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Critical & emergency care research

Everything we have read on critical & emergency care. Each paper is summarised from the full article rather than its abstract, so the limitations are in there too, and the funding wherever the paper declares it.

478 PAPERS · PAGE 6 OF 10 · NEWEST FIRST

• RNOther2025Family Resilience in the ICU: A Concept Analysis.Nursing in critical careFamilies of ICU patients may regain control through four linked systems: family characteristics, beliefs, organisation and support. Existing resilience scales do not fully capture these ICU-specific attributes.
• RNSurvey2025Enhancing Parent Support During Emergency Department Visits for Suicidal Adolescents.International journal of mental health nursingParents of adolescents presenting to an ED in suicide crisis overwhelmingly wanted help caring for their child after discharge, especially talking with ED staff. Only 25.2% received information about caring for the child after discharge, and many rated support poor.
• RNQualitative2026Frail Older Patients' Experiences During Boarding in the Emergency Department: A Qualitative Study.Journal of advanced nursingFrail older patients waiting in an emergency department described feeling forgotten and unsure who was responsible, with unmet pain, hunger, thirst and privacy needs. They still trusted nurses and hoped care would come when ward admission arrived.
• RNQualitative2026Nurses' Role in Transitional Care During Intensive Care Unit Family Meetings for Patients With Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation.Journal of advanced nursingNurses in ICU family meetings for patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation acted as transitional care liaisons, communication facilitators and family supporters, but spoke beyond introductions in only 19 of 76 recorded English meetings.
• RNQualitative2025Methodological Insights From Evaluating a Family Member's Voice Reorientation Programme: An Interpretive Descriptive Approach.Nursing openParticipants described the FAMVR programme, which combined family recordings, nurse training, readiness checks, templates, iPad playback and timed delivery, as orienting and calming, while handover, documentation and family delirium education gaps remained. No component can be separated.
• RNSystematic Review2026Women's Experiences of Care and Support Following Postpartum Psychosis: A Meta-Ethnography.Journal of advanced nursingWomen with postpartum psychosis described delayed recognition, traumatic separation from infants in general psychiatric units, stigma, medication conflicts, and relief from mother-baby units, tailored information, psychological support and peer support.
• RNQualitative2026Lives Transformed-The Experiences of Significant Others Supporting Patients With Severe Burn Injury: A Narrative Inquiry.Journal of clinical nursingSignificant others of adults with severe burns in ICU described advocating for pain relief and daily care while neglecting their own eating, sleep and health. None sought formal psychological support for themselves, even as they took on long-term carer roles.
• RNMeta-Analysis2025Effects on Weight Gain and Length of Hospital Stay of Day and Night-Cycled Light Exposure in Premature Infants: A Meta-Analysis.The journal of nursing research : JNRIn premature infants, day/night cycled light was associated with 7.52 fewer hospital days than dim or continuous bright light. Weight gain evidence was less certain.
• RNOther2025Cleaning and disinfection in neonatal intensive care units: correlation of evaluation methods.Revista brasileira de enfermagemCleaning checks in two neonatal units varied. ATP readings and microbial counts lined up only on some surfaces, and the units had different ATP clean thresholds.
• RNSurvey2026Drills or Distress? Understanding the Psychological Effects of Active Shooter Drills on Adolescents.The Journal of school nursing : the official publication of the National Association of School NursesMost students who had active shooter drills did not feel anxious afterward, but female students, students with anxiety, suicidal thoughts, disability, or more childhood trauma were more likely to feel anxious afterward. More frequent drills were linked to lower reported anxiety.
• RNQualitative2026Parent's Process of Escalation of Care for Their Deteriorating Children Admitted to Paediatric Wards: A Grounded Theory.Journal of clinical nursingParents worried about a deteriorating child often first asked ward nurses or doctors for help, then sought trusted staff; staff sometimes judged parents' reliability, and without a standard parent escalation pathway responses varied.
• RNMeta-Analysis2026A Comparison of Synthetic Osmotic Dilators and Pharmacologic Agents for Cervical Ripening in Induction of Labor: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Journal of midwifery & women's healthSynthetic osmotic dilators match pharmacologic agents for vaginal birth rates but cause less uterine hyperstimulation and digestive symptoms. However, they require more additional procedures like artificial rupture of membranes. Overall maternal infection risk showed no significant difference.
