A Precision Post-Operative Wellness Monitoring Solution

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Medical Informatics
• Patient Care Management

Background:

• Healthcare systems face significant challenges with rising costs and maintaining quality care, particularly in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries.
• The post-operative discharge phase is critical, with unplanned readmissions contributing substantially to healthcare expenditure and impacting patient outcomes.
• Existing models often struggle to provide continuous, high-quality support after patients leave the hospital.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a technology-enabled model for the post-operative discharge phase.
• To enhance the quality of patient care experience following discharge.
• To minimize costly unplanned readmissions and align with value-based care principles.

Main Methods:

• The research proposes a novel technology-enabled model focused on the post-operative patient journey.
• The model is initially contextualized for stoma patients but designed for broader applicability.
• Future work involves clinical trials to validate the model's proof of concept, validity, and usability.

Main Results:

• The proposed model aims to support quality care post-discharge.
• It is designed for prudent management to reduce unplanned readmissions.
• The model facilitates a transition towards a value-based care paradigm.

Conclusions:

• A technology-enabled model shows promise for improving post-operative care and reducing readmissions.
• The approach is adaptable to various patient contexts beyond stoma care.
• Further research through clinical trials is necessary to establish efficacy and usability.