Ethical issues in the development of tele-ICUs. Issue 11 (5th May 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nesher, Lior; Jotkowitz, Alan
• Is Part Of: Journal of medical ethics. Volume 37:Issue 11(2011)
• Page Start: 655
• Page End: 657
• Publication Date: 2011-05-05
• Subjects: Telemedicine -- medical ethics -- autonomy -- professionalism -- technology/risk assessment -- allocation of healthcare resources; Medical ethics -- Periodicals; 174.2
• DOI: 10.1136/jme.2010.040311
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-6800

Abstract

Abstract : The past two decades have seen a dramatic increase in the use of telemedicine while the information technology revolution has contributed significantly to its popularity. In addition, there has been a recent increase in the use of telemedicine in the intensive care unit (ICU), partially driven by a critical shortage of intensivists. However, the ethical questions raised by the implementation of tele-ICUs have not been adequately considered. In this essay, we will discuss the development of tele-ICUs from the perspective of autonomy, beneficence/non-malificence, justice and professionalism.