What are the factors that should go into consideration for staffing an Intensive Care Unit. Please provide evidence base concentrating on the staffing numbers, ratios, shift patterns and seniority. This is a 2,000 word essay excluding references. Points will be awarded for:
1.Clear introduction outlining design of ICU taking and taking into account acuity of patients (30 points) 2. Evidence base which has informed the current UK guidelines on staffing the ICU (40 points)
3. Short consideration on managing staffing in the face of surges in demandd (pandemics and major incidents) (20 points)
4. Conclusions on what you think still needs to be explored and studied. (10 points)
