Analysis of critical care referrals

Abstract

Anecdotal evidence at our hospital suggested an increase in the number of patients referred for admission to the ITU by junior doctors without consultation with senior doctors from their own specialty. Recent UK guidance has recommended consultant-to-consultant referral for critical care patients [1]. Our ITU welcomes the timely referral of at-risk patients. However, excessive numbers of poor referrals have contributed to the prolonged absence of critical care team members from the unit. At a time of increasing difficulty in maintaining adequate levels of medical cover because of regulations concerning hours of work and training requirements, there is concern that this may adversely affect the efficient and safe management of the ITU.