E-Health-Supported Preoperative Education

In the context of patient education, the integration of mobile applications-an e-health modality-among healthcare professionals and patients has garnered significant attention alongside technological advancements. Mobile applications offer distinct advantages, notably the vast global population capable of accessing and utilizing these digital tools. A study evaluating the impact of mobile applications on the recovery of patients undergoing ambulatory surgery demonstrated that the quality of recovery was superior in the intervention group. In research investigating mobile application-based education following breast cancer surgery, significant improvements were observed in pain levels, affected shoulder functions, and anxiety levels within the intervention group . Among patients undergoing cardiac surgery, 98% of those who received education via a mobile application reported that the application was beneficial to their recovery process . Furthermore, in a study involving a mobile application for patients undergoing heart valve surgery, the intervention group exhibited significantly lower probabilities of hospitalization, emergency department visits, and complications . An integrative review of mobile applications in the health education of surgical patients noted that while research has involved bariatric, orthopedic, colorectal, mastectomy, urological, and neurological surgical patients, there is an emphasized need for further nursing research utilizing emerging communication technologies. To date, no studies evaluating the effectiveness of preoperative education delivered via mobile application for patients undergoing thoracic surgery have been identified. Initiating preoperative preparation for patients scheduled for thoracic surgery is anticipated to positively influence postoperative recovery and quality of life, highlighting the necessity for research in this domain.