Goal-directed, non-invasive monitoring technology during anaesthesia
Short description
Our aim is to evaluate the effects of goal-directed, non-invasive monitoring technologies for safe care during and after anaesthesia in patients undergoing surgery, using a person-centred approach.
Background
The number of older patients, as well as patients with severe illness, has increased dramatically in anaesthesia care in recent years, both nationally and internationally. The literature shows that the risk of patients sustaining harm and/or dying after anaesthesia and surgery has increased. This is partly because new, non-invasive monitoring technologies are not always applied, either because the level of evidence is not yet sufficiently high or because their introduction requires increased investment costs.
However, non-invasive monitoring technologies, for example for goal-directed monitoring of depth of anaesthesia, have been shown in several reviews and meta-analyses to reduce the risk of overdosage of anaesthetic agents during anaesthesia. They have also been shown to reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium in patients. This technology has begun to be implemented as routine practice for older and more severely ill patients, in accordance with guidelines.
However, several other non-invasive monitoring technologies have been developed within the field of anaesthesia, including monitoring of analgesia, lung function, streaming of vital parameters to so-called smart glasses and regional oxygen saturation. These technologies require further research to demonstrate their benefit both during and after surgery. To date, there are no scientific evaluations examining the effects of applying these non-invasive monitoring technologies with a focus on person-centred care during and after surgery.
Monitoring vital functions, as well as adapting anaesthesia and analgesia more individually through a goal-directed approach, has become increasingly important in reducing the risk of patient harm. The research conducted within this project aims to enable more effective real-time monitoring of relevant vital functions and more precise goal-directed administration of anaesthetic agents, thereby increasing individualisation through a person-centred approach.
The research comprises comparative studies between patient groups, including both adults and younger children, who receive these technologies in a clinical setting.
Our overall aim is to compare the effects of using goal-directed, non-invasive technologies during anaesthesia, with a focus on person-centred care, with conventional monitoring during anaesthesia. Outcomes include cognitive and physical recovery 14 days, 1 month and 3 months after surgery in patients undergoing open cardiac surgery, head and neck surgery or neurosurgery.
The research team consists of physicians and specialist nurses with different academic profiles. The group currently includes three doctoral students, with a further two expected to be admitted to doctoral education.
Goal-directed, non-invasive monitoring technology during anaesthesia and person-centred care
In contemporary health care, technological developments in anaesthesia have made significant advances in supporting safe and person-centred care. Patient participation in self-care and treatment has a central role in current and future health care. This is also reinforced in Swedish patient legislation.
Studies have shown that a structured and person-centred care process can lead to significant improvements in patients’ experiences, reducing the need for care and length of hospital stay. These aspects also have positive health economic effects.
In summary, studies are needed to investigate the effects of goal-directed, non-invasive monitoring technologies during anaesthesia, with and/or without person-centred care, for patients undergoing surgery.