Improving how intensive care units are staffed in the U.S.
Official title: Optimizing Intensive Care Unit Staffing in the United States
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11063832 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2021 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $293,054 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL156880-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11063832 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are admitted to an ICU for acute respiratory distress or failure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not admitted to an ICU or those with chronic respiratory conditions may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gershengorn, Hayley Beth — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Gershengorn, Hayley Beth
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.