Telemedicine for Preanesthesia Consultations During the First COVID-19 Lockdown

Abstract

Introduction: In an effort to avoid travel and interpersonal contact, the COVID-19 health crisis was an opportunity to offer preanesthesia teleconsultation (TCs) to patients scheduled for surgery. Materials and Methods: We studied the technical feasibility and patient experiences of these TCs using a 4-point Likert scale questionnaire. Results: Eighty-six patients out of 139 responded. Technical difficulties (no connection, picture, or sound) occurred in 24% of cases. The patient's experience was considered very positive both in terms of feelings and understanding instructions: 4 (4-4). No deprogramming was required. Conclusion: TCs were approved by patients despite technical problems. Further studies are required to ensure that this type of consultation is not inferior to face-to-face consultations. NCT04920604.

Keywords: anesthesia; anesthesiology; remote consultation; teleconsultation; telehealth; telemedicine.