What Is a Step Down Unit?

In hospitals, Step Down Units (SDUs) provide an intermediate level of care between the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and the general medical-surgical wards.

What kind of patients are on a step down unit?

The first is “stepdown” patients who were receiving intensive care (usually organ support) but who no longer have full intensive care needs. Patients may often be defined as “stepdown” by exclusion (i.e., that they no longer meet any criteria for full intensive care).

How long does a patient stay in a step down unit?

He says data show that “we've made improvements in patient satisfaction and improved levels of communication between the consultants.” The average length of stay in the unit is between four and five days.