Intensified and Standardized Digital Communication with Cystectomy Patients as a Potentially Simple and Effective Modality for Early Detection of Postoperative Complications: Results from a Pilot Study

BACKGROUND: Postoperative readmission rates following radical cystectomy remain significant. Early identification of emerging complications could potentially allow for immediate institution of therapy. OBJECTIVE: To intensify postoperative patient-physician communication via a cellphone-based health care application (CHA) and to evaluate its potential for early detection of complications. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This was a pilot study involving 18 radical cystectomy patients. During the first 30 d, patients received a push cellphone notification twice a week requesting data input into the CHA. This was reduced to once a week from day 31 to day 90. De-identified recorded data were reviewed by the surgeon involved. If deemed necessary, patients were contacted by the surgeon via telephone to obtain more detailed clinical information. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics were used. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Of the 18 patients enrolled, all completed the 90-d reporting period. On two occasions, interventions were necessary on the basis of data recorded on the CHA. One neobladder patient was given antibiotic therapy for pyelonephritis. Another patient reported weight loss and nausea with clinical suspicion of metabolic acidosis, and his sodium bicarbonate and fluid intake were increased. Limitations include the small number of cases from a single low-volume center. CONCLUSIONS: CHA-based monitoring of clinical parameters within the crucial 90-d postoperative period following radical cystectomy provides meaningful information. In this pilot study, two potential readmissions were possibly avoided on the basis of recorded basic vital signs and early intervention. PATIENT SUMMARY: Besides regular clinic follow-up visits after radical cystectomy, additional aids such as a cellphone-based health care application can provide treating physicians with relevant clinical information and may help to identify imminent deviations from normal postoperative recovery at an early stage.