ESCRS - FPT05.11 - A Digital Approach For Patient Guidance Through The Cataract Surgery Process Introduced During Pandemic Times

A Digital Approach For Patient Guidance Through The Cataract Surgery Process Introduced During Pandemic Times

Published 2022 - 40th Congress of the ESCRS

Reference: FPT05.11 | Type: Free paper | DOI: 10.82333/kwms-rv76

Authors: Florian Kretz* 1

1Precise Vision,Rheine,Germany

Purpose

Mobile applications offer innovative solutions for patients' self-education and monitoring. Therefore, we installed and reviewed the performance of a new patient-related app, allowing patients to access information about their surgery everywhere anytime, manage appointments and support their journey with checklists and reminders. 

Setting

Precise Vision Augenärzte Greven, Germany

Methods

Depending on availability of resources, patients scheduled for cataract surgery were introduced to the mobile phone app EYEGUIDE (Carl Zeiss Meditech AG) at our site in Greven. The patients used the app themselves or, in case they were lacking suitable technical set-up (mobile phone), involved friends or relatives at their own discretion. Anonymized information about app usage as well as patient questionnaires are analyzed to evaluate patients’ fields of interest. So far 30 users were included and a total of 200 is expected by the end of august this year.

Results

After first 2 months, the App usage rate was 45%[RK1] [FTAK2] .  

The main interests of the app users were traced: The most accessed information were surgeon team (9,7%), procedure information step-by-step (8,1%) and documents required for first visit (6,2%). Patients' overall satisfaction and feedback will be evaluated in following questionnaires.

Further data will be analyzed over the next months to allow more significant statements.

Conclusions

Our first evaluation provides an essential basis for the broader implementation and patient acceptance of medical apps in routine cataract care. We demonstrated the feasibility and acceptance of disease support / disease information using a smartphone app in cataract surgery. App use was convincing as a reliable option to build trust, educate patients and as suitable acquisition tool for new patients. Also the app usage can support reducing the consultation time – an important factor during the pandemic time.