Institution-initiated text messaging can reduce unplanned emergency department visits after appendectomy
jpedsurg.org shows its articles on its own site.
Read the article on jpedsurg.org ↗Article · Oct 2020 · 1 min read
In brief
In brief
Hospital-initiated text messaging system reduced unplanned ED visits after pediatric appendectomy from 5.8% to 2.4% by proactively connecting families with telehealth or phone consultations for postoperative concerns. Over 90% of families found the system helpful, with 21.6% using it to address questions that might otherwise have resulted in ED visits.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Abstract
Background/Purpose
The purpose of this study was to reduce unplanned Emergency Department (ED) visits for minor complaints in children after appendectomy through proactive institution-driven communication and utilization of telehealth resources.
Methods
We developed a text messaging system to initiate communication with parents of postappendectomy patients and connect them with a telehealth visit or a phone call with a surgical provider as needed. Using descriptive statistics, chi square, and statistical process control analytics, we compared rates of postoperative ED visits for the 8 months pre- and post-implementation of the messaging system and summarized the feedback we received from patients.
Results
A total of 791 laparoscopic appendectomies were performed in two institutions (preintervention = 382, post-intervention = 409). The postoperative ED visit rate decreased from 5.8% preimplementation to 2.4% post-implementation (p = 0.02). Over one-fifth of families messaged (21.6%) had questions in the postoperative period. The majority expressed interest in a video visit (52.5%), while some preferred to speak with the surgeon's office (25%). Over 90% of respondents found the system helpful, and 4.9% opted out.
Conclusion
Implementation of a hospital-initiated text messaging system has the potential to reduce ED visits in the immediate postoperative period after appendectomy. This system can be scaled to include different surgeries across multiple disciplines.
Level of Evidence
III.
Type of Study
Clinical Retrospective Pre/Post Intervention Study.