This document is intended for ICU units in NHS Scotland.
Video communication can be used in ICUs in two ways:
- To enable patients’ next of kin to link with patients/staff
- To enable clinicians to work remotely – both to reduce infection risk for clinicians, and to add resilience to services by enabling provision of specialist support to multiple locations
This document considers use of video communication for the next of kin (NOK) of patients in ICU settings during the coronavirus pandemic when there are restrictions on visiting.
For remote working by clinicians, please see the existing guidance for use of Near Me video consulting in inpatient units.