Mobile app communication to prevent ER visits post-circumcision: a prospective observational study.

PURPOSE

To assess the impact of a mobile phone application facilitating real-time visual and verbal communication on reducing emergency-room admissions following circumcision.

METHODS

This prospective observational study included circumcision surgeries performed by one surgeon at our clinic between April and June 2024, after obtaining parental consent. Parents were divided into two groups: one received a mobile app phone number, while the other did not. The mobile app group was based on parents' communication needs, such as distance or socioeconomic factors. Follow-up appointments were scheduled for one week and one month; the mobile app group had follow-ups via the app, while the non-communicating group followed up in person. WhatsApp was used due to its cost-effectiveness and accessibility. Data on emergency visits, communications, and complications were recorded prospectively and analyzed retrospectively using SPSS with t tests and Mann-Whitney U tests (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

A total of 200 patients were enrolled, with 162 meeting the inclusion criteria. The study was divided into two groups: 'Communicating group' (Group 1, 75 patients) had access to the mobile app, while 'Non-communicating group' (Group 2, 87 patients) received routine post-operative instructions. No significant differences in age or weight were found. The most common complications included wound infection, non-healing wounds, swelling, bleeding, and micturition issues. Emergency visits were significantly higher in Group 2 (12.64%) compared to Group 1 (1.33%) (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The use of a mobile app for post-surgical communication may significantly reduce emergency-room visits following circumcision.