The review presents literature data and focuses on the acclaimed need for transition from general to dedicated Neurosurgical/Νeurological or Neuroscience Intensive Care Units (NSICU). There are solid data from well designed metanalyses showing that at least in the United States, the wider implementation of intensivists in the ICUs, led to significant reductions in ICU and hospital mortality and patient’s length of stay (LOS). Given the variation in ICU physician staffing plans and the potential for reduced mortality implied by these studies, a more rigorous evaluation of the optimal ICU organization is essential. Highly specialized vs. less specialized ICU physician staffing is associated with reduced hospital and ICU mortality and LOS.
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