Critical Care Medicine · 1973 · 15 citations · 0 references
MedicinePediatric NursingPediatricsCritical Care MedicineHospital MedicinePediatric PulmonologyInhalation TherapyIntensive Care MedicineIntensive Care Unit DesignPediatric Respiratory CareRespiratory Failure ManagementAncillary ServicesContinuous Coverage PoliciesCoverageIntensive Care Unit OrganizationPediatric Acute Respiratory Failure
A multidisciplinary pediatric ICU was developed at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh as part of the Critical Care Medicine Program at the University of Pittsburgh Health Center. As a result, the ICU mortality was reduced from 26.2% in 1967–68 to 14.9% in 1971–72. The most significant reduction occurred in patients with acute respiratory failure, from 6.3% to 0.8%. The quality of patient care was greatly influenced by continuous coverage by full time ICU physicians (staff and fellows), highly-trained nurses and inhalation therapists, and the use of a special ancillary staff of paramedicals.