eICU

Topics: Remote monitoring, Telemedicine, Information Technology, Trauma, Service Lines, Technology Assessment, Planning, Strategy, Technology Assessment, Methodologies, Performance Improvement

What is it?

eICU®, a proprietary system developed by VISCU, Inc., is an application of remote telemedicine technology that allows intensivists and nurses to monitor multiple intensive care units (ICUs) from an off-site command center.

How does it work?

Using computers and VISICU software, as well as in-room audiovisual equipment, physicians and nurses are able to monitor patients from a central location, which may be miles away from any of the hospitals in the system. Customizable alerts programmed on proprietary software by VISICU allow the eICU® team to learn when a patient veers from “normal” status.

Keys for investment success

• Staffing the eICU® requires focused, determined efforts to recruit a dedicated team of administrators, including medical and operations directors and a team of “core” intensivists and critical care nurses willing to staff the command center—guidelines suggest staffing one intensivist per every100 ICU beds and one nurse per every 50 ICU beds
• Successful implementation of the eICU® requires a stark shift in culture and strong support from administrators, physicians, and nurses
• Institutions should stay abreast of high-quality studies demonstrating improved outcomes and continue to monitor reimbursement changes for telemedicine and eICU remote monitoring

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