Abstract:

Intensive care unit (ICU) was established in the major medical centers during 1960s following Taiwan's economic growth. The standard of care was safeguarded by the Accreditation of Department of Health since 1995. National health insurance and fee for service payment system energized the expansion of ICU. The ICU bed per 100 000 populations was 30 during 2012. A joint committee comprise of 6 critical care related societies are responsible for the examination and accreditation of Intensivest. The establishment of critical care team - nurses, respiratory therapist, clinical pharmacist and dietitian under the lead of Intensivest provide integrated care. After half century of development, we build up our care guidelines and improve the care quality. The implementation surviving sepsis guidelines significantly reduce the mortality rate of septic patients. However, challenges are ahead, inadequate reimbursement, excessive work load and malpractice charges are negative incentives for the young practitioners. Our future perspective will put more efforts on scientific research and re-engineering our care process in order to provide an effective and efficient care for the critically ill patients.

Key words: Care qualityIntensivest, Intensivist, Care guideline, Accreditation