At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in Chile, in March 2020, a projection indicated that a significant group of patients with pneumonia would require admission to an Intensive Care Unit and connection to a mechanical ventilator. Therefore, a paucity of these devices and other supplies was predicted. The initiative “Un respiro para Chile” brought together many people and institutions, public and private. In the course of three months, it allowed the design and building of several ventilatory assistance devices, which could be used in critically ill patients.

Background: The appropriate use of analgesia, sedation, neuromuscular blockade and the diagnosis and prevention of delirium (ASBD) are associated with better outcomes in critically ill patients at Intensive Care Unit (ICUs). Aim: To know the practices about analgesia, sedation, delirium, and neuromuscular blockade use among healthcare professionals working in adult ICUs in Chile. Material and Methods: An electronic survey was sent to 812 professionals working in ICUs using a previously published instrument, which was adapted and authorized by the author. Results: We received 278 surveys. Fifty two percent of respondents were physicians, 34% nurses and 11% physical therapists. Their age ranged between 30 and 39 years in 43% and was over 50 years in 9%. Eighty four percent evaluated pain routinely, but only 26% use a validated scale. Sedation was routinely evaluated with a validated scale and 73% referred to have a protocol. Neuromuscular block is seldom used, and little monitoring occurs (43%). Delirium is routinely evaluated by 48% of respondents, usually using the CAM-ICU scale. Conclusions: There is a heterogeneous adherence to the ASBD recommended practices. The main gaps are in the assessment of pain, monitoring of neuromuscular blockade and diagnosis of delirium through validated instruments.

Abstract Background Postoperative Hyperlactatemia (PO-HL) is a frequent condition associated with poor prognosis. In recent years, there has been growing evidence that adrenergic stimulation may contribute to increased lactate levels. The use of adrenergic agonists for the control of intraoperative hypotension is frequent, and its impact on the development of PO-HL is unknown. Objective To evaluate whether the use of intraoperative adrenergic agents is associated with the occurrence of PO-HL. Methods This was a prospective observational study. The inclusion criteria were undergoing elective open colon surgery, being ≥60 years old and signing informed consent. The exclusion criteria were cognitive impairment, unplanned surgery, and anticipated need for postoperative mechanical ventilation. Baseline and intraoperative variables were collected, and arterial lactate data were collected at baseline and every 6 hours postoperatively for 24 hours. Hyperlactatemia was defined as lactate >2.1 mEq.L-1. Results We studied 28 patients, 61% of whom developed hyperlactatemia. The variables associated with PO-HL in the univariate analysis were anesthetic time, the total dose of intraoperative ephedrine, and lower intraoperative central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2). Multivariate analysis confirmed the association between the use of ephedrine (p = 0.004), intraoperative hypotension (p = 0.026), and use of phenylephrine (p = 0.001) with PO-HL. Conclusions The use of intraoperative ephedrine, phenylephrine and intraoperative hypotension were independently associated with the development of PO-HL. This finding should lead to new studies in this field, as well as a judicious interpretation of the finding of a postoperative increase in lactate levels.

Resumo Justificativa: O delírio pós-operatório é uma complicação séria em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia abdominal de grande porte. Ainda não está claro se as variáveis hemodinâmicas e de perfusão no período perioperatório afetam o risco de delírio pós-operatório. O objetivo deste estudo piloto foi avaliar a associação entre perfusão e hemodinâmica no perioperatório com o surgimento de delírio pós-operatório. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo de coorte de adultos com 60 anos ou mais, submetidos à cirurgia eletiva aberta do cólon. As variáveis multimodais de hemodinâmica e perfusão foram monitoradas, inclusive oxigenação venosa central (ScvO2), níveis de lactato e oxigenação cerebral não invasiva (rSO2), de acordo com um protocolo-padrão de anestesia. O teste exato de Fisher ou o teste t de Student foram usados para comparar os pacientes que desenvolveram delírio pós-operatório com aqueles que não desenvolveram p < 0,05. Resultados: Avaliamos 28 pacientes, 73 ± 7 anos, 60,7% do sexo feminino. Dois pacientes desenvolveram delírio pós-operatório (7,1%). Esses dois pacientes tinham menos anos de escolaridade do que aqueles sem delírio pós-operatório (p = 0,031). Nenhuma das variáveis de pressão arterial no perioperatório foi associada à incidência de delírio. Quanto aos parâmetros de perfusão, ScvO2 foi menor no grupo que apresentou delírio pós-operatório do que no grupo que não apresentou delírio, sem atingir significância estatística (65 ± 10% vs. 74 ± 5%; p = 0,08), mas o delta-ScvO2 (a diferença entre as médias no pós-operatório e intraoperatório) foi associado ao delírio (p = 0,043). As variáveis de lactato e rSO2 no pós-operatório não foram associadas ao delírio. Conclusões: Nosso estudo piloto sugere uma associação entre delta-ScvO2 e delírio e uma tendência à diminuição da ScvO2 no pós-operatório de pacientes com delírio. Estudos adicionais são necessários para elucidar essa associação.

