Identifying level one patients. A cross-sectional survey on an in-patient hospital population.

The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics of level one patients and to explore how these differed from the other levels of care (zero and two). The study was conducted in two parts. Firstly, general adult in-patients (n=351) on the day of study were classified using the Intensive Care Society (ICS) Levels of Care.

Practical considerations in the administration of intravenous vasoactive drugs in the critical care setting. Part II--how safe is our practice?

Introduction: Vasoactive drugs (e.g. inotropes), namely adrenaline and noradrenaline, are frequently used in critical care to maintain cardiovascular function.