gms | German Medical Science

Objectives: Can patient satisfaction following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) be improved with digital tools such as a smartphone Application (App) and an external movement sensor?

Methods: This prospective, international, multicenter clinical pilot study is intended to evaluate the functionalities of a data platform (Pheno4U) with real patient data in a clinical routine use. The goal of the Pheno4U data platform is to link data from the hospital information system, the patient (App) and used devices (movement sensor, navigation system) throughout the treatment pathway. Patients are expected to answer questionnaires (PROMS) using a smartphone App about their health status pre- and until 12 months postoperatively. Furthermore, patients are asked to use an external motion sensor and a smartphone App to measure the active range of motion (ROM). Additionally perioperative data from navigation systems and from hospital information systems will be added to the data platform.

Results and conclusion: Since the start of the international study, 32 patients have already been included in 3 of 6 study centers. The general acceptance of using the sensor, the App and participating in the study is high with a compliance rate of 50–70% depending on the age group. Reasons for non-participating were no availability of a smartphone, e-mail, or general acceptance of digital applications.

The early results of this pilot study are promising and emphasize that TKA patients have a high interest in using digital solutions along their treatment pathway. Smartphone-based movement exercises and a communication App achieve a high level of patient acceptance and satisfaction. The surgeons receive objective and subjective results in real-time using the data platform. Further progress in recruitment at all sites will elaborate the full potential of the data platform and its effect on patient-reported outcome.