Abstract

Objective: To assess the compliance of medical staff with established protocols for the management of critically ill patients in the ICU, including the assessment of pain, pressure ulcer surveillance, bowel and bladder care, and implementation of feeding protocols, as well as to evaluate the documentation practices of the medical staff. Study Design: Clinical audit. Place and Duration of Study: Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi from March 15, 2024, to May 15, 2024. Methodology: A prospective analysis was conducted by reviewing the medical records of 88 patients admitted to the Medical ICU, Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan between March 15, 2024, and May 15, 2024. The data collected was then recorded with the help of self-designed proformas. The frequencies of respective variables and practices were computed and compared with the recommended guidelines. The results were expressed in the form of a comparison with the recommended sets of clinical guidelines. Results: In total, the medical records of 88 patients admitted to the ICU were subjected to investigation. The mean age (years) and duration of admission (days) were 60.4 ± 12.87 years (mean ± standard deviation) and 4.8 ± 2.67 days, respectively. Pain assessment was done every 6-8 hours, and bed sore assessment and care and documentation were up to the mark as per the guidelines, however, disparities were seen in nutritional assessment and initiation (19.31% data missing), and bowel and bladder care of the patients (56.6 % data missing). Conclusion: This audit identified areas where the care of patients admitted to the Medical ICU could be improved. The recommendations made in this report should be implemented to ensure that patients receive high-quality care that is consistent with established guidelines.