Telemedicine platforms can extend the reach of anesthesiologists for preoperative optimization, remote guidance, and postoperative surveillance.
May improve preoperative access for underserved patients; leaves open outcome benefits pending RCTs.
The infographic above details the real and potential benefits of remote clinical management of patients within the context of anesthesia practice. Bridges et al1 offer a narrative review of real-world examples of digital interface platforms that extend the reach of anesthesiologists well beyond the perimeter of an operating room. Such technologies allow for patients to engage in preoperative optimization when physical disability, time, travel, and cost prohibit a conventional experience. In addition, remote guidance of anesthetic management in austere environments as well as postoperative surveillance of recovering patients has also been demonstrated. Tele-anesthesia also allows physicians to optimize the postdischarge phase of care in the era of enhanced recovery. For a more thorough understanding of telemedicine, the reader is encouraged to read the cited article1 and accompanying editorial2 in detail. HIPPA indicates Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act; ICU, intensive care unit; PACU, postoperative care unit; PHI, patient health information.
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Naveen Nathan (2020) studied this question.
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