Table 1.

Summary of definitions of levels of organ support in the critical care minimum data set [5].

Organ system	Definition of level of support
Basic respiratory	• > 50% oxygen delivered by face mask
	• Close observation due to the potential for acute deterioration
	• Physiotherapy or suction to clear secretions at least two hourly
	• Patients recently extubated after a prolonged period of intubation and mechanical ventilation
	• Mask CPAP or non-invasive ventilation.
	• Patients who are intubated to protect the airway but needing no ventilatory support and who are otherwise stable
Advanced respiratory	• Invasive mechanical ventilatory support
	• Extracorporeal respiratory support
Basic cardiovascular	• Treatment of circulatory instability due to hypovolaemia
	• Use of a CVP line for basic monitoring or central access
	• Use of an arterial line for basic monitoring or sampling
	• Single intravenous vasoactive
	• Intravenous drugs to control cardiac arrhythmias
	• Non-invasive measurement of cardiac
Advanced cardiovascular	• Multiple intravenous vasoactive and/or rhythm controlling drugs
	• Patients resuscitated after cardiac arrest where intensive therapy is considered clinically appropriate.
	• Observation of cardiac output and derived
	• Intra aortic balloon pumping.
	• Temporary cardiac
	• Placement of a gastrointestinal tonometer
Renal	• Acute renal replacement therapy
Neurological	• Central nervous system depression sufficient to prejudice the airway and protective reflexes
	• Invasive neurological monitoring
	• Severely agitated or epileptic patients requiring constant nursing attention and/or heavy sedation
Gastrointestinal	• Feeding with parenteral or enteral nutrition
Dermatological	• Patients with major skin rashes, exfoliation or burns
	• Use of multiple, large trauma dressings
	• Use of complex dressings
Liver	• Extracorporeal liver replacement device