Using a Smartphone App for Postoperative Recovery After Thoracic Surgery
Author Information
Author(s): Bertoglio Pietro, Garelli Elena, Bonucchi Silvia, Brandolini Jury, Kawamukai Kenji, Antonacci Filippo, Forti Parri Sergio Nicola, Bonfanti Barbara, Lai Giulia, De Leonibus Lisa, Solli Piergiorgio
Primary Institution: Division of Thoracic Surgery, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
Hypothesis
Can the Care4Today app improve postoperative management and reduce complications after thoracic surgery?
Conclusion
The Care4Today app could help prevent unexpected re-hospitalization and complications, and patients found it useful for their recovery.
Supporting Evidence
- 82 out of 96 patients downloaded and used the app.
- The app sent 7587 questions with a 75.8% answer rate.
- Patients reported 698 moderate problems and 52 severe problems.
- Only 2.4% of patients required re-hospitalization.
- The app received an average usefulness rating of 7.4 out of 10.
Takeaway
Doctors used a smartphone app to check on patients after surgery, and it helped them feel better and avoid going back to the hospital.
Methodology
Patients used the Care4Today app for 30 days post-surgery to report symptoms and receive alerts for potential issues.
Potential Biases
Selection bias may have occurred as only patients able to use the app autonomously were included.
Limitations
The study lacked a control group and relied on self-reported data, which may introduce bias.
Participant Demographics
Mean age was 60.7 years, with 52.4% female participants.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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