Digital Health Empowerment in Surgery: Exploring Total Hip Arthroplasty as a Model for Transformation

Area of Science:

• Digital health
• Surgical interventions
• Healthcare technology

Background:

• Modern healthcare is increasingly integrating digital solutions.
• Digital health interventions are recognized for their potential to transform patient care pathways.
• Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) presents a significant area for digital health application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of digital health interventions for Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA).
• To identify and categorize digital solutions for pre- and post-operative THA care.
• To explore the potential of these technologies in improving patient outcomes and experiences.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review methodology was employed.
• Forty studies focusing on digital interventions in THA were analyzed.
• Interventions were categorized into six distinct groups.

Main Results:

• Six categories of digital interventions for THA were identified: (Tele-)Rehabilitation, (Tele-)Monitoring and -Communication, Mobile Applications and Patient Portals, Digital Patient Assessment and Outcome Measurement, Biomechanics, and Robotics.
• These interventions range from AI-driven communication to robotic systems for rehabilitation.
• The identified solutions aim to enhance patient-centered, efficient, and accessible care.

Conclusions:

• Digital health solutions offer significant promise for improving Total Hip Arthroplasty care.
• Continued research and development are crucial for optimizing surgical outcomes and patient experiences.
• The identified categories provide a framework for future digital health innovation in orthopedics.