Using Nursing Expertise and Telemedicine to Increase Nursing Collaboration and Improve Patient Outcomes

Abstract

Collaboration between bedside and remote nurses in conjunction with the use of tele-ICU program technology positively impacts critical care patient outcomes. Effective nursing collaboration and communication and improved patient outcomes can be attained through nursing vigilance and attention to best practices or health system protocols and the use of smart technology such as the population management tools in the tele-ICU program.

Perceptions of Family Participation in Intensive Care Unit Rounds and Telemedicine: A Qualitative Assessment

“…In the past decade, the expansion of telemedicine into the ICU has increased coverage during off-hours 13,14 and improved compliance with "best practices," such as adherence to bundles for prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia. 15 However, less effort has focused on patient and family-centered endeavors. ICU care plans typically include a formal rounding period in the morning during which the events of the past 24 hours and plans for the upcoming day are discussed.…”

Bedside Nurse Acceptance of Intensive Care Unit Telemedicine Presence

“…8 Tele-ICU departments also have collaborated with nursing and some have taken on the role of daily quality auditing. 9 Because of this practice change, documentation of certain nursing quality metrics, such as use of restraints and incidence of pressure ulcers, has resulted in increased adherence to evidencebased practices and regulatory guidelines. 10,11…”

“…Workflow may be adapted to incorporate the tele-ICU while new policies reflecting collaborative commitment to evidencebased bundles of care may be deployed. 9,17 Initiatives are designed to align with the organization's mission and vision. 16 Education should be tailored to meet the needs of the specific site, and staff involvement in planning and evaluating workflows may positively influence acceptance and integration of the tele-ICU program.…”

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

“…44 Improved staff interaction Tele-ICU improved staff teamwork, and communication was found with tele-ICU utilization. 35,55 Staff communication, teamwork, and supervision were improved via tele-ICU. 48 Improved quality of care Tele-ICU implementation increased response times to critical events and decreased patient falls and extubation.…”

“…43 Kohl et al 34 Tele-ICU implementation led to a savings of $5,000 per case. 55 Morrison et al 39 (2010) Pre-/post-examination of tele-ICU in two rural hospitals No significant cost savings were identified with tele-ICU implementation and utilization.…”