Penn E-lert® eICU is a state-of-the-art electronic intensive care unit that provides an additional layer of expert medical and nursing support for critically ill patients located at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and Pennsylvania Hospital. In addition, Penn E-lert® eICU also monitors several long-term acute care (LTACH) patients at the Good Shepherd Penn Partners Specialty Hospital at Rittenhouse.
We understand that nothing takes the place of your own doctor. You'll feel safe knowing the intensive care unit at the University of Pennsylvania Health System is monitored even when your physician cannot be there.
Penn E-lert® eICU is staffed by Penn faculty intensivists (physicians who specialize in the treatment of critically ill patients) from the Departments of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine and Surgery, as well as experienced critical care nurses. Our primary objective is to:
- Continuously evaluate critically ill patients in our ICU's
- Proactively identify impending or evolving patient problems
- Assist in or direct management
Immediate Response
Computers, cameras, and audio monitors transmit data taken at the bedside to a control center, known as the eICU. Penn E-lert® eICU takes a proactive approach to patient care with its ability to note subtle changes, track trends and issue alerts when vital signs, such as blood pressure, drop below normal levels.
We recognize that early detection and intervention is crucial in the management of our patients. The benefits of using the Penn E-lert® eICU system include:
- Continuous monitoring, which helps avoid complications
- Shorter hospital stays
- Improved patient outcomes
This equipment is not a replacement for traditional care, but a supplement that enhances its quality and efficiency. Currently, the Penn E-lert® eICU monitors 67 ICU and 7 LTACH beds across the health system and approximately 4500 patients per year.