UNIQUE BARRIERS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Changing ICU structures can be challenging but even small changes, seemingly simple steps, can make a large difference in experiences and outcomes for patients and their families. Going from good to better, from better to best and crossing the bridge to excellence is a dynamic and ongoing process.

Since many ICUs have similar barriers and opportunities, working collaboratively with external peers in consultations across disciplines is very beneficial. Exploring change strategies and discovering how colleagues across the country have improved reliability and embedded best practice into their critical care units is valuable. Unique health care delivery systems require unique strategies for change. The time is now and the need for change is urgent.

Up to 30% of acute care hospital costs are generated by patients in intensive care units while they occupy only 10% of the beds. Units that induce harm unintentionally due to a lack of systems design supporting reliability lose staff, are expensive to operate and most importantly do not meet their obligation to the patients and families that depend on them for care. Patient and family satisfaction drives consumer choice and dictates hospital market share so dedication to remarkable excellence on every level is crucial. Be it end of life care or positive outcomes, the experience in an ICU can make or break a hospital's reputation.