Surgery can be both physically and psychologically stressful for patients. It is recognised that preoperative information can help support patients through their surgical journey [Oshodi, 2007]. But with intense pressure on healthcare resources, there is often little time to give patients the level of educational support that could be beneficial.
This is why schülke – experts in infection prevention – have developed a new App for patients to help guide them through the lead up to their operation. It includes real time, personalised reminders (based on the date of surgery), together with tips on getting fit for surgery, packing, hygiene, and why fasting is necessary.
Schülke has made the App freely available to NHS Trusts. It can be adapted to include the Trust’s own logo and customised information such as coronavirus advice. Latest data shows that 88% of adults in the UK own a smart phone [Statista, 2021], making the App an easy, convenient way for patients to access information and reminders.
The App includes a detailed guide to antimicrobial pre-surgical body washing, which is often being recommended by Trusts. This follows the publication of research demonstrating up to a 60% reduction in periprosthetic joint infection, following a screening and decontamination programme, including pre-surgical preparation with octenisan® wash lotion [Jeans, 2018]. This approach can also result in significant savings when compared to the cost of prevented infections [Jeans, 2018].
However, to be fully effective, patients need to understand and fully engage with the decontamination process. The new octenisan® App is designed to guide a patient through their surgery journey. Guidance is personally tailored to the patient’s surgery date, hospital and octenisan® products. The aim is to help keep patients on track, with reminders about preparing for surgery. Sections include videos and advice about fasting, packing and preparing for surgery, as well as frequently asked questions.
The App guides a patient through how to use octenisan, including a video. There’s an additional section for patients who are using octenisan® nasal gel, with a simple How to Use section and video.
The App is free to download and is available for Android and Apple devices. It can easily be found by scanning a QR code available to NHS Trusts.
Any Trust who would like more information about a customised version of the App should contact: [email protected]
Leanne Anderson, Product Manager at schülke UK commented “knowing the benefits that preventive washing can have for patients and clinicians, we’re passionate about rolling out this App as quickly as possible to Trusts across the country. The push reminders should help improve patient compliance.”
References
Jeans E et al, MSSA screening and decolonisation in elective hip and knee arthroplasty. Journal of Infection, 77 (2018) 405–409.
Oshodi TO, The impact of preoperative education on postoperative pain, British Journal of Nursing 2007 16:13, 790-797 https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/abs/10.12968/bjon.2007.16.13.24244
Statista statistics, Ownership of Smartphones, UK, 2021, accessed 201221 https://www.statista.com/statistics/956297/ownership-of-smartphones-uk/
