Evaluation of a Mobile Application Based on Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Recommendations to Support Patients Undergoing Colorectal Surgery: A Pilot Study

Aims and Objectives: The aim is to evaluate the effect of a recently developed mobile application consisting of information, tasks, and gamification has had for patients undergoing colorectal surgery.

Background: Patients undergoing colorectal surgery are recommended to follow enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) guidelines. Yet, patients do not always follow ERAS recommendations. Patients express that they would like to have information about their course, that information material must be available at different times, and that too many papers and pamphlets can seem confusing and overwhelming.

Design: In this comparative nonrandomized pilot study, a mobile application is evaluated. Thirty-eight adult patients divided into intervention and control groups were included the study. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used.

Methods: Both groups answered questionnaires before discharge after surgery. Demographic data, The Preparedness for Colorectal Cancer Surgery Questionnaire Subsequently (PCSQ-PRE_24), intake of protein drink, and the degree of mobilization were collected. Four patients from the intervention group participated in a focus group interview. The STROBE cohort checklist was used.

Results: The study showed significant difference in favor of the intervention group in PCSQ-PRE_24: subtheme understanding and involvement in care processes p = 0.043 and total score p = 0.034 as well as intake of protein drink showed significant difference p = 0.012. There was no significant difference in terms of mobilization. The patients stated that the mobile application was easy to use and made them secure through their surgical procedure.

Conclusion: The results from this pilot study showed that patients undergoing colorectal surgery benefit from a tool in the form of a mobile application that can guide them through their surgical procedure.