In this healthcare management course, we discuss the organisation and administration of intensive care units (ICU). Our first topic outlines the role and functions of the ICU. We establish the importance of intensive care and critical care medicine in treating patients with life-threatening illnesses, injuries or complications. We then describe the characteristics of the ICU, including its size, the number of beds required and the various types of patients admitted to it, who can be ‘stable’ or ‘unstable’.

The course explores other aspects to consider when planning and organising intensive care units, including its location and spatial requirements. We describe the ideal layout of an ICU, which includes the three main areas for patients, staff and support. We also go through the required characteristics for patients' bed areas and personal space, the precise position of the central nursing station and other necessary measurements.

This healthcare management course identifies medical staff who work in intensive care units, such as resident doctors and nurses, and describes the abilities they require to provide high-quality healthcare. We introduce you to the auxiliary medical personnel, including ancillary staff and receptionists, counsellors and psychologists. Lastly, we layout the equipment required for tertiary ICU and ancillary and support services. ICUs play a key role in today’s healthcare environments and provide the critical care patients often need to survive. Sign up to enhance your hospital management skills and learn how to set up and run an ICU.