The Effect of Digital Team-based Communication on Patient-initiated Telephone Contacts to Hospital After Discharge

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of eDialogue versus standard communication pathways on patient-initiated telephone contacts to the hospital following discharge. Secondary aims are to explore the effect on other patient-initiated contacts after hospital discharge (mail, video, SMS, personal attendance) and, if digital team-based communication can positively affect patients experience of continuity of care.

Patients are recruited from the following orthopaedic surgery sub-specialties at Aalborg University Hospital:Deformity surgeryTrauma surgery, including fractures of the spineInclusion Criteria:Patients admitted and operated at Aalborg University Hospital, who;have complex care needs involving cross disciplinary and cross sectoral care after hospital dischargewill be discharged to their homewill need follow-up in the outpatient clinic after dischargePatients at all ages, but:if patient is < 15 years old, the parent(s) will be included in the study as user(s) of LetDialog.if patient is 15-18 years old, the patient will be the user in LetDialog and answer the questionnaires to comply with existing Danish legislation Health Act § 17. If the patient wishes, parent(s) can be included as user(s) in LetDialog as well.Have access to and ability to use a smartphone Have access to NemID (needed to create a GDPR-safe user profile in LetDialog)Exclusion Criteria:Patients, who:have previously participated in the eDialogue pilot studyare discharged to a rehabilitation center, nursing home or similardo not speak/read Danish or English well enough to understand participant information and use digital communication in Danish or English through LetDialogare included in other ongoing randomized controlled trials or prospective follow-up studies in the Orthopaedic Surgery Department at Aalborg University Hospital, where participation could possibly affect the results of these studies