A hybrid intensive care unit in a resource-constrained cancer hospital in northeast India.

Abstract

Background: To compensate for the non-availability of intensive care specialists, Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (a tertiary hospital in a resource-constrained setting, northeast India) introduced a hybrid intensive care unit (ICU with a centralised monitoring model).

Methods: This was a cohort study involving secondary data for patients admitted with curative intent in the hybrid ICU (October 2021 to December 2022). We report on our early implementation experience in the form of patient management and outcome indicators.

Results: There were 909 admissions with curative intent, of which 73% were post-surgical. There were 238 admissions from October 2021 to March 2022, which increased to 671 from April to December 2022 (the period when effective implementation happened). The changes (unadjusted P value) in management and outcome indicators over these periods were ventilator use, 8%-12% (P = 0.128); death during admission, 7%-6% (P = 0.575); readmission within 3 months, 21%-25% (P = 0.309); and median length of stay, 1-2 days (P = 0.035).

Conclusion: Despite an increase in admissions following the introduction of the hybrid ICU, it did not adversely impact management and outcome indicators. Post-ICU hospital care, patient caregiver education, and home care team engagement should be strengthened to decrease readmissions.