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Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of daily cleaning with 4% chlorhexidine-impregnated sponges in decreasing contamination of blood cultures in critically-ill patients., Material and Methods: Prospective, quasi-experimental, longitudinal, single-centre trial. During 24 months (April 2013 to March 2015), we analysed 237 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria, divided into 2groups: one underwent daily cleaning with common soap (control group, n= 108), and the other with chlorhexidine (intervention group, n= 109). Demographic variables, pathology group, severity scores, ICU and hospital length of stay and mortality, and time passed since cleaning to blood culture extraction were included., Results: Statistical analysis showed a higher proportion of contaminated blood cultures during the control group period in contrast with the intervention group period (15 vs. 6.3%), with a significant difference: 9.23% (CI95%: 1,34-16,7%), with an odds ratio of 2,73 (CI95%: 1,13-6,63). Surveillance analysis showed lower probability of blood culture contamination within the 18hours following daily cleaning. Cleaning without chlorhexidine increased contamination of blood cultures (HR: 3,05; CI95%: 1,14-8,12)., Conclusions: The use of 4% chlorhexidine-impregnated sponges for daily cleaning of critically-ill patients decreases blood culture contamination incidence and its protection lasts for almost 18h., (Copyright © 2016 Sociedad Española de Enfermería Intensiva y Unidades Coronarias (SEEIUC). Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Family members' experience a range of physiological, psychological and emotional impacts when accompanying a critically ill relative in the emergency department. Family needs are influenced by their culture and the context of care, and accurate clinician understanding of these needs is essential for patient- and family-centered care delivery. The aim of this study was to describe the needs of Taiwanese family members accompanying critically ill patients in the emergency department while waiting for an inpatient bed and compare these to the perceptions of emergency nurses., Methods: A prospective cross-sectional survey was conducted in a large medical center in Taiwan. Data were collected from 150 family members and 150 emergency nurses who completed a Chinese version of the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory., Results: Family members ranked needs related to 'communication with family members,' as most important, followed by 'family member participation in emergency department care', 'family member support' and 'organizational comfort'; rankings were similar to those of emergency nurses. Compared to nurses, family members reported higher scores for the importance of needs related to 'communication with family members' and 'family members' participation in emergency department care'., Conclusions: Family members place greater importance than emergency nurses on the need for effective communication., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)