The Virtual ICU

Hospitals that do not have on-site intensivists or other equally qualified physicians as defined in this toolkit may want to assess the feasibility of providing access to these specialists through electronic means to improve the safety and quality of the ICU. It should be noted, however, that virtual ICU access does not meet the MH&SC Physician Staffing Guideline but is an interim measure toward meeting the guideline.

The options for installing a virtual ICU range from telephone consultations, Internet access, various telemedicine options to installing new technologies and information system infrastructures. Whichever mode is selected, the goal is to establish readily available access to intensivist consultations or to other qualified physicians.

© 2004 Michigan Health and Safety Coalition