Organizational structure for surgical critical care advanced practice providers in an academic teaching hospital.

Abstract: Establishing a high-functioning team of advanced practice providers (APPs) with optimal teamwork and procedural skill capability provides marked improvement in areas of utilization, communication, knowledge, and billing. Herein is an example of a maximally operational clinical team of critical care APPs as a solution to providing quality care, managing costs, and providing healthcare access for many patients admitted to the ICU. APP job satisfaction is safeguarded by focusing on enhanced areas of clinical practice, professional growth and development, scope of practice, and safety and quality improvement. Further fulfillment is ensured with optimized utilization of both physician associates (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs). This, in turn, allows for further healthcare availability, elevation in the quality of medical care, and improved cost management, all while APPs work at the top of their license in high-acuity ICUs.