DENIM-trial: Digital prE-operative patieNt guIdance systeM

Effectiveness of a Digital prE-operative patieNt guIdance systeM (DENIM) in Enhancing Preparation of Elective Patients Undergoing Anesthesia: a Randomized Controlled Trial

The goal of this RCT is to assess the effectiveness of a mobile application in enhancing the preoperative preparation of patients scheduled for elective surgery under anesthesia or procedural sedation. The main object is to evaluate the effect of preoperative instructions, delivered through reminders and push notifications, on the rate of late cancellations. Secondary outcomes are adherence to preoperative instructions, patient satisfaction, and care provider satisfaction.

Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: 1) Intervention group: patients will be asked to download a mobile application specifically designed for preoperative guidance. Through this app they will receive all relevant preoperative instructions via automated reminders and push notifications (e.g., fasting and medication adjustment). In addition, they will be asked to complete a short questionnaire via the app. 2) Control group: patients will download the same mobile application and will be asked to fill out the same questionnaire. However, they will not receive any preoperative instructions through the app. All patients in both groups will continue to receive the standard written instructions. App access will be maintained until five days after surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age >18 years
• patients scheduled for elective surgery under anesthesia or procedural sedation
• Possession of a mobile phone or tablet
• Access to a valid email address for study communication

Exclusion Criteria:

• age < 18 years
• emergency surgery
• language barrier
• no consent