Can screen-time help? An analysis of usage of patient engagement technology following colorectal surgery

Patient engagement technologies (PETs) guide patients through the perioperative period. We aimed to investigate the levels of patient engagement with PETs through the peri-operative period and its impact on clinical outcomes.

Retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery from 2018 to 2022. Outcomes were length of stay, readmissions, and complications within 30 days of index hospitalization.

359 (89.1%) patients activated the PET. Patients completed a median of 7 surveys, 2 in-hospital health-checks, and 1 post-discharge health-check. Median LOS was 3 days, 57 (14.1%) patients were readmitted, and 56 (13.9%) had a complication. Patients who completed no surveys had longer LOS than those who completed 2 or more. Patients who were readmitted and had post-operative complications completed significantly fewer surveys and post-discharge health-checks. Completion of surveys in more phases was associated with shorter LOS and lower readmission rates. Completion of more post-discharge health-checks was associated with lower complication rate.

The use of PETs improves patient outcomes and experiences in the perioperative period. Patients who engage more frequently with PETs have shorter LOS with lower readmission and post-operative complication rates.