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Table 2 Examples of best practices for coordinating care within the ICU

From: Twenty-four hour presence of physicians in the ICU

Specific guidelines and protocols for medical and nursing care

Physicians with expertise in selected procedures, e.g. intubation,

   invasive monitoring

Updated protocols for limiting life-supporting therapy

Physicians' rounds made early, facilitating communication and planning

Orientation, written guidelines, close supervision for residents

Rounds and conferences with pharmacist, dietician, radiologist

Emphasis on decentralised services (satellite pharmacy, laboratory,

   radiograph viewing) in or close to the ICU

  1. Shortened and adapted from Zimmerman et al [11].