The Effect of a Three-Level Remote Alliance on Critical Care in Grassroot Areas: A Multi-Center, Retrospective Study

To explore an effective model to promote the homogeneous development of intensive care units (ICUs) in grassroot, impoverished and remote areas.

A three-level remote alliance model (in-place and online assistance) was adopted to guide the cross-talk of ICUs between counties and cities. The observed indicators included the mortality of ICU patients and those with APACHE II scores ≥15 points, deep vein thrombosis, ventilator-associated pneumonia, the completion rate of septic shock goals in 3-hour and 6-hour bundles, and the rates of patient transfers.

After the implementation of the remote alliance, there was significant reduction in the mortality of ICU patients in the county and city-level tertiary hospitals (7.6% vs 4.5%, P = 0.004; OR = 1.734, 95% CI 1.189-2.532) and the mortality rates of patients with APACHE II scores ≥15 points (11.9% vs 7.1%, P = 0.004; OR = 1.763, 95% CI 1.189-2.614). There was a significant reduction in the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (0.9% vs 5.0%, P < 0.001) and deep vein thrombosis (52.4% vs 13.6%, P < 0.001). The completion rate of 3-hour bundle therapies for septic shock was significantly improved (95.7% vs 68.4%, P < 0.001), as well as 6-hour bundle therapies for septic shock (97.9% vs 81.6%, P < 0.001). The hospital transfer rate decreased significantly in the grassroots and impoverished areas (2.6% vs 4.7%, P < 0.001).

A three-level remote alliance might be helpful in improving the quality of critical care in remote areas and promoting the homogeneous development of disciplines.