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Bandeira TM, Santana RF, da Silva Rocha G, do Carmo TG. Preoperative telenursing for hernioplasty and cholecystectomy patients. Jpn J Nurs Sci 2025; 22:e70011. [PMID: 40251707 DOI: 10.1111/jjns.70011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2024] [Revised: 01/22/2025] [Accepted: 03/31/2025] [Indexed: 04/20/2025]
Abstract
AIM To examine the efficacy of telenursing interventions on the preoperative phase for patients undergoing hernioplasty or cholecystectomy procedures at a healthcare facility in Brazil. METHODS A quasi-experimental study was conducted (July to December 2021) with 151 patients in the control group and 99 in the intervention group. The comparative analysis focused on anxiety, knowledge of preoperative care, postoperative complications, and institutional indicators (cancellation rate, delays, inadequate preparation, fasting, and examinations). The Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale measured anxiety, while structured forms collected demographic and knowledge-related data. RESULTS The intervention group demonstrated superior outcomes compared to controls: knowledge (1.0% vs. 57.6% poor knowledge), anxiety (88.9% vs. 74.8% normal), postoperative complications (20.8% vs. 33.6%), incomplete exams (13.6% vs. 34.8%), and inadequate fasting (8.3% vs. 13.8%). CONCLUSIONS Telenursing had a positive impact on anxiety, knowledge, postoperative complications, and institutional indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Thalita Gomes do Carmo
- Aurora de Afonso Costa School of Nursing, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Brazil
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Gonçalves MAR, Pereira MAG, Machado NDJB. Development and Validation of a Preoperative Nursing Consultation Model: A Delphi Study. J Perianesth Nurs 2024:S1089-9472(24)00375-7. [PMID: 39365202 DOI: 10.1016/j.jopan.2024.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to validate the structure and content of a preoperative nursing consultation model for elective general surgery patients. DESIGN A Delphi study was conducted with experts to validate a five-dimension preoperative nursing consultation model. METHODS A 2-round Delphi study was conducted in 2022 involved 20 experts. The experts were asked to complete an online 48-item questionnaire rated on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from totally disagree to totally agree. Participants were ensured anonymity and confidentiality. Consensus was identified as 80% agreement. The experts also made suggestions or comments, based on which the questionnaire was reformulated for round 2. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 25.0 (IBM SPSS Statistics). FINDINGS The response rate was 100% in round 1 and 95% in round 2. After round 1, a consensus was reached on 35 items. The experts submitted the following dimensions for analysis: Requirements for the consultation, Patient welcoming and assessment, Information for the patient (and family member or significant person, if applicable), Summary of the consultation, and Documentation of the consultation. CONCLUSIONS The consensus among the experts allowed for the development of a specific intervention in the form of a preoperative nursing consultation. The validated intervention should be implemented and its impact on the quality of care assessed, particularly in elective general surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco António Rodrigues Gonçalves
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Abel Salazar of Porto University, Porto, Portugal; Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing, Nursing School of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
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Seabra MK, Cavazzola LT. Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of Carolinas Comfort Scale to Brazilian Portuguese for inguinal hernia. Langenbecks Arch Surg 2024; 409:253. [PMID: 39147915 DOI: 10.1007/s00423-024-03445-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Inguinal hernias are highly prevalent worldwide and its surgical repair is one of the most common procedures in general surgery. The broad use of mesh has decreased the recurrence rates of inguinal hernia to acceptable levels, thus centering the attention on Quality of Life as a pivotal postoperative outcome. Carolinas Comfort Scale is a well-studied questionnaire designed to identify Quality of Life changes following hernia repair with mesh techniques. The aim of this study is to validate the CCS in Brazilian Portuguese for inguinal hernias. METHODS The original CCS was translated into Brazilian Portuguese according to cross-cultural adaptation guidelines. We conducted a cross-sectional study in individuals aged 18 and above who had undergone inguinal laparo-endoscopic hernia repair for at least 6 months prior, between January 2019 and August 2022, at a Brazilian tertiary hospital. Participants answered an online survey containing the Brazilian CCS and the generic Patient-Reported Outcome Measure (PROM) Short-Form Health 36 (SF-36). Participants answered the same questionnaires in the follow-up after at least three weeks, with an additional question about satisfaction with surgery results. RESULTS The survey was completed by 115 patients, of whom 78 (67%) responded to the follow-up questionnaire after 3 to 10 weeks. CCS showed excellent internal consistency, with Cronbach's α of 0.94. Intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from 0.60 to 0.82 in the test-retest analysis. Compared to SF-36, a strong correlation was observed in the physical functioning dimension, and a moderate correlation was found in role-physical and bodily pain (Pearson's Coefficient Correlation = 0.502, 0.338 and 0.332 respectively), for construct analysis. The mean CCS score was significantly lower (p < 0.001) among satisfied patients compared to the unsatisfied ones. CONCLUSION The Brazilian version of CCS is a valid and reliable method to assess long-term quality of life after inguinal laparo-endoscopic hernia repair.
