Abstract ▼ AI-Helper

BACKGROUND: Intensive care is highly expensive, hence the requirement of efficient use of resources calls for evaluation of the severity of disease or injury for each individual patient, so that management may be optimised. MATERIAL AND METHODS: At Ullevaal University Hospital, two different scoring...

BACKGROUND: Intensive care is highly expensive, hence the requirement of efficient use of resources calls for evaluation of the severity of disease or injury for each individual patient, so that management may be optimised. MATERIAL AND METHODS: At Ullevaal University Hospital, two different scoring systems have been used since 1996: SAPS II (Simplified Acute Physiology Score) for severity of illness and NEMS (Nine Equivalents of Nursing Manpower Use Score) for assessment of resource utilisation. RESULTS: A significant relationship between severity of illness and mortality was found. Length of stay in ICU correlated with increasing SAPS II score in the range 0 to 50, but at higher scores no relationship was found. Patients with trauma and cardiovascular surgical patients used most of the resources. 79% of total NEMS score consisted of vital signs monitoring, intravenous drug medication and mechanical ventilation of the patients. INTERPRETATION: SAPS II and NEMS scoring systems provide useful information needed in the assessment of patient care in the ICU and are helpful in the documentation of financial and medical resource needs.