Mobile health technology for remote home monitoring after surgery: a meta-analysis

Feasibility and Accuracy of Wrist-Worn Sensors for Perioperative Monitoring During and After Major Abdominal Surgery: An Observational Study

INTRODUCTION

Continuous, ambulatory perioperative monitoring using wearable devices has shown promise for earlier detection of physiological deterioration and postoperative complications, preventing 'failure-to-rescue'. This study aimed to compare the accuracy of vital signs measured by wrist-based wearables with gold standard measurements from vital signs monitors or nurse assessments in major abdominal surgery.

METHODS

Adult patients were eligible for inclusion in this prospective observational study validating the Empatica E4 wrist sensor intraoperatively and postoperatively. The primary outcomes were the 95% limits of agreement (LoA) between manual and device recordings of heart rate (HR) and temperature evaluated via Bland-Altman analysis. Secondary analysis was conducted using Clarke-Error grid analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, 31 patients were recruited, and 27 patients completed the study. The median duration of recording per patient was 70.3 h, and a total of 2112 h of data recording were completed. Wrist-based HR measurement was accurate and moderately precise (bias: 0.3 bpm; 95% LoA -15.5 to 17.1), but temperature measurement was neither accurate nor precise (bias -2.2°C; 95% LoA -6.0 to 1.6). On Clarke-Error grid analysis, 74.5% and 29.6% of HR and temperature measurements, respectively, fell within the acceptable range of reference standards.

CONCLUSIONS

Continuous perioperative monitoring of HR and temperature after major abdominal surgery using wrist-based sensors is feasible but was limited in this study by low precision. While wrist-based devices offer promise for the continuous monitoring of high-risk surgical patients, current technology is inadequate. Ongoing device hardware and software innovation with robust validation is required before such technologies can be routinely adopted in clinical practice.

The surgical outpatient clinic and the environment

Rising global temperatures will have a radical impact on the environment where global warming is associated with weather extremes such as thunderstorms and droughts which can affect the regional ecosystems. The healthcare sector is a major emitter of greenhouse gasses. Within healthcare, the outpatient clinic is responsible for a considerable sum of emissions. These can be organized under scopes 1, 2 and 3 as described in the Greenhouse Gas Protocol where scope 1 accounts for direct emissions from healthcare facilities, scope 2 is emissions from purchased electricity and scope 3 is indirect emissions including procurement and waste. Emissions and mitigation strategies from the surgical outpatient clinic are outlined under each scope of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. These include using insulation materials, renovating or building new facilities, incorporating renewable energy sources and utilizing more efficient appliances. Telehealth and virtual clinics have been shown to be an effective method of delivering care while avoiding the combustion of fossil fuels to facilitate patient transport. In addition, virtual set-ups are cost effective and have not been proven to compromise patient safety when implemented correctly.

The Effects of mHealth Interventions on Quality of Life, Anxiety, and Depression in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death globally. In addition, 20% to 40% of the patients with CHD have comorbid mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, affecting the prognosis and quality of life (QoL). Mobile health (mHealth) interventions have been developed and are widely used; however, the evidence for the effects of mHealth interventions on QoL, anxiety, and depression in patients with CHD is currently ambiguous.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aimed to assess the effects of mHealth interventions on QoL, anxiety, and depression in patients with CHD.

METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang databases from inception to August 12, 2023. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials that involved patients with CHD who received mHealth interventions and that reported on QoL, anxiety, or depression outcomes. We used the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials to evaluate the risk of bias in the studies, ensuring a rigorous and methodologically sound analysis. Review Manager (desktop version 5.4; The Cochrane Collaboration) and Stata MP (version 17.0; StataCorp LLC) were used to conduct the meta-analysis. The effect size was calculated using the standardized mean difference (SMD) and its 95% CI.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis included 23 studies (5406 participants in total) and showed that mHealth interventions significantly improved QoL in patients with CHD (SMD 0.49, 95% CI 0.25-0.72; Z=4.07; P<.001) as well as relieved their anxiety (SMD -0.46, 95% CI -0.83 to -0.08; Z=2.38; P=.02) and depression (SMD -0.34, 95% CI -0.56 to -0.12; Z=3.00; P=.003) compared to usual care. The subgroup analyses indicated a significant effect favoring the mHealth intervention on reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms compared to usual care, especially when (1) the intervention duration was ≥6 months (P=.04 and P=.001), (2) the mHealth intervention was a simple one (only 1 mHealth intervention was used) (P=.01 and P<.001), (3) it was implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic (P=.04 and P=.01), (4) it was implemented in low- or middle-income countries (P=.01 and P=.02), (5) the intervention focused on mental health (P=.01 and P=.007), and (6) adherence rates were high (≥90%; P=.03 and P=.002). In addition, comparing mHealth interventions to usual care, there was an improvement in QoL when (1) the mHealth intervention was a simple one (P<.001), (2) it was implemented in low- or middle-income countries (P<.001), and (3) the intervention focused on mental health (P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of the existing evidence, mHealth interventions might be effective in improving QoL and reducing anxiety and depression in patients with CHD. However, large sample, high-quality, and rigorously designed randomized controlled trials are needed to provide further evidence.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42022383858; https://tinyurl.com/3ea2npxf.

