Intensive care service contributions and costs.

Abstract

To the Editor:— Optimal care of the critically ill demands a unique patient care environment, specially trained personnel, and extensive monitoring and emergency equipment. The established success of coronary unit rhythm monitoring systems is a prime example of the benefit of such an approach. As a consequence of this increased awareness, special intensive care units for a variety of diseases are being developed. This rapid growth has been haphazard, without a full appreciation of the far greater value of a broad-based, multidisciplined intensive care service . It seems appropriate to point out the essential differences between an intensive care unit for a specific class of patients and an intensive care service. In so doing, the clear-cut advantages of the latter will become manifest. An intensive care service in contrast to an intensive care unit cuts across departmental lines, yet forms a service, totally complete within itself, directed towards the care of