A systematic review and meta-analysis of ICU telemedicine reinforces the need for further controlled investigations to assess the impact of telemedicine on patient outcomes.

摘要

Telemedicine is gaining momentum as a potentially valuable method of delivering clinical expertise and sharing health-related information between locations. The value of telemedicine is likely to be greater in rural and remote regions, where specialists are in short supply or not present. Telephone advice is one of the more ubiquitous forms of telemedicine; however, the use of videoconferencing allows for real-time viewing of patients, medical equipment, monitors and x-rays - thus simulating an 'in the room' experience. In the context of critical care telemedicine, where situations may be unpredictable and where urgent and potentially life-threatening conditions require rapid decision-making and urgent management, one may presume that improved communication systems will enhance the quality of patient care and lead to better health outcomes.