Introduction
In recent years, telehealth has evolved from a niche service into a core pillar of modern healthcare delivery. During the COVID‑19 pandemic, remote consultations became a necessity, but even as in‑person visits resumed, many patients and clinicians continued using telemedicine because of its convenience. This shift has dovetailed with advances in remote patient monitoring (RPM) and digital therapeutics, enabling providers to track patients’ recovery and well‑being beyond the clinic. For postoperative patients, these tools are poised to reduce complications, enhance outcomes and save healthcare resources. This article explores how telehealth, RPM and digital therapeutics are shaping the future of post‑surgical care.
Telehealth Trends Shaping 2025
Hybrid care models gain momentum
A hybrid care model combines virtual consultations with periodic in‑person visits. Surveys in 2024 indicated that 82 % of patients preferred a hybrid approach and 83 % of providers endorsed it (5 telemedicine trends for hospital leaders in 2025). Patients appreciate the flexibility of connecting from home for routine follow‑ups, while clinicians can triage issues more efficiently and reserve office visits for complex cases.
Postoperative follow‑ups via video
Post‑surgical patients often require multiple follow‑up appointments to check incision sites, discuss pain management and evaluate mobility. Video visits can accomplish many of these tasks without requiring a trip to the hospital. Telemedicine platforms now integrate high‑resolution video, secure messaging and shared imaging. Patients can show surgical incisions on screen or upload photos, and providers can visually assess healing progress. Documentation is recorded in the electronic health record (EHR), enabling continuity of care.
Integration with hospital workflows
Hospitals are increasingly integrating telehealth into their existing scheduling and billing systems. Staff can schedule virtual visits with the same workflows used for in‑person appointments, and telehealth visits are billed appropriately. Many EHR systems offer built‑in telemedicine modules to document remote encounters. This integration supports long‑term adoption beyond pandemic‑driven trends.
Benefits of Remote Patient Monitoring
Reducing unnecessary clinic visits
RPM devices — from wearables that measure heart rate and blood pressure to implantable sensors that detect wound temperature changes — allow providers to monitor patients in real time. When signs of infection or dehydration appear, clinicians can intervene earlier via telehealth, reducing emergency admissions. In a recent post‑surgical study, continuous monitoring reduced clinic appointments by 75 % and led to a 97 % patient satisfaction rate (Postsurgical Remote Patient Monitoring Outcomes and …). Less frequent travel not only saves time but also reduces exposure to hospital‑acquired infections.
Early detection of complications
Post‑surgical complications such as deep vein thrombosis or wound infection can be life‑threatening if unrecognized. RPM can track vital signs like heart rate variability, oxygen saturation and temperature, alerting providers to anomalies. According to a systematic review, digital sensor‑based RPM reduced hospitalizations by 9.6 % and all‑cause mortality by 3 % (A systematic review of the impacts of remote patient …). Early detection enables rapid intervention, preventing escalation.
Personalized feedback and adherence
Many RPM platforms offer personalized dashboards that visualize recovery metrics and suggest actions. Patients receive reminders to perform physiotherapy exercises, take medications and maintain hydration. This support improves adherence to postoperative instructions, accelerating recovery and empowering patients.
Digital Therapeutics and Post‑Surgical Care
What are digital therapeutics?
Digital therapeutics (DTx) are evidence‑based software interventions that prevent, manage or treat medical conditions. These tools deliver behavioral therapy, cognitive training or medication management via smartphones and tablets. Unlike general wellness apps, DTx undergo clinical trials and regulatory review.
Growth of the DTx market
The DTx market has expanded rapidly. As of 2025, there are over 500 digital therapeutic products worldwide. Nearly 88 % are designed to treat diseases, with major categories being neurological and ophthalmic conditions (Approved trends and product characteristics of digital …). Regulatory bodies in the U.S., Europe and Asia have approved dozens of products for conditions such as diabetes, insomnia and opioid use disorder.
Post‑surgical applications
In postoperative care, DTx solutions can guide patients through pain‑management protocols, cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety or depressive symptoms following surgery, and rehabilitative exercises. For example, a DTx program for orthopedic surgery might deliver daily interactive instructions on range‑of‑motion exercises, adjust intensity based on patient feedback and communicate adherence data to clinicians. Because these interventions are software‑based, they can be updated regularly to align with new clinical guidelines.
Challenges and Ethical Considerations
Data security and privacy
Telehealth platforms and RPM devices collect sensitive health data. Ensuring compliance with regulations like GDPR and HIPAA is essential. Providers must implement robust encryption, access controls and audit trails. Patients should be informed about what data are collected, how they are used and who can access them.
Digital divide and equity
Access to telehealth services requires reliable internet, appropriate devices and digital literacy. Disparities in broadband access can exacerbate healthcare inequity, leaving some postoperative patients without adequate monitoring. Healthcare systems should invest in infrastructure and offer device loan programs to ensure equitable access.
Clinical validation and oversight
Although many telehealth and RPM technologies have shown promise, rigorous clinical validation is needed to confirm effectiveness in diverse populations. There is also a risk of overreliance on automated alerts, leading clinicians to miss subtle cues that require human judgment. As one commentary warns, excessive dependence on AI and remote monitoring may erode clinicians’ diagnostic skills (A systematic review of the impacts of remote patient …). Combining technology with professional expertise remains paramount.
Future Outlook
Expanded reimbursement frameworks
Governments and insurers are increasingly recognizing the value of virtual care and RPM. Policies that reimburse remote services at parity with in‑person visits will incentivize adoption. Bundled payment models that encompass device costs, data services and clinician time could become standard.
AI‑powered predictive analytics
Combining RPM data with machine‑learning algorithms will enable predictive analytics. Systems can forecast which patients are at high risk of complications, allowing providers to tailor follow‑up schedules and interventions. AI models trained on diverse datasets can identify subtle patterns that humans might miss. However, maintaining transparency and addressing algorithmic bias will be key.
Integration with surgical robotics and smart hospitals
Future surgical suites may include robotic platforms that seamlessly connect with telehealth and RPM systems. Surgeons could review postoperative telemetry directly on dashboards integrated with surgical robots, optimizing follow‑up protocols based on intraoperative data. Smart hospitals equipped with internet of things (IoT) sensors will provide real‑time feedback across the care continuum.
Conclusion
Telehealth, remote patient monitoring and digital therapeutics are transforming postoperative care. Hybrid care models offer convenience and flexibility, while RPM reduces unnecessary clinic visits and catches complications early. Digital therapeutics extend evidence‑based interventions into patients’ homes, supporting recovery and mental health. While challenges around privacy, equity and clinical oversight remain, the benefits are substantial. As reimbursement structures evolve and predictive analytics mature, these technologies will become integral components of surgical care pathways. Healthcare organizations that invest in telehealth, RPM and DTx today will be better positioned to deliver safer, more efficient and patient‑centered postoperative care tomorrow.