Organizational Characteristics of Intensive Care Units Related to Outcomes of Abdominal Aortic Surgery
Article Abstract:
The way some intensive care units are run may have an impact on patient outcome. Researchers analyzed organizational characteristics of 39 intensive care units (ICUs) in Maryland and linked this to mortality rates among 2,987 patients who were treated in a Maryland ICU after surgery on their abdominal aorta. In-hospital mortality rates ranged from zero to 66%. Mortality rates were two to three times lower in ICUs that had an ICU doctor who made rounds every day to check on patient care. Resource use was lower in ICUs where each nurse had no more than two patients to care for.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1999
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Reorganizing the Delivery of Intensive Care May Improve Patient Outcomes
Article Abstract:
Reducing the level of professional care in intensive care units (ICUs) may have an adverse effect on the health of the patients. A 1999 study found that mortality rates in ICUs were about three times lower when doctors who specialized in intensive care made daily rounds to check patients' progress. Resource use was lower in ICUs where nurses had no more than two patients to care for. More research is needed to identify other organizational characteristics of ICUs that may lead to better patient outcomes.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1999
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Effects of organizational change in the medical intensive care unit of a teaching hospital: a comparison of 'open' and 'closed' formats
Article Abstract:
A closed intensive care unit may lead to improved survival rates among its patients. A closed ICU is one in which patients are admitted under the care of a physician specializing in critical care medicine. In an open ICU, patients are under the care of their primary care physician. An evaluation of 124 patients in a closed ICU and 121 patients in an open ICU revealed that mortality rates in the closed ICU were 22% lower than expected, compared to a reduction of only 10% in those in open ICUs.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1996
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