Rationing in the intensive care unit in case of full bed occupancy: a survey among intensive care unit physicians.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Internationally, there is no consensus on how to best deal with admission requests in cases of full ICU bed occupancy. Knowledge about the degree of dissension and insight into the reasons for this dissension is lacking. Information about the opinion of ICU physicians can be used to improve decision-making regarding allocation of ICU resources. The aim of this study was to: Assess which factors play a role in the decision-making process regarding the admission of ICU patients; Assess the adherence to a Dutch guideline pertaining to rationing of ICU resources; Investigate factors influencing the adherence to this guideline.

Methods

In March 2013, an online questionnaire was sent to all ICU physician members (n = 761, in 90 hospitals) of the Dutch Society for Intens

SUBMITTER: Oerlemans AJM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4855768 | biostudies-literature | 2016 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature