[Neurointensive care in Germany : Results of an inspection of intensive care units].

BACKGROUND

The situation of neurointensive care in Germany is unclear.

OBJECTIVES

An inspection of neurointensive wards should help to clarify the situation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

On the occasion of stroke unit certification audits, 320 intensive care units (39 independent neurological and 20 neurosurgical, 6 combined neurological/neurosurgical, 253 interdisciplinary intensive wards) were inspected.

RESULTS

On the 39 neurological and the 20 neurosurgical intensive care units, a physician with intensive care specialization was available in 92% and 100% of units, respectively, and a physician with authorization for intensive care training was available in 74% and 80% of units, respectively. A whole day shiftwork existed in 59% and 55% of units, respectively. On the interdisciplinary wards a physician with intensive care specialization was available in 76% and a physician with authorization for intensive care training was available in 52% of units. A whole day shiftwork existed in 64% of units. A full-time neurological/neurosurgical presence during business hours was found only in 18% of units.

CONCLUSIONS

The neurological/neurosurgical presence and the opportunities for intensive care training on the interdisciplinary wards are not sufficient. There is an urgent need for improvement.