Use of digital mobile applications and their integration in plastic surgery

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

In the environment of new digital health technologies, many paradigms are being broken, and the opening to obtain further knowledge allows the plastic surgeon to use them in their professional practice. This article aims to analyze the use of digital mobile applications by patients and professionals. The purpose is to understand the importance and recognition of this type of technology to provide more quality and safety in medical care, specifically for elective care in the plastic surgery specialty.

Methods:

Two analysis were carried out, in parallel, in a retrospective and descriptive manner: 1) of the conversations carried out through a mobile instant messaging application on the communication channel for monitoring patients undergoing surgery in a private plastic surgery clinic; (2) of the use of digital technologies in plastic surgery, through the analysis of the responses to a research questionnaire sent to professionals in this specialty.

Results:

In the sample obtained (n = 61), the monthly average of 122 conversations in the postoperative period was recorded. In a satisfaction survey, patients found it useful to communicate through a mobile application directly with the clinic. Only 4.1% of the professionals who participated in the research had their own clinic application.

Conclusion:

The perception of the importance of technology in patient care, the need to meet the population’s requirements, and the possibility of providing more comprehensive monitoring reliably offer the basis for validating new technology resources and mobile applications with specific resources in plastic surgery care.

Keywords:
Mobile applications; Technology; Plastic surgery; Appointment scheduling; Patient safety.