Intensive care in the developing world

摘要: Appropriate and sustainable intensive care practice is possible even in the resource-limited locations of sub-Saharan Africa. Data from seven African countries indicates that majority patients served are surgical. Comparison between units difficult due to lack laboratory support, which precludes severity sickness scores used internationally. Hospital mortality can be reduced by increasing nurse/patient ratios, adequate monitoring initiating postoperative intermittent positive pressure ventilation when required. Equipment should include appropriate technology, for instance using oxygen concentrators a ventilator not dependent on compressed gases or disposable circuits. The clinical officer anaesthetist has major role play team.