The association between ICU level of care and mortality in the Netherlands.

Purpose: The relationship between the number of patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) volume and mortality is currently the subject of debate. After implementation of a national guideline in 2006, all Dutch ICUs have been classified into three levels based on ICU size, patient volume, ventilation days, and staffing. The goal of this study is to investigate the association between ICU level and mortality of ICU patients in the Netherlands.