A Qualitative Analysis of Shift Handoff Communication Practices Among Tele-ICU Clinicians

In the Tele-ICU environment, the intensive care unit (ICU) provider also serves as the care coordinator since care is delivered remotely. At the Tele-ICU center, there was no clear indication that case managers were involved during the night shift in coordinating care, which needed further investigation and understanding. Even in a Tele-ICU environment, concise and impactful communication between the members of the multidisciplinary health care team is crucial. Therefore, there is a need to delineate the role of ICU providers as care coordinators remotely in terms of SHC. Information on how equipped the Tele-ICU providers are in terms of coordinating care in transitioning patients out of the Tele-ICU is limited compared to traditional bedside care where a case manager is available as a member of the multidisciplinary team.