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Australian Hospital ICU Management 2026 — Critical Care, Ratios & Outcomes Guide
Complete guide to Australian hospital ICU management — critical care levels (Level 1-3), nurse-to-patient ratios (1:1), ANZICS standards, ICU outcome measurement, CCRN (Critical Care Resuscitation), and ICU software.
Australian ICUs have 1:1 nurse-to-patient ratios for intensive care patients. ANZICS sets standards and maintains the national ICU database. This guide covers Australian ICU management.
Australian ICU Levels
| Level | Description | Capabilities | Nurse Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 3 | Tertiary ICU | All complex critical care, cardiac, neuro, trauma | 1:1 |
| Level 2 | Intermediate ICU | Most critical care, limited complex services | 1:1 |
| Level 1 | Basic ICU | Basic critical care, transfers complex cases | 1:1 or 1:2 |
| HDU | High Dependency Unit | Step-down from ICU, single organ support | 1:2 |
ICU Key Performance Indicators
| KPI | Target | Australian Average |
|---|---|---|
| ICU mortality (APACHE-adjusted) | Within expected | Within expected |
| ICU LOS (median) | 2-3 days | 2.5-3.5 days |
| Ventilator days (median) | 2-3 days | 2.5-3.5 days |
| Readmission rate (48h) | < 5% | 3-5% |
| VAP rate | < 5 per 1,000 vent days | 3-8 per 1,000 |
| CLABSI rate | < 2 per 1,000 line days | 1-3 per 1,000 |
| Pressure injuries | < 5% | 2-5% |
| Family satisfaction | > 85% | 80-90% |
MET and Rapid Response System
- Calling criteria: Set physiological criteria for calling MET (e.g., HR < 40 or > 130, RR < 8 or > 30, SpO2 < 90%, GCS decrease)
- MET call: Any staff member can call MET for deteriorating patients
- MET response: MET team (doctor + nurse + CCRN) responds within 5 minutes
- Assessment: MET assesses and stabilises patient
- Plan: MET develops management plan or transfers to ICU
- Documentation: Document MET call, interventions, and outcome
- Review: Review MET calls for learning and improvement
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are Australian ICU levels?
- Australian ICU levels (per ANZICS): Level 3 (tertiary ICU — all complex critical care including cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, trauma, multi-organ failure), Level 2 (intermediate ICU — most critical care but limited complex services), Level 1 (basic ICU — basic critical care, transfers complex cases). Nurse-to-patient ratio is 1:1 for all levels when patients require intensive care.
- What is ANZICS?
- ANZICS (Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society) is the professional body for intensive care in Australia and New Zealand. ANZICS: 1) Sets ICU standards and guidelines, 2. Maintains the ANZICS Database (national ICU outcomes registry), 3. Provides ICU accreditation, 4. Publishes guidelines (infection control, sedation, etc.), 5. Runs the Clinical Trials Group (world-leading ICU research).
- What is CCRN?
- CCRN (Critical Care Resuscitation Nurse) is a specialised role in some Australian states. CCRN nurses are trained in advanced resuscitation and rapid response. They: 1) Respond to deteriorating patients on wards, 2. Lead resuscitation, 3. Support MET (Medical Emergency Team) calls, 4. Provide education. CCRN complements the MET system and NSQHS Standard 8 (Recognising and Responding to Acute Deterioration).