Abstract Background: Post-operative delirium is a serious complication in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. It remains unclear whether peri-operative hemodynamic and perfusion variables affect the risk for postoperative delirium. The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the association between perfusion and hemodynamics peri-operative with the appearance of post-operative delirium. Methods: Prospective cohort study of adults 60 years or older undergoing elective open colon surgery. Multimodal hemodynamic and perfusion variables were monitored, including central venous oxygenation (ScvO2), lactate levels, and non-invasive cerebral oxygenation (rSO2), according to a standard anesthesia protocol. Fisher's exact test or Student's t-test were used to compare patients who developed post-operative delirium with those who did not (p < 0.05). Results: We studied 28 patients, age 73 ± 7 years, 60.7% female. Two patients developed post-operative delirium (7.1%). These two patients had fewer years of education than those without delirium (p = 0.031). None of the peri-operative blood pressure variables were associated with incidence of post-operative delirium. In terms of perfusion parameters, postoperative ScvO2 was lower in the delirium than the non-delirium group, without reaching statistical significance (65 ± 10% vs. 74 ± 5%; p = 0.08), but the delta-ScvO2 (the difference between means post-operative and intra-operative) was associated with post-operative delirium (p = 0.043). Post-operative lactate and rSO2 variables were not associated with delirium. Conclusions: Our pilot study suggests an association between delta ScvO2 and post-operative delirium, and a tendency to lower post-operative ScvO2 in patients who developed delirium. Further studies are necessary to elucidate this association.

RESUMO O delirium é uma condição importante em pacientes críticos, com impactos em longo prazo em termos de mortalidade, condição cognitiva e funcional, e qualidade de vida. Apesar do progresso ocorrido nos anos recentes em seu diagnóstico, prevenção e tratamento, seu impacto continua relevante, de forma que é necessário explorar novas estratégias de prevenção e tratamento. Dentre as estratégias preventivas não farmacológicas, relatos recentes sugerem o papel da terapia ocupacional por meio de uma série de intervenções que podem ter impacto no desenvolvimento do delirium. O objetivo desta revisão é avaliar os estudos que discutem o papel da terapia ocupacional na prevenção do delirium em populações de pacientes críticos, além de sugerir perspectivas para pesquisas nesta área.

ABSTRACT Delirium is a relevant condition in critically ill patients with long-term impacts on mortality, cognitive and functional status and quality of life. Despite the progress in its diagnosis, prevention and management during the last years, its impact persists being relevant, so new preventive and therapeutic strategies need to be explored. Among non-pharmacologic preventive strategies, recent reports suggest a role for occupational therapy through a series of interventions that may impact the development of delirium. The aim of this review is to evaluate the studies evaluating the role of occupational therapy in the prevention of delirium in critically ill patient populations, and suggests perspectives to future research in this area.

