The use of the Panda-Nerve Block pain app in single-shot peripheral nerve block patients: a feasibility study

Abstract

Purpose Peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) provide excellent perioperative analgesia but can increase the risk of severe postoperative pain once the block wears off. Poor adherence to discharge instructions may increase this risk. Panda-Nerve Block (Panda) is an app that alerts the patient to assess their PNB, score their pain, and take scheduled pain medication. We assessed the usability and feasibility of Panda for assisting patients after receiving a PNB. Methods Twenty-nine patients tested Panda in three rounds, for two to seven days, postoperatively to assess and manage their pain and PNB. Feedback was provided via phone interview and the Computer System Usability Questionnaire (CSUQ). Additionally, each user's usage log was analyzed for parameters such as alert response times. Feasibility was determined by alert responses that occurred before the next alert, with a goal of greater than 50%. User adherence was measured as percentage compliance with alerts within one hour; usability and user satisfaction were determined from the CSUQ and interviews. Results A median [interquartile range (IQR)] of 68 [34-93]% responded before the next alert during the first 48 hr of app use, and 83 [54-92]% responded before the next alert with 87 [75-96]% of these within one hour. There were no significant differences in usage between rounds. Ninety-three percent of patients reported Panda to be easy to use and helpful, and 79% of patients would use Panda again. Critical themes included changes to the layout and appearance, clarification of the language of the PNB

Human Connection and Technology Connectivity: A Systematic Review of Available Telehealth Survey Instruments

“…Table 2 provides a summary of respondent demographics according to telehealth survey instrument use. Telehealth survey instruments have primarily been used to assess patient experience (n=41, 91%) 23 , 24 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 with less frequent use to assess family caregiver (n=7, 16%) 28 , 34 , 37 , 40 , 65 , 66 or medical provider experience (n=8, 18%). 23 , 35 , 40 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 …”

Risk factors for emergence agitation during the awakening period in elderly patients after total joint arthroplasty: a retrospective cohort study

“…Peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) can provide excellent analgesia. 24 In our study, FNB was routinely used in patients undergoing TKA, and FICB was used for THA to improve postoperative analgesia. However, due to anatomical variations and individual characteristics, PNBs may not absolutely eliminate pain in patients undergoing TJA, leading to some patients experiencing EA due to postoperative pain in the study.…”

“…Yu et al 23 found that nearly half of patients had EA because of insufficient postoperative analgesia. Peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) can provide excellent analgesia 24. In our study, FNB was routinely used in patients undergoing TKA, and FICB was used for THA to improve postoperative analgesia.…”

A pilot project to test the feasibility of automated text messaging to collect multi‐day patient‐reported outcomes related to pain interference after total joint arthroplasty in veterans

“…We also recognise that alternative technological innovations now exist for gathering patient-reported data such as smartphone applications [6,7] and that there may be preferences for or against the use of technology that may vary by age group or patient population [8].…”