September 9, 2021
Sarah Crowe is a Nurse Practitioner employed through Fraser Health who also holds an adjunct position at UBC Nursing and is researching under the supervision of Dr. Fuchsia Howard. On September 9, 2021, the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research named Ms. Crowe among their 2021 Research Trainees, Significantly, she is also the first fellow at the school to receive funding from MSFHR who does not have a PhD. Her funded project, "Understanding critical care nurses’ prioritization of patient care" is summarized here. She has also been interviewed for a series about Women on the COVID Front Lines commissioned by BC's Lieutenant Governor. Read her story at the link provided below.
Delirium is a complication of a critical care (CC) admission. Although usually reversible, it can lead to long-term impaired thinking, poor mental health and increased mortality. Upwards of 80% of people admitted to CC will experience delirium. Research has been done to understand delirium and to prevent it. Factors that are known to help prevent delirium include a day-night routine, encouraging movement, and reducing sedating medications. CC nurses have control over many of these factors, but implementing strategies to prevent delirium remains sub-optimal. The lack of information about how CC nurses prioritize care to prevent delirium in the busy healthcare system leaves limited guidance for making change. This study aims to examine how CC nurses prioritize delirium-related patient care and to identify challenges and opportunities for change. The research will use surveys and interviews to gather data. This research is important for identifying gaps and opportunities to implement delirium prevention strategies needed to improve patient outcomes. The findings will allow CC teams to create a system to support a change in practice to improve the care and outcomes of patients.
