Advantages |
• Avoids the hassle/additional workload of transfer procedures • Necessary equipment readily available (stored in bedside cupboards) but not obviously visible so less alarming for patients and relatives than an ICU environment • Virtually unlimited number of potential ICU beds (no “full ICU”) • Better continuity of care—no need for handover to another health care team • Avoids psychological obstacles to ICU transfer • No major step-up/step-down from one location to another |
Disadvantages |
• Difficulties having all of the sophisticated material readily available • Lack of professional expertise on the regular floor • Difficulties training the entire hospital (equipment, procedures, continuing education) • Need for intensivists to cross the hospital when needed for emergency intervention • Need for flexible staffing to face increased needs • Less exposure to and therefore experience of staff with complex end-of-life decisions |