Client perspective on digital counseling for families in day surgery - A systematic literature review

To describe digital counseling for families in day surgery from a client perspective.

The systematic literature search was carried out for publications between 2011 and 2024 from four databases (CINAHL, PubMed, WoS, Scopus). The methodological quality of all included publications was assessed, and an inductive content analysis was conducted. The protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews.

Twenty articles were included in the systematic literature review. From a client perspective, the main difference between digital counseling methods concerned patient involvement and interaction opportunities. Seven significant factors to clients in digital counseling were identified: 1) recognising counseling needs to ensure a client-centered focus, 2) addressing the whole family, as day surgery involves everyone 3) adapting counseling to age-specific needs, 4) an inclusive approach that promotes active involvement, 5) easy-to-use methods that support effective counseling 6) utilisation of visual methods to support understanding and 7) timing of the counseling to support concentration and interest. Measuring digital counseling impact is challenging. Clients find counseling effective even if the impact was not clear. Various indicators and measurement approaches were identified. No data is available on teenagers or family members responsible for the patient's home care.

A client-focused approach is essential in day surgery, as preparation and care largely occurs at home. Clients wish for more interaction opportunities in counseling, conducted at their own pace and accompanied by gamified elements. Further research is needed on teenagers and family members responsible for the patient's home care.

1) Clients and their experiences (e.g. practical issues and emotional reactions) should be at the center of digital counseling. 2) It is important to pay attention to the patient's entire family in digital counseling. 3) Provide age-suitable digital counseling. 4) Use visual features to support understanding particularly to vulnerable groups.