NICE Guidance on Care of Acutely Ill Patients In Hospital

Wednesday 25th July 2007

Today saw the publication of a guideline by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) on 'Care of Acutely Ill Patients in Hospital'.

This new guideline covers three main topics:

  • Monitoring patients in hospital

    Ensuring that patients in hospital are monitored regularly and that the readings are assessed by staff who are trained to recognise their significance .

  • Response to worsening health

    In cases where monitoring indicates the patient's health may be getting worse, appropriate action should be taken in a graded response from increased frequency of observations to admission to intensive care.

  • Leaving critical care

    Ensuring that the transition from critical care to the general ward is as smooth as possible and less stressful for patients and their relatives.

Though the guideline does not relate to patients in critical care areas themselves, it will have an impact on those patients who have been in intensive care and are being transferred back to a general ward. Although this transferral is a sign that a patient's health is getting better, it is known as being a particularly difficult time in the recovery process.

ICUsteps are a registered stakeholder in this new guideline and are represented on the development group by Peter Gibb. On publication of the guideline, Peter said

“Implementation of this guideline will mean that patients who become more ill while in hospital are identified and treated sooner. By catching such deterioration and responding to it before their condition becomes more acute, patient outcomes will improve and cases which could otherwise result in admission to intensive care be avoided.

It is well recognised that being moved from critical care to a general ward is a very worrying and stressful time for patients and their relatives. The guideline should help improve this process, making the transition of care a less traumatic experience and ensuring patient needs are met at this pivotal time in their recovery.”

You can find the guideline and supporting documents on the NICE website or read the public information leaflet Acutely Ill Patient in Hospital: Understanding NICE Guidance.