording or reporting medical information can result in medical errors and even adverse patient outcomes. From medication administration to diagnostic test results, every detail must be accurately and promptly documented to provide the best possible care for patients.
01:29Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Long-Term Care Facilities
01:29Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:
01:28Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care