Abstract
The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate midlevel practitioner practice on intensive care unit (ICU) outcomes: patient satisfaction, length of stay, mortality and resource utilization/cost. MEDLINE (1982-2007) and CINAHL (1982-2007) were used to identify research examining midlevel practitioner ICU outcomes. Although extensive research has occurred in pediatric and primary care settings, few studied adult ICU outcomes. Four of 5 studies reviewed reported positive impacts on length of stay. Only 1 study addressed patient satisfaction. Mortality and cost outcomes varied, finding both differences and no differences. These results support vitally needed research investigating midlevel practitioner impact on adult ICU outcomes.