Airway and head and neck high dependency unit: a single-centre experience

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Critical Care Medicine
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Dedicated otolaryngology high dependency units are rare in the UK.
• This study reports the initial experience of the UK's first such unit.
• The study also investigated the prevalence of similar units nationwide.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess patient admissions, length of stay, and occupancy rates in a new otolaryngology high dependency unit.
• To evaluate the need for escalating care to an intensive care unit.
• To determine the presence and distribution of similar units across the UK.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 128 high dependency unit admissions over 18 months.
• National survey of otolaryngology departments in the UK.
• Analysis of reasons for admission, duration of stay, occupancy, and care escalation.

Main Results:

• Most admissions were post-surgery or due to airway compromise.
• Average length of stay was 2-3 days; occupancy rate was 31.7%.
• No patients required intensive care unit escalation; seven similar UK units were identified.

Conclusions:

• Otolaryngology high dependency unit care successfully prevented intensive care unit transfers.
• The findings challenge the routine use of intensive care units for non-ventilated patients with major surgery or airway compromise.
• Dedicated otolaryngology high dependency units are not widely established in the UK.