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Tan SY, Sumner J, Wang Y, Wenjun Yip A. A systematic review of the impacts of remote patient monitoring (RPM) interventions on safety, adherence, quality-of-life and cost-related outcomes. NPJ Digit Med 2024; 7:192. [PMID: 39025937 PMCID: PMC11258279 DOI: 10.1038/s41746-024-01182-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Due to rapid technological advancements, remote patient monitoring (RPM) technology has gained traction in recent years. While the effects of specific RPM interventions are known, few published reviews examine RPM in the context of care transitions from an inpatient hospital setting to a home environment. In this systematic review, we addressed this gap by examining the impacts of RPM interventions on patient safety, adherence, clinical and quality of life outcomes and cost-related outcomes during care transition from inpatient care to a home setting. We searched five academic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase and SCOPUS), screened 2606 articles, and included 29 studies from 16 countries. These studies examined seven types of RPM interventions (communication tools, computer-based systems, smartphone applications, web portals, augmented clinical devices with monitoring capabilities, wearables and standard clinical tools for intermittent monitoring). RPM interventions demonstrated positive outcomes in patient safety and adherence. RPM interventions also improved patients' mobility and functional statuses, but the impact on other clinical and quality-of-life measures, such as physical and mental health symptoms, remains inconclusive. In terms of cost-related outcomes, there was a clear downward trend in the risks of hospital admission/readmission, length of stay, number of outpatient visits and non-hospitalisation costs. Future research should explore whether incorporating intervention components with a strong human element alongside the deployment of technology enhances the effectiveness of RPM. The review highlights the need for more economic evaluations and implementation studies that shed light on the facilitators and barriers to adopting RPM interventions in different care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Ying Tan
- Alexandra Research Centre for Healthcare In The Virtual Environment (ARCHIVE), Alexandra Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jennifer Sumner
- Alexandra Research Centre for Healthcare In The Virtual Environment (ARCHIVE), Alexandra Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Yuchen Wang
- School of Computing, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Alexander Wenjun Yip
- Alexandra Research Centre for Healthcare In The Virtual Environment (ARCHIVE), Alexandra Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
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Maheta B, Shehabat M, Khalil R, Wen J, Karabala M, Manhas P, Niu A, Goswami C, Frezza E. The Effectiveness of Patient Education on Laparoscopic Surgery Postoperative Outcomes to Determine Whether Direct Coaching Is the Best Approach: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. JMIR Perioper Med 2024; 7:e51573. [PMID: 38935953 PMCID: PMC11240078 DOI: 10.2196/51573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As of 2022, patient adherence to postoperative guidelines can reduce the risk of complications by up to 52.4% following laparoscopic abdominal surgery. With the availability of various preoperative education interventions (POEIs), understanding which POEI results in improvement in patient outcomes across the procedures is imperative. OBJECTIVE This study aims to determine which POEI could be the most effective on patient outcomes by systematically reviewing all the POEIs reported in the literature. METHODS In total, 4753 articles investigating various POEIs (eg, videos, presentations, mobile apps, and one-on-one education or coaching) were collected from the PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases. Inclusion criteria were adult patients undergoing abdominal laparoscopic surgery, randomized controlled trials, and studies that provided postoperative outcomes. Exclusion criteria included studies not published in English and with no outcomes reported. Title and abstract and full-text articles with POEI randomized controlled studies were screened based on the above criteria through a blinded, dual review using Covidence (Veritas Health Innovation). Study quality was assessed through the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. The included articles were analyzed for educational content, intervention timing, intervention type, and postoperative outcomes appropriate for a particular surgery. RESULTS Only 17 studies matched our criteria, with 1831 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, bariatric surgery (gastric bypass and gastric sleeve), and