Integration of smartphone-based mobile health technology into perioperative care-the patient's perspective

Although numerous use cases demonstrate the value of mobile health technology, there is limited knowledge regarding patient perceptions of such technology, which may explain the lack of broader implementation of mobile health technology. Achieving meaningful, sustained, and equitable use of mobile health technology in surgery necessitates a human-centered design approach with consideration given to end users. This review article draws on evidence from prior qualitative studies of both surgeons and patients to make recommendations that may assist health care systems in realizing the full potential of mobile health technology for delivering high-quality, patient-centered surgical care.

Navigating the Landscape of Telemedicine Research: A Topic Modeling Approach for the Present and Future

Introduction: Telemedicine, which is the provision of remote clinical services via telecommunication technology, has undergone an upsurge since the COVID-19 pandemic. To capture this paradigm, this study surveyed telemedicine literature, including postpandemic publications, to identify dominant research themes and temporal trends and suggest directions for future research. Methods: A corpus of 56,445 telemedicine studies is sourced from PubMed. Latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) topic modeling performed using the Konstanz Information Miner platform. The textual data for topic modeling were processed by following standard procedures for natural language processing. Moreover, the term frequency-inverse document frequency approach was used to capture the importance of words within the corpus. We assessed perplexity, coherence, and the elbow method to determine the optimal number of topics for modeling. Results: The findings confirm the surge in telemedicine research after 2020, signifying its prominence. LDA topic modeling reveals seven distinct research themes, with the most prominent topic being "patient satisfaction" (21.38%) followed by "perspectives and challenges" (17.95%), and "smartphone apps" (14.32%). Furthermore, the results demonstrate a noticeable shift in topics from screening to therapeutic applications of telemedicine. Conclusions: This study serves as a guide for a broad range of telemedicine research topics. This synthesis of themes reflects the commitment of scholars to address the changing dynamics and health care needs, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, aging in place, smartphone usage, and technological advancement. The analysis also reveals flexible research responses to policy and contextual shifts, highlighting the collective drive to broaden the application of telemedicine in community health care.

Artificial intelligence in surgery

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly emerging in healthcare, yet applications in surgery remain relatively nascent. Here we review the integration of AI in the field of surgery, centering our discussion on multifaceted improvements in surgical care in the preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative space. The emergence of foundation model architectures, wearable technologies and improving surgical data infrastructures is enabling rapid advances in AI interventions and utility. We discuss how maturing AI methods hold the potential to improve patient outcomes, facilitate surgical education and optimize surgical care. We review the current applications of deep learning approaches and outline a vision for future advances through multimodal foundation models.

Interrater reliability of face-to-face, tele- and video-based assessments with the modified Mallet classification in brachial plexus birth injuries

The modified Mallet classification is widely used to measure motor function in brachial plexus birth injuries. The aim of the study was to investigate agreement and reliability of this classification under three different evaluation conditions: face-to-face; live tele-assessment; and delayed video-based assessment. A total of 100 children aged 4-15 years were included. Children were assessed by two raters except for live tele-assessment, which was performed by four raters. Agreement between the three different assessment conditions for the same rater were between strong and excellent for both raters 1 and 2. The interrater reliability for raters 1 and 2 under different assessment conditions was strong to excellent. Interrater reliability among the four raters was moderate to strong in tele-assessment. The modified Mallet classification may have appropriate reliability to be used in remote medical follow-up.Level of evidence: III.

Wearable mobile health device for monitoring postoperative ambulation among patients with colorectal cancer undergoing minimally invasive surgery: A prospective comparison study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using mHealth devices for monitoring postoperative ambulation among patients with colorectal cancer undergoing minimally invasive surgery (MIS).

