Continuing a long tradition of excellence, the University Medical Center has earned yet another accolade. Last Friday the Society of Critical Care Medicine recognized the center's intensive care units as among the nation's elite.
Assoc. Prof. of surgery Robert Sawyer authored a report detailing significant improvements in the Medical Center's ICUs, reducing infection and mortality rates and lowering the cost of providing care.
The nationwide society describes itself as working toward better critical care in the United States, and in 2000 set out to identify ICUs that have made significant steps forward.
The surgical ICU, the unit in which Saywer works, implemented an improved drug regimen for patients suffering from infections or pneumonia.
Compared with the previous regimen, the change reduced the ICU's infection rate by 24 percent and its death rate after infection by 70 percent, according to the three-year study.
Similarly, trauma ICU physicians have been acknowledged for their work in decreasing mortality rates after appointing a specialist to oversee the unit. The specialist ensures doctors and nurses are following appropriate care guidelines.
Within the medical ICU's pulmonary suite, a team of four advanced-practice nurses now helps chronically ill patients make the transition more rapidly from respirators to unassisted breathing.
Sawyer said these changes were initiated by faculty members' desire to improve the care they provide.
"Faculty members have interests in terms of improving outcomes," Sawyer said.
In the pulmonary unit, adding the nurses was a "better and more consistent way to wean people off respirators," he added.
Financially, the improvements have led to savings of millions of dollars in the medical and trauma ICUs. The surgical ICU saved $100,000 by improving patients' drug regimens.
"Theoretically, this should lead to savings in terms of hospital costs," Sawyer said.
R. Edward Howell, vice president and chief executive officer of the Medical Center, said he feels the recognition will provide continued guidance for the center's improvement in all areas.
"The society's efforts can provide guidance for us," he said. "It's reassuring that individuals outside of U.Va. take note."
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