La presente investigación se realizó en el sector de La Concepción, perteneciente a la parroquia Atahualpa, cantón Ambato, provincia de Tungurahua, tiene como fin evaluar la producción de forraje verde hidropónico de avena, su costo y su influencia en el mejoramiento de la ganancia de peso. Para este trabajo se contó con 21 animales machos de raza neozelandés con un peso promedio de 1179 g, de 8 semanas de edad conformados por tres tratamientos T1 (forraje verde hidropónico de avena sin solución nutritiva), T2 (forraje verde hidropónico de avena con solución nutritiva y T0 (avena de corte), cada tratamiento consta de 7 repeticiones, la unidad experimental fue de un animal en estudio. El forraje verde hidropónico de avena fue elaborado dentro de un invernadero de 18 m² cubierto internamente con tela de sombra negra al 65% y realizando una serie de procedimientos como: selección, lavado, pre-germinación, germinación, siembra de la semilla en las bandejas de plástico y riego de la siembra con solución nutritiva y agua, para finalizar con la cosecha realizando al día 12 para ser consumido por los conejos. Se aplicó el diseño completamente al azar, para la interpretación de los resultados se realizaron análisis de varianza y prueba de Tukey 5%. Obteniendo los mejores resultandos con T2 con ganancia de peso diario de 35.09 g; mejoría en el índice de conversión alimenticia con 5.5, peso promedio del animal al mercado 3136.6 g; 0 % de mortalidad, una buena rentabilidad con un beneficio costo de USD1.34.

The present research was carried out in the sector of La Concepción, belonging to the Atahualpa parish, Ambato canton, province of Tungurahua, to evaluate the production of green oat hydroponic forage, its cost and its influence on the improvement of the weight. For this work, 21 male New Zealand breed animals with an average weight of 1179 g, of 8 weeks of age were composed of three treatments T1 (hydroponic green forage of oats without nutritive solution), T2 (green forage hydroponic of oats with solution nutrient and T0, each treatment consists of 7 replicates, the experimental unit was an animal under study. The hydroponic green forage of oats was elaborated inside an 18 m² greenhouse covered internally with black shade cloth at 65 % And carrying out a series of procedures such as: selection, washing, pre-germination, germination, planting of the seed in the plastic trays and irrigation of the sowing with nutritive solution and water, to finish with the harvest making at day 12 to be The results were analyzed by variance and Tukey 5% test, obtaining the best results with T2 with a daily weight gain of 35.09 g; Improvement in feed conversion rate with 5.5, Average weight of the animal to the market 3136.6 g, 0% mortality, good profitability with a cost benefit of USD1.34.

RESUMO Objetivos: Conduzir um inquérito multinacional com profissionais de unidades de terapia intensiva para determinar as práticas relacionadas à avaliação e ao manejo do delirium, bem como as percepções e as atitudes relacionadas à avaliação e ao impacto do delirium em pacientes submetidos à ventilação não invasiva. Métodos: Foi elaborado um questionário eletrônico para avaliar o perfil dos respondedores e das unidades de terapia intensiva a eles relacionadas; a realização de avaliação sistemática e a forma de manejo do delirium; e as percepções e condutas dos profissionais com relação à presença de delirium em pacientes submetidos à ventilação não invasiva. O questionário foi distribuído por meio da mala direta de correio eletrônico da rede de cooperação em pesquisa clínica da Associação de Medicina Intensiva Brasileira (AMIB-Net) e para pesquisadores em diferentes centros da América Latina e Europa. Resultados: Foram analisados 436 questionários que, em sua maioria, eram provenientes do Brasil (61,9%), seguidos por Turquia (8,7%) e Itália (4,8%). Aproximadamente 61% dos respondedores relataram não proceder à avaliação de delirium na unidade de terapia intensiva, enquanto 31% a realizavam em pacientes submetidos à ventilação não invasiva. Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit foi a ferramenta diagnóstica validada mais frequentemente citada (66,9%). Com relação à indicação de ventilação não invasiva para pacientes em delirium, 16,3% dos respondedores nunca permitiam o uso de ventilação não invasiva neste contexto clínico. Conclusão: Este inquérito fornece dados que enfatizam a escassez de esforços direcionados à avaliação e ao manejo do delirium no ambiente da terapia intensiva, em especial nos pacientes submetidos à ventilação não invasiva.

