Variability in outcome and resource use in intensive care units.
OBJECTIVE
To examine variability in outcome and resource use between ICUs. Secondary aims: to assess whether outcome and resource use are related to ICU structure and process, to explore factors associated with efficient resource use.


METHODS
Cohort study, based on the SAPS 3 database in 275 ICUs worldwide.


METHODS
16,560 adults.


RESULTS
Outcome was defined by standardized mortality rate (SMR). Standardized resource use (SRU) was calculated based on length of stay in the ICU, adjusted for severity of acute illness. Each unit was assigned to one of four groups: "most efficient" (SMR and SRU < median); "least efficient" (SMR, SRU > median); "overachieving" (low SMR, high SRU), "underachieving" (high SMR, low SRU). Univariate analysis and stepwise logistic regression were used to test for factors separating "most" from "least efficient" units. Overall median SMR was 1.00 (IQR 0.77-1.28) and SRU 1.07 (0.76-1.58). There were 91 "most efficient", 91 "least efficient", 47 "overachieving", and 46 "underachieving" ICUs. Number of physicians, of full-time specialists, and of nurses per bed, clinical rounds, availability of physicians, presence of emergency department, and geographical region were significant in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis only interprofessional rounds, emergency department, and geographical region entered the model as significant.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite considerable variability in outcome and resource use only few factors of ICU structure and process were associated with efficient use of ICU. This suggests that other confounding factors play an important role.
Rothen
Hans U
HU
Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital, Murtenstrasse 35, 3010 Berne, Switzerland. hrothen@insel.ch
Stricker
Kay
K
Einfalt
Johanna
J
Bauer
Peter
P
Metnitz
Philip G H
PG
Moreno
Rui P
RP
Takala
Jukka
J
D015331:Cohort Studies; D006295:Health Resources / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006302:Health Services Research; D017052:Hospital Mortality / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D019984:Quality Indicators, Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013557:Switzerland