METHODS

Patients with colorectal cancer undergoing MIS were prospectively recruited to wear mHealth devices for recording postoperative ambulation between October 2018 and January 2021. The primary outcome was the compliance by evaluating the weekly submission rate of step counts. The secondary outcome was the association of weekly step counts and postoperative length of stay.

RESULTS

Of 107 eligible patients, 53 patients wore mHealth devices, whereas 54 patients did not. The average weekly submission rate was 72.6% for the first month after surgery. The total step counts <4000 or >10 000 in the postoperative week one were negatively associated with postoperative length of stay (β = -2.874, p = 0.038).

CONCLUSIONS

mHealth devices provide an objective assessment of postoperative ambulation among patients with colorectal cancer undergoing MIS.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT03277235.

Impact of digital services on healthcare and social welfare: An umbrella review

BACKGROUND

Digital services can be effective and cost-efficient options for treating non-communicable diseases, but generalizability is limited due to heterogeneous treatment effects. This umbrella review aims to evaluate the impact of digital services on population health, costs, and patient and healthcare professional satisfaction, and to identify facilitators and barriers to using digital services in healthcare and social welfare.

METHODS

The protocol of the study was registered on the 4th of September 2022 to the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews, PROSPERO (CRD42022355635). The review was performed using the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, Cochrane, Ovid Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science in June 2022. The methodological quality of the included reviews was assessed. The impact of digital services was categorized as no evidence, no dominance, and mixed and positive effect. Inductive content analysis was used to identify facilitators and barriers.

RESULTS

A total of 66 studies were included in the review, 64 % of which were evaluated as high quality. Studies on the impact of digital services in social welfare were not identified. Sixty-five percent of reviews evaluated the impact of digital services on population health with mixed effects; 21 % were on costs with mixed effects; 27 % were on patient satisfaction with positive effects; and 7.6 % were on healthcare professionals' satisfaction with mixed effects. Various features, allocation, end-user support, organized services, and service development facilitated the use of digital services. Correspondingly, barriers were related to service limitations, digital competency, funding- and service strategies, resources and change management.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to usual care, digital services had a mixed impact on population health and costs with high satisfaction in patients. Mixed healthcare professionals' satisfaction was associated with the use of digital services, and it was less studied. To ensure successful implementation and sustainability of digital services, attention must be paid to address barriers and supporting facilitators at all levels.

Patient factors related to patient engagement technology (PET) usage in thoracic surgery

BACKGROUND

We evaluated using Patient Engagement Technology (PET) to capture Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs) in thoracic surgery patients. METHODSY: atients using a PET received surveys including the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global-10 (PROMIS-10) and a health literacy (HL) screen. The relationship of patient-level factors with survey completion was assessed through univariate and logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

703 patients enrolled in a PET. 52 ​% were female and 83 ​% were white with a median age of 63.72 ​% had adequate HL. 81 ​% completed the PROMIS-10 survey. Univariate analysis found lower rates of PROMIS-10 completion in male patients and those with inadequate HL. Logistic regression analysis showed adequate HL (OR 1.76) and white race (OR 1.72) were associated with PROMIS-10 survey completion, while male gender (OR 0.65) had the opposite effect.

CONCLUSIONS

PETs are an effective means of collecting PROs, but use is affected by gender, race, and health literacy.

Impact of an automated peri-procedural digital health intervention on rates of emergency department visits and readmissions

BACKGROUND

Providing timely peri-procedural education, reminders, and check-ins can improve patient adherence and clinical outcomes. We sought to retrospectively evaluate the impact of a peri-procedural digital health tool on emergency department (ED) visits and readmissions.

METHODS

A digital health tool for peri-procedural care engaged patients at scheduled intervals, resulting in an overall engagement score. Multivariate models determined predictors of tool engagement and post-procedural 30- and 90-day rehospitalizations and ED visits.

RESULTS

11,737 unique completed procedures were analyzed from 10,438 patients. Patients of Black and Latinx race/ethnicity (vs White), those with Medicare and Medicaid insurance (vs commercial), and those with non-activated patient portals (vs activated) were less likely to engage. After adjustment for confounders, higher engagement with the tool was associated with lower rates of 30-day hospitalizations (OR 0.64), 90-day hospitalizations (OR 0.65), and 90-day ED visits (OR 0.77).

CONCLUSIONS

Highly engaged patients had fewer 30-day and 90-day ED visit and readmissions, even after adjustment for key confounders. Engagement, and thus the resulting benefits, were not equitably distributed.

iColon, a patient-focused mobile application for perioperative care in colorectal surgery: Results from 444 patients

AIM

The aim of this study is to assess if a patient-focused mobile application can increase compliance with active Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) items and thereby improve surgery-related outcomes and patient satisfaction.

