Accessible Communication Tools for Surgical Site Infection Monitoring and Prevention in Joint Reconstruction:...

Area of Science:

• Surgical Quality Improvement
• Digital Health
• Telemedicine

Background:

• Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a leading cause of unplanned readmissions after surgery.
• Hospitals are implementing pre- and post-operative strategies to reduce SSIs.
• Telemedicine offers potential to enhance patient outcomes and reduce SSIs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and user satisfaction of two automated messaging systems for perioperative care.
• To assess EpxDecolonization for preoperative protocol adherence and EpxWound for postoperative monitoring in total joint replacement patients.

Main Methods:

• Developed EpxDecolonization (preoperative reminder) and EpxWound (postoperative monitoring for pain, wound, fever).
• Recorded daily patient responses and administered post-usage satisfaction surveys.
• Assessed patient enrollment, response rates, and survey feedback on system usability and communication.

Main Results:

• High enrollment with 638 in EpxDecolonization and 642 in EpxWound.
• Response rates were 85.2% for EpxDecolonization and 78.4% for EpxWound.
• Patients reported high satisfaction (median scores 9/9 for overall care, 8/9 for communication) and preferred message frequency.

Conclusions:

• EpxDecolonization and EpxWound achieved high response rates and improved patient-provider communication.
• The systems are well-tolerated, potentially beneficial, and may enhance patient satisfaction and compliance.
• Future research will validate alert systems and their impact on clinical quality metrics.