Term: Special Care Unit (SCU)

Glossary Definition

Last Updated: 2012-04-20

Definition:

Inpatient units specifically designed, staffed and equipped for the continuous observation and treatment of critically ill patients, including all types of intensive care units, as well as intermediate care or step-down units.

For a list of SCU Codes and values used in Garland et al. (2012), please see Appendix Table A2.1: Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) Special Care Unit (SCU) Codes .

Related concepts 

• Identifying Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Episodes in the Hospital Abstracts Data

Related terms 

• Critical Illness
• Inpatient
• Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
• Intermediate Care Unit
• Neonatal Special Care Unit (SCU) / Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Admission

References 

• Garland A, Fransoo R, Olafson K, Ramsey C, Yogendran M, Chateau D, McGowan K. The Epidemiology and Outcomes of Critical Illness in Manitoba. Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, 2012. [Report] [Summary] (View)

Term used in 

• Heaman M, Kingston D, Helewa M, Brownell M, Derksen S, Bogdanovic B, McGowan K, Bailly A. Perinatal Services and Outcomes in Manitoba. Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, 2012. [Report] [Summary] [Updates and Errata] (View)