Disseminating-Evidence Project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Disseminating-Evidence Project - Essay Example Conversely, induced hypothermia can also occur through non-invasive means, typically involving the use of a chilled water blanket, leg wraps or torso vests placed in direct contact with the skin of the patient. Previously conducted studies indicate that patients with the potential risk for ischemic brain injuries have immense chances positive outcomes when treated with an induced hypothermia protocol (Binks et al. 2010). This paper will examine the medical protocol of induced hypothermia, discussing its inherent advantages on neurological outcomes. The paper will provide an account of induced hypothermia, describing the different protocols and effects of hypothermia on the human brain. The paper will culminate with a comprehensive dissemination plan that entails a roundtable discussion. Since its inception, induced hypothermia protocols have proved quite effective. Background Medical practitioners have applied hypothermia therapeutically since ancient times. The history of induced hy pothermia dates as far back as the Hippocrates era although the first published medical article on induced hypothermia was in 1945. The world’s initial modern doctor i.e. Greek physician Hippocrates endorsed the packing of injured soldiers using ice and snow. Napoleonic surgeon Dominique Jean Larrey observed that officers kept near fire had lower survival chances than officers kept in cold environments. The study first published in 1945 focused on the impacts of hypothermia on patients affected by head injuries. In the mid 20th century, hypothermia obtained its initial medical application used in intracerbal aneurysm surgery with a view to establish a bloodless field. Notably, most of the initial research into induced hypothermia concentrated on the application of deep hypothermia i.e. applications of body temperatures between 20-25 Â °C. This extreme drop in body temperature produces an array of effects that made the application of deep hypothermia quite impractical. The 19 50s also saw intense investigation of mild forms of induced hypothermia, i.e. 32-34 Â °C. During this period, Dr. Rosomoff exemplified in dogs the advantages of mild hypothermia pursuant to a traumatic brain injury or ischemia. Researchers conducted further animal studies in the 1980s showing the capacity of mild hypothermia to function as a general neuroprotectant, especially after obstruction of blood flow to the brain (Sessler, 2005). In 1999, after a skiing accident Anna Bagenholm’s heart stopped beating for at least three hours during which her body temperature was 13.7 Â °C prior to resuscitation. In addition to animal studies, as well as Anna Bagenholm’s misfortune, there have been at least two landmark studies published in 2002 in the New England Journal of Medicine. Both studies demonstrated the benefits of applying mild hypothermia following a cardiac arrest. Subsequently, in 2003, the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILOR) and the American Heart Association (AHA) endorsed the application of mild hypothermia after cardiac arrest. Presently, a growing number of hospitals worldwide incorporate the recommendations of AHA/ILCOR and embrace hypothermic protocols in their standard care packages for patients who suffer cardiac arrest. Certain researchers further contend that induced hypothermia is a better neuroprotectant after obstruction