Patient Experiences With a Mobile Self-Care Solution for Low-Complex Orthopedic Injuries: Mixed Methods Study.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Patient Experience Research
• Musculoskeletal Injury Treatment

Background:

• Dutch healthcare system faces resource limitations and rising patient numbers.
• Direct discharge (DD) implemented in hospitals to reduce outpatient follow-up for low-complexity injuries.
• DD utilizes information leaflets, a smartphone app, and a telephone helpline.

Purpose of the Study:

• Explore patient experiences with direct discharge (DD).
• Ensure durable adoption of DD and improve treatment protocols.
• Assess feasibility, acceptability, efficacy, and demand of DD.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods study conducted in parallel with DD implementation across 3 hospitals.
• Data collected via surveys (immediate post-ED and 3 months post-injury) and semistructured interviews.
• Bowen feasibility parameters assessed, including implementation, acceptance, preliminary efficacy, and demand.

Main Results:

• Median treatment satisfaction score of 7.8/10 for DD.
• 77% found information quality good; 59% preferred DD over face-to-face follow-up.
• Patient information demands and app usage varied; median app use was 4 times.

Conclusions:

• Patients perceive DD as a feasible and safe alternative to traditional treatment.
• DD demonstrates favorable acceptability, efficacy, applicability, and demand.
• Low response rates and individual preferences necessitate careful DD implementation and refinement.