Most ICU’s are unable to provide 24/7 on-site intensivist coverage. In this single center pre-post study, researchers evaluated ICU mortality before and after the implementation of a telemedicine intensivist for night coverage of an ICU. ICU mortality dropped from 21% to 15% after implementation, and was still significantly lower after controlling for expected mortality and resuscitation status. The post intervention patients also had significantly less ventilator use. Use of ICU telemedicine, in units that otherwise could not provide 24/7 intensivist coverage, may reduce mortality and ventilator usage (abstract)
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