Final answer:
The phrase 'intensivists can be as apt to harm as to heal' speaks to the complex and high-stakes nature of ICU medicine, where the potential for human error can increase the risk of harm to patients. The implementation of checklists by ICU doctors serves to minimize this risk and ensure adherence to safe medical practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the statement 'intensivists can be as apt to harm as to heal' is used, it refers to the complex nature of intensive care medicine where high-risk decisions are made under pressure, and the potential for harm exists despite the aim to provide beneficial care. In the context of ICU care, the principle of nonmaleficence, which means 'do no harm', is challenged by the high stakes and urgency of the care provided. Intensivists face numerous tasks in such environments, which can sometimes lead to human errors like skipping steps in procedures, thereby increasing the risk of harm, such as infections. Dr. Peter Pronovost's introduction of a checklist mirrors solutions from the aviation industry to mitigate such errors and reinforces the commitment to patient safety.
The correct option that interprets the phrase according to the information provided is (c) 'ICU doctors are managing extreme complexity and this makes harm more likely,' reflecting both the complexity and the higher stakes involved in the care of critically ill patients.