Web App- and Text Message-Based Patient Education in Mohs Micrographic Surgery-A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND

Consent and wound care (WC) videos are used for education in Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). Postoperative text messaging is poorly studied.

OBJECTIVE

Develop and evaluate perioperative resources for MMS patients-video modules (DermPatientEd.com) and postoperative text messaging (DermTexts.com).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A study was conducted on 90 MMS patients. Patients were randomized 1:1:1:1 to videos with text messages, videos-only, text messages-only, or control. Primary outcomes included preoperative anxiety and knowledge of MMS and postoperative care. The secondary outcome included helpfulness/preference of interventions.

RESULTS

Patients experienced a 19% reduction in anxiety as measured by a visual analog scale after the MMS video (p = .00062). There was no difference in knowledge after the WC video (p = .21498). Patients were more likely to report the WC video "very helpful" when compared with the pamphlet in understanding postoperative WC (p = .0016). Patients in text messaging groups were not more likely to report the service as "very helpful" when compared with the pamphlet (p = .3566), but preferred to receive WC instructions by text message for future visits (p = .0001).

CONCLUSION

These resources proved helpful and effective in reducing preoperative anxiety. Patients prefer text message-based WC instructions over pamphlets after experiencing the service, but do not find them more helpful.