P332 The development of NCUs in China: A 2nd nationwide survey.

Objectives This report presents results of the 2nd nationwide survey concerning neurocritical care units (NCUs) in China. Methods This is an observational cross-sectional survey and close-ended self-reported questions were used. The questionnaire was sent to 31 different provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) across China from October 1st, 2015 to January 1st, 2016. Basic information, equipment and device information, and staffing and organization information were investigated. Results In total, 101 questionnaires from 101 NCUs at 92 hospitals in 28 regions were received. Most of the hospitals with NCUs were large-scale (average hospital beds: 2150), teaching (84.8%), and tertiary hospitals (97.8%). The average number of NCU beds was 14, occupying 11.2% of the total number of beds in their department. Most of the equipment and devices (37/50) were available in over 80% of the 101 NCUs. However, some devices were centralized by hospital and operated with assistance from other departments. A total of 1250 full-time doctors and 1978 full-time nurses were employed at the NCUs. A few of the NCUs achieved a doctor-to-bed ratio of 0.5:1 (40.6%) and a nurse-to-bed ratio of 1:1 (37.6%). And respiratory therapists, clinical dieticians, clinical pharmacists, and physiotherapists were present in 5.9%, 32.7%, 36.6% and 49.5% of the 101 NCUs. Discussion According to this survey, the number of Chinese NCUs rose 32.9%, to 101 in 2015 from 76 in 2010. Among the 101 NCUs included in this survey, most of the basic devices and specialized devices were sufficiently available. But few NCUs (50%) have their own specialized equipment. Compared with the year 2010, the number of neurocritical care doctors and nurses is significantly higher in 2015. The staffing data of the 101 NCUs still reflect a severe shortage of NCU doctors and nurses. Conclusion The number of NCUs increased, the availability of NCU equipment became more sufficient, and the staffing of NCUs improved. However, we should pay attention to the management of specialized NCU equipment, the shortage of NCU staff, and the need of NCU training. Significance The results of this survey could expose deficiencies in Chinese NCUs development so that they can be studied and the suggestions can be provided for a more sustainable development of NCUs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]