Feasibility and patient’s experiences of perioperative telemonitoring in major abdominal surgery: an observational pilot study

Background
Telemonitoring during the perioperative trajectory may improve patient outcomes and self-management. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of and patient’s experiences with telemonitoring before and after major abdominal surgery to inform future study design.
Methods
Patients planned for elective major abdominal surgery wore a sensor and answered well-being questions on a tablet daily at least two weeks preoperatively up to 30-days postoperatively. Feasibility was assessed by participation and completion rate, compliance per day, weekly satisfaction scores, reasons for non-scheduled contact.
Results
Twenty-three patients were included (participation rate of 54.5%) with a completion rate of 69.6%. Median compliance with the wearable sensor and well-being questions was respectively: 94.7% and 83.3% preoperatively at home; 100% and 66.7% postoperatively in-hospital; and 95.4% and 85.8% postoperatively at home. Median weekly satisfaction scores for both wearing the sensor and well-being questions were 5 (IQR, 4 – 5). Contact moments were related to absence of sensor data and technological issues (76.0%) or patient discomfort and insecurity (24.0%).
Conclusions
In this study, telemonitoring showed high satisfaction and compliance during the perioperative trajectory. Future trial design regarding effectiveness of telemonitoring requires embedding in clinical practice and support for patients, relatives and healthcare personnel.