Demand and availability of Intensive Care beds. A study based on the data collected at the SUEM 118 Central of Padua from October 1996 to December 2001.

Abstract

The Hospital of Padua is a landmark center for patients who need specialized treatment. It is therefore important to increase the assistance and safety standards of its ICUs. In recent years there has been a great need for specialized ICUs either for more aggressive procedures (neurosurgical, cardiosurgical, respiratory, cardiologic, etc.) or for the increased use of adequate and invasive treatment for advanced diseases. The available resources of ICU beds should be more rationally distributed between the peripheral and the Regional Hospitals, since the activation of an ICU bed in the operating theatre is a valid, transient option.