Eneurointensive Care In India: The Need Of The Hour

Background: As ICU consultants in smaller hospitals may not be familiar with neurocritical care and with current travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, one needs to relook at how neurocritical care can be provided. Objective: This article reviews the authors' experience of providing remote neurointensive care, from a non-specialist ICU over a 16-month period. Material and Methods: 61 neuro consultations were provided for 56 patients admitted in remote ICU's, including five repeat consultations. Most teleconsultations were from three rural hospitals. The central command center has monitored remote patients with neurological conditions, in 23 ICUs. Results and Conclusions: Providing real-time virtual neuro intensive advice to ICU's in smaller cities even without dedicated neuro-intensive units is feasible in India. eNeuroIntensive care is particularly necessary in the current "New Normal" era.