Articles: intensive-care-units.
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The results of a six-year survey are given of the admissions, treatment and prognosis of 3310 patients in the intensive care unit at Middlemore Hospital from 1966-72. The range and extent of the treatment underlines both the need for and the value of a general intensive care unit in the integrated daily routine of a large general hospital.
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Although most patients are essentially well enough to be able to resist or to adapt to unfavourable ambient conditions, this may not be so with an ill patient or one who is having or has had a serious operation. The climatic conditions necessary in the operating room to give an optimal environment are discussed. These are second in importance only to control of infectivity. ⋯ The need for full air-conditioning is absolute although this is often ignored. The delivery of conditioned air within the intensive care unit is also fully presented, especially the need to avoid direct chilling of the patient. The advantages of horizontal laminar air flow are presented.
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We have studied the high nursing requirements of an intensive-care unit. We report concerning the size of the staff required and the consequences for the hospital.