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  • Title: A business case for tele-intensive care units.
    Author: Coustasse A, Deslich S, Bailey D, Hairston A, Paul D.
    Journal: Perm J; 2014; 18(4):76-84. PubMed ID: 25662529.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVES: A tele-intensive care unit (tele-ICU) uses telemedicine in an intensive care unit (ICU) setting, applying technology to provide care to critically ill patients by off-site clinical resources. The purpose of this review was to examine the implementation, adoption, and utilization of tele-ICU systems by hospitals to determine their efficiency and efficacy as identified by cost savings and patient outcomes. METHODS: This literature review examined a large number of studies of implementation of tele-ICU systems in hospitals. RESULTS: The evidence supporting cost savings was mixed. Implementation of a tele-ICU system was associated with cost savings, shorter lengths of stay, and decreased mortality. However, two studies suggested increased hospital cost after implementation of tele-ICUs is initially expensive but eventually results in cost savings and better clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Intensivists working these systems are able to more effectively treat ICU patients, providing better clinical outcomes for patients at lower costs compared with hospitals without a tele-ICU.
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