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 The eICU technology
links intensivists and ICU nurses at a centralized workstation in Sioux
Falls, SD to a critical patient admitted to Avera St. Anthony’s. The
workstations are equipped with high-resolution cameras, phones and specially
designed soft ware that lets the providers in Sioux Falls directly monitor
the patient in O’Neill. The focus of the camera allows for assessment of
details as small as nail-bed color, drip rates and ventilator settings.
Similar to how air traffic
controllers use on-board sensor to identify problems and intervene to
maintain a safe flight, the eICU care team uses software alerts to track
patient vital trends and intervene earlier—before complications occur.
Studies show that this type of care model can reduce intensive care
mortality rates by 25% and save healthcare costs.
Access to eICU has already helped to
keep some patients from having to be transferred to a larger healthcare
facility, making hospitalization easier on patients and their families. The
service is also completely free to the patient so there are no additional
care fees.
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