ABSTRACT Objective: To conduct a multinational survey of intensive care unit professionals to determine the practices on delirium assessment and management, in addition to their perceptions and attitudes toward the evaluation and impact of delirium in patients requiring noninvasive ventilation. Methods: An electronic questionnaire was created to evaluate the profiles of the respondents and their related intensive care units, the systematic delirium assessment and management and the respondents' perceptions and attitudes regarding delirium in patients requiring noninvasive ventilation. The questionnaire was distributed to the cooperative network for research of the Associação de Medicina Intensiva Brasileira (AMIB-Net) mailing list and to researchers in different centers in Latin America and Europe. Results: Four hundred thirty-six questionnaires were available for analysis; the majority of the questionnaires were from Brazil (61.9%), followed by Turkey (8.7%) and Italy (4.8%). Approximately 61% of the respondents reported no delirium assessment in the intensive care unit, and 31% evaluated delirium in patients under noninvasive ventilation. The Confusion Assessment Method for the intensive care unit was the most reported validated diagnostic tool (66.9%). Concerning the indication of noninvasive ventilation in patients already presenting with delirium, 16.3% of respondents never allow the use of noninvasive ventilation in this clinical context. Conclusion: This survey provides data that strongly reemphasizes poor efforts toward delirium assessment and management in the intensive care unit setting, especially regarding patients requiring noninvasive ventilation.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous tracheostomy by means of single-step dilation with fiber optic bronchoscopy assistance in critical care patients under mechanical ventilation. Methods: Between the years 2004 and 2014, 512 patients with indication of tracheostomy according to clinical criteria, were prospectively and consecutively included in our study. One-third of them were high-risk patients. Demographic variables, APACHE II score, and days on mechanical ventilation prior to percutaneous tracheostomy were recorded. The efficacy of the procedure was evaluated according to an execution success rate and based on the necessity of switching to an open surgical technique. Safety was evaluated according to post-operative and operative complication rates. Results: The mean age of the group was 64 ± 18 years (203 women and 309 males). The mean APACHE II score was 21 ± 3. Patients remained an average of 11 ± 3 days on mechanical ventilation before percutaneous tracheostomy was performed. All procedures were successfully completed without the need to switch to an open surgical technique. Eighteen patients (3.5%) presented procedure complications. Five patients experienced transient desaturation, 4 presented low blood pressure related to sedation, and 9 presented minor bleeding, but none required a transfusion. No serious complications or deaths associated with the procedure were recorded. Eleven patients (2.1%) presented post-operative complications. Seven presented minor and transitory bleeding of the percutaneous tracheostomy stoma, 2 suffered displacement of the tracheostomy cannula, and 2 developed a superficial infection of the stoma. Conclusion: Percutaneous tracheostomy using the single-step dilation technique with fiber optic bronchoscopy assistance seems to be effective and safe in critically ill patients under mechanical ventilation when performed by experienced intensive care specialists using a standardized procedure.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar eficacia y seguridad de la traqueostomía percutánea, mediante dilatación única con asistencia fibrobroncoscópica, en pacientes críticos sometidos a ventilación mecánica. Métodos: Entre los años 2004 y 2014, se incluyeron prospectivamente 512 enfermos consecutivos con indicación de traqueostomía según los criterios clínicos de nuestro centro. Un tercio de los pacientes fueron de alto riesgo. Se registraron variables demográficas, puntaje APACHE II, y días de ventilación mecánica previo a traqueostomía percutánea. La eficacia del procedimiento fue evaluada mediante tasa de éxito en su ejecución y necesidad de conversión a técnica abierta. La seguridad fue evaluada por tasa de complicaciones operatorias y postoperatorias. Resultados: La edad media del grupo fue 64 ± 18 años (203 mujeres y 309 varones). El puntaje APACHE II fue 21 ± 3. Los pacientes permanecieron en promedio 11 ± 3 días en ventilación mecánica antes de la realización de la traqueostomía percutánea. Todos los procedimientos se completaron exitosamente, sin necesidad de convertir a técnica abierta. Dieciocho pacientes (3,5%) presentaron complicaciones operatorias. Cinco pacientes experimentaron desaturación transitoria, cuatro presentaron hipotensión relacionada a la sedación, y nueve presentaron sangrado menor, pero ninguno requirió transfusión. No se registraron complicaciones graves, ni muertes asociadas al procedimiento. Once pacientes (2,1%) presentaron complicaciones postoperatorias. Siete presentaron sangrado menor y transitorio del estoma de la traqueostomía percutánea, 2 sufrieron desplazamiento de la cánula de traqueostomía y 2 desarrollaron infección superficial del estoma. Conclusión: La traqueostomía percutánea mediante la técnica de dilatación única con asistencia fibrobroncoscópica, parece ser efectiva y segura en enfermos críticos sometidos a ventilación mecánica, cuando es realizada por intensivistas experimentados mediante un abordaje estandarizado.

