Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2001; 22(1): 095-100
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-13844
Copyright © 2001 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Models of Critical Care Delivery: Physician Staffing in the ICU

Gregg Y. Lipschik, Mark A. Kelley
  • Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2001 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Although a consensus has emerged over the value of intensive care units (ICUs) in improving both the outcome and efficiency of critical care, the optimal staffing configuration of physicians who provide this care remains controversial. The value of open ICUs, where many clinicians can admit and care for patients, versus closed ICUs, where an on-site intensivist or housestaff team (or both) provides primary care of the critically ill patient is one aspect of this controversy. The roles of the intensivist, the ICU housestaff team, and the ICU director have also been debated. This article reviews the available literature on physician staffing in critical care units and its relationship to outcome and cost-effectiveness of care.