Team model: advocating for the optimal method of care delivery in the intensive care unit.
OBJECTIVE
To review published data on the team model of intensive care unit (ICU) care delivery.


METHODS
Nonexhaustive, selective literature search.


METHODS
Review of literature published in the English language.


METHODS
Humans cared for in ICUs.


METHODS
None.


RESULTS
The team model for delivery of ICU care reduces mortality, ICU length of stay, hospital length of stay, and cost of care. Convincing data suggest that merely having daily rounds led by an intensivist enhances patient care significantly. Further improvements can be obtained by maintaining a nurse-to-patient ratio of no greater than 1:2, adding critical care pharmacists, and providing dedicated respiratory therapists to the ICU team.


CONCLUSIONS
Current and looming shortages of all ICU healthcare providers is a barrier to universal implementation of the team model. Advocating for the ICU team model for critical care delivery requires local, regional, national, and international activities for success.
Department of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
Charles G
CG
Durbin
D003422:Critical Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007902:Length of Stay; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017146:Models, Organizational; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000458:organization & administration; D014481:United States