The Business of Critical Care

This text is intended for the clinician who is learning to "manage" in the hospital. Managing human resources, evaluating the unit, designing and maintaining educational and researching programmes and planning information services are discussed.

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Today, every health care worker must be involved in the economics aspects of his or her job, and critical care medicine is one of the most expensive medical services in any hospital. Until now, however, it has been one of the least examined in economic terms. Drs. Sibbald and Massaro have solicited articles by outstanding experts in the economics and business of critical care medicine. These experts are bringing to the book a truly international perspective and provide both clinical and managerial expertise to this critical issue. The Business of Critical Care first provides an overview of the health care industry in terms of economics. It then moves to cover specific issues related to critical care treatment in the hospital setting. Few economic stones are left unturned including an especially important one - the cost of educating students and residents in the ICU setting. This text provides valuable information for health care professionals enabling them to protect the integrity of the medical system in place while still reacting to the real and demanding social and economic issues of our society. The book offers to the reader recommendations for dealing with ICU economics.
It is a must read for clinicians who want to thrive as well as survive in their role as special care unit managers.