Community Awareness of Intensive Care Unit Services and Their Significance
1
1 ICU ,Gamal abdelnaser hospittal, Ministry of health and population (MOHP), Alexandria, Egypt
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Intensive Care Units (ICU) are essential components of modern healthcare systems, providing critical interventions for severely ill patients. However, public understanding of ICU services, the role of critical care specialists, and the complexities of intensive care medicine remains inadequate. This knowledge deficit may result in delayed emergency care-seeking, unrealistic outcome expectations, and challenges in healthcare communication and decision-making.
OBJECTIVE:
This study aims to assess community awareness and understanding of ICU services and their clinical significance among adult residents, while identifying demographic factors associated with awareness levels and knowledge gaps that may impact healthcare utilization.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional descriptive survey will be conducted among approximately 400-450 adults aged 18 years and above residing in the target community. Stratified random sampling will ensure representative distribution across age groups, educational levels, and geographic areas. Data will be collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographics, ICU awareness and knowledge, information sources, and perceptions of critical care services. The pilot-tested survey instrument will assess general ICU awareness, understanding of critical care specialties, admission criteria, procedures, and outcomes. Statistical analysis will include descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression to identify predictors of ICU awareness. Expected Outcomes: This research will provide a comprehensive assessment of community ICU awareness levels, identify population groups requiring targeted education, clarify misconceptions about critical care, and establish baseline data for future studies. The findings will inform evidence-based recommendations for improving public education, enhancing patient-provider communication, and guiding healthcare policy development. Significance: Understanding community awareness of ICU services is crucial for improving healthcare literacy, optimizing resource utilization, and enhancing patient and family preparedness for critical care situations. This study will contribute to the healthcare awareness research literature while offering practical strategies for bridging the knowledge gap between healthcare providers and the communities they serve.
Intensive Care Units (ICU) are essential components of modern healthcare systems, providing critical interventions for severely ill patients. However, public understanding of ICU services, the role of critical care specialists, and the complexities of intensive care medicine remains inadequate. This knowledge deficit may result in delayed emergency care-seeking, unrealistic outcome expectations, and challenges in healthcare communication and decision-making.
OBJECTIVE:
This study aims to assess community awareness and understanding of ICU services and their clinical significance among adult residents, while identifying demographic factors associated with awareness levels and knowledge gaps that may impact healthcare utilization.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional descriptive survey will be conducted among approximately 400-450 adults aged 18 years and above residing in the target community. Stratified random sampling will ensure representative distribution across age groups, educational levels, and geographic areas. Data will be collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographics, ICU awareness and knowledge, information sources, and perceptions of critical care services. The pilot-tested survey instrument will assess general ICU awareness, understanding of critical care specialties, admission criteria, procedures, and outcomes. Statistical analysis will include descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression to identify predictors of ICU awareness. Expected Outcomes: This research will provide a comprehensive assessment of community ICU awareness levels, identify population groups requiring targeted education, clarify misconceptions about critical care, and establish baseline data for future studies. The findings will inform evidence-based recommendations for improving public education, enhancing patient-provider communication, and guiding healthcare policy development. Significance: Understanding community awareness of ICU services is crucial for improving healthcare literacy, optimizing resource utilization, and enhancing patient and family preparedness for critical care situations. This study will contribute to the healthcare awareness research literature while offering practical strategies for bridging the knowledge gap between healthcare providers and the communities they serve.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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