title: Use of a patient completed iPad questionnaire to improve pre-operative assessment.
abstract: Developments in healthcare technology could improve patient care and reduce healthcare costs. There is a need to facilitate communication and increase efficiency in surgical pre-assessment clinics. This study aimed to develop an iPad application to deliver an electronic patient questionnaire, and to evaluate its use in the pre-assessment environment. Software was developed, MyOp, for a standard iPad that mirrored the paper-based pre-assessment system, with features designed for ease of patient use and remote data transfer. A case-control study was conducted, comparing use of MyOp with paper-based practice, to evaluate feasibility and patient preference. Patients were offered the use of MyOp or paper-based system. Outcomes measured included time to complete iPad questionnaire, consultation duration, and a patient preference questionnaire. MyOp cost £3500 to develop. 104 individuals participated in the study, 53 MyOp and 51 controls. MyOp reduced the median consultation duration by 5.00 min. A reduction was seen in all subgroups except those aged over 70 or urology patients. Patients preferred to complete the form independently, using a touchpad or computer but expressed concerns about data security. Use of an electronic patient questionnaire reduces consultation time delivering greater efficiency of pre-assessment nurse time. Preconceived ideas about the use of technology in older age groups are likely inaccurate and less of a barrier than previously thought. Electronic pre-assessments could be used routinely to reduce demands on healthcare facilities, improve patient care, and triage patients prior to clinic attendance.
authors.affiliation: Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK. m.howell@doctors.org.uk.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Howell
authors.affiliation: Division of Clinical Sciences, Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Hood
authors.affiliation: Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK.
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Jayne
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D034201:Computers, Handheld; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016343:Monitoring, Intraoperative / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D057240:Patient Preference; D012984:Software; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors
keywords: Electronics; Handheld computers; Mobile application; Patient questionnaire; Preoperative assessment; Surgery