Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Formative Research
Date Submitted: Sep 27, 2022
Date Accepted: Apr 11, 2024
Date Submitted to PubMed: Apr 20, 2024
Using Smartphone Chatbot for Postoperative Care after Intravitreal Injection during COVID-19 Period: A Retrospective Cohort Study
ABSTRACT
Background:
During COVID-19 pandemic period, it was difficult for the patients regular and scheduled follow-up in outpatient department, especially when lock-down. However, early detection of patients with initial infection or other serious conditions after ocular surgeries, such as intravitreous injection (IVI) for age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Objective:
We accessed a postoperative care chatbot system (PCCS) in smartphone for patients to self-report postoperative symptoms/signs with an instant bidirectional feedback system.
Methods:
During the COVID-19 level 3 epidemic alert in July 2021 in Taiwan, the PCCS alerted the patient to report and grade six ocular symptoms/signs associated with ocular inflammation or retinal detachment. Patients used the PCCS for 7 days postoperatively to assess their symptoms/signs per day after receiving an alert. The data automatically collected using a cloud computer system judged the grade and sent messages to medical staff for further medical assistance. User’s satisfaction questionnaire were collected on the 7th day.
Results:
185 patients participated. There were 26 reports (3.03%) of symptom grade deterioration (increased blurred vision, eye swelling, nausea, and floater/flash) in 12 patients (6.5%). One case occurred endophthalmitis and improved after 2 times prompt IVI antibiotics. 87% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied to communicate their symptoms instantly with the app, willing to use it again and considered it could improve quality of care.
Conclusions:
This chatbot system in smartphone for self-reporting of postoperative symptoms and instant bidirectional feedback system could be useful for AMD patients. It might improve the quality of patient care after IVI surgery, especially during COVID-19 period. Clinical Trial: NONE
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