Different systems and formats for tele-ICU coverage: designing a tele-ICU system to optimize functionality and investment.

Technology always changes, yet change or evolution within the tele-ICU has been slow. In developing a modern telemedicine system to manage acute illness, there are several concepts the developer/administrator should consider to include "scalability," centralized/decentralized systems, open/closed architecture, inclusivity of the medical community, mobile technology, price set, and governmental regulation. The intent of this manuscript is to apply these concepts to current tele-ICU technology, explain the concepts in some depth, and finally, to speculate as to how the future tele-ICU might look.