A working lexicon for the tele-intensive care unit: we need to define tele-intensive care unit to grow and understand it

Telemed J E Health. 2011 Dec;17(10):773-83. doi: 10.1089/tmj.2011.0045. Epub 2011 Oct 26.

Abstract

Telemedicine in the intensive care unit (Tele-ICU) has grown exponentially since the first formalized program in 2000. Initially, there was limited product choice, and certain capabilities have been engineered into the process with the implication of necessity. New technology is evolving, and new vendors are entering the market place, which should yield a multitude of technologies from which to select. To date, there has been no organized lexicon designed to facilitate communication, comparison, or evaluation. This article is designed as a starting point to develop a lexicon applicable to all technologies for the Tele-ICU with the goal of facilitating clinical comparisons and administrative choices.

MeSH terms

  • Computer Systems
  • Critical Care / organization & administration
  • Hospital Information Systems / organization & administration*
  • Humans
  • Intensive Care Units / organization & administration*
  • Models, Organizational
  • Program Development
  • Telemedicine / organization & administration*
  • Terminology as Topic*
  • United States