Clinical impact of the publication of S3 guidelines for intensive care in cardiac surgery patients in Germany: results from a postal survey.

INTRODUCTION: The development and implementation of practice guidelines might be an important tool to evaluate the different practices and to consider different local strategies.

METHODS: A postal questionnaire with 37 questions was sent to the leading physicians of 80 intensive care units in Germany, treating patients after cardiothoracic surgery. The survey covered the same core questions on current practice of hemodynamic monitoring, volume replacement, inotropic/vasopressor support, and transfusions before and after the publication of an S3 guideline.

RESULTS: A total of 77.5 % of the completed questionnaires were returned. Monitoring changed to increased use of central venous oxygen saturation (S(cv)O(2)) in 55.1% (2005: 20.9%), end-tidal CO(2)-monitoring 36.2% (2005: 24.3%), and decreased use of the left atrial pressure with 12.3% (2005: 23.3%) and pulmonary artery catheter 47.5% (2005: 58.2%). For volume therapy, there is a decreased use of Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) with 38.7% (2005: 63.4%) and an increased use of crystalloids 41.9% (2005: 22.4%). For inotropes, there is a trend to a decreased use of dopamine with 9.7% (2005: 29.1%, P = 0.074). The clinical relevance of the guidelines was judged 'high' by 43.5% and 'medium' by 50% of the responding physicians; however, change of treatments was reported by one quarter of respondents.

CONCLUSION: Despite ongoing variability in the use of monitoring devices, volume replacement and vasopressor/inotrope use in cardiac surgery patients, there have been some changes in the therapy of these patients after publication of the guidelines. Because the guideline has been considered as clinically relevant, further interdisciplinary development and implementation support should be considered.