Hutchinson Community Hospital is one of the first hospitals in Minnesota utilizing a 21st century technology to save more lives. 

The high-tech system is called “electronic Intensive Care Unit” or eICU.

Electronic ICUs are saving lives, and the numbers are impressive.  

Physicians at Johns Hopkins developed the innovative technology to add an extra layer of coverage in critical care units, all in the hopes of preventing complications before they happen.  
   

• Intensive care units monitored electronically are seeing a 27 percent reduction in patient deaths. 

• Physicians and nurses in Hutchinson provide hands-on care while Intensive Care specialists, called Intensivists, provide special 24-hour continuous monitoring of patients via state-of-the-art technology.  

• By working with the bedside critical care team and attending physician, complications are often prevented -- and more lives are saved.

Dr. Steven Mulder said the innovative, new system does not replace the personal care of Hutchinson’s doctors and nurses. "eICU technology takes patient care to the next level, combining the best of high-tech and high touch," Mulder said. "Just as an air traffic control system monitors flights, eICU provides an extra layer of care for our most critically ill and injured patients." This extra care is at no cost to the patient.  

The eICU technology measures functions like the heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure and temperature. The bedside monitor has alarms that signal the nurse if a vital sign needs attention. Special high fidelity in-room video monitors, video conferencing technology, and computer technology allow the bedside nurses and doctors and the eICU intensivists to work as one team caring for each intensive care patient. 

Video capability is only turned on as needed, and no video or audio is recorded. Dr. Mulder said: “No matter how advanced medicine becomes, nothing can replace the personal touch of a caring doctor or a nurse. But innovative technology can help us save lives and provide comfort to patients and families that they are receiving exceptional medical care.