Supporting patients' and families' religious and spiritual needs in ICU - can we do more?

Supporting patients' and families' religious and spiritual needs in ICU--can we do more?

Ramadan fasting: Do we need more evidence?

Over a billion of Muslims fast worldwide during Ramadan each year. Through this religious custom, fasting contributes to their health as well as their spiritual growth. However, available evidence regarding the health-benefits of Ramadan fasting is scarce and highly contentious. Although Islam exempts patients from fasting, many fast conceivably, and their clinical condition is prone to deterio...

Heart failure in frail, older patients: we can do 'MORE'.

A comprehensive approach is necessary in managing heart failure in frail older adults. To provide optimal care, physicians need to draw on knowledge from the fields of internal medicine, geriatrics, and cardiology. The acronym "MORE" is a mnemonic for what heart failure management should include: multidisciplinary care, attention to other (ie, comorbid) diseases, restrictions (of salt, fluid, a...

tube thoracostomy (chest tube) removal in traumatic patients: what do we know? what can we do?

chest tube (ct) or tube thoracostomy placement is often indicated following traumatic injuries. premature movement of the chest tube leads to increased hospital complications and costs for patients. placement of a chest tube is indicated in drainage of blood, bile, pus, drain air, and other fluids. although there is a general agreement for the placement of a chest tube, there is little consensu...

Low vision: we can all do more

Despite all the treatments, operations, and medication at our disposal, there is still a significant number of people whose sight we cannot fully restore. What happens to these patients once they leave our care? Without the necessary support, advice, and low vision devices, their remaining vision will not be very good; this can make life a struggle. Support may be difficult to find, as low visi...