Improving Quality of Life Using Patient Reported Outcomes Measures Post-operative Via Text Messaging

This study is investigating a new way to monitor patients who are recovering at home after surgery. This study uses text messages to ask patients to review their own symptoms and then reply with the level of severity of specific symptoms. Based on each patient's specific response to the text message survey, a pre-programmed, automated response will be sent from the study prompting the patient to take specific actions (or no action if no symptoms). Investigators will assess whether this method improves patients' well-being as compared to the current standard of care for patients. Currently, after surgery, patients are provided counseling and written instructions when they leave the hospital on how to care for themselves at home. If the patient has questions or concerns, they contact their care team. The optimal way to help patients assess their own symptoms at home remains unknown. Investigators are also assessing if using the symptom survey reduces readmissions to the hospital.