Acute & Critical Care Expert Panel 

The Expert Panel on Acute and Critical Care focuses on informing health policy and practices related to acute and critical care. Goals are achieved by the creation and dissemination of knowledge related to the practice and care of acute or critically ill patients, their health care environment, and treatment processes. 

Inaugural Year: 2005

Current Co-Chairs: 

Ruth M. Lindquist, PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, FAHA, FAAN 
University of Minnesota
5-140 WDH
308 Harvard Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Joan M. Vitello, Ph.D, RN, NEA-BC, FAHA, FAAN
Associate Chief Nurse
Brigham and Women's Hospital
75 Francis Street
Boston, MA
Office: 617-732-7282
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Staff Liaison: Kat Piscatelli

Board Liaison: Judith Baggs

Previous Chairs: Ruth M. Kleinpell & Therese Richmond (2005-2007), Mary Lou Sole (2009-2011)

Meeting Schedule: One Annual meeting

Publications:
2009 The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) and American Academy of Nursing (AAN) released a FREE online, self-paced program, "Best Practices for Elder Care." http://www.aacn.org/WD/Practice/Content/Eldercare.pcms?menu=Practice

Summary:
The Acute and Critical Care Expert Panel was established to inform health policy and influence relevant issues related to acute and critical care.  Members of the panel have diverse areas of expertise to provide leadership and expert opinion on a variety of issues. The panel facilitates networking, and fosters research and scholarship between members. It also promotes exchange of information and ideas with other nursing and professional groups. During the past year, the Best Practices in Elder Care educational project was completed in collaboration with the Hartford Foundation and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. Members were also invited to provide expertise in the area of sepsis prevention and treatment at an international summit.  Opportunities for future projects include integration of technology into practice to promote quality and safety, identification of care delivery models that incorporate and maximize the advanced practice nurse role, and addressing futile and/or palliative care issues as they relate to care of the acute or critically ill patient.

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