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Characteristics of pediatric intermediate care units in pediatric training programs
S Lawless1, A Zaritsky, J Phipps
1Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina Hospitals, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.
Critical Care Medicine
|August 1, 1991
Summary
Pediatric intermediate care units offer skilled nursing and advanced technology at a lower cost than ICUs. However, their availability and standardized training remain limited in many pediatric programs.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric critical care medicine
- Healthcare systems research
Background:
- Technology-dependent children require specialized care settings.
- Non-neonatal pediatric intermediate care units (PICUs) are potential alternate care sites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the availability and characteristics of pediatric intermediate care units.
- To assess their suitability for technology-dependent, less acutely ill children.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 226 United States pediatric residency program directors.
- Questionnaire on unit demographics and management practices.
Main Results:
- Intermediate care units provide skilled nursing care (1:2 or 1:3 RN/patient ratio) with ICU-level technology at 40% lower cost.
- Only 33% of programs had these units; residents lacked specific training.
- Staffing and oversight varied, with some units lacking daily rounds or having less experienced nurses.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric intermediate care units have potential but require standardized care levels.
- Academic and financial guidelines are needed to optimize their value and ensure quality care.