A description of the ICU liaison nurse role in Argentina.

Background: Recognising and responding to clinical deterioration in hospital patients has been promoted by many western countries to improve patient safety. In non-western and developing countries it is likely to be even more important to focus on strategies of patient safety. This paper reflects the services provided by Intensive Care Unit Liaison Nurses (ICULN) in the first year of their work, July 2010-June 2011, in an Argentinean hospital. Objectives: This practice audit aimed to describe the ICULN patient care activities performed for patients discharged from the ICU and ward patients with complex care needs, and to identify education activities carried with ward nursing staff caring for these patients. Methods: Experienced critical care nurses, with strong communication and education skills were appointed as ICULNs. They were asked to assess ward patients transferred from ICU once per shift and ward patients as requested by staff. They had to provide patient complex care if necessary and education to ward nurses caring for these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]