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Updated: Feb 26, 2026

Observational Study Protocol for Repeated Clinical Examination and Critical Care Ultrasonography Within the Simple Intensive Care Studies
Published on: January 16, 2019
The Establishment and Management of an Observation Unit
Jared Conley1, J Stephen Bohan2, Christopher W Baugh2
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Abstract:
The current health care landscape and evidence support the establishment of observation units (OUs) for safe and efficient care for observation patients. Careful attention is required in the design of OU process, location, and layout to enable optimal care and finances. Developing and maintaining protocols to guide patient selection and clinical care are critical. OU management requires a strong, collaborative leadership model, appropriate staffing, and a robust monitoring system for quality, safety, and finances. With a better understanding of these principles of OU establishment and management, hospital leaders can generate and sustain service excellence.
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