All of us at some point well get admitted to the hospital. You should have a basic understanding of what happens in the hospital, particularly in the intensive care unit (ICU), because it can help you better understand and participate in the care.
The ICU is a specialized area of the hospital that provides round-the-clock care for critically ill patients who require constant monitoring and support for their organ functions. Patients who are admitted to the ICU are often very sick and require more intensive medical treatment than they would receive in a regular hospital room.
By learning about what happens in the ICU and the hospital in general, you will be more informed and empowered to ask questions, understand the treatment options, and make decisions about the care. Additionally, understanding the ICU and hospital environment can help you and your loved ones feel more comfortable and less anxious during what can be a very stressful time.
As full time intensivist, I have been treating patients in the ICU for over a decade. I speak to many patients and their families multiple times a day and help them learn the complexity of their care. This is while they also require emotional and psychological support to deal with this stressful situation.
I found myself answering the same questions everyday, multiple times a day. This is because most people have never been in the ICU or have an understanding of what is the road ahead. Therefore, I decided to share my experience here to help you understand this complex process.
