ROLE OF SMARTPHONE APP SYSTEM IN IMPROVING PATIENT EXPERIENCE AND OUTCOMES IN KNEE ARTHROPLASTY

Abstract

IntroductionWith advances in mobile application, digital health is being increasingly used for remote and personalised care. Patient education, self-management and tele communication is a crucial factor in optimising outcomes.AimsWe explore the use of a smartphone app based orthopaedic care management system to deliver personalised surgical experience, monitor patient engagement and functional outcomes of patients undergoing knee arthroplasty.ResultsOver a 12-month period, 124 patients listed for knee arthroplasty were offered access to the app. Average patient age was 65.4 years (range 49 to 86). 13(10.4%) patients were over 80 years. Compliance with app usage was 86.4%. Compliance with post-operative exercises increased following a message through the app. The mean Oxford knee score improved from a pre-op value of 17 to 35 at a mean follow-up of 6 months. Mean numeric rating scale pain score reduced from 7 pre-operatively to 3 at the latest follow-up. 58 patients (46.7%) used the communication feature on the app (text messages, photos, video consultations), reducing telephone calls and patient foot fall in the hospital. Patient satisfaction with the app was very high.ConclusionWe found the virtual care system to be effective in providing patient education, prehabilitation and post-operative rehabilitation along with being an effective channel of communication between patients and the hospital team. Patient satisfaction and compliance was very high.