Postoperative wound surveillance using patient smartphones: Learning from a large London maternity service

Surgical site infections (SSIs) and wound dehiscence are significant complications following caesarean sections (C-sections), impacting patient recovery and healthcare costs. Traditional surveillance methods post-discharge have limited engagement and delayed complication reporting. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a digital surveillance programme using patient smartphones for monitoring wound healing after a C-section, aiming to enhance patient engagement and timely data collection on SSIs, surgical wound dehiscence (SWD), and antibiotic use. Launched in April 2022 at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, the programme used Isla Care Limited platform for patients to submit weekly updates and photos of their wounds. Engagement rates and incidence of SSIs, SWD, and antibiotic usage were analysed among 4,038 participants. Transitioning to digital surveillance improved patient response rates from 56.2% to 84.4%. The reported SSI and SWD rates were 10.5% and 13.6%, aligning with expected outcomes. Digital surveillance markedly improved patient engagement and the timeliness of reporting, supporting its broader application in postoperative care to reduce complications and enhance safety and recovery.