Development and testing of a remote hybrid SMS/web-based perioperative messenger: A mixed-methods study

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Patient Communication
• Surgical Care

Background:

• Existing perioperative communication tools include pagers, SMS, email, and apps.
• Combining communication methods for a secure and reliable perioperative messenger is a novel approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and test the technical feasibility and acceptance of a hybrid SMS/web-based perioperative messenger.
• To enhance communication between hospitals and patients' loved ones during the perioperative period.

Main Methods:

• Focus groups with healthcare professionals and patient representatives informed development.
• A feasibility study involved 25 patients and their loved ones testing the messenger.
• Data collection occurred between September 2021 and August 2023.

Main Results:

• Key messenger characteristics identified: transparency, promptness, ease-of-use, data security, and minimal workload.
• The hybrid system uses SMS alerts linking to a secure web platform.
• 173 messages were sent for 25 surgeries, with 99% read on mobile devices within a median of 63 seconds.
• Loved ones reported high satisfaction levels ('fairly' or 'very satisfied').

Conclusions:

• Physicians, nurses, and patient council members responded positively to the perioperative messenger concept.
• The developed SMS/web-based hybrid messenger is technically feasible.
• The system demonstrated interest and satisfaction among patients' loved ones.