colectomy. In total, 15 studies reported a statistically significant improvement in at least 1 patient postoperative outcome. None of these studies were found to have an overall high risk of bias according to Cochrane standards. In total, 41% (7/17) of the included studies using direct individual education improved outcomes in almost all surgery types, while educational videos had the greatest statistically significant impact for anxiety, nausea, and pain postoperatively (P<.01). Direct group education demonstrated significant improvement in weight, BMI, exercise, and depressive symptoms in 33% (2/6) of the laparoscopic gastric bypass studies. CONCLUSIONS Direct education (individual or group based) positively impacts postoperative laparoscopic surgery outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42023438698; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=438698.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhagvat Maheta
- California Northstate University College of Medicine, Elk Grove, CA, United States
| | - Mouhamad Shehabat
- California Northstate University College of Medicine, Elk Grove, CA, United States
| | - Ramy Khalil
- California Northstate University College of Medicine, Elk Grove, CA, United States
| | - Jimmy Wen
- California Northstate University College of Medicine, Elk Grove, CA, United States
| | - Muhammad Karabala
- California Northstate University College of Medicine, Elk Grove, CA, United States
| | - Priya Manhas
- California Northstate University College of Medicine, Elk Grove, CA, United States
| | - Ashley Niu
- California Northstate University College of Medicine, Elk Grove, CA, United States
| | - Caroline Goswami
- California Northstate University College of Medicine, Elk Grove, CA, United States
| | - Eldo Frezza
- California Northstate University College of Medicine, Elk Grove, CA, United States
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Navarro-Martínez O, Martinez-Millana A, Traver V. Use of tele-nursing in primary care: A qualitative study on its negative and positive aspects. Aten Primaria 2024; 56:102843. [PMID: 38215687 PMCID: PMC10827397 DOI: 10.1016/j.aprim.2023.102843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the opinions of nursing professionals on the current limitations and future potential of digital tools in healthcare. DESIGN Qualitative and descriptive study. LOCATION The study took place during an asynchronous MOODLE course on the use of ICT in healthcare, specifically aimed at nursing professionals. PARTICIPANTS The number of nurses enrolled in the course was 150. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted focusing on the positive and negative aspects that telenursing can offer in the context of a Moodle training in new technologies for nurses. A thematic analysis was carried out following the method proposed by Braun and Clarke. RESULTS In the end 68 nurses participated in the forum. Their statements, opinions and perceptions were analyzed and 28 descriptive codes were obtained and subsequently categorized into positive and negative aspects. CONCLUSIONS Nurses positively value the usefulness of digital tools and identify a wide range of benefits of telenursing in daily practice. At the same time, they point out crucial limitations that may slow down the adoption of telenursing, pointing to areas for improvement such as training and digital literacy of both patients and professionals. They consider that telenursing can humanise care, but insist on the need to prevent its use from increasing health inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Navarro-Martínez
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Podiatry, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain; Instituto ITACA, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Antonio Martinez-Millana
- Instituto ITACA, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, Valencia, Spain; Grup de Salut Digital CAMFIC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vicente Traver
- Instituto ITACA, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, Valencia, Spain
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Zhou Y, Chen ZQ. Research on the prognostic value of adjusting intraperitoneal three-dimensional quality evaluation mode in laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients. World J Gastrointest Surg 2024; 16:1078-1086. [PMID: 38690039 PMCID: PMC11056672 DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v16.i4.1078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Benign gallbladder diseases have become a high-prevalence condition not only in China but also worldwide. The main types of benign gallbladder diseases include gallbladder polyps, acute and chronic cholecystitis, and gallstones, with gallstones being the most common, accounting for over 70% of cases. Although the mortality rate of benign gallbladder diseases is