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

Dutch Health Disruption
     

Dutch Health Disruption: Reimagining Care with Social Entrepreneurship

🔍 Are we ready to rethink our healthcare system for a sustainable future?

Michel van Schaik, Director of Healthcare at Rabobank, argues that the traditional Dutch health model is no longer viable. In his recent article, he advocates for innovative solutions outside the conventional framework, emphasizing community-based initiatives and prevention over treatment to address escalating costs and workforce shortages.

Dive into his vision for a society that prioritizes well-being and citizen collaboration by 2040. Explore the transformative ideas that could redefine our approach to health!

#SyenzaNews #HealthcareInnovation #HealthEconomics

pharmaceutical industry Europe
    

Pharmaceutical Industry Europe: Key Insights and Future Challenges for 2025

💡 How is the pharmaceutical industry in Europe poised to navigate the challenges of 2025?

As the industry faces fierce competition, regulatory hurdles, and evolving market dynamics, this article provides key insights into R&D investments, employment trends, and the urgent need for policy reforms. Discover how Europe can leverage its strengths to maintain its leadership in global life sciences.

Jump into these pivotal developments and strategies by reading the full article!

#SyenzaNews #pharmaceuticals #healthcarepolicy

prior authorization reforms
     

Streamlining Prior Authorization Reforms: Impacts and Insights for HEOR

🚀 Are prior authorizations stalling care delivery in the U.S. healthcare system?

The HHS has launched an ambitious collaboration with major insurers to reform prior authorization processes across Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and commercial plans. With a goal to standardize submissions by 2027 and significantly reduce requirements by 2026, this initiative promises to accelerate care decisions and enhance transparency.

Dive into the details of these pivotal reforms and discover their potential to streamline healthcare and improve patient outcomes.

#SyenzaNews #HealthcareInnovation #healthcare #healthcarepolicy

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.