title: The expanding role of ICU medical directors: from patient management to unit management.
abstract: Over the past three decades the focus of physicians delivering intensive care has been on patient management whereas the management of critical care units has been done primarily by nurses. This article reviews existing literature and the arguments supporting a more active role for physicians in the management of critical care units.
authors.affiliation: ICU Research Unit, George Washington University, DC, USA.
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Knaus
authors.forename: D I
authors.initials: DI
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Sirio
mesh_terms: D003142:Communication; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D017146:Models, Organizational; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D010347:Patient Care Planning / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards; D008486:Physician Executives / Q000592:standards*; D010819:Physician's Role; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D014481:United States