low, they carry obvious potential risks. Studies have shown that an increased incidence of benign gallbladder diseases can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and gallbladder cancer, resulting in a substantial disease burden on patients and their families. AIM To assess the medical utility of the Configuration-Procedure-Consequence (CPC) three-dimensional quality evaluation model in modulating the prognosis of laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients. METHODS A total of 98 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in our hospital from February 2020 to January 2022 were selected as the subjects. According to the random number table method, they were divided into a study group and a control group, with 49 patients in each group. The control group received routine perioperative care, while the study group had the addition of the CPC three-dimensional quality evaluation. The postoperative recovery-related indicators (time to first flatus, time to oral intake, time to ambulation, hospital stay), stress indicators (cortisol and adrenaline levels), distinctions in anxiety and depression status, and the incidence of perioperative complications were compared. RESULTS The time to first flatus, time to oral intake, time to ambulation, and hospital stay of the study group patients were obviously lower than those of the control group patients, with statistical significance (P < 0.05). On the 1st day after admission, there were no obvious distinctions in cortisol and adrenaline levels in blood samples, as well as in the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores between the study group and the control group (P > 0.05). However, on the 3rd day after surgery, the cortisol and adrenaline levels, as well as SAS and SDS scores of the study group patients, were obviously lower than those of the control group patients (P < 0.05). The study group had 2 cases of incisional infection and 1 case of pulmonary infection, with a total incidence of complications of 6.12% (3/49), which was obviously lower than the 20.41% (10/49) in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Implementing the CPC three-dimensional quality evaluation model for patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy can help accelerate their perioperative recovery process, alleviate perioperative stress symptoms, mitigate anxiety, depression, and other adverse emotions, and to some extent, reduce the incidence of perioperative complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhou
- Operating Room, Lianyungang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lianyungang 222000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhan-Qing Chen
- Operating Room, The Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang Affiliated to Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang 222000, Jiangsu Province, China
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Gong R, Zhang L, Su X, Lei C, Yu H, Huang Y, Zhang J, Xu W, Pu Y, Wei X, Yu Q, Shi Q. Remote research burden of follow-up in longitudinal patient-reported outcomes (PROs) data collection: An exploratory sequential mixed-methods study (Preprint).. [DOI: 10.2196/preprints.51290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Longitudinal patient-reported outcomes studies require questionnaire assessments to be administered remotely multiple times, burdening research staff.
OBJECTIVE
To define and quantify the burden that researcher may experience during patient follow-up.
METHODS
Data were collected via interviews and a questionnaire. This study is an exploratory sequential mixed-methods study. Traditional content analysis was used for the qualitative data. Quantitative data were analyzed using Spearman’s correlation, and significance was tested using the chi-square test. Learning curves of healthcare staff regarding follow-up calls were generated using cumulative summation analysis.
RESULTS
We constructed a three-dimension conceptual framework for staff burden: (a) time-related burden, (b) technical-related burden, and (c) emotional-related burden. The quantitative analysis found that follow-up time was significantly correlated with staff experience, workload, and learning curve periods. There was a significant difference between the lost-to-follow-up rate of staff with and without follow-up experience with this program. Staff working on a daily assessment schedule had a higher lost-to-follow-up rate than those on a twice-a-week schedule. Additionally, inexperienced follow-up staff needed 113 calls to achieve stable follow-up time and quality, while experienced staff needed only 55 calls.
CONCLUSIONS
Researchers in longitudinal PROs projects suffer from a multidimensional burden during remote follow-up. Our results may help establish a proper PROs follow-up protocol to reduce the burden on research staff without sacrificing data quality.
