Patient and Family Engagement in ICUs

My father died 2 months ago and now with a bit of distance from that emotional event, it's time to further reflect on technology to support patients and families in ICUs. BIDMC has been speaking with a major foundation about creating a cross-disciplinary, multi-institutional, open source application to turn critical care data into wisdom for patients and families.How might it work?  Let me use my father as an example.My father had multiple sclerosis for 23 years, myelodysplastic syndrome for 2 years, and 3 myocardial infarctions since 2009.When I arrived at his ICU bedside in early March, I spoke with all his clinicians to create a mental dashboard of his progress.   It looked something like thisCardiac - history of 2 previous myocardial infarctions treated with 5 stents.   New myocardial infarction resulting in apical hypokinesis and an ejection fraction of 25%.   No further stent placement possible, maximal medical therapy already given.  Pulmonary - New congestive heart failure post recent myocardial infarction treated with diuretics, nitroglycerine drip, afterload reduction, upright position, and maximal oxygenation via bilevel positive airway pressure.  O2 saturation in the 90s and falling despite maximal therapy (other than intubation)Hematologic - failing bone marrow resulting in a white count of 1, a platelet count of 30, and a hematocrit of 20Neurologic - significant increase in muscle spasticity, resulting in constant agitation.   ...
Source: Life as a Healthcare CIO - Category: Technology Consultants Source Type: blogs