RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE
STUDY
The information gained from the study has
already prompted change within the ICU. A
sideroom used for paediatric patients has been
altered to provide an environment appropriate
for children; not only for the patients but also
for parental and sibling comfort. This change
will also provide stimulation for children who
are awake while needing care. A High
Dependency U n i t was opened at the beginning
o f 1995 and is used as an intermediate facility
between ICU and the wards.
A major potential long-term change is the
concept o f the Outpatient Clinic which is in
the planning stages. To aid in the collection o f
the huge amount o f data required to follow-up
patients, a clinical information system is currently
being evaluated for purchase.
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrates that the data generated
by face-to-face interviews can be o f immense
importance to intensivists in assessing effectiveness
o f services, auditing and promoting
changes in clinical practice. Of equal importance
is the availablity o f a support system for
the patients and relatives, to enable them to try
to reach a desired level o f health with the optimum
support required.