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Fernández Fernández E, Fernández-Ordoñez E, García-Gamez M, Guerra-Marmolejo C, Iglesias-Parra R, García-Agua Soler N, González-Cano-Caballero M. Indicators and predictors modifiable by the nursing department during the preoperative period: A scoping review. J Clin Nurs 2023; 32:2339-2360. [PMID: 35293058 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this study is to identify preoperative indicators and/or predictors of complications or inefficiencies in the surgical process that can be modified within nursing practice. BACKGROUND Due to rapid sociodemographic and technological change, the global demand for surgical attention is rising exponentially, requiring new strategies for optimisation and sustainability in perioperative care. DESIGN We conduced the scoping review using the methodology recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute supported with The PAGER framework and guided by the PRISMA-ScR Checklist. METHODS Four databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, SCOPUS and PUBMED) were examined to extract relevant published results for elective surgery on adult patients during the period 2011-2021. This process identified 609 records. Exclusion criteria were applied, and the sample was then evaluated with the Quality Assessment Tool for Studies with Diverse Designs (QATSDD), after which 15 studies remained. RESULTS The following preoperative indicators and/or predictors were considered: (1) Anxiety; (2) Pain; (3) Health education, knowledge and training; (4) Satisfaction; (5) Management/organisation (including costs, resources used/available, organisational issues, hospital stay (preoperative), standardisation and protocolisation. CONCLUSION The identification of five indicators and/or predictors of complications or inefficiencies in the surgical process, which can be modified by nursing, allows the effective application of interventions in the preoperative phase, optimising care and improving health outcomes. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE The development and implementation of specific nursing skills in the preoperative phase are essential to optimise the surgical process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marina García-Gamez
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | | | - Rosa Iglesias-Parra
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Nuria García-Agua Soler
- Department of Pharmacology and Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
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Owolabi EO, Mac Quene T, Louw J, Davies JI, Chu KM. Telemedicine in Surgical Care in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review. World J Surg 2022; 46:1855-1869. [PMID: 35428920 PMCID: PMC9012517 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-022-06549-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Access to timely and quality surgical care is limited in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Telemedicine, defined as the remote provision of health care using information, communication and telecommunication platforms have the potential to address some of the barriers to surgical care. However, synthesis of evidence on telemedicine use in surgical care in LMICs is lacking. AIM To describe the current state of evidence on the use and distribution of telemedicine for surgical care in LMICs. METHODS This was a scoping review of published and relevant grey literature on telemedicine use for surgical care in LMICs, following the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews guideline. PubMed-Medline, Web of Science, Scopus and African Journals Online databases were searched using a comprehensive search strategy from 1 January 2010 to 28 February 2021. RESULTS A total of 178 articles from 53 (38.7%) LMICs across 11 surgical specialties were included. The number of published articles increased from 2 in 2010 to 44 in 2020. The highest number of studies was from the World Health Organization Western Pacific region (n = 73; 41.0%) and of these, most were from China (n = 69; 94.5%). The most common telemedicine platforms used were telephone call (n = 71, 39.9%), video chat (n = 42, 23.6%) and WhatsApp/WeChat (n = 31, 17.4%). Telemedicine was mostly used for post-operative follow-up (n = 71, 39.9%), patient education (n = 32, 18.0%), provider training (n = 28, 15.7%) and provider-provider consultation (n = 16, 9.0%). Less than a third (n = 51, 29.1%) of the studies used a randomised controlled trial design, and only 23 (12.9%) reported effects on clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION Telemedicine use for surgical care is emerging in LMICs, especially for post-operative visits. Basic platforms such as telephone calls and 2-way texting were successfully used for post-operative follow-up and education. In addition, file sharing and video chatting options were added when a physical assessment was required. Telephone calls and 2-way texting platforms should be leveraged to reduce loss to follow-up of surgical patients in LMICs and their use for pre-operative visits should be further explored. Despite these telemedicine potentials, there remains an uneven adoption across several LMICs. Also, up to two-thirds of the studies were of low-to-moderate quality with only a few focusing on clinical effectiveness. There is a need to further adopt, develop, and validate telemedicine use for surgical care in LMICs, particularly its impact on clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eyitayo Omolara Owolabi
- Centre for Global Surgery, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie Van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa.
| | - Tamlyn Mac Quene
- Centre for Global Surgery, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie Van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa
| | - Johnelize Louw
- Centre for Global Surgery, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie Van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa
| | - Justine I Davies
- Centre for Global Surgery, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie Van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical Research Council/Wits University Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kathryn M Chu
- Centre for Global Surgery, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie Van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa
- Department of Surgery, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
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