title: Factors associated with post-intensive care unit adverse events: a clinical validation study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Many patients discharged from intensive care units (ICU) have complex care needs, placing them at risk of an adverse event in a ward environment. Currently, there is limited understanding of factors associated with these events in the post-intensive care population. A recent study explored intensive care liaison nurses' opinions on factors associated with these events; 25 factors were identified, highlighting the multifaceted nature of post-intensive care adverse events.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to clinically validate 25 factors intensive care liaison nurses believe are associated with post-intensive care adverse events, to determine the factors' relevance and importance to clinical practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective, clinical validation study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were prospectively collected on a convenience sample of 52 patients at 4 tertiary referral hospitals in an Australian capital city. All patients had experienced an adverse event after intensive care discharge.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Each of the 25 factors contributed to adverse events in at least 6 patients. The factors associated with the most adverse events were those that related to the patient such as illness severity and co-morbidities.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Clinical care and research should focus on modifiable factors in care processes to reduce the risk of future adverse events in post-intensive care patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Many patients are at risk of post-ICU adverse events due to the contribution of non-modifiable factors. However, by focusing on modifiable factors in care processes, the risk of post-ICU adverse events may be reduced.
authors.affiliation: M Elliott, RN, BN, Doctoral Candidate, St. Vincent's Centre for Nursing Research, Melbourne, Australia.
authors.forename: Malcolm
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Elliott
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Page
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Worrall-Carter
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001315:Australia; D000068456:Clinical Studies as Topic; D064648:Critical Care Nursing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011787:Quality of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012307:Risk Factors
keywords: Adverse event; Discharge; Quality; Safety