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Acta Neurochirurgica

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Open Access 01-01-2022 | Original Article - Neurosurgery general

Determining the impact of postoperative complications in neurosurgery based on simulated longitudinal smartphone app-based assessment

Authors: Lion D. Comfort, Marian C. Neidert, Oliver Bozinov, Luca Regli, Martin N. Stienen

Published in: Acta Neurochirurgica | Issue 1/2022

Abstract

Background

Complications after neurosurgical operations can have severe impact on patient well-being, which is poorly reflected by current grading systems. The objective of this work was to develop and conduct a feasibility study of a new smartphone application that allows for the longitudinal assessment of postoperative well-being and complications.

Methods

We developed a smartphone application “Post OP Tracker” according to requirements from clinical experience and tested it on simulated patients. Participants received regular notifications through the app, inquiring them about their well-being and complications that had to be answered according to their assigned scenarios. After a 12-week period, subjects answered a questionnaire about the app’s functionality, user-friendliness, and acceptability.

Results

A total of 13 participants (mean age 34.8, range 24–68 years, 4 (30.8%) female) volunteered in this feasibility study. Most of them had a professional background in either health care or software development. All participants downloaded, installed, and applied the app for an average of 12.9 weeks. On a scale of 1 (worst) to 4 (best), the app was rated on average 3.6 in overall satisfaction and 3.8 in acceptance. The design achieved a somewhat favorable score of 3.1. One participant (7.7%) reported major technical issues. The gathered patient data can be used to graphically display the simulated outcome and assess the impact of postoperative complications.

Conclusions

This study suggests the feasibility to longitudinally gather postoperative data on subjective well-being through a smartphone application. Among potential patients, our application indicated to be functional, user-friendly, and well accepted. Using this app-based approach, further studies will enable us to classify postoperative complications according to their impact on the patient’s well-being.

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Title: Determining the impact of postoperative complications in neurosurgery based on simulated longitudinal smartphone app-based assessment
Authors: Lion D. Comfort
Marian C. Neidert
Oliver Bozinov
Luca Regli
Martin N. Stienen
Publication date: 01-01-2022
Publisher: Springer Vienna
Published in: Acta Neurochirurgica / Issue 1/2022
Print ISSN: 0001-6268
Electronic ISSN: 0942-0940
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-021-04967-0

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Determining the impact of postoperative complications in neurosurgery based on simulated longitudinal smartphone app-based assessment

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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