Admission to intensive care: A qualitative study of triage and its determinants.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To examine physicians' decision making and its determinants about admission to intensive care.

Data sources/study setting

ICU physicians (n = 12) and internists (n = 12) working in a Swiss tertiary care hospital.

Study design

We conducted in-depth interviews.

Data collection/extraction methods

Interviews were analyzed using an inductive thematic approach.

Principal findings

Admission decisions regarding seriously ill or elderly patients with comorbidities are complex. Nonmedical factors such as ICU beds availability, health care resources on the ward, information about patient preferences, and family behavior determine the decision. Code status and the quality of interaction between physicians are key determinants. The absence of code status or

SUBMITTER: Escher M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6407353 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature