eICU Program
What is the eICU® program?
The eICU program is an advanced telemedicine solution from the leading provider of remote care to patients in the Intensive Care Units (ICUs).
Using computers and private, high-speed data lines, a trained critical care physician supported by critical care nurses can accurately monitor ICU patients from a remote location. This intensivist is supported by one or more critical care registered nurses and health care assistants. They work collaboratively with your own physician, bedside nurses, and caregivers, improving patient care and outcomes.
The eICU program does not replace staff at the bedside. It is an additional layer of support for the ICU patient.
How does the eICU team deliver medical care?
The eICU program also offers support to your physicians and nurses. It uses state of the art technology that continuously analyzes trends in patient data, such as vital signs, laboratory and radiological information. This information is seen on computers in the eICU operations center. Decision making software alerts the eICU team to changes in the patient’s condition and prompts earlier interventions.
The eICU team reviews data and collaborates with your bedside caregivers to provide immediate care needs.
The eICU physicians talk frequently with your physician about his or her plan of medical care. The doctor makes all final decisions regarding the patient’s care. Because your physician and the eICU physician discuss medical status and treatment plans daily, the eICU physician may modify treatment according to your physician’s plan when they are not present in the hospital.
The eICU team supports your care needs.
Demonstrating the RHC core values of compassion, accountability, respect, excellence and service, the eICU team works with many caregivers within the ICU. Special cameras and audio equipment are used by the eICU team, allowing them to communicate directly with the ICU nurses, physicians, patients and/or their family members at any time. They also have access to the latest medical information for diagnosing and treating patients.
The collaboration between the ICU’s multi-disciplinary team and the team in the eICU operations center ensures that patients receive the best possible care.
How are cameras used in the eICU?
Just as the hospital physicians and nurses need to “make rounds” to check on their patients, the eICU physicians and nurses use video to check on their patients. The video cameras view patients only when necessary to see how they are doing. When the camera is off, it faces inward toward the wall. When turned on, the camera faces the patient and a green light comes on.
Additional benefits:
- The privacy of your health information is of utmost importance and is protected at Resurrection Health Care. Patient health information is limited to only your direct care providers.
- Health information is secured in transmission to the off-site eICU operations center.
- All audio and video communication is "live" and is not recorded.
- All personnel gain entry into the eICU operations center through secured access only.
- This additional care is provided to all Resurrection ICU patients at no additional charge.
- Improved patient safety.
*eICU is a registered trademark of VISICU, Inc.
