Carey, a Mobile Coach Application for Patients Undergoing Orthognathic Surgery

Different studies pointed out the importance of patient information prior, during and after orthognathic surgery. It results in better recovery, less postoperative complications and improved patient satisfaction. In other words: a higher health care quality. Insufficient or omitted information about the procedure, surgical complications and/or postoperative care are an important cause of patient dissatisfaction.

Nowadays, patients receive a large amount of explanations, instructions and advices during their admission. Prior to surgery the surgeon will supply information about the procedure, sometimes aided by a website or online videos. Additionally the surgeon informs about the surgical complications, such as postoperative pain, restricted jaw movements, weight loss, swelling, scarring, jaw fixation, absenteeism from work, mood swings, and lip numbness.

The surgeon also supplies information by leaflets, oral and/or written instructions before discharge after surgery. This information however is often bulky, non-specific and incomplete. Furthermore, the surgeon knows that memory for medical information is poor and inaccurate resulting in nescient patients after returning home. For the surgeon it is a challenge to supply the right information at the right time, questioning the effectiveness of this conventional approach.

Some studies already showed that the use of multimedia represents a more effective method for patient education in comparison to the conventional approach. Patients prefer information through videos, interactive and moving images deriving better informed patients.

Furthermore, information provided by other patients was seen an added value. Adequate medication, dietary, oral hygiene and general advice could prevent complications.

Therefore, the use of interactive platforms such as a mobile application with phased information partition (the right information at the right time) could improve patient satisfaction, prevent unplanned consultations and even readmissions.