A groundbreaking study conducted by Karolinska Institutet and published in BMJ Global Health has revealed that 1 in 8 patients admitted to hospitals are critically ill, with the majority of these patients receiving care outside of intensive care units. The researchers involved in the study are advocating for the implementation of simple yet underutilized care strategies that could potentially save many lives at a low cost.
In a parallel study published in The Lancet, the same research group highlighted a high prevalence of critical illness in African hospitals. Building on this, the researchers extended their investigation to include eight hospitals across three countries with varying economic conditions: Sweden, Sri Lanka, and Malawi.
The findings of the study showed that out of 3,652 hospitalized patients, 12% were classified as critically ill. Surprisingly, 96% of these patients were not placed in intensive care units but instead received care in regular hospital wards, resulting in a mortality rate of nearly 19%.
In Sweden specifically, the prevalence of critical illness was recorded at 10.5%, with 94% of critically ill patients being cared for in regular wards. Sadly, almost 18% of these patients did not survive their hospital stay.
Dr. Carl Otto Schell, a researcher at the Department of Global Public Health at Karolinska Institutet, emphasized the need for a heightened focus on improving the care of critically ill patients in regular hospital wards. He stressed that the widespread misconception regarding the rarity of critical illness must be addressed to effectively save lives.
The study advocates for the adoption of cost-effective and feasible care measures outside of intensive care units. The researchers have previously developed a concept known as Essential Emergency and Critical Care (EECC), which provides essential care for critical illness and has proven to be both affordable and effective. However, this life-saving care is often overlooked in clinical practice.
Dr. Tim Baker, an associate professor at the same department at Karolinska Institutet, highlighted the importance of prioritizing EECC to save lives at a minimal cost. By implementing these simple yet crucial care measures, hospitals can significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce mortality rates.
The study’s findings underscore the global need for enhanced critical care services in regular hospital wards and emphasize the potential impact of implementing cost-effective care strategies. By focusing on improving the care of critically ill patients outside of intensive care units, hospitals can make significant strides in reducing mortality rates and improving patient outcomes.
