Telehealth‐based pre‐operative education session for robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy patients—A 2‐year follow‐up study

Abstract

AbstractIntroduction and ObjectivesAs a quality improvement initiative, our institution's pre‐operative education program for patients undergoing robotic radical prostatectomy (Robocare) was changed into a telehealth‐based program (Tele‐Robocare). During the pre‐surgery evaluation process, tele‐Robocare was deemed useful (92%) and adequate (100%) in addressing pre‐operative needs of patients. Follow‐up was deemed necessary to compare patient feedback post‐surgery.Materials and Methods2 years since the complete adoption of the Tele‐Robocare program in our institution, a follow‐up study was conducted on the participants who attended the original quality improvement initiative (n = 147). An 8‐question survey was created via Redcap. A survey link was sent to all participants: 144 via email link and 3 via QR code sent via postal mail. All responses were logged onto the Redcap database.ResultsA total of 87 patients (59.2%) completed the survey. 86 patients completed the survey via email link and 1 patient accessed the survey via the mailed QR code.The percentage of patients who found Tele‐Robocare useful in the following sections are: pre‐surgery preparation (90%), discharge care (89%), catheter care (82%), follow‐up (93%), troubleshooting (80%).When asked about what should remain as a part of the program handout and presentation, the findings were similar: pre‐surgery preparation (94%), hospital stay information (92%), discharge information (93%), follow‐up (90%), access to allied health (90%). The most requested topics that needed additional emphasis were sexual health (n = 5) and impact on mental health (n = 3).78% agree or strongly agree that telehealth was sufficient in receiving patient education programs such as Tele‐Robocare. The most common advice from patients (n = 25) to improve the patient experience and sense of preparedness was to actively seek additional information from the healthcare team, patients and/or patient advocates.ConclusionTele‐Robocare is now the standard method in delivering pre‐prostatectomy patient education in our institution. However, these follow‐up findings highlight the importance of sufficient follow‐up and support of patients after surgery as their needs change along with their recovery and outcomes.