Utilisation of Intermediate Care Units: A Systematic Review
Joint Authors
Leenen, L. P. H.
Houwert, Roderick M.
Hietbrink, Falco
Plate, Joost D. J.
Source
Critical Care Research and Practice
Issue
Vol. 2017, Issue 2017 (31 Dec. 2017), pp.1-10, 10 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2017-07-09
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
10
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
Background.
The diversity in formats of Intermediate Care Units (IMCUs) makes it difficult to compare data from different settings.
The purpose of this article was to describe and quantify these different formations and utilisation.
Methods.
We performed a systematic review extracting geographic location, nomenclature used, admitting specialties, open (admitting specialist in charge) or closed (intensivist/generalist in charge) management format, location in hospital, number of beds, nursing workload, medical staff to patient ratios, and modalities—possibilities and limitations—implemented.
Results.
Nomenclature used was High Dependency Unit (56.8%) or Intermediate Care Unit (24.3%), with the latter one increasingly being used recently.
The median number of beds was 6 (IQR 4–10).
Location (p<0.001) and admitting specialties (p=0.03) were related to the management format.
IMCUs integrated or adjacent to Intensive Care Units were more often capable of using single vasoactive medication (p=0.025).
The mean nurse to patient ratio was 1 to 2.5.
Conclusions.
IMCUs often have a specific task in a hospital, which is reflected in location, format, and utilisation.
The management format depends on location and admitting specialist while incorporated supportive treatment modules reflect its function.
Common IMCU denominators are continuous monitoring and respiratory support, without mechanical ventilation and multiple vasoactive medications.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Plate, Joost D. J.& Leenen, L. P. H.& Houwert, Roderick M.& Hietbrink, Falco. 2017. Utilisation of Intermediate Care Units: A Systematic Review. Critical Care Research and Practice،Vol. 2017, no. 2017, pp.1-10.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1139817
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Plate, Joost D. J.…[et al.]. Utilisation of Intermediate Care Units: A Systematic Review. Critical Care Research and Practice No. 2017 (2017), pp.1-10.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1139817
American Medical Association (AMA)
Plate, Joost D. J.& Leenen, L. P. H.& Houwert, Roderick M.& Hietbrink, Falco. Utilisation of Intermediate Care Units: A Systematic Review. Critical Care Research and Practice. 2017. Vol. 2017, no. 2017, pp.1-10.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1139817
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-1139817