Post-discharge patient support after spinal surgery

The recovery process is challenged when the patient experiences symptoms such as pain, nausea and weakness. These symptoms can affect the patient’s post-discharge recovery, which may adversely affect the outcomes of surgery and patient satisfaction.

User involvement in research often reveals that there is a gap between patients’ expectations, needs, and wishes and the service they are offered.

AIM

The aim of this project was to improve the course of early post-discharge recovery after spinal surgery by identifying the patients' needs and wishes and subsequently design and develop a tailored technological solution to support patients from the time of discharge until their first outpatient follow-up. The solution then had to be tested and the effect, usability and satisfaction assessed.

RESULTS

The solution did not affect the quality of the post-discharge course, but the patients highlighted in their feedback that user-friendliness, security and support were important elements in the improval of their experience of the course. The healthcare staff were also predominantly positive when it came to the solution's user-friendliness.

Going forward, the integration of mHealth solutions into the healthcare system can potentially improve the overall post-discharge course for patients who have planned elective spinal surgery.

PARTNERS

The project was a PhD project by Marianne Lorenzen.

The study was performed as a collaboration between The Department of Spinal Surgery and Research at Spine Centre of Southern Denmark and CIMT. The development of the technological solution took place in collaboration with the company MedWare.

EXTERNAL FUNDING

The study was financed by the Spine Centre of Southern Denmark.