Measuring tele-ICU impact: does it optimize quality outcomes for the critically ill patient?

Abstract

Nursing managers and leaders play a vital part in optimizing the quality role of the tele-ICU through supportive modelling and the maximization of ICU integration.

Assessing the Impact of Telemedicine on Nursing Care in Intensive Care Units

“…[2][3][4][5] The United States has approximately 45 teleICUs that reach more than 200 hospitals, with monitoring capability for more than 6000 beds (12% of ICU patients in the United States). 6 Although according to estimates, 800 to 1000 nurses currently practice in tele-ICUs and more than 16 000 bedside nurses interface with these units, information on the impact of tele-ICUs on nursing care is limited.…”

Expanding Technology in the ICU: The Case for the Utilization of Telemedicine

“…Other healthcare providers that can join the tele-ICU team have been identified such as pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and administrative support staff in order to provide more comprehensive care. 24 …”

“…Similarly, nurses on a tele-ICU team should have several years of experience in a traditional ICU setting. 24 Effective communication skills have been identified as the most important skill a tele-ICU team member must possess, as clear and effective communication is necessary to establishing rapport between ICU and tele-ICU, building a productive team, and providing appropriate and effective care to ICU patients. 25 The tele-ICU team has not replaced the traditional ICU team; rather, it has been used to support, supplement, and augment the traditional team.…”

Partnership for a Healthy Work Environment

“…8,[13][14][15][16] The HWE initiative can be a very effective platform for constructing the ICU/tele-ICU partnership. Both the tele-ICU and the ICU may be on parallel journeys toward establishing an HWE in an effort to improve care.…”

“…8,9 Although controversy lingers about the role of the tele-ICU in patient care, evidence clearly suggests that the tele-ICU can be an effective tool for quality and safety improvement; however, maximum optimization requires the cooperation and partnership of the ICU team. [8][9][10][11][12][13][14] The purpose of this article is to explore the tele-ICU/ICU partner model in the establishment and sustainability of an HWE by addressing the 3 HWE standards that apply to the overlap areas of care provided to critically ill patients: skilled communication, true collaboration, and effective decision making.…”