The higher the better.
Death rates in patients admitted to the ICU average 10-20% in most hospitals. Quality of care in ICUs is strongly influenced by the staff organization and the presence of intensivists. Intensivists are familiar with the complications that can occur in the ICU and are better equipped to minimize errors. Mortality rates are significantly lower in hospitals with closed ICUs managed exclusively by board certified intensivists who are present during daytime hours and provide clinical care, respond immediately to a situation when they are not on site, and arrange for a physician, physician assistance, nurse practitioner to reach ICU patients immediately.