Post-discharge Care and Monitoring: What’s new, What’s Controversial

To summarize recent evidence that discusses the potential benefits and challenges of using new technology and virtual care models for post-operative patient monitoring after ambulatory surgery.

• Artificial intelligence (AI) systems can be integrated into practice to play an important role in perioperative risk mitigation.

• Remote monitoring and wearable technology can work synergistically to improve clinical outcomes after surgery.

• Novel care models may result in a high level of care and patient satisfaction compared to inpatient stays.

AI can be a useful tool to identify patients at increased surgical risk. The integration of AI with remote monitors and wearables holds promise for improving patient outcomes. Concerns associated with data privacy and security, along with clinician reluctance, are challenges to overcome. New models such as virtual care at home and care hotels are options that may provide ways to improve clinical monitoring after discharge.