Telemedicine for Trauma and Emergency: the eICU

Abstract

Purpose of Review: The purpose of this study was to describe the current use of telemedicine in the intensive care units (ICUs), particularly as it relates to trauma and emergency. Recent Findings: Telemedicine in the ICU has been validated through several large before-after studies with positive effects on mortality, morbidity, and length of stay. New research agendas looking at how best to utilize it and to prove efficacy are required. Summary: The USA and most of the Western world face several major healthcare challenges including an aging population, lack of critical care physicians, and importantly a lack of financial resources. Telemedicine in the ICU makes possible to use intensivists from major medical centers to provide critical care services in small hospitals in remote areas that otherwise will not be able to care for their sick and injured patients.