Simplified Acute Physiology Score III: a project for a new multidimensional tool for evaluating intensive care unit performance

The Simplified Acute Physiology Score III Outcomes Research Group is developing an international multidimensional instrument for the global evaluation of intensive care unit performance. Among its specific objectives are the update of a severity of illness index (Simplified Acute Physiology Score) with a mortality prediction equation, with the hindsight of recent years, and the creation or application of novel instruments in the areas of infections and cost-effectiveness. Some important measurements such as the quality of life and the satisfaction of patients and professionals are not included. A further aim is the achievement of international validation.