Published online May 8, 2016. doi: 10.5409/wjcp.v5.i2.191
Peer-review started: January 30, 2016
First decision: March 1, 2016
Revised: March 22, 2016
Accepted: April 7, 2016
Article in press: April 11, 2016
Published online: May 8, 2016
AIM: To hypothesize a dedicated critical care nurse practitioner (NP) is associated with a decreased length of stay (LOS) from a pediatric chronic ventilator dependent unit (PCVDU).
METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients requiring care in the PCVDU from May 2001 through May 2011 comparing the 5 years prior to the 5 years post implementation of the critical care NP in 2005. LOS and room charges were obtained.
RESULTS: The average LOS decreased from a median of 55 d [interquartile range (IQR): 9.8-108.3] to a median of 12 (IQR: 4.0-41.0) with the implementation of a dedicated critical care NP (P < 1.0001). Post implementation of a dedicated NP, a savings of 25738049 in room charges was noted over 5 years.
CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrates a critical care NP coverage model in a PCVDU is associated with a significantly reduced LOS demonstrating that the NP is an efficient and likely cost-effective addition to a medically comprehensive service.
Core tip: This is a retrospective study to review the care of patients requiring care in the pediatric chronic ventilator dependent unit from May 2001 to May 2011 comparing the 5 years prior to the 5 years post implementation of the critical care nurse practitioner (NP) in 2005. The average length of stay decreased from a median of 55 d [interquartile range (IQR): 9.8-108.3] to a median of 12 (IQR: 4.0-41.0) with the implementation of a dedicated critical care NP (P < 0.0001). Post implementation of a dedicated NP, a savings of 25738049 in room charges was noted over 5 years.