Hanse Nursing Prize 2025: Katrin Flügge stands up for intensive care patients!

Hanse Nursing Prize 2025: Katrin Flügge stands up for intensive care patients!

The importance of care in intensive care medicine is increasingly becoming the focus of research and the professional public. Katrin Flügge, an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) at the neurosurgical intensive care unit, was recently awarded the Hanse Nursing Prize 2025. According to the Hannover Medical School (MHH), she received this honor for her master's thesis in health and nursing science, in which she investigated post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). This award is endowed with 2,000 euros and is presented annually by the Scientific Association for the Promotion of Clinically Applied Research in Intensive Care Medicine (WIVIM e.V.).

The award ceremony takes place as part of the symposium for intensive care medicine and intensive care in Bremen. Katrin Flügge, 29 years old, not only completed training as a health and nursing nurse, but also completed part-time studies. During an internship in an intensive care unit in Basel, she learned the concept of Advanced Practice Nursing, which is characterized by in-depth and specialized nursing practice and close patient care.

Post-intensive care syndrome and its consequences

In her work, Flügge is dedicated to the effects of PICS, a clinical picture that includes negative long-term physical, cognitive and psychological consequences for patients after a stay in the intensive care unit. Research shows that advances in critical care medicine can not only increase survival rates, but also increase rehospitalization and mortality rates. Survivors are often affected by long-term symptoms caused by intensive medical interventions, explains AI Online.

Flügge aims to improve intensive care and the aftercare process not only for the patients themselves, but also for their families. In particular, she specializes in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage, which is often caused by a ruptured aneurysm. The relevance of their work is underlined by this difficult group of patients.

The role of nursing interventions

The challenges that post-intensive care syndrome brings with it not only affect those affected, but also their relatives and the entire healthcare system. Nursing interventions are crucial to minimize risks. According to the Australian Physiotherapy Association In addition to physical impairments, PICS also includes psychological problems that can be addressed through targeted nursing practice.

Studies show the effectiveness of certain care strategies. The ABCDE(F) bundle, which includes early mobilization, intensive care diaries and psychosocial support, shows significant improvements in the prevalence of delirium and reduces psychological impairment. These measures are of great importance in order to increase the quality of life of patients after an intensive care stay and to reduce negative long-term consequences.