Non-invasive monitoring in the intensive care unit

Abstract

Monitoring of the patient in an intensive care unit (ICU) should be problem oriented, context driven, and responsive towards the needs of the individual patient. It helps in directing care and treatment of the critically ill patients and supports judgement and thinking in patient care. Non-invasive monitoring in an ICU includes monitoring of the cardio-vascular, respiratory, and neurological systems along with temperature and urine output. A good monitoring system in the ICU should be sensitive, relevant, and be able to respond to the changes in health care environment and the needs of the patient.