Utilization of mobile application improves perioperative education and patient satisfaction in general surgery patients

Abstract

IntroductionClear and accurate communication is paramount in delivering high quality surgical care. Through the development of a mobile application, we provided patients with a source of education and instruction throughout the peri-operative period. MethodsPatients >18 years old with a smart-phone undergoing elective general surgery procedures were eligible. Patients received perioperative educational materials and text message reminders of time-sensitive events via the application. A System Usability Scale and survey was administered. Results100 patients were enrolled; 51% completed the survey. The average SUS score was 86, correlating with >90th percentile usability. 86% of patients felt that the application improved their surgical experience, 96% said the application provided essential reminders, and 90% felt that application clarified information. 84% of patients did not identify any inconsistency between the application and surgeon. ConclusionUtilizing patient’s smart phones to aid in perioperative education is feasible and improves patient satisfaction. This application has a high usability score, indicating ease of use.