Enhancing Patient Care with the SAPS Model and Digital Health Innovations

The SAPS model of care for managing malignant pleural effusion (MPE) in Victoria, Australia, aims to enhance patient outcomes by utilizing indwelling pleural catheters (IPC) as a minimally invasive alternative to traditional fluid evacuation methods. However, limited resources and expertise among healthcare providers hinder widespread adoption of IPCs. To overcome these challenges, the report discusses the expansion of the SAPS model through the integration of digital health technology, including telehealth, teleultrasound, and symptom monitoring. This digital approach enhances access to specialized ambulatory pleural services, improves patient care, and addresses issues like fragmented care, limited expertise, hospitalization, invasive procedures, and clinical inertia commonly faced by MPE patients.