Table 1

Potential impact of increased intensive care unit (ICU) staff turnover

Decreased
     Staff-hoursa
     ICU patient-days
     Number of ICU admissions
     Patient/family satisfaction
Increased
     Deflected or refused admissions (e.g. cancelled surgery, etc.)
     Waiting time for ICU admission or discharge
     Length of stay (ICU, hospital)
     ICU-acquired diagnoses (infections, other morbidities, readmissions)
     Mortality (ICU, hospital)
     Medical errors
     Work-related injuries
     Work-related dissatisfactionb

aMay involve medical, nursing, or other interdisciplinary staff (see Preamble). bSee Table 2.

Laporta et al. Critical Care 2005 9:454   doi:10.1186/cc3543