The Effect of Mobile Application Used by Patients

Surgical intervention is a life-threatening condition. It is known that fear and anxiety experienced throughout the surgical process disrupt homeostatic balance, leading to biological, psychological, and social problems in individuals and prolonging the length of hospital stay.

In surgical cases that typically require a hospital stay of one day or less, when there is insufficient time for proper education and guidance, patients may experience anxiety and difficulties. This can lead to repeated hospital visits and increased costs. Effective and accurate communication between the patient and the nurse can ensure the best implementation of nursing care, help the patient feel safer, reduce anxiety, increase care satisfaction, and lower costs.

Complications frequently arise after hospital discharge. Due to a lack of information regarding recovery expectations, many patients may feel insecure, anxious, and alone.

The use of the internet for health information has significantly increased over the past decade. Mobile medical applications can be a useful tool for improving perioperative patient education and care. Most acute care hospitals provide discharge instructions in the form of a brochure, which is often difficult to follow. A mobile application could serve as an educational and instructional resource for patients throughout the perioperative period. It can provide real-time feedback on patients' adherence to perioperative ERAS elements and demonstrate their ability to aid recovery.

There are very few studies investigating the ability of mobile applications to assist in the recovery of surgical patients. Various studies have shown that complications, pain, anxiety, unexpected primary care visits, hospital readmissions, and rehospitalizations are primarily caused by a lack of information.

The aim of this study is to evaluate whether a patient-centered mobile application used during the perioperative period can improve anxiety, complications, comfort, and patient satisfaction compared to standard care.

Inclusion criteria

Having a smartphone to install the mobile application No barriers to communication in Turkish Scheduled for surgery Willing to participate in the study Above 18 years of age Sufficient ability to use the mobile application

Exclusion criteria

Communication barriers Inability to use the mobile application Unwillingness to participate in the study