The Problem

Studies show that having a critical care specialist manage or co-manage patients requiring ICU care can result in a reduction in mortality of approximately 30% while reducing the length of stay in the hospital by about 9 days. (Pronovost, JAMA 2002)

At present however only a fraction of ICU beds nationwide meet this standard. In addition, there are too few intensivists to meet this demand.

A Solution

One solution is the eICU. A "remote-care strategy", eICUs use technology to extend the reach of critical care experts so they can assist in the management of more ICU patients.

Located off site, the eICU uses an intensivest lead team of caregivers to provide assistance in 3 major ways: 

  1. Screening for compliance with proven therapeutic strategies
  2. Monitor for high morbidity/mortality complications that can occur in critical care patients so that early recognition can limit adverse consequence.
  3. Provide support for medical decision making, particularly during the evening and overnight hours.

The eICU system is centered around “eCareManager” software made by the company VISICU. The eCareManager system integrates:

  • An electronic medical record
  • Specialized monitoring of vital signs, laboratory data, and other key parameters.
  • A video assessment tool that enables the eICU team to see and hear patients and bedside caregivers 

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