EP.TH.341Creating and testing the online multimedia platform aboutmyop.org. (28th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Daliya, Prita; Lobo, Dileep; Parsons, Simon
• Is Part Of: British journal of surgery. Volume 108:Supplement 7(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10-28
• Subjects: Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znab309.046
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1323

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: The value of patient focused registries and the use of patient reported outcomes is well documented. However, despite the availability of technological advances the use of multimedia interfaces with patient interaction and real time digitalised data collection has yet to become routine practice. As a modern-day solution, aboutmyop.org was developed as a patient-facing website to improve patient-clinician communication and information sharing. The aim of this study was to pilot the platform in routine clinical care, to identify acceptability, strength and weaknesses. Method: Patients identified with symptomatic gallstones and referred for consideration for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were invited to use aboutmyop.org by postal invitation. Patient demographics, and information on patient recruitment were collected prospectively. Results: The process of approvals to implement and integrate aboutmyop.org with NHS systems took over 18 months. Due to difficulties with onboarding, 349 (38.9%) of the 898 eligible patients registered, and fewer continued to participate post-operatively (7 days: 46.5%, 30-days: 30.5%, 3-months: 27%, 6-months: 19%). Participants were significantly younger than non-participants (47.6 vs. 51.8 years, p < 0.05), but were otherwise equally matched for gender and comorbidities. Despite system and implementation issues, participants were accepting and supportive of aboutmyop.org. Conclusion: The aboutmyop.org system demonstrates a method to improve information accessibility for patients, and a novel method for data-sharing between patients and clinicians. Despite difficulties with system access, users demonstrated a willingness to engage in virtual recruitment and digital surveys. Subsequent improvements in access to a aboutmyop.org should help to facilitate long-term patient engagement and quantify real world benefits.