Is your critical care unit ready to implement new guidelines for managing pain, agitation and delirium?

ALISO VIEJO, Calif., July 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- To help hospitals put new guidelines for managing pain, agitation and delirium in critically ill patients into practice, the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) will devote the next three sessions of its monthly AACN Critical Care Webinar Series to this high-interest clinical issue.

AACN developed the three-part webinar miniseries to support nurses, clinical teams and healthcare organizations as they implement the "Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Pain, Agitation and Delirium in Adult Patients in the Intensive Care Unit," issued earlier this year by the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM).

Acutely ill patients are at high risk for pain, agitation and delirium (PAD), and recent evidence shows that implementing early assessment, prevention and detection protocols can reduce risk factors and improve patient outcomes.

During each of the 30-minute live webinars, expert presenters will emphasize a different aspect of PAD while concentrating on evidence-based assessment and management of the associated conditions.

The PAD-focused webinar miniseries kicks off with "Pain and Sedation: Assessing and Managing in the Critically Ill," Thursday, Aug. 8, at 10 a.m. PT, with presenter Brenda Pun, RN, MSN, ACNP, one of the co-authors of the new guidelines.

The miniseries continues Thursday, Sept. 19 at 10 a.m. PT, with "Delirium Challenge: Assessing and Managing in Acute/Critical Care," led by Leanne Boehm, RN, MSN, ACNS-BC.

The third session on Thursday, Oct. 17, at 10 a.m. PT, will explore the evidence for implementing an early progressive mobility program within critical care units. Occupational therapist Cheryl Esbrook, OTR/L, BCPR, will lead an interdisciplinary discussion with co-presenter Pun.

Launched earlier this year, the AACN Critical Care Webinar Series offers monthly presentations by nationally recognized speakers on evidence-based clinical topics, all free of charge and accompanied by ready-to-use implementation tools and resources. Previous webinars, now available on-demand, addressed severe sepsis and alarm fatigue.

In addition to the presentations, registrants receive access to AACN's Webinar Series Learn Network, an online community discussion forum, where they can interact with content experts as well as peers on webinar-related topics. Questions can be submitted prior to the live events (for presenters to consider when preparing their presentation), and answers to all questions asked during the webinar are posted to the forums.

Aimed at achieving optimal patient outcomes, the series is particularly appropriate for team viewing and discussion, in addition to individual learning.

"Participants are using the webinars for staff training sessions, lunch meetings and other educational programs," said AACN Senior Director Ramón Lavandero, RN, MA, MSN, FAAN. "The 30-minute format makes it convenient for individuals to fit into their schedule and allows groups to set aside time afterward to discuss how the material applies to them."

All webinar participants receive unlimited access to recorded webcasts. AACN members receive CNE at no charge, and there is a $5 fee for nonmembers.

AACN will announce future webinar topics and dates throughout the year. Interested participants can learn more and register online at www.aacn.org/webinarseries.

About the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses: Founded in 1969 and based in Aliso Viejo, Calif., the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) is the largest specialty nursing organization in the world. AACN joins together the interests of more than 500,000 acute and critical care nurses and claims more than 235 chapters worldwide. The organization's vision is to create a healthcare system driven by the needs of patients and their families in which acute and critical care nurses make their optimal contribution.

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, 101 Columbia, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656-4109;
Phone: (949) 362-2000; Fax: (949) 362-2020

www.aacn.org; facebook.com/aacnface; twitter.com/aacnme

SOURCE American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)