Improving how intensive care units are staffed in the U.S.

Optimizing Intensive Care Unit Staffing in the United States

NIH-funded research University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11063832

This study is looking at how to make intensive care units (ICUs) better for patients with serious breathing problems by figuring out the best ways to organize staff and teams, so that doctors can provide the best care possible.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Coral Gables, United States)
Project IDNIH-11063832 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the organization and staffing of intensive care units (ICUs) can be optimized to improve patient care, particularly for those suffering from acute respiratory failure. It focuses on the roles of intensivists and multidisciplinary teams in delivering high-quality care to critically ill patients. By analyzing the relationship between the number of patients assigned to each intensivist and patient outcomes, the study aims to identify effective staffing models that enhance care quality. The research will also explore how team structure and workload impact patient mortality rates in U.S. ICUs.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are admitted to an ICU for acute respiratory distress or failure.

Not a fit: Patients who are not admitted to an ICU or those with chronic respiratory conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved patient outcomes and reduced mortality rates for individuals admitted to intensive care units.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies in the UK have shown a significant relationship between intensivist workload and patient outcomes, suggesting that similar approaches may yield beneficial results in the U.S.

Where this research is happening

Coral Gables, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acute Respiratory Distress SyndromeAdult Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.