Commentary - (2023) Volume 9, Issue 6
Received: 29-Nov-2023, Manuscript No. IPJICC-23-18685; Editor assigned: 01-Dec-2023, Pre QC No. IPJICC-23-18685 (PQ); Reviewed: 15-Dec-2023, QC No. IPJICC-23-18685; Revised: 20-Dec-2023, Manuscript No. IPJICC-23-18685 (R); Published: 27-Dec-2023, DOI: 10.35248/2471-8505-9.6.57
Surgical critical care plays a pivotal role in the healthcare system, providing essential support for patients who undergo major surgical procedures or experience severe medical conditions. These specialized units are designed to manage critical cases and stabilize patients during the most vulnerable periods of their recovery. While surgical critical care is undoubtedly valuable, it is not without its drawbacks and challenges. This article explores the drawbacks of surgical critical care, shedding light on issues that the medical community needs to address to improve patient outcomes and the overall healthcare system. One of the most significant drawbacks of surgical critical care is the high cost associated with it. The intensive monitoring, specialized equipment, and highly trained staff contribute to the financial burden on healthcare institutions and, ultimately, patients. The exorbitant cost of surgical critical care can lead to financial hardship for individuals and families, even when they have health insurance. This financial strain can result in delayed or inadequate care, negatively impacting patient outcomes. Surgical critical care units are resource-intensive, requiring a significant allocation of healthcare resources. This allocation can create challenges for hospitals and healthcare systems, especially when resources are limited. The competition for resources can lead to delays in patient care and potentially affect patients’ chances of survival. Moreover, resource allocation issues can hinder the availability of critical care for other patients in need. Overutilization of surgical critical care services is another drawback. In some cases, patients who do not necessarily require intensive care may be admitted to critical care units due to limited bed availability in regular hospital wards. This overutilization can lead to unnecessary strain on critical care resources, resulting in suboptimal care for patients who genuinely need it. It also drives up healthcare costs and can expose patients to higher risks of healthcare-associated infections. Surgical critical care units are hotspots for healthcare- associated infections, as patients are often in a vulnerable state with compromised immune systems. The close proximity of patients, frequent invasive procedures, and prolonged hospital stays increase the risk of infections such as ventilator-associated pneumonia, central line-associated bloodstream infections, and surgical site infections. These infections not only prolong hospital stays but also carry a risk of increased morbidity and mortality. Patients admitted to surgical critical care units often face a challenging and traumatic experience. The unfamiliar environment, constant monitoring, and the severity of their condition can lead to psychological distress, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder. Family members also experience emotional distress as they witness their loved ones in critical condition. The psychological and emotional impact of surgical critical care can have long-lasting effects on patients and their families. Surgical critical care requires healthcare professionals to manage high-stress, high-stakes situations on a daily basis. The emotional toll of dealing with critically ill patients, complex decision-making, and unfavourable outcomes can lead to physician burnout. Burnout not only affects the well-being of healthcare providers but can also impact the quality of care they deliver, potentially leading to medical errors and patient safety issues. Surgical critical care often presents healthcare providers with ethical dilemmas. Decisions regarding the withdrawal or withholding of life-sustaining treatment, organ allocation, and end-of-life care are frequently encountered in these units.
None.
The author’s declared that they have no conflict of interest.
Citation: Bein T (2023) Surgical Intensivists as Mediators of End-of-life Questions in the Care of Critically Ill Patients. J Intensive Crit Care. 9:57.
Copyright: © 2023 Bein T. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
