Usage Evaluation of a Mobile App to Help Understand the Rehabilitation Process of Shoulder Surgery^*

Abstract

Objective

The present paper aims to evaluate the quality of a mobile phone application (app) designed to guide patients after shoulder surgical procedures.

Methods

A free and easily accessible app was developed to help patients at home. Patients were monitored for app use and adaptation before physical therapy started. At the end of 6 weeks, a qualitative questionnaire was employed to determine the usability of the app.

Results

In total, 97% of the respondents reported that the app was easy to download, the exercises were readily understood, and they would recommend the app. Ninety-three percent of the participants agreed that the app made them feel a greater degree of participation in the treatment of their illness, while 90% considered the app self-explanatory.

Conclusion

The virtual platform helps the patients to understand the treatment, aiding the medical prescription of postoperative exercises to be performed at home.

Keywords
rehabilitation; shoulder/surgery; physical therapy specialty; orthopedics; cell phone