Critical Care departments represent some of the most intense and acute care environments where patients face potentially life-threatening illness and unique symptoms. These environments are also highly unpredictable and sometimes chaotic in that patients may arrive any moment rushed to intensive care based on unexpected and sudden changes in symptoms.
To coordinate patient care and experiences in these settings, a number of professionals are required to perform as a team ranging from nursing, highly-specialized physicians, imaging, laboratory, and pharmacy, to name a few departments. Additionally, many times, due to the patient’s condition, the family experiences extreme stress. As such, patients and their family members want to see attributes such as effective communication, care coordination, involvement in decisions, clear explanations, and signs of a safe environment.