title: Ethical issues in the development of tele-ICUs.
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.
authors.affiliation: Division of Internal Medicine, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer Sheva, Israel. nesherke@bgu.ac.il
authors.forename: Lior
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Nesher
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jotkowitz
mesh_terms: D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003422:Critical Care / Q000191:economics / Q000941:ethics* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D007557:Israel; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling / Q000191:economics; D019114:Remote Consultation / Q000941:ethics*; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000191:economics / Q000941:ethics* / Q000592:standards