Pre-Anesthesia via Telehealth: Can Video Visits Effectively Capture History and Physicals?

Abstract

Traditional preanesthetic consultations involve in-person visits, potentially causing inconvenience for patients. This study investigates the effectiveness of video telehealth in capturing comprehensive history and physical assessments compared to in-person consultations.  We explore patient satisfaction, healthcare access improvement, and potential implications for anesthesia safety.

Introduction

Preanesthetic consultations are a vital step in ensuring patient safety before surgery. These consultations allow anesthesiologists to gather a detailed medical history, perform a physical examination, and discuss potential risks and concerns. Traditionally, these consultations have been conducted in person. However, the rise of telehealth offers a potential alternative.

This research article explores the impact of capturing original pre-anesthetic comprehensive history and physical assessments with video telehealth.  We  investigate:

• Effectiveness: Can video consultations capture the same level of detail as in-person visits?

• Patient experience: Does video telehealth improve patient convenience and satisfaction?

• Healthcare access: Can telehealth consultations increase access to preanesthetic care for geographically dispersed patients?

• Safety implications: Are there any potential concerns about using video telehealth for preanesthetic assessments?

Methodology

This study will be a prospective, observational study comparing the effectiveness of video telehealth consultations with traditional in-person preanesthetic consultations.

• Participants: Patients scheduled for elective surgery requiring pre-anesthetic evaluation will be recruited.

• Intervention: The study group will undergo preanesthetic assessments via a secure video telehealth platform. The control group will have traditional in-person consultations.

• Data Collection:

  • Trained medical professionals will assess the completeness of history and physical examinations in both groups.

  • Patient satisfaction surveys will be conducted to evaluate convenience, communication, and overall experience.

  • Anesthesia providers will be surveyed regarding their perception of safety and effectiveness using video consultations.

Expected Outcomes

This study aims to determine if video telehealth consultations can effectively capture comprehensive pre-anesthetic history and physical assessments compared to in-person visits. We expect to see:

• Similar levels of detail were captured in video consultations compared to in-person visits.

• Increased patient satisfaction with video consultations due to convenience and reduced travel time.

• Improved access to preanesthetic care for patients in remote areas through telehealth consultations.

• Identification of any potential limitations or safety concerns regarding video consultations for preanesthetic assessments.

Discussion

The potential benefits of video telehealth for preanesthetic consultations are numerous.  This study will contribute valuable insights on the effectiveness of this approach, potentially paving the way for improved patient experience, increased healthcare access, and efficient use of healthcare resources. By evaluating both the effectiveness and potential limitations of video consultations, this research can inform future practices in preanesthetic care delivery.

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