• RNCohort2025Incidence and risk factors for nursing-related intraoperative incidents: A 5-year retrospective study at a Japanese tertiary care hospital.Japan journal of nursing science : JJNSIn 37,265 surgeries, nursing-related incidents occurred in 85 cases (0.23%). Surgeries lasting 2 hours or more and nurses with fewer than 6 years were associated with more incidents. Night shift and instrument delivery by nurse were not associated once other factors were considered.
• RNCohort2025Predictive capacity of trauma indices for hospitalization and intensive care unit admission.Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da U S PAmong 151 trauma patients, injury-based scores ISS and NISS better predicted hospital and ICU admission than physiological scores REMS and mREMS. The physiological scores performed poorly for these outcomes.
• PTRNRCT2025Experience of heart failure patients in mobilization with virtual reality: mixed methods study.Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da U S PAdding immersive virtual reality to early mobilization did not show a clear difference in the main breathing sensation outcome compared with mobilization alone. Patients in both groups rated the procedure positively.
• RNQualitative2026Social Representations of Bedside Milk Expression Among Mothers of Preterm Newborns in Neonatal Intensive Care Units.Journal of advanced nursingMothers described bedside milk expression as bonding and protection, but cramped space, staff shortages, procedures and shame hindered it. They said proactive nursing support and clear information helped them feel capable and continue.
• RNMeta-Analysis2025Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated With ICU Mortality in Ethiopia: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis.Nursing openAdult ICU mortality in Ethiopia was 41.3%. Nurses should monitor for high-risk signs: low consciousness scores, mechanical ventilation, coexisting diseases, and extreme lengths of stay (under 4 days or over 2 weeks).
• RNCase Report2025The Presence of Family Members During Brainstem Testing: An Ethical Dilemma.Nursing in critical careFamily presence during brainstem testing is inconsistently offered. Witnessing may help families understand brain death, but some evidence associates it with distress and a lower organ donation consent rate. Nurses should support an informed family choice and plan staffing for emotional support.
• RNQualitative2025The Impact of Trauma-Informed Care on Patient Engagement, Experience and Barriers to Care: A Qualitative Study: Empirical Research Qualitative.Nursing openPatients described trauma-informed nursing as removing the burden of explaining their reactions, which built trust and helped them access services. Nurses advocated for them in appointments and simplified navigation, making care feel achievable.
• PTOTRNQualitative2026Recovery After Critical Illness: A Meta-Ethnography of Patient, Family and Staff Perspectives.Journal of advanced nursingCritical illness survivors described persistent weakness, pain and dependence that made them feel burdensome. Families struggled to access follow-up rehabilitation and information after discharge. Staff also reported unclear post-discharge care.
• RNOther2025Clinical validation of the terminology subset for newborns with Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter in Intensive Care.Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da U S PA structured nursing language for neonates with PICCs was clinically validated. The final set includes 53 diagnoses and 110 interventions. This provides a standardized framework for assessing and documenting care, improving communication and consistency in the NICU.
• RNCohort2025A Data-Driven Model to Predict Delirium Based on Dynamic Patterns of Clinical Deterioration in Critically Ill Patients.Nursing in critical careIn 3600 ICU patients, sustained worsening of vital signs and blood tests was linked to delirium. Nurses should watch low diastolic blood pressure, high heart rate, high carbon dioxide, low albumin, high blood urea nitrogen or high sodium as possible delirium risk markers.
• PTOTSLPRNCohort2025Family Functioning and Parent Behavioural Changes Post-Admission to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Single-Centre Cohort Study.Nursing in critical careMost families maintained healthy functioning after PICU discharge, but caregiver distress strongly predicted poor outcomes. Nurses should screen for caregiver PTSD and mental illness during follow-up, as these affect family cohesion more than the child's clinical severity.
• RNCohort2026The Aggression and Violence Evaluation of Risk Tool: A Context-Specific Instrument to Assess Risk of Violence in the Emergency Department.Journal of advanced nursingIn a busy emergency department, bedside nursing observations of history of violence, drug or alcohol influence, agitation or restlessness, and imposed restrictions were associated with emergency security responses to violence. This was not tested to prevent violence.
• RNRCT2025Efficacy of Double-Pocket Fecal Catheter System Combined With Camellia Oil Application in the Prevention and Treatment of Irritant Contact Dermatitis Due to Incontinence Among Patients in the Intensive Care Unit.Advances in skin & wound careIn ICU patients at high risk for incontinence dermatitis, double-pocket fecal catheter plus camellia oil had lowest incidence, longest onset, milder cases, lower cost and faster healing than zinc oxide alone. The trial had no blinding reported and no stated primary outcome.
