An evidence based algorithm for nutritional support accompanied by a multifaceted implementation strategy improved some outcomes in critically ill patients
Q In critically ill patients, does implementation of an evidence based algorithm for nutritional support improve the provision of nutritional support and patient outcomes?
METHODS
Design:
cluster randomised controlled trial.
Allocation:
{concealed}*.
Blinding:
{unblinded}*.
Follow up period:
until hospital discharge.
Setting:
intensive care units (ICUs) of 11 community and 3 teaching hospitals in Ontario, Canada.
Patients:
499 patients aged ⩾16 years (mean age 66 y, 61% men) with an expected ICU stay of ⩾48 hours. Exclusion criteria: expected to be receiving sufficient oral nutrition within 24 hours after ICU admission, admitted for palliative care, moribund and not expected to survive >6 hours, or suspected brain death.
Intervention:
7 intervention ICUs were allocated to an evidence-based algorithm for nutritional support, with a multifaceted implementation …
