Patient's contact person in the intensive care unit: is it really important?

The concept of a patient's contact person was originally introduced in Denmark as a political goal. It was elevated into law in 2009. As an integrated part of the Danish Healthcare Quality Program, Danish hospitals must have programs allowing each patient a contact person, who should take an active part in treatment and care. However, the concept is still not well implemented on a broader scale. Implementing a patient's contact person concept in an ICU produces new obstacles. The ICU differs from other clinical settings in various ways. It is heavier staffed at all hours. The number of doctors is limited and nurses perform primary care. Each staff member has good insight in all patient cases, which are discussed at the daily conferences. So, is the patient's contact person really important in the ICU?