The Medical University of South Carolina's ICU implemented the PEP uP Protocol

This medical ICU started using the PEP uP protocol March 1st 2015 and have been able to overcome any barriers they have faced. Registered Dietitian Kristen Quisenberry, pictured below with Dr. Heyland, has been educating and supporting staff on both the day and night shifts and is planning a 'PEP uP Party' for all staff on the unit to celebrate the successful implementation of the PEP uP protocol. Also shown below is the medical ICU's bulletin board that contains important PEP uP information and reminders for staff (click on the photo to enlarge).

Dr. Heyland visits Phoenix VA Medical Center ICU

Dr. Heyland visited the Phoenix VA Medical Center ICU in October 2014 as we begin our participation as a Tier 1 US PEP uP Collaborative site. He shared his knowledge and expertise in critical care nutrition with our intensivists, critical care fellows, medical residents, hospitalists, nurses and dietitians. He translated the latest research in the field and compelled us to action to improve our nutrition care delivery with the PEP uP protocol. He assisted us in planning continued educational strategies to get endorsement from all disciplines to ensure success of the protocol. Dr. Heyland's visit helped us advance nutrition therapy into the spotlight and we are excited to begin at the end of October 2014!

Contacts: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., MS, RD, CNSC

Peterson Regional Medical Center official kicks off the US Collaborative!

Credit Valley Hospital: PEP uP, STEP UP, Listen Up & WAKE UP

In addition to PEP uP, the Credit Valley Hospital's ICU has also begun implementing STEP UP, Listen Up and WAKE UP initiatives. Listen Up is designed to address the ethical issues that arise when working with patients and family in the critical care setting - including topics that span from informed consent to withdrawal of care. STEP UP and WAKE UP are designed to get ICU patients mobile as soon as possible and off of sedation as soon as possible, and are piggybacked on the PEP uP protocol, with the goal of inspiring the ICU team to utilize best practices in evidence-based medicine in every area. The team at Credit Valley has truly "raised up" the bar in aspiring to be the Best of the Best. Congratulations to the Credit Valley team for all of your work so far, and best of luck as you move forward with these exciting initiatives. 

CoxHealth: Protein adequacy success

In addition to using the PEP uP protocol, a CoxHealth ICU took an extra step to help improve protein adequacy in their patients. Their protein supplements is now on patients' eMARs and they are using a 15 gram/dose liquid protein supplement. In the International Nutrition SUrvey 2013, their ICU had 81.6% adequacy of protein from EN. This is a fantastic improvement from 19.2% in 2010 prior to their participation in the PEP uP cluster RCT and the PEP uP Collaborative. Please Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Pharm.D., BCNSP, CNSC, if you have any questions.