Table 1 Advantages and disadvantages of transforming ward beds into ICU beds

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