title: Pediatric intensive care in general hospitals.
abstract: With the upward spiraling costs of health care delivery in the United States, the subject of cost effectiveness can no longer be considered as an abstract notion of secondary importance to what is perceived as the life-saving function of such units. The expense of building and equipping ICUs is not necessarily related to the quality of patient care provided. The number of staff members required is of critical importance.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006769:Hospitals, General; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007362:Intensive Care Units / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014481:United States; D000078329:Workforce