Mobile health apps and recovery after surgery: What are patients willing to do?

BACKGROUND: Mobile health technologies (mHealth) may improve post-operative care but it is unknown if patients are willing to use this technology.

METHODS: We surveyed 800 NY State residents to determine their willingness to engage in mHealth after surgery and compared socioeconomic factors that may affect willingness to engage.

RESULTS: A majority of respondents reported willingness to wear a tracker on their wrist (80.6%), fill out a survey (74.3%), send pictures of their wound to their surgeon (66.3%), and share updates with friends/family (59.1%). Older age was associated with lower likelihood of having a smartphone, but not associated with willingness to engage with other features. Hispanic ethnicity was associated with lower likelihood of wearing a tracker while Black race was associated with lower willingness to send pictures.

CONCLUSIONS: Overall, potential users of mHealth are interested and willing to use mHealth. Older respondents are as willing as younger respondents to engage with mHealth. Individuals with Hispanic ethnicity and Black race may be less willing to engage and therefore may require education regarding benefits of this technology.