Smoothing the Transition from Hospital to Home Using a Patient-oriented Multiplatform Application
|
If you are the presenter of this abstract (or if you cite this abstract in a talk or on a poster), please show the QR code in your slide or poster (QR code contains this URL). |
Abstract
Background:
1. Description of clinical problem:
Healthcare is currently practiced in a setting of increasing pressure to limit expenditures, combined with a shift towards a model of patient-centered care. In the realm of surgical care, these issues shape the complex challenge of effectively transitioning care from the hospital setting to home. The efficient and cost-effective shift of the focus of care from the hospital to the home is imperative in creating a sustainable healthcare model.
2. Previous work:
Our group is currently evaluating a robotic telecommunication platform for postoperative care in pediatric urology patients. In order to expand this initial idea, we participated in the MIT Health and Wellness Innovation Competition in January of 2012. During this competition, we created a prototype for the application described below.
Objective:
Our objective was to create an interactive, multiplatform application for use in the home that aids in the organization of recovery activities following hospital discharge after surgery. Specifically, the program aims to aid families in complying with complex postoperative regimens, address issues that arise in the postoperative period, and facilitate communication with the appropriate healthcare provider when questions or problems arise.
Description of Technology:
This is a web-based modular application designed for pediatric patients who are transitioning to home following surgery. The application incorporates multiple components, including a centralized management interface that includes medication reminders, data recording prompts (such as urine output or diet), and a visual representation of required daily healthcare activities in an organized graphic. The application also contains a limited algorithmic problem solving function to address common postoperative issues. This function contains prompts and suggestions, educational materials, and when needed, a framework to provide for coordinated telecommunication with a clinician, utilizing the technology available on patient’s specific device (such as smartphone, tablet, computer, or mobile telecommunication robot). In order to encourage ongoing patient engagement with the application, we have incorporated a customizable avatar that interfaces with all components of the program. The avatar will facilitate efficient navigation through the application as well as encourage patient compliance by linking the ability to customize with compliance with the postoperative regimen.
Next Steps/Further Directions:
We are currently refining the application platform so it will be compatible with a multitude of devices, including a mobile robotic platform, tablet, laptop and smartphone. We will then evaluate the individual components of the application in a systematic manner. Our initial outcomes of interest are: patient compliance, self-efficacy, and acceptability of the technology. Further evaluation of the entire platform will also assess rates of unscheduled return visits to the office and emergency department, and postoperative complications. Once verified and refined in the postoperative population, we anticipate that the technology could be more widely applied to adult patients, non-surgical patient discharges, and to patients who are performing chronic care behaviors, such as those required for asthma and diabetes care.
1. Description of clinical problem:
Healthcare is currently practiced in a setting of increasing pressure to limit expenditures, combined with a shift towards a model of patient-centered care. In the realm of surgical care, these issues shape the complex challenge of effectively transitioning care from the hospital setting to home. The efficient and cost-effective shift of the focus of care from the hospital to the home is imperative in creating a sustainable healthcare model.
2. Previous work:
Our group is currently evaluating a robotic telecommunication platform for postoperative care in pediatric urology patients. In order to expand this initial idea, we participated in the MIT Health and Wellness Innovation Competition in January of 2012. During this competition, we created a prototype for the application described below.
Objective:
Our objective was to create an interactive, multiplatform application for use in the home that aids in the organization of recovery activities following hospital discharge after surgery. Specifically, the program aims to aid families in complying with complex postoperative regimens, address issues that arise in the postoperative period, and facilitate communication with the appropriate healthcare provider when questions or problems arise.
Description of Technology:
This is a web-based modular application designed for pediatric patients who are transitioning to home following surgery. The application incorporates multiple components, including a centralized management interface that includes medication reminders, data recording prompts (such as urine output or diet), and a visual representation of required daily healthcare activities in an organized graphic. The application also contains a limited algorithmic problem solving function to address common postoperative issues. This function contains prompts and suggestions, educational materials, and when needed, a framework to provide for coordinated telecommunication with a clinician, utilizing the technology available on patient’s specific device (such as smartphone, tablet, computer, or mobile telecommunication robot). In order to encourage ongoing patient engagement with the application, we have incorporated a customizable avatar that interfaces with all components of the program. The avatar will facilitate efficient navigation through the application as well as encourage patient compliance by linking the ability to customize with compliance with the postoperative regimen.
Next Steps/Further Directions:
We are currently refining the application platform so it will be compatible with a multitude of devices, including a mobile robotic platform, tablet, laptop and smartphone. We will then evaluate the individual components of the application in a systematic manner. Our initial outcomes of interest are: patient compliance, self-efficacy, and acceptability of the technology. Further evaluation of the entire platform will also assess rates of unscheduled return visits to the office and emergency department, and postoperative complications. Once verified and refined in the postoperative population, we anticipate that the technology could be more widely applied to adult patients, non-surgical patient discharges, and to patients who are performing chronic care behaviors, such as those required for asthma and diabetes care.
Medicine 2.0® is happy to support and promote other conferences and workshops in this area. Contact us to produce, disseminate and promote your conference or workshop under this label and in this event series. In addition, we are always looking for hosts of future World Congresses. Medicine 2.0® is a registered trademark of JMIR Publications Inc., the leading academic ehealth publisher.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.