Mobile app communication to prevent ER visits post-circumcision: a prospective observational study.

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the impact of a mobile phone application facilitating real-time visual and verbal communication on reducing emergency-room admissions following circumcision.

Methods: This prospective observational study included circumcision surgeries performed by one surgeon at our clinic between April and June 2024, after obtaining parental consent. Parents were divided into two groups: one received a mobile app phone number, while the other did not. The mobile app group was based on parents' communication needs, such as distance or socioeconomic factors. Follow-up appointments were scheduled for one week and one month; the mobile app group had follow-ups via the app, while the non-communicating group followed up in person. WhatsApp was used due to its cost-effectiveness and accessibility. Data on emergency visits, communications, and complications were recorded prospectively and analyzed retrospectively using SPSS with t tests and Mann-Whitney U tests (p < 0.05).

Results: A total of 200 patients were enrolled, with 162 meeting the inclusion criteria. The study was divided into two groups: 'Communicating group' (Group 1, 75 patients) had access to the mobile app, while 'Non-communicating group' (Group 2, 87 patients) received routine post-operative instructions. No significant differences in age or weight were found. The most common complications included wound infection, non-healing wounds, swelling, bleeding, and micturition issues. Emergency visits were significantly higher in Group 2 (12.64%) compared to Group 1 (1.33%) (p = 0.01).

Conclusion: The use of a mobile app for post-surgical communication may significantly reduce emergency-room visits following circumcision.