Advances in intensive and critical care medicine occur rapidly. Innovation training and
research are the pillars that support a process deriving from basic science and
multiprofessional multidisciplinary interventions. The APICE 2010 Yearbook highlights several
innovations for optimising prevention and management measures for the critically ill by
integrating diagnostic procedures with pharmacological and technological options. Considering
that cerebral respiratory cardiovascular renal and metabolic dysfunctions occurring during
serious illnesses or syndromes represent risk factors for patient survival the final goal
remains multifaceted: to improve standards and quality of care to introduce the expanding
concept of clinical governance and professionalism to focus on the importance of ethical
principles for establishing a process of patient-centered and evidence-based care. For these
reasons medical professionals must reach a consensus regarding the importance of continuing
medical education.
