The aim of this study was to examine the effects of WeChat-assisted perioperative instructions to parents of children undergoing hernioraphy in China.
Methods:
A randomized controlled study was conducted at a day surgery centre in Hubei Province, China from April 2016 to November 2016. A total of 418 participant were randomly assigned to the intervention (WeChat) group (n=209) and control (leaflet) group (n=209). The primary outcomes of this study were the rate of insufficient preoperative preparation and parents’ knowledge regarding hernioraphy. The secondary outcome were the rate of lost-to-follow-up and the rate of complications and adverse events during the seventh postoperative follow up day. The same information was given to the parents using different medium (WeChat or leaflet).The WeChat group was asked to join the "Pediatric hernia" WeChat account using their mobile phones. A designated WeChat manager responded to parents' questions from 19:00 to 23:00 daily.
Results:
Demographic profile were comparable between groups. Parents' aged ranged from 25 to 30 years and completed secondary schooling. The children's age ranged from 2 to 3 years. There was significant difference in the mean knowledge score between the WeChat and leaflet groups (7.57±2.30 VS 4.23±2.29). Lost-to-follow-up rate was significantly lower in the WeChat group (0.54%, 1/184) than in control group (3.66%, 6/164). The incidence of complication such as haemorrhagic, wound infection, seroma, orchitis, readmission and recurrence events were higher in control group. The mean score for the parents' knowledge test regarding pediatric inguinal hernia was significantly higher in the WeChat group (7.57, SD=2.30) compared to the leaflet group (4.23, SD=2.29).
Conclusion:
The WeChat-assisted perioperative care instructions enhanced parents’ knowledge on perioperative instruction and promoted the preparation of the children for day surgery resulting in lower re-scheduling. WeChat has the ability to expand health services outside the hospital confines and could be used as an important free health educational medium in China.
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