“In a Way We Took the Hospital Home”—A Descriptive Mixed-Methods Study of Parents’ Usage and Experiences of eHealth for Self-Management after Hospital Discharge Due to Pediatric Surgery or Preterm Birth

Rose-Marie Lindkvist, Annica Sjöström-Strand, Kajsa Landgren, Björn A. Johnsson, Pernilla Stenström and Inger Kristensson Hallström
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Rose-Marie Lindkvist: Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
Annica Sjöström-Strand: Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
Kajsa Landgren: Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
Björn A. Johnsson: Department of Computer Science, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
Pernilla Stenström: Department of Clinical Sciences, Pediatrics, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
Inger Kristensson Hallström: Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 12, 1-13

Abstract: The costly and complex needs for children with long-term illness are challenging. Safe eHealth communication is warranted to facilitate health improvement and care services. This mixed-methods study aimed to describe parents’ usage and experiences of communicating with professionals during hospital-to-home-transition after their child’s preterm birth or surgery for colorectal malformations, using an eHealth device, specifically designed for communication and support via nurses at the hospital. The eHealth devices included the possibility for daily reports, video calls, text messaging, and sending images. Interviews with 25 parents were analyzed with qualitative content analysis. Usage data from eHealth devices were compiled from database entries and analyzed statistically. Parents using the eHealth device expressed reduced worry and stress during the initial period at home through effective and safe communication. Benefits described included keeping track of their child’s progress and having easy access to support whenever needed. This was corroborated by usage data indicating that contact was made throughout the day, and more among families living far away from hospital. The eHealth device potentially replaced phone calls and prevented unnecessary visits. The eHealth technique can aid safe self-treatment within child- and family-centered care in neonatal and pediatric surgery treatment. Future research may consider organization perspectives and health economics.

Keywords: app; eHealth; home-based care; hospital-to-home transition; neonatal care; pediatric surgery; preterm born; tablet (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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