Improving patient safety with interactive informed consent

In the constantly evolving field of anaesthesia, it is the anaesthesiologist’s responsibility to ensure patient safety throughout the surgical journey– from the initial preoperative assessment to the post-anaesthesia visit. In an era in which technological advancements are reshaping not only our daily lives but also healthcare, our field stands to benefit immensely: Through the integration of advanced technologies across each of the stages of the patient’s journey, we can reach the aim of improving patient safety, streamline processes and ultimately enhance treatment outcomes.  

Preoperative Assessment: Empowering Patients Through Interactive Tools. 

Often disregarded as a mere necessity, the crucial preoperative assessment sets the stage for safe and effective anaesthesia. In addition to the physical examination and diagnostics, it is about assessing the risks of anaesthesia, discussing alternatives, informing patients about possible adverse events and optimising the patient’s preoperative condition to achieve a better outcome. Strict schedules on the part of the staff, language barriers, and lack of recollection of or unwillingness to provide pre-existing conditions may lead to an incomplete or incorrect picture of the patient’s health situation and pose as serious threats both to the patient’s safety as well as to the acquisition of informed consent. 

This is where technology can revolutionise our approach to acquiring and distributing information pertinent to anaesthesia. Modern, interactive information tools can help inform patients about anaesthesia and its risks early. Visualisation with the help of explanatory images and videos can improve the patient’s understanding, unaffected by the tight time frames of everyday hospital life. This also gives patients the chance to discuss the information with their next of kin before giving their consent. If there are still questions, the patient can then discuss these specifically with the anaesthetist. Altogether, this ensures proper informed consent, in which the patient can weigh their individual perioperative risk against the expected benefits of the operation and make the best decision for their health with the treating physicians. 

In addition, patients can be recommended tailored prehabilitative measures that lead to a better treatment outcome. 

Advanced wearable devices (e.g., smart watches), which patients can use at home, provide continuous data on vital signs and frailty. Data generated by these devices might provide additional information (e.g., arrhythmias) to the anesthesiologist, enabling him or her to see a wholesome picture of the patient’s health status prior to their preoperative assessment. 

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the preoperative assessment might be another significant leap forward. AI can assist in stratifying risks, increasing protocol adherence, and predicting potential complications before they occur, allowing for proactive interventions during the assessment. 

Conclusion: A Future Shaped by Innovation 

The integration of technology throughout the perioperative process – from preoperative assessment to postoperative care—is transforming our ability to ensure patient safety in anaesthesia. As it is the foundation for the whole journey, the preoperative assessment forms a crucial first step in the process and, therefore, has the biggest potential for implementing new technologies in the face of clinical challenges. By embracing these innovations, we can provide patients safer, more personalised, and more comprehensible care. 

As we look to the future, we, as anesthesiologists, must stay at the forefront of these technological advancements. By doing so, we not only enhance our practice but also contribute to the broader goal of improving patient outcomes across the healthcare system. 

Authors

• Maria Wittmann
• Gregor Massoth