The critical care unit. In search of management.

Given the impending crisis in health care economics, all segments of the health care industry must maintain quality while becoming more efficient and cost effective, particularly the critical care units that are disproportionately large consumers of the health care dollar. This article reviews the managerial and administrative issues, responsibilities, challenges, and demands that confront unit directors now and in the future. Also, this article provides a context and framework for all following articles in this volume.