Pediatric intensive care unit

"PICU" redirects here. The term may also refer to Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit.
Pediatric intensive care unit
A pediatric intensive care unit at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital in Michigan.
Other namesPICU
SpecialtyPediatric
UsesArea within a hospital specializing in the care of critically ill infants, children, and teenagers

A pediatric intensive care unit (also paediatric), usually abbreviated to PICU (/ˈpɪkjuː/), is an area within a hospital specializing in the care of critically ill infants, children, teenagers, and young adults aged 0–21. A PICU is typically directed by one or more pediatric intensivists or PICU consultants[1] and staffed by doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapists who are specially trained and experienced in pediatric intensive care. The unit may also have nurse practitioners, physician assistants, physiotherapists, social workers, child life specialists, and clerks on staff, although this varies widely depending on geographic location. The ratio of professionals to patients is generally higher than in other areas of the hospital, reflecting the acuity of PICU patients and the risk of life-threatening complications.[2] Complex technology and equipment is often in use, particularly mechanical ventilators and patient monitoring systems. Consequently, PICUs have a larger operating budget than many other departments within the hospital.[3][4]

  1. ^ Frankel, Lorry R; DiCarlo, Joseph V (2003). "Pediatric Intensive Care". In Bernstein, Daniel; Shelov, Steven P (eds.). Pediatrics for Medical Students (2nd ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott illiams & Wilkins. p. 541. ISBN 978-0-7817-2941-3.
  2. ^ Pronovost, PJ; Dang, D; Dorman, T; et al. (September 2001). "Intensive Care Unit Nurse Staffing and the Risk for Complications after Abdominal Aortic Surgery". Effective Clinical Practice. 4 (5): 199–206. PMID 11685977. Archived from the original on 2009-10-24. Retrieved 2009-01-08.
  3. ^ Moerer O; Plock E; Mgbor U; et al. (June 2007). "A German national prevalence study on the cost of intensive care: an evaluation from 51 intensive care units". Critical Care. 11 (3): R69. doi:10.1186/cc5952. PMC 2206435. PMID 17594475.
  4. ^ Morton, Neil S (1997). Paediatric Intensive Care. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-262511-3.