Changing team structures in intensive care medicine

Abstract

Intensive care units are highly complex environments where critically ill patients are treated. Therefore, it is mandatory for various professional groups to work closely together. In the past, mainly nursing and medical teams were involved, but today team structures are changing, and more professional groups are entering the environment. Demographic change with increasing comorbidities as well as increasingly complex treatments and technologies are challenges for the intensive care teams. Another enormous challenge is the increasing shortage of nursing staff, which affects the entire healthcare system. To meet these challenges, new concepts are necessary. In accordance with long-standing international standards, an academization of the nursing profession is proposed. The aim is to integrate academically educated nurses and to introduce new nursing roles. Concepts integrating nursing sciences should also be considered.