What is a step down unit?

A step-down unit, also known as a progressive care unit (PCU), is a specialized area in a hospital that provides a higher level of care than a general medical-surgical unit but lower than that of an intensive care unit (ICU). Patients in a step-down unit typically require close monitoring and medical intervention, but not constant intensive care.

The nurses and healthcare providers in a step-down unit are trained to care for patients who may have complex medical conditions or require specialized treatments, such as cardiac monitoring, specialized respiratory care, or post-surgical recovery.

Patients in a step-down unit may include those recovering from surgery, managing a chronic illness, or requiring ongoing monitoring and treatment for acute medical conditions. The goal of a step-down unit is to provide a level of care that allows patients to gradually recover and transition to a less intensive level of care, such as a general medical-surgical unit or home care.

Overall, step-down units play a critical role in the continuum of care in a hospital setting, providing a bridge between the intensive care unit and general medical-surgical units to ensure that patients receive the appropriate level of care for their needs.