Organizational Characteristics of Intensive Care Units Related to Outcomes of Abdominal Aortic Surgery

Abstract
Morbidity and mortality rates in intensive care units (ICUs) vary widely among institutions.1-3 This variation may be related to differences in ICU structure and care processes.4-9 To assess and improve the quality of care in ICUs, it is necessary to understand how ICU structure and care processes are related to clinical and economic outcomes.10-13 We hypothesize that differences in organizational characteristics of ICUs are associated with significant differences in clinical and economic outcomes for patients undergoing high-risk surgical procedures that typically require postoperative care in an ICU.