METHOD

This is a prospective observational study of patients admitted for elective colorectal surgery, under the ERAS protocol, and having access to the mobile application iColon during all perioperative phases.

RESULTS

The 444 participants were included in the study. The overall adherence to the use of iColon was 62.4%. The overall adherence to active ERAS items was 74.1%. Adherence to the use of iColon significantly impacted adherence to active ERAS items. The use of the application was negatively related with factors such as age, type of disease, and postoperative complications. In the postdischarge phase, low adherence to active ERAS items typically indicates an increased likelihood of readmission; however, the use of iColon correlated significantly with a reduction in the 30-day readmission rate. A survey regarding patient satisfaction and confidence in using iColon resulted in positive feedback in more than 94% of cases, while 92.7% reported better quality of care.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that digital health tools are beneficial and effective in the follow up of patients after early discharge. Our mobile application, iColon, represents user-friendly technology that is well-accepted. It has real-world implications in increasing adherence to active ERAS items, which results in an improvement in perceived quality of care by its users.

Implementing Wearable Sensors for Clinical Application at a Surgical Ward: Points to Consider before Starting

Incorporating technology into healthcare processes is necessary to ensure the availability of high-quality care in the future. Wearable sensors are an example of such technology that could decrease workload, enable early detection of patient deterioration, and support clinical decision making by healthcare professionals. These sensors unlock continuous monitoring of vital signs, such as heart rate, respiration rate, blood oxygen saturation, temperature, and physical activity. However, broad and successful application of wearable sensors on the surgical ward is currently lacking. This may be related to the complexity, especially when it comes to replacing manual measurements by healthcare professionals. This report provides practical guidance to support peers before starting with the clinical application of wearable sensors in the surgical ward. For this purpose, the Non-Adoption, Abandonment, Scale-up, Spread, and Sustainability (NASSS) framework of technology adoption and innovations in healthcare organizations is used, combining existing literature and our own experience in this field over the past years. Specifically, the relevant topics are discussed per domain, and key lessons are subsequently summarized.

Remote Home Monitoring of Continuous Vital Sign Measurements by Wearables in Patients Discharged After Colorectal Surgery: Observational Feasibility Study

BACKGROUND

Hospital stays after colorectal surgery are increasingly being reduced by enhanced recovery and early discharge protocols. As a result, postoperative complications may frequently manifest after discharge in the home setting, potentially leading to emergency room presentations and readmissions. Virtual care interventions after hospital discharge may capture clinical deterioration at an early stage and hold promise for the prevention of readmissions and overall better outcomes. Recent technological advances have enabled continuous vital sign monitoring by wearable wireless sensor devices. However, the potential of these devices for virtual care interventions for patients discharged after colorectal surgery is currently unknown.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine the feasibility of a virtual care intervention consisting of continuous vital sign monitoring with wearable wireless sensors and teleconsultations for patients discharged after colorectal surgery.

METHODS

In a single-center observational cohort study, patients were monitored at home for 5 consecutive days after discharge. Daily vital sign trend assessments and telephone consultations were performed by a remote patient-monitoring department. Intervention performance was evaluated by analyzing vital sign trend assessments and telephone consultation reports. Outcomes were categorized as "no concern," "slight concern," or "serious concern." Serious concern prompted contact with the surgeon on call. In addition, the quality of the vital sign data was determined, and the patient experience was evaluated.

RESULTS

Among 21 patients who participated in this study, 104 of 105 (99%) measurements of vital sign trends were successful. Of these 104 vital sign trend assessments, 68% (n=71) did not raise any concern, 16% (n=17) were unable to be assessed because of data loss, and none led to contacting the surgeon. Of 62 of 63 (98%) successfully performed telephone consultations, 53 (86%) did not raise any concerns and only 1 resulted in contacting the surgeon. A 68% agreement was found between vital sign trend assessments and telephone consultations. Overall completeness of the 2347 hours of vital sign trend data was 46.3% (range 5%-100%). Patient satisfaction score was 8 (IQR 7-9) of 10.

CONCLUSIONS

A home monitoring intervention of patients discharged after colorectal surgery was found to be feasible, given its high performance and high patient acceptability. However, the intervention design needs further optimization before the true value of remote monitoring for early discharge protocols, prevention of readmissions, and overall patient outcomes can be adequately determined.

