Improving patient outcomes with a mobile digital health platform for patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Abstract

ManageMySurgery (MMS) is a digital health application (app) for patients undergoing surgery, including Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR). Patients using MMS review procedure-specific education, view FAQs, and report patient-reported outcomes. This study assessed the impact of app use on postoperative outcomes. Patients who underwent TAVR and invited to use MMS between March 2019 and November 2021 were identified. Patients received standard perioperative care and were defined as App users if they signed into the app at least once and engaged with at least one task or FAQ. Demographics and postoperative outcomes were collected via medical record review. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine odds of 90-day readmission, Emergency Room (ER) visits, and complications. 388 patients met inclusion criteria, of which 238 used the app. The average age at surgery was 76.4±7.7 years for users and 78.1±7.6 for non-users. 63.0% of users and 59.3% of non-users were male. App users had significantly lower 90-day readmission rates, (8.8% vs 16.0%, OR=0.51, p=0.0373), ER visit rates (12.6% vs 27.3%, OR=0.36, p=0.0003), and complication rates (Minor: 12.2% vs 20.7%, OR=0.48, P=0.0126; Major: 8.8% vs. 16%, OR=0.47, P=0.0235). In this non-randomized, retrospective study, we found significant decreases in 90-day readmissions, ER visits, and complications in TAVR patients using an app compared to traditional care. By engaging patients throughout their interventional journey with structured education and tasks, mobile health platforms may mitigate unnecessary use of emergency and inpatient care, thereby improving patient well-being and lowering the burden on healthcare resources.