The development and implementation of an interactive application for new ostomy patients

Abstract

Aim Guidance throughout the entire process of ostomy surgery is warranted to improve self‐management and reduce healthcare consumption. The aim of this study was to develop an interactive application to educate patients scheduled for ostomy surgery and to evaluate patient satisfaction and implementation. Method A literature study and a cross‐sectional study among patients and nurses was performed to evaluate the relevance of different topics (e.g., ostomy materials, self‐care, complications, impact) for an interactive application in ostomy surgery. The interactive application, StoManager, was developed in collaboration with patients and healthcare providers. The implementation of the application was evaluated among 30 patients scheduled for ostomy surgery to investigate usability, patient satisfaction, compliance, the need for home nursing care services, and the number of contact moments with the ostomy nurse. Results StoManager contained all topics considered relevant by patients and healthcare providers, including information on ostomy surgery, ostomy self‐care and ostomy‐related complications. Patient‐reported outcome measures were incorporated to monitor the patient's health status during treatment. The usability scores of StoManager were above average. Patients rated StoManager with an overall score of 7.5 (SD 1.5) out of 10. The response rate to the patient‐reported outcome measures was 79.3%. At discharge, 28/30 (93.3%) patients did not need home nursing care services for ostomy care. Conclusions An interactive application to support patients throughout the entire process of ostomy surgery is feasible. Patients were satisfied with StoManager and its usability, which might result in improved self‐management and decreased healthcare consumption. A more patient‐specific approach could further improve the perceived quality and value of the application.

Design and evaluation of a colon cancer mobile application

“…Ghafouri also emphasizes in his study the up-to-date and preparation of the contents provided in the software under the supervision of experts [ 17 ]. Also, in their research, Ketelaers et al emphasized the preparation of appropriate and specialized content under the supervision of experts in each field [ 27 ]. Therefore, it is necessary to update these programs as well as the accuracy and accuracy of their information under the supervision of experts and scientific associations [ 17 ].…”

“…In their study, Ketelaers et al emphasize that a specific approach for the patient can further improve the quality and perceived value of the program, so they suggested that the software that provides patient-centered education is effective in educating the patient [ 27 ]. Taking into account the feedbacks that was provided in the self-assessment based on the conditions of each patient in the current research software, it can be said that their results are similar to the current research, and the software that can be used with the data bank can help the patient in care.…”

Effects of a perioperative educational pathway on ostomy self‐care, level of independence and need for visiting nurse services: a comparative observational cohort study

“…Thus, by reducing the need for visiting nurse services, there could be a more important role for ostomy nurses. Optimized guidance, even after discharge, may also be achieved with tailor-made and innovative healthcare solutions such as interactive applications, which have recently been developed and evaluated in a similar group of patients with promising results [13][14][15][16][17].…”