Readiness for implementation of novel digital health interventions for postoperative monitoring: a systematic review and clinical innovation network analysis

An increasing number of digital health interventions (DHIs) for remote postoperative monitoring have been developed and evaluated. This systematic review identifies DHIs for postoperative monitoring and evaluates their readiness for implementation into routine health care. Studies were defined according to idea, development, exploration, assessment, and long-term follow-up (IDEAL) stages of innovation. A novel clinical innovation network analysis used coauthorship and citations to examine collaboration and progression within the field. 126 DHIs were identified, with 101 (80%) being early stage innovations (IDEAL stage 1 and 2a). None of the DHIs identified had large-scale routine implementation. There is little evidence of collaboration, and there are clear omissions in the evaluation of feasibility, accessibility, and the health-care impact. Use of DHIs for postoperative monitoring remains at an early stage of innovation, with promising but generally low-quality supporting evidence. Comprehensive evaluation within high-quality, large-scale trials and real-world data are required to definitively establish readiness for routine implementation.

Impact of Digital Health upon the Surgical Patient Experience: The Patient as Consumer

The adoption of digital health services in surgical care delivery is changing the patient experience. The goal of patient-generated health data monitoring incorporated with patient-centered education and feedback is to optimally prepare patients for surgery and personalize postoperative care to improve outcomes that matter to both patients and surgeons. Challenges include the need for the adoption of new methods for implementation and evaluation and equitable application of surgical digital health interventions, with considerations for accessibility as well as the development of new diagnostics and decision support that include the needs and characteristics of all populations served.

Application of WeChat-Utilized Mobile Health in Transitional Care Among Patients Undergoing Hepatectomy: A Pilot Study

This study aimed to investigate whether mobile health (mHealth)-based transitional care, which utilized WeChat, could benefit patients undergoing hepatectomy. From January 2019 to December 2020, 807 patients who underwent hepatectomy in a tertiary care hospital were included in the study. Patients were divided into a transitional care group (TC group) (n = 238) and a control group (n = 569) based on whether they participated in mHealth-based transitional care, which utilized the WeChat application. Depending on the type of variables, t-tests, χ² tests, and other statistical methods were used to compare differences between groups. Propensity score matching analysis was conducted for factors that differed in basic characteristics. After 1:1 matching, 238 patients were included in each group. Less readmission within 90 days of discharge, better quality of life, and higher satisfaction were found in the TC group both before and after matching (p < .05). This study showed the potential of applying mHealth-based transitional care among post-hepatectomy patients.

Characterising nationwide reasons for unplanned hospital readmission after colorectal cancer surgery

BACKGROUND

Readmissions after colorectal cancer surgery are common, despite advancements in surgical care, and have a significant impact on both individual patients and overall healthcare costs. The aim of this study was to determine the 30-and 90 days readmission rate after colorectal cancer surgery, and to investigate the risk factors and clinical reasons for unplanned readmissions.

METHOD

A multicenter, population-based study including all patients discharged after index colorectal cancer resection from 2010 to 2020 in Aotearoa New Zealand (AoNZ) was completed. The Ministry of Health National Minimum Dataset was used. Rates of readmission at 30 days and 90 days were calculated. Mixed-effect logistic regression models were built to investigate factors associated with unplanned readmission. Reasons for readmission were described.

RESULTS

Data were obtained on 16,885 patients. Unplanned 30-day and 90-day hospital readmission rates were 15.1% and 23.7% respectively. The main readmission risk factors were comorbidities, advanced disease, and postoperative complications. Hospital level variation was not present. Despite risk adjustment, R² value of models was low (30 days: 4.3%, 90 days: 5.2%). The most common reasons for readmission were gastrointestinal causes (32.1%) and wound complications (14.4%). Rates of readmission did not improve over the 11 years study period (p = 0.876).

CONCLUSION

Readmissions following colorectal resections in AoNZ are higher than other comparable healthcare systems and rates have remained constant over time. While patient comorbidities and postoperative complications are associated with readmission, the explanatory value of these variables is poor. To reduce unplanned readmissions, efforts should be focused on prevention and early detection of post-discharge complications.

"Technology Proficiency" in Medical Education: Worthiness for Worldwide Wonderful Competency and Sophistication

PURPOSE

Advances in bioinformatics, information technology, advanced computing, imaging techniques are changing fundamentally the way physicians define, diagnose, treat, and prevent disease. New disciplines - Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Computational Biology - are improving healthcare. Digital health solutions have immense scope. Education and practice need to keep pace.

