This study seeks to gain a comprehensive understanding of current ARDS management practices across European ICUs, with a particular focus on the use of LTV and PP therapy, which have been shown to improve outcomes in ARDS patients. The primary objectives focus on evaluating how LTV and PP are implemented across different institutions, while secondary objectives encompass a broader assessment of other ARDS treatment strategies. These include mechanical ventilation approaches, including PEEP titration, the use of NMBAs, and advanced extra-corporal therapies like ECMO and extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal (ECCO2R). Additionally, the study will explore diagnostic methods and decision-making processes that guide ARDS management in diverse clinical settings.
This is a cross-sectional survey designed to collect data on the current practices of ARDS management in ICUs across Europe. The survey will be administered electronically, allowing for the efficient collection of responses from a broad and diverse group of healthcare professionals.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
100
Proportion of ICUs utilising prone positioning for ARDS patients.
This measure evaluates the adoption of prone positioning therapy across ICUs in Europe, capturing variations in its implementation for ARDS patients.
Time frame: Survey period (December 2024 - March 2025)
PaO2/FiO2 threshold for starting prone positioning.
This measure represants a categorical variable and captures the clinical thresholds for initiating prone positioning, based on the PaO2/FiO2 ratio.
Time frame: Survey period (December 2024 - March 2025)
Distribution of the extent of prone positioning used in participating ICUs.
This measure categorises the extent of prone positioning in ARDS patients based on typical positioning angles (e.g., 135°, 180°) and reports the proportion of ICUs using each category. Unit of Measure: Percentage of ICUs per category (e.g., 135°, 180°).
Time frame: Survey period (December 2024 - March 2025).
Mean duration per prone positioning cycles.
Evaluates the typical duration of individual prone positioning cycle. Unit of Measure: Hours per cycle
Time frame: Survey period (December 2024 - March 2025)
Mean minimum number of prone position cycles.
Evaluates the minumum number of prone position cycles per patient, regardless of therapy response. Unit of Measure: number of cycles (count)
Time frame: Survey period (December 2024 - March 2025)
Commonly reported criteria for ending prone positioning therapy.
Assesses clinical and physiological criteria used to determine the cessation of prone positioning, such as oxygenation improvements or complications. Descriptive frequencies of criteria.
Time frame: Survey period (December 2024 - March 2025)
Proportion of ICUs adhering to tidal volume restrictions
Measures the compliance of ICUs with evidence-based lung-protective ventilation strategies in ARDS patients, focusing on tidal volume settings. Unit of Measure: Percentage.
Time frame: Survey period (December 2024 - March 2025)
Mean tidal volumes used for mild, moderate, and severe ARDS.
Captures variations in tidal volume settings based on the severity of ARDS, aiming to identify trends in lung-protective strategies. Unit of Measure: mL/kg predicted body weight.
Time frame: Survey period (December 2024 - March 2025)
Proportion of ICUs using volume-controlled vs pressure-controlled ventilation.
Examines ICU preferences for mechanical ventilation modes, highlighting trends in volume-controlled and pressure-controlled ventilation strategies. Unit of Measure: Percentage.
Time frame: Survey period (December 2024 - March 2025)
Types of PEEP titration methods and recruitment manoeuvres.
Evaluates PEEP titration strategies, including the use of recruitment manoeuvres and their clinical application in ARDS management. Unit of Measure: Percentage.
Time frame: Survey period (December 2024 - March 2025)
Proportion of ICUs using NMBAs for ARDS patients.
Captures the frequency of NMBA use and its role in facilitating lung-protective ventilation in ARDS management. Unit of Measure: Percentage.
Time frame: Survey period (December 2024 - March 2025).
Frequency of corticosteroid and nitric oxide use.
Investigates the use of adjunct pharmacological therapies in ARDS management, focusing on corticosteroids and inhaled nitric oxide. Unit of Measure: Percentage.
Time frame: Survey period (December 2024 - March 2025)
Proportion of ICUs with ECMO/ECCO2R availability and implementation.
Assesses the availability of advanced extracorporeal therapies and their integration into ARDS treatment protocols. Unit of Measure: Percentage.
Time frame: Survey period (December 2024 - March 2025).
Variation in prone position extent by country.
Explores the influence of country of medical practice on the extent of prone position being performed (full prone position vs. parital prone position). Unit of Measure: Proportions
Time frame: Survey period (December 2024 - March 2025).
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.