Introduction: Physicians' adherence to pre-established criteria for the indication and/or maintenance of invasive devices is a weak point in infection control programs. Fulfillment of the recommendations for preventing infections associated with invasive devices is essential to reduce their risk. Objective: To assess the adherence of physicians to the standardized criteria for indication of central venous catheter (CVC) and permanent urinary catheter (PUC) and to the application of supervision guidelines. Methods: During a period of 7 months, residents of the Critical Patient Unit monitored the adherence to criteria for indication of CVC and PUC recorded in patients' medical records. This information was compared with current regulations to assess compliance. Results: Between April and September 2009, 2078 supervision guidelines were applied. Invasive devices were identified in 47.7%. 10.4% of CVCs and 19.2% of PUCs did not meet criteria for installation and / or maintenance at the time of monitoring. Conclusions: Adherence of our medical staff to criteria for installation and /or maintenance of CVC and CUP should be improved. Monitoring can be efficiently performed by residents and could reduce infections associated with invasive procedures.

Introducción: La adherencia médica a los criterios de indicación y/o mantención de procedimientos invasores es un punto débil en los programas de control de infecciones. Cumplir las recomendaciones relacionadas a prevención de infecciones asociadas a procedimientos invasores es fundamental para reducir el riesgo de infección. Objetivos: Evaluar la adherencia de médicos residentes a criterios estandarizados de indicaciones médicas de catéter venoso central (CVC) y catéter urinario permanente (CUP) y a aplicar pautas de supervisión para evaluar su cumplimiento. Método: Durante un período de siete meses, residentes de la Unidad de Paciente Crítico (UPC), monitorizaron la adherencia a los criterios de indicación de CVC y CUP registrados en las fichas clínicas de los pacientes. La información registrada se cotejó con la normativa vigente. Resultados: Entre abril y octubre de 2009 se aplicaron 2.078 pautas de supervisión, de las cuales 47,7% identificaron invasión al momento de aplicarlas. Un 10,4 y 19,2% de los CVC y CUP, respectivamente, no cumplían con criterios de instalación y/o mantención al momento de la supervisión. Conclusiones: La adherencia de nuestros médicos de UPC a los criterios de instalación y/o mantención de CVC y CUP debe mejorarse. La supervisión puede ser realizada eficientemente por los mismos residentes y podría reducir las infecciones asociadas a procedimientos invasores.

Relatamos o tratamento bem-sucedido de dois pacientes com hemorragia subaracnóidea complicada com grave falência respiratória e choque séptico refratário, utilizando, simultaneamente, ventilação em posição prona e hemofiltração de alto volume. Esses tratamentos de resgate permitiram que os pacientes superassem a grave situação sem complicações associadas ou efeitos deletérios na pressão intracraniana e de perfusão cerebral. A ventilação em posição prona é, hoje, um tratamento aceito para síndrome de desconforto respiratório agudo grave, e a hemofiltração de alto volume é um suporte hemodinâmico não convencional, que tem diversos mecanismos potenciais para melhorar o choque séptico. Neste artigo revisamos brevemente esses tratamentos e as evidências relacionadas. Quando outras terapias convencionais são insuficientes para proporcionar oxigenação e perfusão como parte do cuidado neuroprotetor básico dentro de limites seguros em pacientes com hemorragia subaracnóidea, esses tratamentos de resgate podem ser considerados caso a caso por uma equipe com experiência em cuidados críticos.

We report the successful treatment of two patients with aneurismal subarachnoid hemorrhage complicated by severe respiratory failure and refractory septic shock using simultaneous prone position ventilation and high-volume hemofiltration. These rescue therapies allowed the patients to overcome the critical situation without associated complications and with no detrimental effects on the intracranial and cerebral perfusion pressures. Prone position ventilation is now an accepted therapy for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome, and high-volume hemofiltration is a non-conventional hemodynamic support that has several potential mechanisms for improving septic shock. In this manuscript, we briefly review these therapies and the related evidence. When other conventional treatments are insufficient for providing safe limits of oxygenation and perfusion as part of basic neuroprotective care in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients, these rescue therapies should be considered on a case-by-case basis by an experienced critical care team.

