Telemedicine in the ICU: Innovation in the Critical Care Process

Abstract

Tele-ICU is a technology-based model designed to deliver effective critical care in the intensive care unit (ICU). The tele-ICU system has been developed to address the increasing demand for intensive care services and the shortage of intensivists. A finite number of intensivists from remote locations provide real-time services to multiple ICUs and assist in the treatment of critically ill patients. Risk prediction algorithms, smart alarm systems, and machine learning tools augment conventional coverage and can potentially improve the quality of care. Tele-ICU is associated with substantial improvements in mortality, reduced hospital and ICU length of stay, and decreased health care costs. Although multiple studies show improved outcomes following the implementation of tele-ICU, results are not consistent. Several factors, including the heterogeneity of tele-ICU infrastructure deployed in different facilities and the reluctance of health care workers to accept tele-ICU, could be associated with these varied results. Considerably high installation and ongoing operational costs might also be limiting the widespread utilization of this innovative service. While we believe that the implementation of tele-ICU offers potential advantages and makes critical care delivery more efficient, further research on the impact of this technology in critical care settings is warranted.