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DOI: DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijsn.2277.467X.7118.4

Abstract

A large number of severity of illness scoring systems have been developed and they are widely used in intensive care practice. However, they are complex systems with their basis in mathematics. To use such systems effectively, it is important to appreciate what factors influence their performance so that they can be compared fairly and used most appropriately. The purpose of this review is to describe the methods commonly used to assess the various facets of performance in severity of illness scoring systems. The performance of the most frequently used scoring systems in adult intensive care practice are presented.

Keywords: Intensive Care; ICU Scoring; APACHE; Prognosis; Risk Assessment; Severity of Illness Index. 

Corresponding Author : Neethu Jose, Assistant Professor, Jubilee Mission College of Nursing, Thrissur, Kerala 680005, India and Assistant Nursing Superintendent cum Nurse Educator, Jubilee Mission Medical College & Research Centre, Thrissur, Kerala 680005, India.