Brook Demissie - napqin.net

Brook Demissie (MD)

Author: Brook Demissie (MD, obstetrician and gynecologist), Alert Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Title: Postoperative SMS follow-up system at Alert hospital: enhancing recovery after discharge

Alert Hospital, through its contact center, has introduced a postoperative SMS follow-up system to improve patient communication and support enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). This innovative system focuses on delivering timely, accessible, and efficient communication to patients after discharge, contributing to better recovery outcomes.

Why SMS for Postoperative Care?

The SMS system was implemented to provide patients with critical postoperative information and support following discharge. SMS, or Short Message Service, is a fast, direct, and widely accessible communication tool, making it ideal for delivering timely updates to patients during their recovery phase.

Benefits of the Postoperative SMS System

Timely notifications: patients receive real-time updates, including follow-up reminders, test results, and postoperative care instructions, reducing uncertainty and ensuring adherence to recovery protocols.
Accessibility: SMS is user-friendly and accessible to a broad patient population, regardless of technological expertise, ensuring inclusivity.
Efficiency and early discharge: by automating routine postoperative communications, the system reduces the burden on hospital staff and supports early discharge as part of the ERAS program, allowing patients to recover at home with confidence.
Enhanced recovery: the system reinforces ERAS protocols by delivering reminders for physical activity, and follow-up appointments, promoting faster and safer recovery.

Postoperative Patient Experience:

the SMS follow-up system has been well-received by patients, who value the convenience of receiving recovery-related updates directly on their phones. This streamlined communication has improved patient satisfaction and adherence to postoperative care plans, contributing to better recovery outcomes. Study in our neighboring nation, Kenya, has shown to improve postoperative care. More research is needed to quantify these improvements fully.

Integration with Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS):

the SMS system developed by ALERT Hospital’s Contact Center is a cornerstone of the Hospital’s ERAS program, which aims to optimize postoperative recovery. By providing tailored reminders and guidance via SMS, the system ensures patients follow ERAS protocols, such as early mobilization and proper wound care, leading to reduced complications and shorter recovery times.

Follow-Up Communication after discharge:

Post-discharge, the SMS system delivers critical follow-up information, including appointment reminders, health tips, and recovery milestones. Patients can also access dedicated call lines for immediate assistance if issues arise, ensuring continuous support during recovery.

Potential for broader integration:

While the SMS system is currently focused on postoperative care, Alert Hospital is exploring its integration into the broader perioperative journey. Implementing SMS communication during preoperative and in-hospital phases could further streamline patient care, enhance the perioperative experience, and support operational efficiency.

Expansion through National Perioperative Quality Improvement Network (NaPQIN):

the success of the postoperative SMS system at Alert Hospital could serve as a model for other hospitals within the national perioperative quality improvement network. Expanding this system would bring its benefits, improved communication, early discharge, and enhanced recovery, to a wider patient population.