[Core data set telemedicine in intensive care medicine. Requirement catalogue via Delphi study].

backgroundTelemedicine in intensive care medicine has not yet been uniformly defined or standardized in its implementation in Germany. While the evidence predominantly comes from nonrandomized US studies, German randomized controlled studies (RCT) show potential for improving guideline-compliant treatment. The aim is to develop a consensus-based core data set that standardizes teleconsultations, strengthens data-based care processes and enables future artificial intelligence (AI)-supported analyses.

methodThe Delphi study, conducted according to the CREDES standard, comprised three rounds with a panel of experts from the German Society of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine. Documentation templates were extracted, parameters catalogued and iteratively evaluated. Consensus threshold-controlled inclusion or exclusion. Anonymized data analysis was performed descriptively using Excel, supplemented by approval rates and consensus levels.

resultsIn the first round, 8 of the 12 participants (66.6%) submitted their documentation templates. The initial catalogue created on this basis contained 95 parameters (e.g., patient name, body temperature, mean arterial pressure), which the steering committee classified into 16 categories, such as consultation-related data, imaging and diagnostics, or laboratory values. In the second round, feedback was received from all participants (12/12, 100%) of the expert panel. After applying the exclusion criteria, 7 parameters were removed from the catalogue and 37 new parameters were added. These 125 parameters were then reassigned by the steering group to the categories formed in the first round. In the third round evaluation of the remaining 125 parameters was received from 10 of the 12 participants (83.3%) of the expert panel. Of these, 31 parameters (24.8%) were excluded, 73 (58.4%) were classified as optional and 21 parameters (16.8%) were classified as mandatory. The consensus level rose from 75% to 90%. All categories achieved stable consensus values, thus fulfilling the termination criterion of content saturation.

conclusionThis consensus-based core data set could contribute to consistent and reproducible documentation of telemedicine consultations. Also, a mandatory integration of the required parameters into existing clinical documentation systems as well as the early adaptation of technical interfaces, are further key prerequisites for sustainable implementation. Beyond implementation, the catalogue can support harmonization among Tele-ICU networks, facilitate the benchmarking of consultation processes and provide a structured foundation for future multicenter analyses. In particular, the distinction between mandatory and optional parameters enables a pragmatic balance between clinical relevance, documentation burden and local technical readiness. Consistent use of the core data set supports guideline-based processes, improves comparability across sites and can contribute to the development of future quality indicators and AI-supported analyses.