June 14, 2021

I’m wondering if I’m not understanding the definition for Unplanned admission to ICU part about PACU. I read the bullet regarding PACU separate statement/criteria from the first bullet about planned transfer to ICU for a planned surgery. Is this correct? Basically, I understand any transfer to ICU post-op UNLESS decided prior to that incision, is an unplanned admission to ICU. Everything I read, has to be decided PRIOR to surgery start, no matter the reason? In PACU, pt needs a higher level of care, no matter the reason, is unplanned ICU, if not decided prior to surgery starting?

Yes, if they went to ICU post op, but it was not decided until after surgery started, then it is unplanned ICU.

The NTDB has a couple questions on their FAQ that are similar. They are under “Unplanned Admission to ICU” if you scroll down the 2021 FAQ. The link is https://www.facs.org/quality-programs/trauma/tqp/center-programs/ntdb/ntds/faq/2021.

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