Indian Pediatr. 2025 Oct 8. doi: 10.1007/s13312-025-00197-0. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine whether using videoconferencing for pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) rounds with the help of a tele-PICU kiosk in addition to standard care impacts survival outcomes and duration of hospital stay.
METHODS: An open-label randomized controlled trial was conducted in the PICU of a tertiary care center in India on a sample size of 120 children, randomized into two groups using computer-generated randomization tables. Patients with a PICU stay of < 24 h were excluded. The intervention group received tele-rounds using the tele-PICU kiosk daily for the first 3 days or discharge, whichever was earlier, in addition to standard care, while the control group received standard care. Consultation feedback was given to the treating team. Both groups were followed-up for survival outcome at the time of hospital discharge and 60 days after discharge.
RESULTS: The intervention group had better patient survival at the time of discharge [51 (85%) vs. 41 (68.3%), P = 0.031; RR 2.63 (95%CI 1.07-6.42)] and at 60 days after hospital discharge [49 (81.7%) vs. 38 (63.3%), P = 0.025; RR 2.58 (95% CI 1.11-5.96)]. The intervention group had a significantly shorter duration of hospital stay [8 (5, 13) vs. 13 (7, 21) days, P = 0.044) and PICU stay [1.5 (1, 8) vs. 4 (1, 15) days; P = 0.045). The median cost difference shows a reduction in direct cost, but it could not achieve statistical significance.
CONCLUSION: Tele-rounds using tele-PICU kiosk as an adjunct to standard care showed better survival, reduced duration of hospital and PICU stay, and reduced cost trends for children admitted to the PICU.
PMID:41060552 | DOI:10.1007/s13312-025-00197-0
