Frequently asked questions about the eICU
What is the role of the eICU?
The eICU system does not replace your loved one's physician or nurse. It provides them with the best possible care thanks to an additional layer of support and expertise. Vital signs, blood tests, X-rays, medications and other information from the bedside monitors are available to the eICU center, which uses computers and encrypted, high-speed data lines. This enables our trained intensive care physicians and critical care nurses to monitor ICU patients from a central location around the clock.
What is the eICU system?
Highly sensitive monitoring technology gives the eICU team the ability to quickly notice changes in a patient's condition, should they occur, so they can be addressed immediately. If a change in condition is detected, the eICU specialists work with the medical team to help determine the appropriate course of action. The teams work closely together, so at times patients may hear conversations between the eICU team and the bedside caregivers.
Is there an extra charge for eICU care?
Advocate offers eICU at no additional charge to patients. This safety net is part of the high standards set for critical care at our hospitals.
Who makes the decisions?
The patient's doctor makes all final decisions regarding your loved one's care. Because the physician and Advocate's eICU physicians discuss medical status and treatment plans daily, the eICU physician may modify treatment when your physician is not present in the hospital. Nurses and doctors in the hospital ICU and Advocate's eICU team work together to provide patients with the very best possible care.
Why are cameras necessary to watch my loved one?
While monitoring is continuous, the doctors and nurses only look into patients' rooms when necessary to see how they are doing. Just as a doctor needs to see patients in person, Advocate's eICU physicians and nurses also need to "make rounds" to check on patients. Cameras are located in each ICU room. When the camera is turned off, it faces away from the patient toward the wall. When turned on, the camera adjusts to face the patient.
How can i be sure that my loved one's private health information is protected?
The following measures have been taked to ensure privacy protection:
- Access to information is limted to those involved with the patient's care.
- Information is not released to anyone other than those providing medical care.
- No recording is ever made from either the camera or microphone.
- Patient information to/from Advocate's eICU is only sent over encrypted connections.
- All personnel gain entry to Advocate's eICU facility through secured access.