Four years of respiratory intensive care.

Abstract

An essential preliminary to the setting up of a new intensive care unit is the conducting of a preliminary survey of the hospital population to determine the likely number of patients requiring this degree of care. A prospective study, carried out in the Glasgow Royal Infirmary, to assess the total requirements for intensive care is described. The next step is to set up a small "pilot" unit in which actual experience may be gained. The final phase, is the establishing of a definitive unit for the intensive care of 1 or other group of patients. The results of the intensive care of 488 patients with acute respiratory problems are presented. Certain aspects of organization and patient care involved in the treatment of these cases are discussed.