RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Home to Stay Mobile App for Colorectal Surgery

A study in Canada is exploring if a special mobile app can better support people at home after bowel (colorectal) surgery. Many patients face unexpected hospital visits, like going back to A&E, after this type of operation, which can be worrying and costly. This research wants to see if using an app to keep an eye on patients after they leave hospital can reduce these unexpected visits. It also aims to improve how well patients recover and how confident they feel looking after their own health. The study involves comparing patients who use the app with those who receive the usual care, to find out if the app makes a positive difference.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Mount Sinai Hospital, Canada

Enrolment target

670

Start

25 May 2021

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Colorectal Disorders

What is this study about?

When you have bowel surgery (also known as colorectal surgery), it can be for different reasons, like cancer or other conditions. After leaving the hospital, it's quite common for people to need to go back for unplanned visits, such as to A&E (Emergency Room) or even be readmitted. This can be stressful for patients and their families, and it also puts a strain on healthcare services.

This study wants to find a better way to support people once they've gone home after bowel surgery. Researchers are testing a mobile app that helps monitor patients' recovery. The idea is that by using this app, patients might feel more supported, and it could help catch any potential problems earlier, hopefully reducing the number of unplanned hospital visits. It's about helping you feel more in control and confident during your recovery at home.

To see if the app works, the study will involve patients from three hospitals in Canada. Some patients will use the app and get regular follow-ups through it, while others will receive the standard care they would normally get after surgery. The researchers will then compare these two groups to see if the app makes a real difference in how well patients recover, their confidence in managing their health, and if fewer people need to go back to hospital unexpectedly within 30 days of leaving.

Key takeaways

A new study is investigating a mobile app for recovery after bowel surgery.
The aim is to reduce unplanned hospital visits and improve patient confidence.
Patients will be randomly assigned to use the app or receive standard care.
Participation involves monitoring recovery for 30 days after leaving hospital.
The study hopes to improve post-surgery support for patients at home.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you need to be an adult, 18 years or older, who is planned to go home directly after having bowel (colorectal) surgery. This surgery must be something that was planned in advance, not an emergency.

It's also important that you can speak and understand either English or French, as this is how the study information and app will be communicated. You'll also need to be able to give your clear agreement to take part after understanding all the details.

There are a few reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if your hospital stay after surgery is very short (less than 3 days), or if you need to go to a rehabilitation centre instead of straight home to recover, then this study might not be suitable for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you having planned (elective) bowel surgery?
Will you be going straight home after your surgery?
Can you speak and understand English or French?
Will your post-surgery hospital stay be 3 days or more?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, your involvement will depend on which group you are in. If you are in the 'standard care' group, you will receive the usual follow-up care provided by the hospital after your bowel surgery, just as if you weren't in the study.

If you are in the 'app' group, after your planned bowel surgery, you will use a special mobile app to help monitor your recovery at home. This app will be part of an integrated system designed to support you. The study will then track how you recover and if you have any unplanned hospital visits within 30 days of discharge. The total duration of your active participation, especially for measuring key outcomes, will be within this 30-day period after you leave the hospital.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially lead to better support and understanding of your recovery at home, especially if the app helps reduce unplanned hospital visits. You might also feel more confident managing your health. As with any study, there could be unforeseen minor inconveniences, such as time taken to use the app or answer questions. There are no known physical risks associated with using the app. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Mount Sinai Hospital
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of surgery is this study about?

It's about bowel (colorectal) surgery, which can be for conditions like cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.

What is the mobile app for?

The app is designed to help monitor your recovery at home after bowel surgery and provide support to reduce unplanned hospital visits.

Will I definitely get the app if I join?

No, you will be put into one of two groups: one uses the app, and the other receives standard care. It's decided by chance.

What does a 'successful' outcome look like for this study?

Researchers hope the app will lead to fewer unplanned hospital visits, better patient recovery, and increased confidence in managing their health.

Do I need to speak a specific language?

Yes, you need to be able to speak and understand either English or French to participate.

How to find out more

Selina Research Coordinator

selina.schmocker@sinaihealth.ca 416-586-4800 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.