• RNQualitative2025Navigating Uncertainty: Family Experiences and Coping Strategies During Critical Care Hospitalisation: A Descriptive Qualitative Study.Nursing in critical careFamily members of critical care patients described waiting for updates, feeling isolated, and suppressing emotions to appear strong as sources of stress. Detailed, repeated explanations and active bedside involvement helped some cope.
• RNQualitative2026"Rolling the Boulder Up the Hill": A Qualitative Study of Parents' Experiences Providing Ongoing Care at Home for Their Child with Complex Medical Needs.The Canadian journal of nursing research = Revue canadienne de recherche en sciences infirmieresParents caring for medically complex children at home described doing nursing tasks, advocacy, and round-the-clock care, often without enough support, with strain on sleep, identity, and finances. Ask what support is missing.
• RNCohort2026Validation of the French-Canadian Version of FAME, a Family Engagement Measurement Tool for the Intensive Care Unit.The Canadian journal of nursing research = Revue canadienne de recherche en sciences infirmieresA French-Canadian family engagement questionnaire for ICU families showed consistent scores. Higher engagement was associated with greater family satisfaction, not anxiety or depression.
• RNMeta-Analysis2025The Effects of Family Voice Intervention on Delirium in Adult Critical Care Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Nursing in critical careRecorded family voice messages in ICU patients reduced delirium incidence and duration. The effect was seen when voice messages were combined with other sensory, cognitive or sleep supports, but not when voice messages were used alone. Ventilation and ICU stay did not shorten.
• RNSystematic Review2026Patient-clinician communication in longitudinal care settings about adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and adult traumas: A systematic review of reviews.Patient education and counselingTrauma screening alone was not endorsed as a stand-alone intervention. Supportive communication, confidentiality, and follow-up resources were essential before asking patients about trauma.
• RNMeta-Analysis2025Comparative Efficacy of Endotracheal Tube Holders Versus Traditional Securing Methods in the Intensive Care Unit: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Nursing in critical careEndotracheal tube holders reduced total tube-related pressure injuries compared with tape or bandages in ICU patients, but the certainty was very low and the benefit was not clear for lip, oral or facial ulcers or dislodgement.
• RNQualitative2025'Those Were Smiling Eyes': Patients' Experiences and Perceptions of ICU Health Care During Pandemics.Nursing openTwenty-seven ICU survivors said PPE made staff anonymous, but staff eyes, gestures and writing aids preserved connection. After discharge patients reported feeling abandoned without follow-up or post-COVID support.
• RNSystematic Review2025What Evidence is Available on Rapid Response Systems Across Europe? Findings From a Scoping Review.Nursing in critical careEuropean rapid response teams vary widely in structure and activation. While some studies report reduced cardiac arrests and mortality, others show no significant difference or increased ICU transfers. There is no single standard model, and evidence of consistent patient benefit is limited by heterogeneous study designs.
• RNSystematic Review2025Post-Intensive Care Syndrome in Family: A Concept Analysis.Scandinavian journal of caring sciencesPost-intensive care syndrome in families includes emotional, physical, cognitive, and social dysfunction in any significant supporter, not just relatives. Symptoms start during ICU admission and persist months after discharge. Current tools miss this multidimensional burden.
• RNOther2025Enabling Continuous Intracranial Pressure Monitoring During MRI: A Technical Note on the Development of an MR-Safe Support Frame.Nursing in critical careA custom MR-safe support frame kept intracranial pressure monitoring and drainage connected during brain MRI. It was used in more than 50 scans with no safety issues reported.
• RNOther2025Factors associated with the diagnosis of Brain Death in hospitals in the State of Sergipe.Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da U S PIn hospitals in Sergipe, adults suspected of brain death were more likely to have the diagnosis confirmed if they lived near the capital, and less likely if they were older or had cancer.
• RNQualitative2025Bereaved Families' Experiences of Treatment Withdrawal and End-Of-Life Care in the Intensive Care Unit: An Exploratory-Descriptive Qualitative Study.Nursing in critical careSeven bereaved ICU families described shock, emotional strain, and coping through faith. They wanted private, regular updates, bedside presence, and simple care participation, such as bathing, rubbing cream, or holding hands.
• RNQualitative2026The Experiences of Service Providers Who Care for Homeless Pregnant or Early Parenting Women.The Canadian journal of nursing research = Revue canadienne de recherche en sciences infirmieresService providers caring for homeless pregnant women described navigating punitive systems and resource gaps by extending their roles into advocacy. They found meaning in small, incremental client successes, despite facing professional stigma and ethical distress when colleagues treated clients with judgment.
