Tele-ICU, also known as telemedicine in the intensive care unit, is a technology-enabled approach that allows critical care specialists to remotely monitor and provide medical care to patients in the ICU. It involves the use of audiovisual communication and electronic health record systems to connect the remote specialists with the on-site ICU team and patients.

In a tele-ICU setup, the remote critical care specialists, often referred to as intensivists, can access real-time patient data such as vital signs, laboratory results, and radiology images through secure electronic platforms. They can communicate with the on-site ICU team, review patient information, and provide recommendations for diagnosis, treatment, and management.

Tele-ICU systems typically include high-resolution cameras, microphones, and speakers placed in the ICU to enable visual and audio communication. The remote intensivist can observe the patient, interact with the on-site team, and assess the situation to provide expert guidance. This approach can be particularly useful in areas where access to critical care expertise is limited or in situations where there is a shortage of intensivists.