Give your patient a fast hug (at least) once a day.

OBJECTIVE: To introduce the Fast Hug mnemonic (Feeding, Analgesia, Sedation, Thromboembolic prophylaxis, Head-of-bed elevation, stress Ulcer prevention, and Glucose control) as a means of identifying and checking some of the key aspects in the general care of all critically ill patients.

DESIGN: Not applicable.

SETTING: Any intensive care unit at any time.

PATIENTS: All intensive care unit patients.

INTERVENTIONS: Dependent on the results of applying the Fast Hug.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Not applicable.

CONCLUSIONS: Application of this simple strategy encourages teamwork and may help improve the quality of care received by our intensive care unit patients.