3:18 PM Abstract No. 74 Feasibility of implementing medical chatbot technology into the postoperative care for patients undergoing treatment for superficial venous insufficiency

Abstract

We report our early experience in implementing medical chatbot technology into the care of patients undergoing treatment for lower extremity (LE) superficial venous reflux disease. We conducted a pilot study to assess whether a medical chatbot can be used to facilitate and reinforce postoperative monitoring, care coordination, and communication for venous insufficiency patients. This is a prospective, observational study design using survey and utilization data for 168 patients (146 female, 22 male) with a mean age of 48.5 years (range, 22 to 79 years), who underwent treatment for LE superficial venous reflux disease at our center. Pre procedure consultation included a detailed medical history, pertinent physical examination and performance of a thorough LE venous duplex evaluation. Treatment included a variable combination of endovascular ablation, ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy and ambulatory phlebectomy. All patients were followed at one week, one month and three to months post procedure(s). In addition to providing each patient with our standard verbal and written post procedure care instructions, we provided access to an automated post procedure medical chatbot platform. Of the 168 patients who initially enrolled, 10 (6%) opted out. Among the remaining volunteer participants, there was an engagement rate of 83.3%. 60.1% reported a high degree of satisfaction and found the chatbot to be helpful or very helpful in their care. The chatbot facilitated follow-up appointments, communication with our clinic for questions or concerns, and reinforced post procedure instructions for activity, wound care, compression, and awareness of potential complications. We successfully piloted the use of a chatbot messaging platform to supplement education and monitoring for a group of postoperative venous insufficiency patients. This study highlights the potential for broader integration into established best-practice workflows. Broader adoption will likely necessitate seamless integration into the electronic medical record.