Cost and Mortality Analysis of an Intermediate Respiratory Care Unit. Is It Really Efficient and Safe?

Introduction: Historically, it has been assumed that Intermediate Respiratory Care Units (IRCU) were efficient, because they saved costs by reducing the number of admissions to intensive care units (ICU), and effective, because they specialized in respiratory diseases.

Methods: The number of IRCU admissions and mortality rate, historically and in 2016, were evaluated. For 2016, the grouped Related Diagnostic Groups (DRGs) were also described, and the savings achieved under all budgetary headings by avoiding UCI stays were calculated.