Keynote - Prof Rosalind Searle: #MeToo: Breaking the Silence within Critical Care Nursing

The #MeToo movement has sparked significant conversations across various sectors, shedding light on the pervasive issue of sexual violence. This vital movement has not only encouraged individuals to share their experiences but also underscored the systemic challenges related to sexual violence, particularly in healthcare environments where power dynamics often complicate reporting and support. In the specialized field of critical care nursing, professionals frequently face high-stress situations while working with patients who are critically ill or vulnerable. 

Unfortunately, this intense atmosphere may inadvertently contribute to an environment where harassment and abuse can occur or go unnoticed. The emphasis on patient care often takes precedence, leading to a culture that may silence the voices of nurses who experience or witness sexual violence. Breaking the silence surrounding these issues is imperative for creating a safer workplace and fostering a culture of respect and dignity for all healthcare professionals. It is essential to recognize that the well-being of nursing staff directly impacts patient care quality. 

When nurses feel safe and valued, they are better equipped to provide compassionate and effective care. Creating a supportive environment involves several key strategies. First, it's crucial to encourage an open dialogue about experiences related to sexual violence and harassment. This can be facilitated through workshops, seminars, and support groups where nurses can share their stories in a safe and confidential setting. Establishing a network of solidarity among nursing professionals can empower individuals to speak out against harassment, knowing they have the support of their peers.

Additionally, healthcare organisations and associations such as BACCN and, by association, the BACCN Conference Team must develop and enforce robust policies that protect staff from harassment. By implementing clear reporting procedures and ensuring that complaints are taken seriously and addressed promptly, healthcare associations can create a culture that does not tolerate inappropriate behaviour. Furthermore, organisational leadership should also take an active role in promoting a culture of safety and respect. Leaders can model appropriate behaviours and demonstrate their commitment to addressing sexual violence by prioritizing training, awareness campaigns, and support services for affected staff. 

Ultimately, the goal is to cultivate an environment in critical care nursing where all staff members feel safe, respected, and empowered to contribute to patient care without the burden of harassment or intimidation. By championing these changes, the critical care nursing community can play a pivotal role in improving workplace safety and the overall quality of patient care. Together, nursing professionals can join the #MeToo movement as a call for justice and awareness and as a commitment to fostering a compassionate, respectful, and safe healthcare environment for everyone.

View Rosalind's Biography here

Keynote - David McWilliams: "Thriving not just Surviving" Rehabilitation of Critical Illness (NCEPOD Report)

"Increasingly, patients admitted to critical care are more likely to survive hospital discharge. This survival is not without cost, as these patients (who are increasingly older and have chronic co-morbidities) are often left with significant physical, psychological, and cognitive morbidity collectively termed ‘post-intensive care syndrome’. As a result, survivors of critical illness have complex rehabilitation needs, both within the short and long term, impacting on return to pre-illness quality of life and function" NCEPOD

"Thriving Not Just Surviving" post-critical illness underscores the significance of transitioning from merely enduring a challenging health experience to actively pursuing a fulfilling and enriched life afterwards. This approach entails a fundamental shift in mindset, promoting growth, resilience, and overall wellness in the aftermath of illness.

Individuals recovering from critical illnesses often encounter a range of challenges, including physical rehabilitation, emotional distress, and necessary lifestyle adjustments. The focus on thriving encompasses the establishment of new goals, the cultivation of relationships, and the identification of joy in daily activities. Engaging in new interests, participating in support networks, and prioritizing mental health alongside physical recovery are integral aspects of this journey. 

Practising self-compassion, acknowledging small achievements, and remaining receptive to new opportunities is essential to flourish following a critical illness genuinely. Each individual’s recovery path is unique, making it vital to discover a renewed sense of purpose and happiness throughout the healing process. Adopting this proactive mindset enables individuals to transform their experiences, emphasizing a life defined not by survival but by flourishing and growth.

