Clinical indicators contributing to I.C.U. length of stay in elective craniotomy patients with brain tumour.

The immediate purposes of this study are (a) to indicate the I.C.U. and hospital length of stay in elective craniotomy patients with brain tumour, and (b) to identify the clinical indicators that contribute to the I.C.U. length of stay. The ultimate purpose is to contribute to a growing body of knowledge in providing quality and cost effective patient outcomes by creating appropriate vehicles for further research in the field of neuroscience. The following clinical indicators are identified: pre-op patient admission to ward or same day admit unit, O.R. cancellations, type of tumour, nursing staff availability, intubation on admission, I.C.U. length of stay, and post-op complications. The results of this pilot study, with sample size of 55 patients, could assist us in the nursing profession to develop an appropriate Care Map for craniotomy patients with brain tumour.