Muhammad Bakr Ghbeis1, Katherine M Steffen2, Elizabeth A Braunlin1, Gregory J Beilman3, Jay Dahman4, Waseem Ostwani5, Marie E Steiner1. 1. 1 Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota. 2. 2 Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University , Los Angeles, California. 3. 3 Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota. 4. 4 Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Humber River Hospital , Toronto, Canada . 5. 5 Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Armed conflicts can result in humanitarian crises and have major impacts on civilians, of whom children represent a significant proportion. Usual pediatric medical care is often disrupted and trauma resulting from war-related injuries is often devastating. High pediatric mortality rates are thus experienced in these ravaged medical environments. INTRODUCTION: Using simple communication technology to provide real-time management recommendations from highly trained pediatric personnel can provide substantive clinical support and have a significant impact on pediatric morbidity and mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We implemented a "Tele-Pediatric Intensive Care" program (Tele-PICU) to provide real-time management consultation for critically ill and injured pediatric patients in Syria with intensive care needs. RESULTS: Over the course of 7 months, 19 cases were evaluated, ranging in age from 1 day to 11 years. Consultation questions addressed a wide range of critical care needs. Five patients are known to have survived, three were transferred, five died, and six outcomes were unknown. DISCUSSION: Based on this limited undertaking with its positive impact on survival, further development of Tele-PICU-based efforts with attention to implementation and barriers identified through this program is desirable. CONCLUSION: Even limited Tele-PICU can provide timely and potentially lifesaving assistance to pediatric care providers. Future efforts are encouraged.
BACKGROUND: Armed conflicts can result in humanitarian crises and have major impacts on civilians, of whom children represent a significant proportion. Usual pediatric medical care is often disrupted and trauma resulting from war-related injuries is often devastating. High pediatric mortality rates are thus experienced in these ravaged medical environments. INTRODUCTION: Using simple communication technology to provide real-time management recommendations from highly trained pediatric personnel can provide substantive clinical support and have a significant impact on pediatric morbidity and mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We implemented a "Tele-Pediatric Intensive Care" program (Tele-PICU) to provide real-time management consultation for critically ill and injured pediatric patients in Syria with intensive care needs. RESULTS: Over the course of 7 months, 19 cases were evaluated, ranging in age from 1 day to 11 years. Consultation questions addressed a wide range of critical care needs. Five patients are known to have survived, three were transferred, five died, and six outcomes were unknown. DISCUSSION: Based on this limited undertaking with its positive impact on survival, further development of Tele-PICU-based efforts with attention to implementation and barriers identified through this program is desirable. CONCLUSION: Even limited Tele-PICU can provide timely and potentially lifesaving assistance to pediatric care providers. Future efforts are encouraged.
Entities:
Keywords:
emergency medicine/teletrauma; military medicine; pediatrics; telemedicine
Authors: Ashley Bjorklund; Tina Slusher; Louise Tina Day; Mariya Mukhtar Yola; Clark Sleeth; Andrew Kiragu; Arianna Shirk; Kristina Krohn; Robert Opoka Journal: Front Pediatr Date: 2022-01-31 Impact factor: 3.418