Table 1 Summary of definitions of levels of organ support in the critical care minimum data set [5].

Basic respiratory

• > 50% oxygen delivered by face mask

• Close observation due to the potential for acute deterioration

• Physiotherapy or suction to clear secretions at least two hourly

• Patients recently extubated after a prolonged period of intubation and mechanical ventilation

• Mask CPAP or non-invasive ventilation.

• Patients who are intubated to protect the airway but needing no ventilatory support and who are otherwise stable

Advanced respiratory

• Invasive mechanical ventilatory support

• Extracorporeal respiratory support

Basic cardiovascular

• Treatment of circulatory instability due to hypovolaemia

• Use of a CVP line for basic monitoring or central access

• Use of an arterial line for basic monitoring or sampling

• Single intravenous vasoactive

• Intravenous drugs to control cardiac arrhythmias

• Non-invasive measurement of cardiac

Advanced cardiovascular

• Multiple intravenous vasoactive and/or rhythm controlling drugs

• Patients resuscitated after cardiac arrest where intensive therapy is considered clinically appropriate.

• Observation of cardiac output and derived

• Intra aortic balloon pumping.

• Temporary cardiac

• Placement of a gastrointestinal tonometer

Renal

• Acute renal replacement therapy

Neurological

• Central nervous system depression sufficient to prejudice the airway and protective reflexes

• Invasive neurological monitoring

• Severely agitated or epileptic patients requiring constant nursing attention and/or heavy sedation

Gastrointestinal

• Feeding with parenteral or enteral nutrition

Dermatological

• Patients with major skin rashes, exfoliation or burns

• Use of multiple, large trauma dressings

• Use of complex dressings

Liver

• Extracorporeal liver replacement device