How this Toolkit was Developed

The toolkit was developed by a nine-member Intensive Care Unit Implementation Workgroup comprised of intensive care experts, including physicians, nurses, allied health professionals and hospital administrators. Its work was supported by a seven-member team of MH&SC members, technical and policy experts and administrative staff. The workgroup developed this Web-based toolkit for use by Michigan hospitals. The toolkit is an aid for hospitals to incrementally improve structures and processes in their ICUs by adopting evidence-based best practices that meet the MH&SC ICU Physician Staffing Guideline, which recommends that intensivists manage ICUs.

The recommendations contained in this toolkit are a roadmap to help hospitals:

• Evaluate their ability to provide ICU care
• Identify the activities and resources needed to provide optimal care
• Implement new and strengthen ongoing patient safety improvement activities
• Measure improvements in patient and hospital outcomes of care
• Adopt an ICU model of care that reflects evidence-based best practices

The most recent evidence-based literature was reviewed and expert clinical opinion was used to develop the recommendations. References to the literature are cited throughout the toolkit. It is highly recommended that users of the toolkit become familiar with referenced materials as they are a rich and varied source of supplemental information.

The MH&SC is grateful for the outstanding support of the health professionals and leaders in treating intensive care unit patients who served as ICU Implementation Workgroup members.

Intensive Care Unit Implementation Workgroup Members

John R. Armstrong, MD
Medical Director, Critical Care
Sparrow Hospital

Patti Chaivre, RN, BSN
Director, ICU/CCU
Chelsea Community Hospital

Bruno DiGiovine, MD
Director, Medical Critical Care Unit
Henry Ford Hospital

Robert C. Hyzy, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine
University of Michigan Health System

Angie Janik, RN, MSN, MBA
Chief Nurse Executive
Borgess Health Alliance

Daniel M. Navin, MD
Pulmonologist/Intensivist
Munson Medical Center
Pulmonary and Critical Care of Northwest Michigan, PC

Pat Roberts, RN, MS
Director, Critical Care and Emergency Services
Port Huron Hospital

Carolyn Schaefer, RN, MS
Director, MedSurg/Critical Care
Holland Community Hospital

Frank Sottile, MD
Chief Medical Officer
Crittenton Hospital Medical Center
Medical Staff Office

Intensive Care Unit Implementation Workgroup Support Team

Peggy Brey
Vice President
Medical Review, Outreach, & Long Term Care
MPRO

Vicky Pebsworth Debold, RN, PhD
Clinical and Research Consultant, MH&SC

Gregory J. Forzley, MD
Medical Director, Systems Development
Advantage Health

Chris Goeschel, RN
Executive Director, Keystone Center for Patient Safety & Quality
The Health Trust
Michigan Health & Hospital Association

Mary Ann Ingraham
Specialist, Coalition Activities
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

Mary Ellen Mohn
Manager, Managed Care Communications
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

Diane Valade
Director, Coalition Activities
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

© 2004 Michigan Health and Safety Coalition