Give your patient a fast hug (at least) once a day

Abstract

Objective: To introduce the Fast Hug mnemonic (Feeding, Analgesia, Sedation, Thromboembolic prophylaxis, Head-of-bed elevation, stress Ulcer prevention, and Glucose control) as a means of identifying and checking some of the key aspects in the general care of all critically ill patients.

Design: Not applicable.

Setting: Any intensive care unit at any time.

Patients: All intensive care unit patients.

Interventions: Dependent on the results of applying the Fast Hug.

Measurements and main results: Not applicable.

Conclusions: Application of this simple strategy encourages teamwork and may help improve the quality of care received by our intensive care unit patients.