Digital Follow-up after Surgery – A Randomized Controlled Trial and its Effects on Patients’ Adherence and Doctor-Patient Relationship

Authors

Kirsten Hannah Seerig, Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences, GermanyFollow
Nikola Finze, Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences, GermanyFollow
Cui Yang, University Hospital MannheimFollow
Heiko Gewald, Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences, GermanyFollow

Abstract

The increasing digitalization of healthcare fosters the use of digital applications for patient treatment, especially regarding rehabilitation and aftercare. This study focuses on patients’ adherence to aftercare via a mobile health application and the role of the altered doctor-patient relationship. In a randomized controlled trial at a German university hospital, digital follow-up after surgery is compared to conventional outpatient aftercare. Qualitative interviews with medical personnel and patients in the intervention and the control group will be conducted after one year of implementation to investigate if digital aftercare could replace outpatient follow-up. Preliminary findings indicate the benefits of digital follow-up, like immediate contact with medical staff and higher patient involvement. Doctor-patient communication remains crucial even in the digital space.

Paper Number

270

Comments

Track 19: Digital Health & Wellbeing

Recommended Citation

Seerig, Kirsten Hannah; Finze, Nikola; Yang, Cui; and Gewald, Heiko, "Digital Follow-up after Surgery – A Randomized Controlled Trial and its Effects on Patients’ Adherence and Doctor-Patient Relationship" (2023). Wirtschaftsinformatik 2023 Proceedings. 53.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/wi2023/53