Perioperative telemonitoring in patients with degenerative spinal disorders

BACKGROUND: Currently, there are a number of platforms in Russia designed for remote interaction between physicians and patients, developed to promote telemedicine services. Given the high prevalence of degenerative-dystrophic spinal diseases in the general population and the frequent need for medical care — including surgical interventions — among these patients, there is a clear need to automate monitoring and data collection for this specific patient cohort.

AIM: To develop scenarios for an automated process of interaction between a healthcare facility, physician, and patient during the perioperative period using a vertebrology department as an example, and to evaluate the effectiveness of their implementation.

METHODS: Eight patient data collection scenarios were developed within the Medsenger platform. These scenarios were adapted to the specific pathologies of patients with degenerative spinal diseases, the type of planned surgical intervention, the extent of preoperative examination, and the process of clinical data collection.

RESULTS: During the first quarter of 2025, 89% of patients (317/356) activated their accounts, indicating a high level of engagement in undergoing treatment at the department. Examination results of more than 92% (224/242) of patients were successfully reviewed by a general practitioner in advance. Moreover, when test results were reviewed beforehand, the time required for a general practitioner’s examination in the admission ward was reduced from 40 to 20 minutes (by half). Preliminary review of examination results by the admitting physician reduced hospitalization cancellations sevenfold compared to the previous year. Remote completion of required clinical questionnaires significantly decreased the workload on mid-level medical staff: previously, questionnaires were filled out on paper or electronically under staff supervision.

CONCLUSION: Developing scenarios for the Medsenger platform is not simple and requires effort and time; however, with proper adaptation, its routine use significantly simplifies the daily work of department staff. Comprehensive data collection from hospitalized patients and dynamic tracking of clinical parameters form a solid foundation for scientific research and the creation of disease-specific registries.