Expert: Kimberlee Bates Date: 3/25/2008 Subject: quary for ICU
Question Dear Sir,
Can patient discharge directly from ICU? or there is some observation period needed.
Answer There have been cases where we have discharged patients from our surgical ICU. For instance last week, we had a uncomplicated gsw to the neck that had been in the unit for 3 days. Instead of transferring to the floor, both the trauma docs as well as the surgical intensivist opted to discharge the patient to home from the ICU in the care of his sister (a registered nurse).
If there is nothing that the floor could do for the patient that he or she could not do or have done at home with assist, I see no reason why they could not be discharged from the unit.
