Process evaluation of a multidisciplinary care program for patients undergoing gynaecological surgery

Area of Science:

• Gynaecology
• Digital Health
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Benign gynaecological surgery often leads to delayed return to work.
• Multidisciplinary care programs can improve patient recovery and work reintegration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the process of an innovative multidisciplinary care program for patients undergoing benign gynaecological surgery.
• To assess the feasibility and stakeholder attitudes towards an e-health intervention and integrated care model.

Main Methods:

• A process evaluation of a two-step care program involving an e-health intervention and integrated clinical/occupational management.
• Data collection via electronic questionnaires and web portal logs from patients, supervisors, and gynaecologists over a 6-month follow-up.
• Measures included reach, dose delivered/received, fidelity, and stakeholder attitudes.

Main Results:

• The e-health intervention achieved a reach of 60.2% with high patient engagement (median 118 min, 11 visits).
• Patients (74%), gynaecologists (76%), and employers (61%) reported high satisfaction.
• Implementation of the integrated care component was suboptimal due to challenges in patient consent and return-to-work prognosis.

Conclusions:

• The e-health component of the care program is feasible for broad implementation in benign gynaecological surgery.
• Adaptations to the integrated care protocol are necessary to enhance the second step of the perioperative care program and improve return-to-work outcomes.