•Take proper preventive measures during invasive procedures and during maintenance of invasive devices.

Step 8: Counsel family members

•Be observant and listen to seniors discussing a patient with family members and clarify any doubts.

•Start participating in group discussion with the family and document discussions in clinical notes.

•Be sensitive about discussion of end-of-life care (see Chap. 81).

•Above all, be compassionate.

Step 9: Be a productive member of the ICU team

•ICU care is a teamwork where each member of the team has a defined responsibility.

•Many of the ICU tasks are interdependent, and therefore effective communication among team members is essential.

•Familiarize yourself with policies and protocols of the ICU, which may vary between ICUs.

•Create a safe work culture, avoid distractions, and keep ICU environment clean, calm, and acceptable to patients and family members.

•Punctuality, following a dress code if present, and proper mannerism reflect a professional approach.

•Attend departmental meeting regularly.

•Take an active role in quality control programs of the ICU.

Step 10: Keep yourself updated

•Actively participate in academic and research activities of the ICU.

•Keep a reference ICU handbook with you and refer to it whenever in doubt.

•Keep hospital drug formulary in the ICU and communicate with pharmacists regarding drug dosing.

•Attend simulation workshop for proper training in ICU skills.

•Participate in e-learning programs available on the web.

•Be familiar with ICU syllabus (see Appendix).

•Work towards gaining an accreditation at the end of your training period.

Suggested Reading

1.Thompson JE, Collett LW. Using the ISBAR handover tool in junior medical officer handover: a study in an Australian tertiary hospital. Postgrad Med J. 2011;87(1027):340–4.

Use of the ISBAR tool improves JMO perception of handover communication in a time-neutral fashion.

2.CoBaTrICE Collaboration, Bion JF, Barrett H. Development of core competencies for an international training programme in intensive care medicine. Intensive Care Med. 2006;32(9): 1371–83.

Defines the core (minimum) competencies required for a specialist in adult intensive care medicine.

3.Dorman T, Angood PB. Guidelines for critical care medicine training and continuing medical education. Crit Care Med. 2004;32(1):263–72.

Guidelines for the continuum of education in critical care medicine from residency through specialty training and ongoing throughout practice.

4.Vincent JL. Give your patient a fast hug (at least) once a day. Crit Care Med. 2005;33:1225–9.

5.Pronovost P et al. Improving communication in the ICU using daily goals. J Crit Care. 2003; 18(2):71–5.

Website

1. www.cobatrice.org