Critical care

On this page

1. Nominations
• Robot-assisted surgery
2. Emerging technology updates
• Biosensor monitor
• First responder videoconferencing app
• Mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Organ perfusion system
• Wearable continuous patient monitoring device
• Out of scope

Nominations

Robot-assisted surgery

The Committee have received several nominations for robot-assisted surgery (RAS) for a number of surgical specialties. These include upper gastrointestinal, trans-oral, colorectal, urology for radical prostatectomies and gynaecological oncology.

Committee actions

• In May 2018, the Ministry commissioned a health technology review of RAS in partnership with the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services. The review found:
• RAS may be as safe and effective as conventional surgery when performed by sufficiently skilled surgeons
• the high cost of RAS is not currently offset by improved patient outcomes or through savings to the health system
• there remains a lack of high level evidence and limited long term data regarding the benefits, risks and cost effectiveness of robotic surgery.
• The Committee recommended:
• robot-assisted surgery only be provided to patients under an evaluation framework until further evidence is available
• sites with existing robotic surgery programs prioritise the collection of patient reported measures.

Emerging technology updates

Biosensor monitor

In 2017, an update was received regarding a wearable wireless patch biosensor for observation and monitoring for patients with acute severe behavioural disturbance. This is an alternative to visual assessment of the patients’ respiratory and vital sign status.

Outcomes

• Research trial underway.
• Update requested.

First responder videoconferencing app

In 2019, an update was received regarding a videoconferencing app for first responders attending an out of hospital cardiac arrest.

Outcomes

• Research trial underway.
• Update requested.

Mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation

In 2019, an update was received on mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation proposed for use in helicopter retrieval and ambulances.

Outcomes

• Research trial underway.
• update requested.

Organ perfusion system

In 2019, an update was received for an organ perfusion system that may extend organ usability after removal from the body and prior to transplant.

Outcomes

• Research trial underway.
• Update requested.

Wearable continuous patient monitoring device

In 2017, an update was received for a wearable device that continuously monitors patients in intensive care units for signs of clinical deterioration.

Outcomes

• Research trial underway.
• Update requested.

Out of scope

Electronic records for intensive care (2018)

Considered to be an Information and Communications Technology. Referred to eHealth.

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