How is an intensivist different from other specialists who treat critically ill patients?
Rather than focusing on specific body systems – like cardiologists (the heart and vascular system) or pulmonologists (the lungs and respiratory system) – intensivists take a comprehensive approach to care for ICU patients.
The intensivist has the primary responsibility for the ICU patient’s care versus acting as a consultant, as many specialists do. In this role, he or she leads a team of caregivers who are experts in different specialties. The intensivist also oversees the many decisions involved in a critically ill patient’s care and coordinates all the other services the patient may need – including those from specialists.
How do intensivists improve the quality of care in the ICU?
When intensivists follow the evidence-based guidelines for intensive care established by the Society of Critical Care Medicine – including the multispecialty team approach we use at UMass Memorial – there are well-documented benefits that include:
- Improved patient outcomes, including survival rates
- Reduced complications
- Shorter lengths of stay in the ICU
- Enhanced medication safety
Dr. Meghana Pande has a strong interest and experience in complicated respiratory, cardiovascular, diabetes, gastrointestinal, endocrine neurological disorders, and geriatric health.
She was also at the forefront providing her expertise in the management of covid 19 patients during the pandemic.
She comes with a rich experience of 15 yrs in critical care illnesses and management, internal medicine including management of e-ICU and ECMO.
