Patient Experiences With a Mobile Self-Care Solution for Low-Complex Orthopedic Injuries: Mixed Methods Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The Dutch acute health care system faces challenges with limited resources and increasing patient numbers. To reduce outpatient follow-up, direct discharge (DD) has been implemented in over 30 out of 80 Dutch hospitals. With DD, no routine follow-up appointments are scheduled after the emergency department (ED) visit for low-complex, isolated, and stable musculoskeletal injuries. This policy is supported by information leaflets, a smartphone app, and a telephone helpline with human support. Growing evidence shows that DD is satisfactory, safe, and effective in reducing secondary health care use, but thorough patient experiences are lacking.

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of patients with DD to ensure durable adoption and to improve

SUBMITTER: Spierings J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11927796 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature