Usability and outcomes of self-monitored surgical wound healing using a smartphone-based application by patients following neurosurgery.

BACKGROUND

The Radboudumc developed a smartphone application (WondGezond) to collect surgical wound-healing information provided by the patient.

AIM

To evaluate usability and outcomes to assess its potential for early surgical site infection (SSI) detection.

METHODS

Patients surgically treated for degenerative spinal disorders or carpal tunnel syndrome between August 2020 and February 2023 were enrolled one day post surgery and asked to download the app via a quick-response (QR) code. Participants uploaded a photo and answered four questions about their wound daily, for 14 days. Afterwards, participants indicated whether they received treatment for a suspected SSI (participant-reported outcome). Two neurosurgeons independently assessed photos and questionnaire answers for suspected SSIs (physician-assessed outcome). The association between both outcomes was determined by calculating sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value (PPV/NPV).

FINDINGS

After 2009 surgeries, 1695 QR-codes were distributed and 412 (21%) were activated. In all, 232 (56%) participants completed the 14-day period of whom 22 (10%) reported SSI treatment. Physician assessment identified 15 (7%) SSIs. Concordance was reached in 88% of cases. Among 27 discordant cases were 17 false-positives and 10 false-negatives, resulting in low sensitivity (33%) and PPV (23%), but high NPV (95%).

CONCLUSION

WondGezond provides clinicians with information regarding wound healing and SSIs to follow-up on patients at risk, while possibly also reducing antibiotic (over)treatment and unnecessary visits for patients without issues in wound healing. However, the low participation and false-positive results render the app in its current form unsuitable for surveillance purposes. Further validation of WondGezond is required.