Sharp Health Companion App for Perioperative Education and Monitoring of Cataract Eye Surgery Patients Using CareKit Health Platform
Sharp Health Companion App for Perioperative Education and Monitoring of Cataract Eye Surgery Patients Using CareKit Health Platform
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of the Sharp Health Companion App, a smartphone-based digital health tool, compared to standard printed instructions for supporting older adults undergoing cataract surgery. The study enrolled 200 patients aged 39-86 from a high-volume ophthalmology practice. Participants were randomly assigned to either a printed instructions group or a group using the mobile app built on Apple's CareKit platform. Outcomes included surgery cancellation rates, day-of-surgery delays, medication adherence (both subjective and objective), visual acuity, and patient satisfaction. The app significantly reduced same-day surgery delays and improved objective medication adherence. The study was completed between December 2022 and January 2024 and was approved by the Sharp HealthCare Institutional Review Board (IRB #2209803).
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of the Sharp Health Companion App, a smartphone-based digital health tool, compared to standard printed instructions for supporting older adults undergoing cataract surgery. The study enrolled 200 patients aged 39-86 from a high-volume ophthalmology practice. Participants were randomly assigned to either a printed instructions group or a group using the mobile app built on Apple's open source CareKit platform. Outcomes included surgery cancellation rates, day-of-surgery delays, medication adherence (both subjective and objective), visual acuity, and patient satisfaction. The app significantly reduced same-day surgery delays and improved objective medication adherence. The study was completed between December 2022 and January 2024 and was approved by the Sharp HealthCare Institutional Review Board (IRB #2209803).
Inclusion Criteria:
Scheduled for first-time cataract surgery at Sharp HealthCare Best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or worse Able to provide informed consent English-speaking For Group 2: possession of an iPhone and ability to use smartphone functions (e.g., Face ID or passcode)
Exclusion Criteria:
History of prior cataract surgery Significant cognitive, visual, or physical impairment preventing use of the app Inability to follow study procedures or complete follow-up Lack of access to compatible technology (Group 2 only)