Table 1 Potential benefits and challenges of the “ICU without border” concept
From: ICU without borders
Potential benefits | Challenges |
|---|---|
Early recognition of deterioration | Need for sufficient number of staff |
Prompt advice to the ward staff | Requires broad training program for critical care team |
Timely admission to ICU if required | Risk of de-skilling of ward staff |
Continuity of care | Need for tight governance structure and regulatory framework |
Sharing of knowledge and cross-fertilisation | Model relies on trust, respect and collaboration between staff members |
Potentially earlier discharge from ICU | Requires flexible infrastructure in non-critical areas |
Support for patients discharged from ICU | Need for investment (telemedicine, training) |
Support of ward staff receiving patients from ICU | Requirement for agreed admission and transfer criteria |
Avoidance of unnecessary patient moves/transfers | Uncertainty about cost effectiveness |
Less delays/waste of resources | |
Opportunities for multidisciplinary research | |
Mutual aid during a pandemic /natural disaster | |
Preparedness for epidemics / disasters | |
Support of patients at home (before and after hospitalisation) |