Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Human Factors
Date Submitted: Jun 6, 2023
Date Accepted: Feb 20, 2024
Patient Perspectives on Communication Pathways After Orthopedic Surgery and Discharge and Evaluation of Team-based Digital Communication: A Qualitative Study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Transition from hospital to home after orthopedic surgery requires smooth communication and coordination between patients and their team of care to avoid fragmented care pathways. Team-based digital communication is increasingly used to facilitate easy and accessible asynchronous communication between patients and healthcare professionals across settings. It may provide optimized quality of care in the postoperative period following orthopedic surgery and hospital discharge.
Objective:
This study was divided in two phases, that aimed to 1) explore orthopedic surgery patients’ perspectives on current communication pathways at a tertiary hospital in Denmark, and 2) test and explore patients’ experiences and use of team-based digital communication following hospital discharge (eDialogue).
Methods:
A triangulation of qualitative data collection techniques was applied; document analysis, participant observations (n=16 hours), semi-structured interviews with patients before (n=31) and after (n=24) their access to eDialogue, and exploration of usage data.
Results:
Findings show that patients experience difficult communication pathways after hospital discharge and a lack of information due to inadequate coordination of care. eDialogue was used by 83.9% and patients suggested it provided a sense of security, coherence, and proximity in the aftercare, and that it rearranged current communication pathways for the better. Specific drivers and barriers for use were identified and these call for further exploration of the solution.
Conclusions:
In conclusion, patients evaluated eDialogue positively and suggested it could support them after returning home following orthopedic surgery.
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