Definition

An acute care setting is an institution or medical facility providing patients with short-term treatment for an acute injury or illness.

Types of Cases

Acute care facilities offer treatment and diagnosis of acute injuries and illnesses. An acute injury or illness has a sudden onset or is a short course of a disease (as opposed to a chronic one). These types of injuries and illnesses require shorter-term care than do chronic illnesses, care which is provided in an acute care setting.

Types of Facilities

Acute care settings exist in a variety of forms, including emergency rooms, urgent care centers, and hospitals. Patients requiring longer-term care are generally transferred out of an acute care setting for further treatment.

Benefits

Acute care facilities are beneficial to patients with acute conditions because they are able to focus on giving quick, efficient care to their patients. Those in long-term treatment also benefit because their caregivers can focus on their treatment, rather than becoming distracted by a sudden case requiring immediate attention.

Help for Long-Term Conditions

Acute care settings also offer services to those with chronic conditions. Palliative care, usually pain management, is available for those in the last stages of dying. Psychiatric care is also available for those with mental health emergencies.

Source:

Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario

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