Digitalization of anesthesiology and resuscitation services: multicenter questionnaire study

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To substantiate recommendations for the implementation of the concept and technologies of digitalization of the anesthesiology and resuscitation (A&R) service in multidisciplinary hospitals to solve the problem of ensuring the safety of patients and medical personnel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study presents data on the implementation of information technology in the practice of the A&R service based on information received from 235 anesthesiology and resuscitation specialists working in leadership positions in various categories of healthcare institutions. Method of collecting information: experts independently completed the online version of the questionnaire. Sampling principle: intentional. Survey period: April 12, 2023 — August 4, 2023. RESULTS: In 87 % of hospitals the medical information system (MIS) of the A&R service is part of the hospital’s MIS. Only in 23 % of hospitals all workstations of the anesthesiologist-resuscitator are connected to the MIS. Logging into a personal electronic workplace using access rights on any of the hospital’s personal computers was confirmed by 87 % of respondents. Hospitals in which anesthesiology and resuscitation equipment are not integrated into the MIS account for 89 %. In the case of branches with a local A&R information system, equipment in 44 % of similar branches is connected to it. Only in 51 % of hospitals the A&R receives data from the laboratory information system, the integration rates with the radiological information system are even lower and amount to only 34 %. The study revealed a significant problem with the introduction of clinical recommendations, drug reference books, as well as prevention and manipulation protocols, various requirements and, in particular, scales/indices for assessing the condition of patients into the MIS. CONCLUSIONS: For the full functioning of the MIS, organizational solutions are needed that are aimed at implementing the tasks, primary and future. The development and application of modern MIS in anesthesiology and resuscitation will contribute to the further development of the specialty and ensure patient safety and adequate quality of medical care. It is necessary to unify the requirements for MIS developers according to the main components in the functionality.