The future of Intensive Care

ESICM
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Innovation is rapidly reshaping intensive care, with advances in artificial intelligence, data-driven decision support, and new models of education and care delivery transforming the ICU into a hub for medical innovation. However, the true challenge lies not only in developing new technologies but in understanding how clinicians can effectively trust, interpret, and integrate them into everyday practice.

Episodes

  1. Jun 24

    Conceptualising future AI in education and patient safety

    In this podcast episode, the last of the ESICM podcast series on Innovation in Intensive Care, we explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence in healthcare education and clinical practice. The discussion covers the impact of AI on clinical decision-making, the risks of deskilling, the future of personalised learning, AI-enhanced simulation, the potential of virtual and augmented reality, and why every clinician may need a basic understanding of AI and data science to thrive in the future of healthcare. Listen to Professor Laura Hawryluck interviewed by our outstanding expert, Paul Elbers.

    Conceptualising future AI in education and patient safety

  2. Jun 17

    Innovation in mechanical ventilation goes beyond the machine

    Mechanical ventilation remains a cornerstone of intensive care, but innovation in this field now extends far beyond the ventilator itself. Today, advances in monitoring, data analytics, decision-support systems, and artificial intelligence are transforming the way clinicians manage critically ill patients. How can these technologies help us deliver more personalised and effective care? And where does the real innovation lie—in the machines, the data, or the way clinicians use them? In this podcast, we explore how innovation is shaping the future of mechanical ventilation and intensive care.

    Innovation in mechanical ventilation goes beyond the machine

  3. Jun 10

    Hybrid AI for trustworthy decision-making, integrating data-driven and knowledge-driven approaches

    What kind of intelligence are we bringing into the ICU—and how can it support, rather than replace, clinicians? As AI and data-driven tools become part of everyday intensive care, clinicians must learn how to integrate these technologies into their decision-making. But what is required to build trust in these models? Do they need to be fully explainable, biologically plausible, or demonstrate causality, or should we accept a degree of uncertainty if they improve patient care? In this episode, we explore how we can educate clinicians to work effectively with AI and how data-driven approaches can complement, rather than replace, clinical expertise.

    Hybrid AI for trustworthy decision-making, integrating data-driven and knowledge-driven approaches

  4. May 20

    Large language models in the ICU

    Is artificial intelligence about to transform the ICU? In this new episode of the Future of Intensive Care podcast series, we dive into the rapidly evolving world of large language models and their growing impact on intensive care practice. From clinical decision-making and risk recognition to the future relationship between clinicians and AI, what could these technologies really mean for the ICU? Join Professor John Laffey for a thought-provoking discussion exploring the opportunities, challenges, and future of AI in intensive care medicine. Discover how new forms of intelligence could reshape the way we care for the sickest patients — and what clinicians need to know now. Listen to the episode!

    Large language models in the ICU

  5. May 6

    Current state of AI in health and healthcare

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare—but what does it really mean for the intensive Care Unit (ICU)? In this episode, we are honoured to welcome Prof. Derek Angus, who explores the challenges of integrating AI into clinical practice, the barriers slowing its adoption in intensive care, and its potential impact on the healthcare workforce. Will AI replace clinicians, reshape roles, or empower better care? And should every physician become AI-literate? Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of intensive care in the age of AI.

    Current state of AI in health and healthcare

  6. Apr 22

    Healthcare crisis: can innovation be the answer?

    Can innovation really transform the future of intensive care? Join the first episode of the ESICM podcast series, The Future of Intensive Care. Prof. Maurizio Cecconi joins Dr Massimiliano Greco to explore how innovation can address key healthcare challenges—from workforce shortages to sustainability pressures. Moving beyond the buzzword, this episode unpacks what meaningful innovation looks like in the ICU and how it can be translated into real impact at the bedside.

    Healthcare crisis: can innovation be the answer?
  • 6 Episodes

About

Innovation is rapidly reshaping intensive care, with advances in artificial intelligence, data-driven decision support, and new models of education and care delivery transforming the ICU into a hub for medical innovation. However, the true challenge lies not only in developing new technologies but in understanding how clinicians can effectively trust, interpret, and integrate them into everyday practice.

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