People who are suffering from serious illness or a severe injury may need constant monitoring. The Intensive Care Unit offers highly specialized care for these patients, who may depend on the special equipment, close observation and regular evaluations that can be provided there. Specially trained health care providers, including critical care doctors and skilled nurses, in the unit care for just one to two patients at a time to ensure the highest level of care possible.
Admission
A patient may be admitted to the ICU if he or she has undergone major surgery, suffered serious trauma, has sepsis or has had other accidents or illnesses that necessitate close observation. Patients may also be admitted if their organ function is being monitored, if they are on a ventilator, if they have a chemical imbalance or serious infection or if they have suffered a stroke or heart attack.
During the Stay
Patients will have nearly immediate access to their care providers, who will be able to respond immediately with necessary medications or procedures as needed. Family members will be informed of any major changes in condition and be kept abreast of their loved one’s prognosis, treatment plan and health status. In some cases, families may be provided with additional supportive or social services, particularly if life support will be discontinued or the prognosis is poor.
Patients may be transferred out of the Intensive Care Unit when their health has stabilized enough that they can be treated in another hospital unit that offers a more appropriate level of care for their needs. In spite of major medical advances that help physicians save lives, not all patients will survive. When continued life support is not recommended, the family may need to determine whether or not to continue life support or advanced treatments. Patients who are able to speak may be asked upon their admittance to complete advanced directives, which can make this heartbreaking decision clearer for many families.
Visiting
If your loved one is in the Intensive Care Unit, you may experience a range of emotions and experience high stress levels. Social workers and clergy members are usually available to help when needed. Most units only allow one to two visitors at a time and request that you step out of the room if physicians are doing their rounds, if a procedure is being performed or if there is a medical emergency. You should avoid visiting when you have a potentially contagious disease. Children are generally not allowed to enter the unit.