Preface: Global Intensive Care Management Strategies

Nearly 70 years ago, the concept of critical care units was introduced by Dr William McClenahan to improve the delivery of care for severely ill patients.1 These changes were fueled by surgical advances that created patients with fast changing needs requiring dedicated staff. Within 5 years, the intensive care unit had been adopted by 90% of large US-based hospitals. Dedicated critical care beds represent 2% to 6% of all hospital beds in developed countries.2 Nurses working in critical care built on World War II experience and began to develop structure and standards to support critical care nursing.

Source: Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America - January 30, 2021 Category: Nursing Authors: Christi DeLemos Source Type: research