Work

Virtual Follow up After Distal Radius Fracture Surgery—Patient Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: The majority of patients with a distal radius fracture (DRF) are elderly, a group known to experience difficulties with new technology, partly due to a low level of digital literacy. At the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, during the spring 2020, patients that underwent DRF surgery had regular follow-ups replaced by video calls from their surgeon and physiotherapist. Afterward, patients answered questionnaires regarding health and digital literacy and took part in semistructured interviews regarding the experience of the virtual follow-up. By systemic text condensation, 2 major categories were identified: (1) The video call-new, but surprisingly simple: All but 1 found it easier than expected, and (2) Video calls-the patient's choice: All but 1 patient preferred video calls to physical visits for follow-up. This is the first mixed methods study to assess patients' experiences of digital follow-up after DRF surgery. This study indicates that digital follow-up was highly appreciated, even among patients with low levels of digital literacy. Digital technologies must be made suitable even for patients with inadequate levels of digital literacy.

Source: Journal of Patient Experience

DOI: 10.1177/23743735231188819

Authors: Linnea Arvidsson, Benjamin Hägglund, Lena Petersson, Eva Arvidsson, Magnus Tägil

Institutions: Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Halmstad University, Futurum - Akademin för Hälsa och Vård, Jönköping University

Language: English

Topic: Telemedicine and Telehealth Implementation

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,200