Perceived Inappropriateness of Care in the ICU

In an international study, about one third of ICU physicians and nurses reported providing patient care they perceived as inappropriate.

As the number of patients in intensive care units (ICUs) grows, concern about appropriateness of care is also rising. To examine perceptions of inappropriate care among ICU clinicians, investigators surveyed 1953 clinicians (25% physicians and 75% nurses) providing care at 82 adult ICUs in nine European countries and Israel on a single day in 2010; the response rate was 85%. Perceived inappropriate care was defined as care that is inconsistent with personal beliefs or professional knowledge.

Among the respondents, 32% of physicians and 25% of nurses reported providing care they perceived as inappropriate in at least one patient that day; prevalence rates ranged widely across countries and across ICUs.

The most common reason for perceived inap…

Reviewing Author

Patricia Kritek, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsATS Scholar

Patricia Kritek, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsATS Scholar