Cincinnati VA Medical Center
VISN 10 Hosted National Tele ICU Conference
National Tele ICU Conference
The Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 10 and the VHA National Tele Intensive Care Unit group hosted a National Tele ICU conference from July 18-19 for over 100 staff at the Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The conference is part of a national goal to increase Tele ICU services in Veterans Affairs medical facilities.
“This conference was an opportunity to gain a good understanding of Tele ICU services and its value for daily operations,” said Mr. Jack Hetrick, VISN 10 Network Director. “The participants left with the knowledge of how technology can support patients and clinicians 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
During the conference attendees participated:
- In classes on the Tele ICU Clinical Resource Center’s remote monitoring
- Inpatient ICU bedside two-way audiovisual system
In January 2012, VISN 10 started a Tele ICU program that monitors 72 ICU beds:
- Chillicothe VAMC
- Cincinnati VAMC
- Dayton VAMC
- Cleveland VAMC
“In having Tele ICU technology, critically ill patients can receive quick access to a critical care physician and nurse at the press of a button,” said Michael Torok, VISN 10 Tele ICU Nurse Manager.
The Veteran is always being watched by nurses for any change in status. If a patient’s condition declines, the intensive care doctor, nurse or both can communicate with the bedside caregivers on any issues that may occur.
In addition, the Tele ICU Clinical Resource Center helps the bedside critical care team in routine patient care. The Resource Center also provides education and teaching to doctors.
