Design and evaluation of an electronic follow-up questionnaire for patients after percutaneous coronary intervention

Patient-centered, measurable, and transparent care is essential for improving healthcare outcomes, particularly for patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures. Electronic follow-up questionnaires offer the potential for efficient and accurate data collection, enhancing the monitoring of patient experiences and outcomes. This study aimed to design and evaluate an electronic follow-up questionnaire tailored for post-PCI patients, focusing on real-time symptom monitoring and data collection.

This developmental study was conducted in 2020 in three phases. In the first phase, a follow-up questionnaire was developed through a needs assessment and expert consultations. Each item's content validity ratio (CVR) and content validity index (CVI) were evaluated to ensure content validity. The finalized questionnaire elements were then reviewed and refined by a panel of ten cardiologists using the Delphi technique. In the second phase, an electronic platform was designed to host the follow-up questionnaire. The tool's effectiveness for post-PCI follow-up was evaluated in the third phase.

Cardiologists confirmed all items in the Delphi technique's first round, validating the follow-up questionnaire's content. A total of 41 patients undergoing PCI were enrolled in the study. The most frequently reported symptoms included issues at the catheter insertion site, chest discomfort, digestive complications, and shortness of breath. Of these patients, 21 (51.2%) utilized the electronic follow-up tool. The primary reasons for non-participation were busy schedules, forgetfulness, and perceived recovery. Among the participants, 16 (76.2%) expressed high or very high satisfaction with the tool.

The findings suggest that this electronic follow-up questionnaire has the potential to effectively collect clinical data, support academic research, and improve the quality of post-PCI care. However, addressing barriers to patient participation and involving patients in the tool's iterative development will be critical for enhancing its adoption and impact.