To evaluate the feasibility and relevance of the LIFE-UP Day audit, a simple, 1-day benchmarking tool based on the multidisciplinary LIFE-UP bundle (Limit sedation, optimise nutritional Intakes, engage Families, promote Exercise and follow-UP the patients after discharge) and assessing the implementation of postintensive care syndrome (PICS) prevention strategies in daily practice.
Exploratory multicentre cross-sectional audit study.
Eight Belgian adult intensive care units (ICUs), between April and July 2024.
All patients present at 08:00 on the audit day and hospitalised for ≥24 hours.
An independent nurse collected data on sedation, analgesia, nutrition, family empowerment, physical exercise and post-ICU follow-up. A multidimensional LIFE-UP composite score (raw 0–10 points), normalised to a 5-point scale, was created to quantify adherence to PICS prevention practices based on current recommendations. Feasibility was evaluated through data accessibility, resource needs, cooperation of ICU teams and the ability to complete the audit within 1 day. Relevance was evaluated through adherence to the bundle, assessed by comparing LIFE-UP scores between ICUs. Quantitative results were expressed as median and IQR.
The audit was tested in 87 patients aged 68 (59–74) years, 9 (5–15.5) days after their admission. The audit was feasible across all ICUs: necessary data were available, resources required were minimal and cooperation was excellent. The LIFE-UP score highlighted significant variability between ICUs (2.5 (1.75–2.75), p
The LIFE-UP Day audit proved feasible and provides a first structured framework for benchmarking. Broader implementation will be essential to validate the LIFE-UP score, refine the model and ultimately determine whether it can translate into improved patient and family outcomes.
To engage individuals with lived experiences of dyspareunia in a co-design process to identify strategies for reducing stigma on digital health platforms.
Three virtual co-design workshops were conducted with 14 participants with lived experiences of dyspareunia. Data collection occurred in two phases. In phase 1, participants created individual prototypes of stigma-alleviating website designs. In phase 2, participants came together to collaboratively create a final design prototype using the individual designs as a guide. Participants then explained their reasons for selecting specific design elements and how these choices addressed stigma. The co-design workshops were recorded, transcribed verbatim and then analysed thematically.
The data revealed four overarching themes for developing destigmatising online platforms. These include providing extensive information on dyspareunia, designing for inclusivity, protecting users’ identities, and offering interactive features to support information access and community connection.
This study offers patient-led strategies for mitigating stigma through online platforms. The findings may inform the design of digital health resources for individuals seeking sexual health services online, particularly those from stigmatised populations who use web-based platforms to navigate or supplement their healthcare needs.