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Post-discharge after surgery Virtual Care with Remote Automated Monitoring-1 (PVC-RAM-1) technology versus standard
Michael H McGillion1,2, Joel Parlow3,4, Flavia K Borges2,5,6
1School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.)
|October 1, 2021
Summary
Virtual care with remote automated monitoring (RAM) technology improved patient outcomes after non-elective surgery. This approach showed promise for enhancing patient recovery and health system efficiency during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Digital Health
- Surgical Care
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated innovative healthcare delivery models.
- Virtual care and remote automated monitoring (RAM) emerged as potential solutions for post-discharge management.
- Assessing the efficacy of these technologies in surgical patients is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if virtual care with RAM increases days alive at home for adults post-non-elective surgery compared to standard care.
- To identify secondary outcomes, including hospital readmissions, drug errors, and pain levels.
Main Methods:
- A multicentre randomized controlled trial involving 905 adults undergoing non-elective surgery.
- Participants were assigned to either virtual care with RAM or standard post-discharge care.
- The intervention group used a tablet for daily measurements and virtual nurse interactions for 30 days.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in days alive at home (29.7 vs 29.5).
- Virtual care group had fewer acute hospitalizations (22.0% vs 27.3%) and significantly more drug errors detected and corrected.
- Reduced pain was reported in the virtual care group at 7, 15, and 30 days.
Conclusions:
- Virtual care with RAM demonstrates potential benefits for patient-centered outcomes and health system functioning.
- The technology shows promise in improving medication safety and pain management post-surgery.
- Further research may optimize its integration into routine surgical care pathways.
