Teleneurology expertise in intensive care units across Germany - a nationwide survey

TL;DR

This study surveyed German intensive care units to assess the use and need for telemedicine consultations in neurointensive care.

Contribution

The study identifies a significant need for expanding telemedicine services in neurointensive care beyond stroke networks.

Findings

11 out of 17 telemedicine networks regularly received consultation requests from intensive care units.

Common indications included strokes, seizures, and therapy goal adjustments.

Several networks expressed interest in expanding telemedicine services for neurointensive care.

Abstract

Telemedicine is well established in acute stroke care and significantly contributes to widespread access to treatment. In intensive care, telemedicine is increasingly used to reduce mortality and complications. The German Society of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine (DGAI) also recommends telemedical consultations for neurological indications.

The aim of this survey was to assess structure, usage and need for telemedicine consultations for non-neurologically managed intensive care units and to determine whether there is a need to expand telemedicine stroke networks to include neurointensive care. A national cross-sectional survey was conducted, targeting all 22 German telemedicine stroke networks. The survey included 27 questions on structural aspects of intensive care units, the utilization of telemedical consultations and experiences with tele-neurointensive diagnostics and therapy. Additionally, a sub-study was conducted in six spoke hospitals within the telemedicine stroke network East Saxony (SOS-TeleNET).

Of the 22 networks contacted, 17 (77%) responded. Of these, 11 (65%) regularly received consultation requests from intensive care units, most of which were handled by teleneurologists. The most common indications consisted of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, epileptic seizures as well as prognosis assessment and therapy goal adjustments. Several networks indicated interest in expanding telemedicine services for neurological care in intensive care units.

The survey highlights a notable need for telemedicine neurointensive care consultations. Expanding telemedicine infrastructure in this field could contribute to improving the quality of care.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s42466-025-00451-7.

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