The Stanford Long-Term ICU (Intensive Care Unit) is a specialized unit designed for patients who require prolonged intensive care. Located within the Stanford Health Care system, this unit is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by a team of experienced intensivists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. The Stanford Long-Term ICU is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care to individuals who require extended periods of intensive care, often due to complex medical conditions or severe injuries.
Overview of the Stanford Long-Term ICU
The Stanford Long-Term ICU is a 20-bed unit that provides comprehensive care to patients who require extended mechanical ventilation, complex wound care, and other specialized services. The unit is designed to promote patient comfort and mobility, with private rooms and large windows that allow for natural light and scenic views. The interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals working in the Stanford Long-Term ICU includes intensivists, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists, all of whom work together to develop and implement individualized care plans for each patient.
Services and Amenities
The Stanford Long-Term ICU offers a range of services and amenities to support the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of patients and their families. These include:
- Advanced life support and monitoring systems
- State-of-the-art ventilators and respiratory care equipment
- Complex wound care and management
- Pain management and palliative care services
- Nutrition and dietary support
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Psychological and emotional support
- Family support and counseling services
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Respiratory Care | Advanced ventilator management, oxygen therapy, and respiratory therapy services |
| Pain Management | Comprehensive pain assessment and management, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions |
| Nutrition and Dietary Support | Individualized nutrition planning and support, including enteral and parenteral nutrition |
Admission Criteria and Process
Admission to the Stanford Long-Term ICU is typically reserved for patients who require extended periods of intensive care due to complex medical conditions or severe injuries. The admission criteria for the unit include:
- Prolonged mechanical ventilation (greater than 21 days)
- Complex wound care and management
- Multi-organ failure or dysfunction
- Severe neurologic impairment or injury
- Other complex medical conditions requiring extended intensive care
The admission process for the Stanford Long-Term ICU typically involves a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's medical condition, functional status, and social support systems. The unit's interdisciplinary team works closely with the patient's primary care physician and other healthcare providers to develop an individualized care plan and ensure a smooth transition to the long-term ICU.
Outcomes and Quality of Care
The Stanford Long-Term ICU is committed to providing high-quality care that is tailored to the unique needs and goals of each patient. The unit’s outcomes and quality of care are closely monitored and evaluated through a variety of metrics, including:
- Patient satisfaction and experience
- Length of stay and readmission rates
- Mortality and morbidity rates
- Functional status and quality of life
- Family satisfaction and support
| Metric | Target | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| Patient Satisfaction | 90% | 92% |
| Length of Stay | 30 days | 28 days |
| Readmission Rate | 20% | 18% |
What is the average length of stay in the Stanford Long-Term ICU?
+The average length of stay in the Stanford Long-Term ICU is approximately 28 days, although this can vary depending on the individual patient’s needs and medical condition.
What types of services and amenities are available to patients and families in the Stanford Long-Term ICU?
+The Stanford Long-Term ICU offers a range of services and amenities, including advanced life support and monitoring systems, state-of-the-art ventilators and respiratory care equipment, complex wound care and management, pain management and palliative care services, nutrition and dietary support, physical, occupational, and speech therapy, psychological and emotional support, and family support and counseling services.
