Medical Staff

Team work saves lives, study says

Hospitalist Leadership Connection, February 23, 2010

A multidisciplinary care team model reduces the risk of death in the ICU, according to a study, “The Effect of Multidisciplinary Care Teams on Intensive Care Unit Mortality,” published in the February 22 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine.

There are currently 4 million patients admitted to the ICU each year, patients who could be at risk of sepsis and acute lung injury. The study, based on data from more than 100 acute care hospitals between 2004 and 2006, indicates that when a team performs daily rounds (made up of intensivists, physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, clinical pharmacists, and other staff members), the survival rate of critical patients improves.

“Based on these results and expert opinion voiced in consensus guidelines, it is reasonable for hospitals to implement routine multidisciplinary rounds when staffing capabilities allow,” the study states.

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