Obstetrical Patient Engagement and Data Collection: The Value of Technology in Enhanced Recovery Programs

Attila Kett

doi:10.34297/ajbsr.2021.12.001735

Abstract

Enhanced recovery at cesarean section refers to a multimodal and multidisciplinary pathway aimed at accelerating patient recovery. The program’s success requires patient engagement throughout the perioperative period, as well as post-discharge, which is made possible with the help of technology. Our institution’s state of the art patient engagement smartphone application provides on-demand patient education and allows for remote monitoring both pre and postoperatively. Further, the application surveys patients regarding preoperative surgical fear, program compliance, opioid risk, amongst other data points, that are collected to an analytics dashboard, which can be viewed pre- and postoperatively. This application is particularly helpful post-discharge when it is more difficult to have continued patient engagement and program assessment. Thus, we argue that technology is essential to the success of an enhanced recovery program and in future research aimed at studying the comprehensive benefit of these programs on maternal recovery and outcomes.

Highlights

The concept of an enhanced recovery program was developed more than 20 years ago, for colorectal surgery, but has gained increasing interest and success in the field of obstetrics at cesarean delivery [1,2]
Prior to enrollment in the enhanced recovery program at our institution, patients are surveyed about the proposed perioperative changes and their attitudes to surgery and earlier postoperative discharge
Our application contains a postoperative assessment of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) compliance: “Did you have education and counseling with your doctor/surgeon regarding expectations and goals regarding enhanced recovery for your c-section?”, “Did you drink the Ensure pre-surgical drink..?”, “Did you have a meal the day of surgery?”, and “Did you get out of bed the day of surgery?” We are able to determine whether postoperative outcomes are truly associated with ERAS protocol and which areas need improvement

Summary

Introduction

Enhanced Recovery and Patient EngagementThe concept of an enhanced recovery program was developed more than 20 years ago, for colorectal surgery, but has gained increasing interest and success in the field of obstetrics at cesarean delivery [1,2]. A key component of enhanced recovery is patient and family engagement, which helps patients better prepare for surgery and discharge.

Results

Conclusion