Application of Wearable Technology in High-risk Surgical Patients in the Perioperative Period

Unrecognised changes in patients' vital signs after surgery can result in preventable complications. Current standard practice includes routine monitoring of patient vital signs up until hospital discharge.Upon discharge from hospital, all forms of routine vital sign monitoring ceases. The availability and use of wearable technology in healthcare is increasing rapidly. The role of wearable technology in the remote monitoring of patients at high-risk of post-operative complications and hospital readmission after discharge from hospital is unclear.This pilot study is aimed to assess the feasibility of using wearable technology in patients recovering from major intracavity surgery after hospital discharge in the Irish healthcare setting.

Inclusion Criteria:Over 18 years of ageScheduled to undergo or recently undergone major intra-cavity abdominal surgeryAble to give informed written consent to participateExclusion Criteria:Deemed unfit for surgeryUnable or unwilling to comply with remote monitoring for any reasonUnable or unwilling to fill in a questionnaire in English