• RNNarrative Review2026Procedural and Therapy Peripheral Intravenous Catheters: A Framework for Safety, Quality and Patient-Centred Care.Journal of advanced nursingA proposed bedside question sorts peripheral IV catheters into short procedural or overnight therapy use, with matching choices for site, device, disinfection, dressing, monitoring, documentation and removal.
• RNSystematic Review2026Interventions to Prevent Patient- and Visitor-Perpetrated Violence Against Nurses in the Emergency Department: A Scoping Review.Journal of advanced nursingMost ED violence interventions target nurses' skills before an incident, not the environment or the aggressor. Simulation training and risk checklists are common, but evidence on whether they actually stop assaults is inconsistent and often short-term.
• RNCohort2025Post-COVID-19 Consequences in Relatives of Severely Ill Patients: Results of the Prospective Multicenter NeNeSCo Study.Clinical nursing researchRelatives of ICU COVID survivors had more anxiety and caregiver strain than relatives of ward survivors. By 15 months, anxiety scores fell but clinically relevant anxiety stayed similar, while caregiver strain rose. Passive coping was linked to anxiety, depression, PTSD symptoms, and strain.
• PTRNOther2025Frailty and mobility in hospitalized older adults: an analytical cross sectional study.Revista brasileira de enfermagemFrail hospitalized older adults had much lower mobility than non-frail and prefrail patients. Prefrail and non-frail patients did not differ. This association was measured at admission, so it cannot show frailty caused the mobility loss.
• RNQualitative2026'Being an Outsider' and 'Being an Insider': A Focused Ethnography of Family Members' Visitation Experiences in an Adult ICU.Journal of advanced nursingIn a Chinese adult ICU with brief daily visits, families described being kept outside as powerless and uninformed. They made the waiting area a shared support space, using a designated visitor to bring back condition updates.
• RNSurvey2026Trauma Exposure and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in a Rural Perinatal Population.Journal of midwifery & women's healthRural prenatal patients screened anonymously: 53% of 421 screens reported trauma exposure, and 13.5% screened positive for probable PTSD. Of those with probable PTSD, 63.2% were interested in treatment research.
• RNQualitative2026Understanding Healing From Psychological Birth Trauma: A Lived Experience Perspective.Journal of midwifery & women's healthPeople who had healed from traumatic birth described recovery as ongoing, nonlinear, and about making peace rather than reaching a fixed end state. They valued safe, nonjudgmental spaces to tell their stories when ready.
• RNCohort2026Clinical Performance of the Remote After-Hours Telemedicine Medical Officer of the Day (Tele-MOD) Program: A Cohort Study.Journal of the American Medical Directors AssociationEmergency department visits, hospitalizations, readmissions, and costs were lower after the first Tele-MOD visit in 492 VA nursing home Veterans. Most were managed in place, but this pre-post study cannot prove the program caused the reductions.
• RNCohort2025Sleep Quality, Circadian Rhythm Stability and Changes in Delirium State in Predicting Mortality Risk in Intensive Care Unit Patients: A Prospective Observational Study.Nursing in critical careICU patients with more fragmented sleep and less stable daily rhythms more often had delirium, and prolonged delirium was linked with higher six-month mortality. These are associations, not proof that improving sleep prevents delirium.
• RNCohort2025Effects of Outdoor Therapy on Delirium in Patients With Prolonged Intensive Care Unit Stays: A Single-Centre Retrospective Study.Nursing in critical careSupervised outdoor sessions in ICU patients with stays of at least 7 days were associated with lower discharge delirium scores after comparing similar patients, and more sessions were linked to lower scores. Same-day scores also dropped after the first outing.
• RNOther2026Improving Parents' Emotional Well-Being in NICU: A Scoping Review.Nursing in critical careFamily-centred NICU programmes that let parents care for their baby daily were reported to lower parental stress and improve bonding; massage, music and apps were also reported to help, but three studies showed no benefit.
• RNOther2025Overall Experiences and Perceptions of Racism of Parents of Non-Hispanic Black Children With Diabetes.The science of diabetes self-management and careParents of non-Hispanic Black children with diabetes described feeling judged by providers, some not being offered insulin pumps, and watching for bias in clinics. They asked for respectful communication, non-Hispanic Black role models, and better access to diabetes technology.