Virtual Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (vPICU)
The Laura P. and Leland K. Whittier Virtual Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (VPICU) connects emergency rooms, community hospitals and intensive care units worldwide in a virtual network – extending telemedicine consultations to even the most remote areas.
By creating a common information space, we are able to benefit critically ill children around the globe. This multifaceted project is funded in large part by the Laura P. and Leland K. Whittier Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.
The vPICU is partnering with other organizations to achieve its vision through the creation of extended databases, education and the extension of access to services via telemedicine networks.
Attendings and Fellows can participate in distance learning through activities posted on the VPICU website and through teleconferencing.
Additional Information About vPICU
The VPICU mission is to create a common information space for the providers of critical care. We have created this common information space through web sites, telemedicine, internet-based communication, collaborative research and critical-care quality improvement.
Quality Improvement - Opioid & Benzodiazepine Weaning Schedule Calculator
Opioids and benzodiazepines are commonly used to provide analgesia and sedation for critically ill children. These medications have been associated with adverse effects including delirium, dependence, withdrawal, bowel dysfunction, and potential neurodevelopmental abnormalities. The objective of the opioid and benzodiazepine weaning schedule calculator is to provide clinical decision support and facilitate the implementation of a risk-stratified opioid and benzodiazepine weaning protocol for dependent pediatric patients, and reduce their exposure to opioids and benzodiazepines after critical illness.