Smartphone App improves monitoring of Recovery after Breast and Gynecologic oncology surgery: JAMA

Canada: A recent clinical trial published in the JAMA: Surgery has shown that using smartphone apps to monitor postoperative recovery can lead to improved quality of recovery and equal patient satisfaction compared to conventional in-person follow-up.

There has been a rise in health-focused smartphone applications that encourage healthy habits and assist in managing chronic conditions. The study aimed to compare the quality of recovery and patient satisfaction with conventional in-person follow-up and smartphone app–assisted follow-up.

The randomized clinical trial included 72 women older than 18 years undergoing oncologic breast reconstruction or major gynecologic oncology surgery following Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Society (ERAS) protocols with the care of 2 surgeons at an academic tertiary care center.

In the study, patients were randomized (1:1) to receive either traditional in-person follow-up or smartphone app-assisted follow-up.

The app group utilized a surgeon-monitored app to track Quality of Recovery 15 scores, selected adverse events, drain outputs, and surgical site photos over a six-week period. Patient satisfaction scores were assessed through validated questionnaires at two- and six weeks post-surgery, with the conventional group completing the same questionnaires.

The trial concluded with the following key takeaways:

1. 1.App group had significantly higher QoR15 scores at 2 and 6 weeks.
2. 2.No significant difference in patient satisfaction (PSQ-III) between groups.
3. 3.A Similar number of complications and surgeon contacts per patient in both groups.
4. 4.Surgeons appreciated early identification of complications with the app.

The use of healthcare–focused smartphone apps has been increasing, but app-assisted postsurgical care has yet to be fully explored. This study fills an important gap in the literature and demonstrates the potential benefits of using smartphone apps to monitor postoperative recovery.

Dr. Claire Temple-Oberle said that “The study is particularly relevant for patients undergoing breast reconstruction or gynecologic oncology surgery following ERAS protocols, but the findings may also be applicable to other types of surgery. The use of smartphone apps for postoperative follow-up has the potential to reduce costs and the number of contacts with the medical system.”

Reference:

Temple-Oberle C, Yakaback S, Webb C, Assadzadeh GE, Nelson G. Effect of Smartphone App Postoperative Home Monitoring After Oncologic Surgery on Quality of Recovery: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Surg. Published online April 12, 2023. doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2023.0616