METHODS

We aimed at assessment of "Technology proficiency" required by medical graduates and its implementation, if found useful. All this in a conceptual framework of "TP" model, having categories (a) proper assessment (b) pertinent treatment (c) progress monitoring (d) prevention applications (e) professional standards. A search of the literature was performed using MedLine & Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases, for systematic reviews and meta-analysis articles published in the last five years using keyword "technology". Analysis of those relevant to the role all medical graduates should play. An analysis of worldwide statutory medical institutions guidelines.

RESULTS

Twenty-three systematic studies and meta-analysis were studied. Eighteen show clear evidence for 'Technology proficiency", while 5 recommend further studies. The findings are discussed suiting the roles of doctors in the "TP" model. Medical institutions guidelines worldwide diligence suggests need of including "Technology proficiency" as a definite and distinct strategic plan. Medical Council of India mandates "use information technology for appropriate patient care and continued learning". General Medical Council, UK and Medical Council India have been proactive in technology training. GMC recommends technology use for learning, prescribing, communication, and interpersonal skills. It should be expanding technology proficiency in practice as an essential professional capability.

CONCLUSION

"Technology proficiency" is found pertinently fruitful. It should be included as a definitive requirement and a distinct strategic plan worldwide. Modern curriculum development is proposed (i) Educational goals and objectives as the proposed Conceptual framework "Technology proficiency" model (ii) Instructional strategies 'Five Bs' (iii) Implementation 'Five Ms'.

Postsurgical Remote Patient Monitoring Outcomes and Perceptions: A Mixed-Methods Assessment

Objective

To determine how postsurgical remote patient monitoring (RPM) influences readmissions and emergency visits within 30 days of discharge after operation and to understand patient and surgeon perspectives on postsurgical RPM.

Patients and Methods

This study was conducted at a US tertiary academic medical center between April 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021. This mixed-methods evaluation included a randomized controlled trial evaluation of RPM after operation and a qualitative assessment of patients' and surgeons' perceptions of RPM's acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness.

Results

A total of 292 patients participated in the RPM trial, and 147 were assigned to the RPM intervention. Despite a good balance between the groups, results indicated no difference in primary or secondary outcomes between the intervention and control groups. The qualitative component included 11 patients and 9 surgeons. The overarching theme for patients was that the program brought them peace of mind. Other main themes included technological issues and perceived benefits of the RPM platform. The major themes for surgeons included identifying the best patients to receive postsurgical RPM, actionable data collection and use, and improvements in data collection needed.

Conclusion

Although quantitative results indicate no difference between the groups, postsurgical RPM appears well-accepted from the patient's perspective. However, technological issues could eliminate the benefits. Hospitals seeking to implement similar programs should carefully evaluate which populations to use the program in and seek to collect actionable data.

Telemedicine Technologies Selection for the Posthospital Patient Care Process after Total Hip Arthroplasty

For many years, the importance of using telematic technologies in medicine has been growing, especially in the period of the coronavirus pandemic, when direct contact and supervision of medical personnel over the patient is difficult. The existing possibilities of modern information and communication technologies (ICTs) are not fully used. The aim of the study is to identify the telemedicine technologies that can be used in future implementation projects of the posthospital patient care process after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The literature search is reported according to PRISMA 2020. The search strategy included databases and gray literature. In total, 28 articles (EMBASE, PubMed, PEDro) and 24 records from gray literature (Google Search and Technology presentations) were included in the research. This multi-source study analyzes the possibilities of using different technologies useful in the patient care process. The conducted research resulted in defining visual and wearable types of telemedicine technologies for the original posthospital patient care process after THA. As the needs of stakeholders in the posthospital patient care process after THA differ, the awareness of appropriate technologies selection, information flow, and its management importance are prerequisites for effective posthospital patient care with the use of telemedicine technologies.

Gamification for Machine Learning in Surgical Patient Engagement

Patients and their surgeons face a complex and evolving set of choices in the process of shared decision making. The plan of care must be tailored to individual patient risk factors and values, though objective estimates of risk can be elusive, and these risk factors are often modifiable and can alter the plan of care. Machine learning can perform real-time predictions of outcomes, though these technologies are limited by usability and interpretability. Gamification, or the use of game elements in non-game contexts, may be able to incorporate machine learning technology to help patients optimize their pre-operative risks, reduce in-hospital complications, and hasten recovery. This article proposes a theoretical mobile application to help guide decision making and provide evidence-based, tangible goals for patients and surgeons with the goal of achieving the best possible operative outcome that aligns with patient values.