9 1 Introduction healthcare professionals or their institutions. These applications can affect several aspects of healthcare such as information provision, communication, clinical decision-making, and monitoring. Although medical applications can be convenient, their use comes with inherent risks concerning data privacy and safety. Wrongful use of applications or use of unvalidated applications may be potentially harmful.7 Colorectal surgery Colorectal surgery may be required for the treatment of diseases affecting the colon and rectum, such as inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, or colorectal cancer. In some cases, a stoma must be created, which is a surgically created opening in the abdominal wall that allows for diversion of defecation. Undergoing colorectal surgery is often a stressful and complex process as patients have to cope with the diagnosis, the surgical procedure itself, or the potential lifestyle adjustments.8 Support systems, both within the healthcare and patient’s social circle, play an important role in guiding patients through this process.9 However, the overload of information in this limited timeframe, covering aspects of the disease, the surgical procedure, potential complications, and postoperative instructions, can be overwhelming.10 In this context, effective communication between healthcare providers and patients is essential for ensuring informed decision-making, improving patient empowerment and ultimately influencing patient outcomes.11 As colorectal surgical care continues to advance, it becomes paramount to adopt comprehensive and patient-centred approaches. Mobile applications have emerged as a promising tool to enhance patient care throughout the colorectal surgery journey.12 These applications have the potential to provide a comprehensive platform for perioperative guidance, continuous monitoring, and valuable resources tailored to the unique needs of patients undergoing colorectal surgery. AIM OF THIS THESIS This thesis aims to provide an overview of the current perspectives on the use and development of medical mobile applications, assess patients’ perspectives on stoma care, and evaluate the clinical effectiveness of patient-centred mobile applications in colorectal surgical care.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTk4NDMw