Remote, automatic, digital preanesthetic evaluation – are we there yet?

Abstract

In recent years there have been multiple advancements in information technology, specifically e-health and telemedicine. Many of these advancements stemmed from the need to ensure patient and doctor safety during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Patient evaluation without face-to-face contact to minimise the risk of viral transmission has become a new safety standard for doctors in many specialties.In this review, we examine the current state of the preanaesthetic evaluation and analyse its components and their potential for remote execution using current and potential future telemedical facilities and technologies. We review the literature regarding the beneficiaries of remote preanaesthetic evaluation. Finally, we discuss which aspects of the preanaesthetic assessment can be performed automatically. RATIONALE FOR REMOTE PREANESTHETIC EVALUATION Social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemicZhang et al. [1] reviewed the effectiveness of virtual perioperative assessment for surgical patients