Feasibility of digital application-based information and follow-up in day-care surgery

The rapid adoption of digital health solutions highlights the potential benefits of mobile-based follow-up care. This study examines the feasibility of implementing a digital pain management app for post-operative follow-up in a Danish surgical department.

A feasibility study was conducted based on the framework by Bowen et al., assessing feasibility domains such as "Population," "Acceptance," "Integration" and "Adherence." Patients aged 15+ years undergoing same-day ear-nose-throat surgery at a tertiary university hospital were included, provided they owned a smartphone with the MinSP app. Patients received both standard care and optional digital follow-up, with outcomes being analysed using simple mathematical processing.

Among 491 eligible patients, 201 (41.9%) accessed the digital solution. Due to an unanticipated technical error in the automated app allocation, several patients did not receive the app, reducing the success in practical implementation. Among participants, 68.1% completed at least one questionnaire within seven days, with 26.9% requesting staff calls. Although usage was selective, patient interest and acceptance were high, suggesting feasibility following technical improvements.

Digital post-operative pain management follow-up may be feasible within current hospital resources, but requires consistent app allocation. Future implementations should address technical allocation gaps to ensure broader adoption.

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Not relevant.