SCCM Resource Library-Pro/Con Debate: Does Postoperative Critical Care Improve Outcomes for Patients Following Major Surgery?

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this debate on postoperative critical care, the two speakers present contrasting views on the benefits of routine ICU admission for every patient after surgery. Dr. Nix argues in favor of routine ICU admission, highlighting the overuse of ICU beds and the potential to identify high-risk patients who can benefit from intensive care. He asserts that there is evidence of a higher mortality rate for patients who are not admitted to the ICU when they should be. Dr. Wrench, on the other hand, argues against routine ICU admission, pointing out that postoperative monitoring and care in an ICU has not been proven to improve outcomes. She emphasizes the limited resources and high costs associated with ICU care, and suggests that alternative care pathways with adequate nursing support may be more effective and efficient for postoperative patients. The speakers also discuss the challenge of identifying high-risk patients and the need for more specific criteria beyond the type of surgery performed. They highlight the importance of good clinical judgment and evaluation of the patient's physiological status at the end of surgery. Overall, this debate raises important questions about the appropriate use of critical care resources for postoperative patients and the potential for alternative care pathways.

Asset Subtitle

Quality and Patient Safety, Procedures, 2020

Asset Caption

The Society of Critical Care Medicine's Critical Care Congress features internationally renowned faculty and content sessions highlighting the most up-to-date, evidence-based developments in critical care medicine. This is a presentation from the 2020 Critical Care Congress held February 16-19, 2020, in Orlando, Florida, USA.

Learning Objectives

Discuss the effect of critical care admission on patient outcomes in the perioperative period
Analyze the different organizational structures to support optimal care
Evaluate the financial benefit of routine critical care admissions following major surgical procedures
Examine the possibilities of value-driven protocolized care in the perioperative setting in and outside of the critical care unit

Pro: Routine Admission to Critical Care Following Major Surgery Improves Patient Outcomes

Sean A. Nix

Con: Routine Admission to Critical Care Following Major Surgery Does Not Improve Patient Outcomes

Hannah Wunsch

Meta Tag

Content Type Presentation

Knowledge Area Quality and Patient Safety

Knowledge Area Procedures

Knowledge Level Intermediate

Knowledge Level Advanced

Membership Level Select

Membership Level Professional

Membership Level Associate

Tag Surgery

Tag Mortality

Year 2020

Keywords

postoperative critical care

routine ICU admission

high-risk patients

intensive care

mortality rate

postoperative monitoring

care pathways

nursing support

alternative care

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