Abstract
Despite the manpower shortage to care for the critically ill, the number of ICU beds has been rising for the last 2 decades. The ICU intensivist physician staffing model is still in flux in this country. Despite a challenge by a recent single publication, numerous studies have shown that high-intensity intensivist staffing improves patient outcome in the ICU. However, 73% of the ICUs in this country provide low-intensity or no intensive care coverage. Although it may not be possible to implement 24 h/d intensivist coverage of all ICUs at this time, we believe it is the best model for achieving good patient outcome. The mere presence of intensivists in the ICU is unlikely to improve patient outcome unless it is associated with the creation of an organizational environment ideal for the implementation of evidence-based practice. In this commentary, we will discuss the available evidence behind the current models and express our opinions about current and future ICU intensivist staffing.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1038-1044 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Chest |
Volume | 135 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 1 2009 |
Keywords
- Burnout
- Critical care
- Hospitalist
- Icus
- Organization and administration
- Patient care team
- Patient outcome assessment
- Personnel staffing and scheduling
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
- Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine