Experiences of the eHealth Application ‘Kracht Terug’: A Qualitative evaluation Study

Abstract

Background: In the orthopedic field, there are several kinds of spinal surgery, among which spondylodesis and decompression surgery. Patients who have this surgery report high levels of pain and physical impairment, both before and in the first period after surgery. The consequences of postoperative pain are: a longer stay in hospital; higher healthcare costs; long-term physical and mental recovery; delayed return to work and the risk of developing chronic pain. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and positive psychology have been proven to be effective for chronic pain, but the question is whether this also has an effect on postoperative pain. An eHealth application ‘Kracht TeRUG’ has been developed in the overarching study in which elements of ACT and positive psychology are combined with procedural information to support patients during their recovery. Objective: The aim of the study is to explore the experiences of patients who have undergone spondylodesis or decompression surgery regarding the use of the ‘Kracht TeRUG’ eHealth (pilot) application. Methods: Qualitative evaluation study was performed. Data was collected through individual semi-structured interviews by telephone by 14 participants. Results: The experiences are divided into seven themes and 40 categories and were generated from the data based on the components of the application: commitment with the application; suggestions for improvement; user-friendliness; preparation and peer-support; hospital-information; positive psychology and ACT. Conclusion and implications of key findings: The app was seen as an added value and user-friendly for most participants. However, some participants thought it was too personal or woolly. One consequence of this is that it is necessary to look at how the application can be suitable for all participants. Further research will have to be conducted into the dosage of the elements in the application.