Panel Discussion: Critical Care Nursing: The Past, Present and the Future

Reflecting on the history of critical care nursing reveals a significant evolution in the discipline and the practices that have shaped contemporary care delivery. Historically, critical care nursing was primarily centred on fundamental life-saving techniques, with nurses functioning mainly as assistants to physicians. However, advancements in medical technology catalysed a substantial expansion of the role of critical care nurses. They emerged as integral members of healthcare teams, assuming responsibilities that included the implementation of complex treatment protocols and utilising critical thinking skills to assess and interpret patient data effectively. 

The late twentieth century witnessed the establishment of specialised training programs, which marked a pivotal moment for critical care nursing. This development led to a more structured approach to education and certification, enabling nurses to acquire expertise in various areas, such as hemodynamic monitoring, ventilator management, and multi-organ support. The advent of advanced technologies, including telemetry and computerized health records, further transformed nursing practice, facilitating more precise and timely patient interventions. In addition, the understanding of patient-centred care has undergone considerable refinement. The focus has increasingly shifted towards holistic approaches considering patients' and their families' physical, emotional, and psychological needs. 

This evolution underscores the growing recognition of the nurse’s patient advocate and educator role. Finally, recent decades have emphasised the importance of research and evidence-based practice, reinforcing the critical role of nursing in enhancing patient outcomes. The essential commitment of care nurses to advocating for quality care has been instrumental in shaping policies and standards within the healthcare system. 

Critical care nursing is marked by continuous growth, adaptation, and an unwavering dedication to providing the highest standard of care in complex environments. As the field progresses, reflecting on these developments and their implications for the profession and patient welfare remains essential.

Past & Present BACCN Chair Reflections on the changing landscape of critical care nursing priorities

The landscape of critical care nursing is undergoing continuous transformation, influenced by various factors such as technological advancements, demographic changes in patient populations, and shifts in healthcare policy. A reflection on these changes reveals that priorities within critical care nursing have evolved to better align with patients' needs and the healthcare system's demands. 

One of the most notable shifts is the increasing emphasis on patient-centred care. Critical care nurses are now focusing not only on the medical requirements of patients but also on their emotional, psychological, and social needs. This comprehensive approach necessitates a profound understanding of each patient's circumstances and a commitment to effective communication with patients and their families. Moreover, the advent of technology has significantly altered the critical care environment.

Incorporating electronic health records, telemedicine, and monitoring technologies has transformed nursing practices. While these innovations enhance operational efficiency and facilitate improved patient monitoring, they also require ongoing education and training to ensure that nurses can effectively utilise these tools while maintaining the essential human element of care. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the necessity for adaptability and flexibility within critical care nursing. Nurses have been compelled to swiftly adjust their practices and priorities to address the unprecedented challenges faced by the healthcare system, often under resource constraints. This experience has underscored the critical importance of resilience within the nursing workforce and the need for mental health support for healthcare providers. 

Lastly, as the focus of healthcare increasingly shifts toward equity and the reduction of disparities, the priorities of critical care nursing are also changing to address social determinants of health.  Nurses are taking on advocacy roles for vulnerable populations, striving to ensure that all patients receive appropriate care, irrespective of their circumstances. In conclusion, the evolving landscape of critical care nursing priorities reflects broader trends within the healthcare system. 

Critical care nurses are establishing themselves as integral stakeholders in delivering high-quality healthcare by prioritizing patient-centred approaches, embracing technological innovations, fostering resilience, and advocating for equity. It is essential to continually assess and adapt these priorities to serve patients and communities effectively in the future.

Communities of Practice

A community of practice (CoP) represents a vibrant collective of individuals who share a passionate commitment to a specific domain, engaged in a dynamic journey of mutual learning. They exchange invaluable knowledge, insights, and effective practices, fostering profound personal and professional growth. These conference CoP sessions help spark innovation and cultivate a unified sense of purpose. Through discussions and exploring potential collaborative projects, they strengthen their connections, enhancing the transformative power of the shared learning experience.  We will have the following CoP sessions at the conference:

• Clinical Education in Critical Care 
• Critical Care Outreach
• #Rehablegends
• Neurodiversity in Critical Care (TBC)
• Informatics / Digital 

Research Stream

Details to follow