Intraoperative Telemedicine Program: ACTFAST-3 Study

By Staff Writer

September 28, 2023

Introduction to the ACTFAST-3 Study

The Anesthesiology Control Tower (ACT), a real-time telemedicine decision support system, was tested in the ACTFAST-3 Randomised Clinical Trial. The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of the ACT and its impact on two quality of care measures: postoperative hypothermia and hyperglycemia.

The ACTFAST-3 study, a single-centre pilot superiority RCT, took place in the USA from April 2017 to June 2019. The study involved all patients aged 18 years and above who had undergone surgery. However, the study did not include patients if the ACT staff did not staff more than 50% of their case duration or if they did not suffer from diabetes (for glycemic outcomes).

Results and Implications

The pilot study, involving 26,254 patients, found that the telemedicine decision support intervention did not significantly alter the two quality of care outcomes. While there was a slight increase in intraoperative glucose measurement in the intervention group, there was no difference in the frequency of treatment for hyperglycemia. This lack of difference could explain the unchanged postoperative hyperglycemia rates.



The study also highlighted potential reasons for these results. For instance, the high adherence to each measure at baseline made significant improvements challenging. Also, the trial noted the impact of the Hawthorne effect, where changes in behaviour occur due to the awareness of being observed.

The study concluded that further optimization of clinical decision support and workflows might help the intraoperative telemedicine program achieve improvement in targeted clinical measures.

Conclusion:

The ACTFAST-3 study offers crucial insights into the application of telemedicine in anesthesiology, yet it underscores the complexity of enhancing care quality through such interventions. Despite the implementation of the Anesthesiology Control Tower, improvements in postoperative hypothermia and hyperglycemia were not evident. This outcome suggests that high baseline adherence to quality measures and behavioural modifications due to the Hawthorne effect may dilute the impact of telemedicine interventions. Consequently, to realise the potential benefits of real-time decision support systems, we must refine clinical support tools and streamline operative workflows. The findings prompt a re-evaluation of strategies within the telemedicine framework to ensure that technological advancements translate into tangible improvements in patient care. 

Reference url

Recent Posts

UK Medicine Payment Rates
      

Revitalizing Innovation: The Impact of UK Medicine Payment Rates

💡 Are the UK’s medicine payment rates stifling innovation in life sciences?

Recent analysis reveals that the staggering 23.5% payment rate for pharmaceuticals is not just limiting NHS spending but also curtailing R&D investments, delaying new drug launches, and threatening workforce stability. If we can lower these rates to below 10%, we could unleash significant growth and restore the UK’s competitive edge in the global life sciences landscape.

Discover the critical insights and recommendations that could reshape the future of healthcare in the UK.

#SyenzaNews #healthcarepolicy #innovation

Blinatumomab benefit assessment
            

Blinatumomab Benefit Assessment for ALL and Health Economics

🚀 How does a groundbreaking therapy change the landscape of acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment?

The recent benefit assessment of Blinatumomab by the German Federal Joint Committee reveals critical insights into its potential as a consolidation therapy for adults with Philadelphia chromosome-negative B-cell precursor ALL. With its orphan drug status promising automatic benefits, the article explores the implications of its high cost and economic impacts, shedding light on the balance needed between innovation and sustainability in healthcare.

Jump into the full analysis to understand how this could impact clinical practice and health economics.

#SyenzaNews #HealthEconomics #MarketAccess

Enhertu reimbursement analysis
                 

Enhertu Reimbursement Analysis: Navigating Cost-Effectiveness Challenges

💡 How do we balance groundbreaking cancer treatments with budget realities?

The recent analysis by the Dutch Healthcare Institute on Enhertu shines a light on the complexities of integrating innovative therapies for HER2-low metastatic breast cancer into national insurance packages. While the clinical efficacy is evident, the substantial cost implications and demand for steep price reductions bring significant challenges to market access.

Explore the nuances of this vital discussion on clinical effectiveness, economic evaluation, and the future of pricing strategies in oncology.

#SyenzaNews #HealthEconomics #MarketAccess

When you partner with Syenza, it’s like a Nuclear Fusion.

Our expertise are combined with yours, and we contribute clinical expertise and advanced degrees in health policy, health economics, systems analysis, public finance, business, and project management. You’ll also feel our high-impact global and local perspectives with cultural intelligence.

SPEAK WITH US

CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS

1950 W. Corporate Way, Suite 95478
Anaheim, CA 92801, USA

© 2025 Syenza™. All rights reserved.