Clinical Report: Effects of a Digital Prehabilitation and Rehabilitation Program
Overview
The implementation of a digital perioperative coaching program (BETTY) was associated with a reduction in 90-day readmission rates and high-grade complications in patients undergoing pelvic gynecological surgery. Although the changes did not reach statistical significance, the findings are presented.
Background
Pelvic gynecological surgery can lead to significant postoperative complications and unplanned readmissions, which are critical challenges in patient care. Prehabilitation has been recognized as a strategy to enhance patients' physiological reserve before surgery, potentially improving outcomes. Digital health solutions offer a means to implement structured prehabilitation programs more widely, addressing barriers to access and enhancing patient education and monitoring.
Data Highlights
Outcome
Preimplementation
Postimplementation
p-value
90-day readmission rate
12.8%
8.8%
0.17
High-grade complications
1.6%
0.9%
0.5
Length of stay (LOS)
Stable (0.86 days)
Stable (0.86 days)
N/A
Same-day discharge rate
N/A
54.2%
0.004
Key Findings
The 90-day readmission rate decreased from 12.8% to 8.8% after implementing the digital program.
High-grade complications decreased from 1.6% to 0.9% post-implementation.
Overall length of stay remained stable at 0.86 days.
The same-day discharge rate was 54.2% after implementation.
Clinical Implications
The findings indicate the outcomes observed with the digital prehabilitation and rehabilitation programs.
Conclusion
The study indicates that a structured digital perioperative pathway may lead to lower readmission and complication rates.
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