Having a permanent resident in intensive care: The rewards and challenges

Elements essential for the effective care of a long-term patient within the intensive care setting included the development and maintenance of an open and honest relationship with the patient and family, regular multi-disciplinary case management meetings and effective communication strategies throughout the health care team. Importantly, clinical leaders should remain open to considering new ideas and strategies that facilitate effective care for a patient whose primary focus is different to the majority of intensive care patients.