INTRODUÇÃO: A sedação profunda em pacientes gravemente enfermos se associa a uma maior duração da ventilação mecânica e à permanência mais longa na unidade de terapia intensiva. Diversos protocolos foram utilizados para melhorar esses desfechos. Implantamos e avaliamos um protocolo de sedação baseado em analgesia, direcionado por objetivos e cuidado por enfermeiros, em pacientes gravemente enfermos submetidos à ventilação mecânica. MÉTODOS: Realizamos um estudo multicêntrico prospectivo em duas fases (antes e depois), que envolveu 13 unidades de terapia intensiva localizadas no Chile. Após uma fase observacional (grupo observacional, N=155), delineamos, implantamos e avaliamos um protocolo de sedação cuidado por enfermeiros, direcionado por objetivos (grupo de intervenção, N=132) para tratar pacientes que necessitaram de ventilação mecânica por mais do que 48 horas. O parâmetro primário de avaliação foi a obtenção de dias livres de ventilador até o dia 28. RESULTADOS: No grupo de intervenção, a proporção de pacientes com sedação profunda ou coma diminuiu de 55,2 para 44,0%. A incidência de agitação não se alterou entre os períodos, permanecendo em cerca de 7%. Dias livres de ventilador até o dia 28, permanência na unidade de terapia intensiva e mortalidade foram similares em ambos os grupos. Após 1 ano, a presença de sintomas de desordem de estresse pós-traumático nos sobreviventes foi similar entre os grupos. CONCLUSÕES: Delineamos e implantamos no Chile um protocolo de sedação baseado em analgesia, direcionado por objetivos e cuidado por enfermeiros. Embora não se tenha observado melhora nos principais desfechos, observamos que o presente protocolo foi seguro e factível, e que resultou em períodos mais curtos de sedação profunda, sem aumento da agitação.

INTRODUCTION: Deep sedation in critically ill patients is associated with a longer duration of mechanical ventilation and a prolonged length of stay in the intensive care unit. Several protocols have been used to improve these outcomes. We implement and evaluate an analgesia-based, goal-directed, nurse-driven sedation protocol used to treat critically ill patients who receive mechanical ventilation. METHODS: We performed a prospective, two-phase (before-after), non-randomized multicenter study that involved 13 intensive care units in Chile. After an observational phase (observational group, n=155), we designed, implemented and evaluated an analgesia-based, goal-directed, nurse-driven sedation protocol (intervention group, n=132) to treat patients who required mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours. The primary outcome was to achieve ventilator-free days by day 28. RESULTS: The proportion of patients in deep sedation or in a coma decreased from 55.2% to 44.0% in the interventional group. Agitation did not change between the periods and remained approximately 7%. Ventilator-free days to day 28, length of stay in the intensive care unit and mortality were similar in both groups. At one year, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in survivors were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: We designed and implemented an analgesia-based, goal-directed, nurse-driven sedation protocol in Chile. Although there was no improvement in major outcomes, we observed that the present protocol was safe and feasible and that it resulted in decreased periods of deep sedation without increasing agitation.

Background: Critically ill patients are especially vulnerable to medication errors (ME) due to their severe clinical situation and the complexities of their management. Aim: To determine the frequency and characteristics of ME and identify shortcomings in the processes of medication management in an Intensive Care Unit. Patients and Methods: During a 3 months period, an observational prospective and randomized study was carried out in the ICU of a university hospital. Every step of patient's medication management (prescription, transcription, dispensation, preparation and administration) was evaluated by an external trained professional. Steps with higher frequency of ME and their therapeutic groups involved were identified. Medications errors were classified according to the National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention. Results: In 52 of 124 patients evaluated, 66 ME were found in 194 drugs prescribed. In 34% of prescribed drugs, there was at least 1 ME during its use. Half of ME occurred during medication administration, mainly due to problems in infusion rates and schedule times. Antibacterial drugs had the highest rate of ME. Conclusions: We found a 34% rate of ME per drug prescribed, which is in concordance with international reports. The identification of those steps more prone to ME in the ICU, will allow the implementation of an intervention program to improve the quality and security of medication management.