Welcome to the International Journal of Trends in Intensive Care and Pediatric Nursing (IJTICPN) Current Issues section. Here, you will find the most recent articles and studies published in our journal, showcasing cutting-edge research and innovative practices in intensive care and pediatric nursing.
Featured Articles in the Latest Issue
- Volume 3(Issue 1) JANUARY- JUNE 2026
Research Articles
An Ongoing Assessment of Nursing Practices in The Children Critical Care Unit During the Insertion and Maintenance of Central Venous Catheters
Vol.3(1); Pages:1-9. Published on March 2026
Abstract
The insertion of central venous catheters (CVC) is a very high-risk procedure that is usually conducted in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). Although there may be established evidence-based guidelines, the discrepancies in nursing practice when inserting and providing post-insertion care to catheters lead to preventable complications especially central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). The present research assesses the performance of a formal audit and re-audit model in improving nursing adherence to standardized guidelines of central venous line insertion and maintenance in a PICU environment. They evaluated the baseline nursing practice in relation to the set clinical standards using a continuous quality improvement approach followed with specific educational intervention, implementation of insertion and maintenance bundles, and systematic performance feedback. Re-audit results showed significant changes in the compliance with aseptic technique, the accuracy of the documentation, compliance with the dressing care, and measures of infection prevention. The findings present the importance of continuous monitoring, accountability of nurses and multidisciplinary teamwork as a critical component to the maintenance of quality and patient safety in the management of pediatric vascular access. Recommendations Continuous audit cycle is suggested as the necessary measure of optimization of clinical outcomes and minimization of the catheter related complications in critically ill children.
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Impact of Human Caring Framework on Pediatric ICU Nurses’ Compassionate Care Practices
Vol.3(1); Pages:10-19. Published on April 2026
Abstract
The Theory of Human Caring by Jean Watson has been well-known as a paradigm of transforming holistic nursing care especially with high-acuity units like Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs). The quasi experimental studies, randomized controlled trials, integrative reviews, and systematic analyses have provided evidence that the Watson-based educational and clinical intervention implementation can significantly enhance the caring behaviors, empathy, communication, and professional values of nurses. Caring science principles should be used in pediatric critical care environments, where the emphasis on humanistic practice is easily overridden by the needs and pressures of technology and emotion. The research between the PICU and NICU nurses shows that the caring behavior scores, job involvement, caring efficacy, and therapeutic nurse-family relationships demonstrate the significant improvement of the outcomes after the systematic Watson theory training. Moreover, reflective practice, burnout mitigation, and enhanced abilities to provide nurses with holistic and dignified care are supported by intervention programs that are based on the ten carative factors. Altogether, the inclusion of the Human Caring Theory by Watson in the practice of the pediatric intensive care unit improves the work of nurses and the quality of humanistic care based on the humanistic essence of nursing in the technologically versatile workplace.
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Randomized Pilot Evaluation of a Comprehensive Delirium-Prevention Bundle in Intensive Care Patients
Vol.3(1); Pages:20-28. Published on April 2026
Abstract
Background Delirium occurs in as many as 80% of critically-ill adults hospitalized in intensive care units (ICUs) and is linked to extended mechanical ventilation, heightened mortality, cognitive impairment, and an extended stay. There is also a growing body of evidence associated with the reduction of the delirium incidence and severity by multicomponent, integrative, and non-pharmacological approaches, including, but not limited to, nursing-led bundles, environmental modification, sleep promotion, cognitive stimulation, mobility support, and family engagement (Martínez et al., 2017; Contreras et al., 2021; Alegria et al., 2023). Nevertheless, there are still feasibility and implementation issues, especially in pilot randomized environments to inform conclusive trials (Hosie et al., 2019; Ferrante et al., 2024). Purpose: The proposed pilot randomized controlled trial focuses on determining the feasibility, acceptability, and initial effectiveness of an integrative program encompassing multiple elements that can prevent or shorten the delirium to critically ill ICU patients. Methods: The adult patients in ICU will be assigned randomly to either standard care or an integrative combination of delirium prevention through structured delirium screening (e.g., CAM-ICU or ICDSC), sleep hygiene optimization, mobilization, cognitive reorientation, environmental control and family involvement in this single- or multi-center pilot RCT. The major endpoints will be feasibility indicators (recruitment, adherence, protocol fidelity) and the incidence of delirium. Secondary outcomes are the delirium duration, ICU length of stay, ventilator days and patient-centered recovery indicators. Results will be used to define the size to be used in a future conclusive trial and refine the protocol. Conclusion: The proposed study will present critical feasibility data and some initial outcome trends to prove that an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to delirium-prevention is a safe strategy that could be implemented into regular ICU practice and enhance both short-term and cognitive tasks as well as clinical outcomes among critically ill adults.
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Mothers Emphasize Emotional Support, Respect, Acknowledgment of Parental Identity, and Transparency in Communication
Vol.3(1); Pages:29-38. Published on May 2026
Abstract
Family-centered care focuses on interactive relationships between medical workers and parents within the pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). Nevertheless, variations in the perception of such partnerships can be a barrier to their successful implementation. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive research was to conduct and compare the perceptions of the partnership between PICU nurses and mothers of hospitalized children in South Korea. Data were analyzed in the form of qualitative content analysis based on semi-structured, open ended interviews in a national hospital in the university. These five categories were integrated and as a result of this, five common areas of partnership were identified, namely, expectation of trust, sharing and communication, participation in care, equality in the relationship and coordination of opinion. Even though these common domains were identified by both groups, there were great differences in their interpretation. The main conceptualization of partnership, which was held by nurses, was professional responsibility, organized communication, and coordinated clinical decision-making. Mothers, on the other hand, focused on emotional support, mutual respect, open exchange of information and valuable participation in the care of the child. These different expectations were further informed by cultural factors, hierarchical healthcare systems, and situational limitations in the PICU unit. The results point to the areas of perception gaps that can influence the collaboration process and indicate the need to introduce the strategies to enhance the trust-building, encourage open dialogue, and clarify the common roles in decision-making. Increasing mutual understanding between nurses and mothers can lead to better quality of partnership and the further ambitions of family-centered critical care in South Korea.
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Endotracheal Microbial Profiles of Children under Intubation and Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia
Vol.3(1); Pages:39-47. Published on May 2026
Abstract
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is still among the greatest healthcare-associated infections in the children under mechanical ventilation in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). Colonization of the upper airway and endotracheal tube (ETT) is significant in the pathogenesis of VAP, as a reservoir of pathogenic microorganisms, which can migrate to the lower respiratory tract. This research will determine and compare the microbial profiles of nasal secretions and endotracheal aspirate in intubated pediatric patients with VAP. The tertiary PICU used a descriptive observational design in which the microbiological samples were collected using nasal swabs and ETT aspirates in children who had been intubated. Standard culture methods and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were done to identify the prevalence and the resistance patterns of the organisms. The results indicated that nasal and ETT colonization were highly concordant, and Gram-negative pathogens of the nosocomial environment, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter baumannii, were commonly isolated, as well as Gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus. Multidrug resistant strains were especially common which makes early detection and specific antimicrobial treatment especially significant. The paper highlights the importance of regular cultures of surveillance, extreme infection control measures, and ventilator management bundles that are evidence based to minimize the colonization of microbes and the occurrence of VAP. The knowledge about the patterns of colonization has the potential to improve clinical outcomes, optimize antibiotic stewardship, and patient safety in critical care units of pediatrics.
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