Intensive care unit (ICU) is that part of a hospital or a healthcare setup that is specially equipped to provide appropriate care to the patients who are critically ill and require undivided medical attention. Intensive care unit is specially designed and staffed to provide utmost care and attention to the patients for a speedy recovery from serious ailments.
When is a patient admitted in the intensive care unit (ICU) ?
A patient who is diagnosed with a serious ailment that requires undivided attention and appropriate care for recovery is admitted in an intensive care unit. For example, a patient who met with an accident and has had multiple injuries and is in unconscious state needs to be admitted in the intensive care unit for adequate monitoring. Patients are also admitted in surgical intensive care units after major surgical procedures for close monitoring of recovery.
What are the types of intensive care unit (ICU) ?
The basic idea behind an intensive care unit is to provide much needed attention to seriously ill patients to help in close monitoring of their recovery. There are general intensive care units where mostly medically ill patients are admitted. Surgical intensive care units are specially equipped as per the type of speciality for example cardiac surgical ICU, neuro surgical ICU pediatric ICU, neonatal ICU etc.
How the staffing is maintained in an intensive care unit (ICU) ?
Intensive care unit has a dedicated team of doctors, nurses, technicians and paramedics who are duly trained to take care of critically ill patients. The training provided to the ICU team is more serious and intense as compared to the staff working in the inpatient department. Every ICU has a team of doctors and nurses who closely monitor the patient’s recovery.
What are the visiting hours in an intensive care unit (ICU) ?
The visiting hours in an intensive care are restricted as it disturbs the patients and functioning of the ICU. Only the close relatives usually one at a time are allowed to meet the patient that too for a defined period of time. Entry is restricted in an intensive care unit to maintain sterile aseptic conditions to prevent any transmission of infection.
How is the information about the patient discussed with the relatives ?
The team of doctors in the intensive care unit regularly inform the patients’ relatives about the present status of the patient’s recovery and condition after the daily rounds and assessment of patient’s condition.
When are the patients transferred from the Intensive Care Units ?
A patient who is admitted in the intensive care unit is monitored very closely for recovery. Once the patient’s condition is stable and the consulting specialist approve transfer to an inpatient unit, the patient can be sent to an inpatient department from where the patient can be discharged after complete recovery.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
