Abstract

Telemedicine has increasingly become a critical component in enhancing healthcare delivery, particularly in specialized fields like anesthesia. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness, and patient satisfaction of using telemedicine for preoperative anesthesia assessments at a tertiary care hospital in Odisha, a region with diverse geographic and healthcare infrastructure challenges. Materials and Methods: In this observational study, 200 elective surgery patients were randomized into telemedicine and control groups for preoperative anesthesia assessment. Data on assessment completion, patient satisfaction, identification of anesthesia-related issues, consultation times, and follow-up requirements were collected and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The telemedicine group demonstrated a 98% completion rate for preoperative assessments, significantly higher patient satisfaction scores in overall satisfaction (p=0.03), and more efficient consultation times compared to the control group (p<0.001). There were no significant differences in the identification of anesthesia-related issues between groups, indicating that telemedicine is as effective as in-person assessments in clinical efficacy. Conclusion: Telemedicine offers a viable and beneficial alternative for preoperative anesthesia assessments, enhancing patient satisfaction and efficiency without compromising the quality of care. These findings support the broader adoption of telemedicine in preoperative care, especially in regions facing healthcare accessibility challenges.

Description