Virtual Intensivist Support Model reducing Intensive Care Unit admission: Erie Shores HealthCare Experience

Author(s): Michael Riley Jackson Jakob, Alexandrea Gow, Jaefer Mohamad, Nima Andre Malakoti-Negad, Angela Ciotoli, Nadia Pedri, Neelu Sehgal, Matt Bessey, Deepa Chawla, Tazmeen Yekinni, Munira Sultana

This study evaluated the impact of a Virtual Intensivist Support (VIS) Model on Intensive Care Unit (ICU) clinical outcomes at a rural Canadian hospital, Erie Shores HealthCare, where intensivist resources were previously limited. The model involved daily virtual rounds by off-site intensivists on all ICU patients and any other patients with critical care needs. A retrospective-prospective comparison of the ICU data, focusing on ICU admissions, antibiotic use, venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, patient transfers, and physiotherapy orders indicated a significant decrease in antibiotic-free days (OR = 0.56; p < 0.001), while challenges in patient transfers were mitigated as intensivists provided real-time updates and advocated for proper escalation. We also noticed higher transfer rates and physiotherapy orders and lower venous thromboembolism prophylaxis orders. The findings suggest that the VIS Model may influence clinical practice patterns, highlighting its potential to enhance ICU workflows in rural settings.