Digital tools for ambulatory surgery patient surveillance and beyond…

Abstract

Management of patients in ambulatory (or short stay) surgery relies on optimal organisation of the health care pathways and specific anesthesiology and surgical protocols. Postoperative medico-surgical complications can occur undetected by traditional hospital surveillance. This article identifies modern digital means that can be adapted to surveillance of patients at home: telephone calls or teleconferences, automatic messaging, mobile phone applications, Web platforms and other e-connected devices. For each, we detail their advantages and their limitations.

Keywords: Ambulatory surgery; E-health; Enhanced recovery; Fast-track surgery; One-day surgery; Outpatient surgery; Telemedicine.