Projects
RBWH & STARS Digital Surgery School
RBWH Foundation Grants Round 5
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Project description
The RBWH and STARS Digital Surgery School is a patient-centred initiative designed to improve surgical preparedness, wellbeing and satisfaction by delivering co-designed, interactive digital education.
Why this work is needed
Extensive work by Dr Cory Williams during his PhD has demonstrated that during surgical healthcare journeys our patients often feel overwhelmed and, at times, poorly supported with all the paper-based resources and information.
Surveys from earlier work have shown 93% of patients have smartphones, with most preferring digital and visual format for information. This project will explore with consumers how their surgery information should be presented, and what formats and supports are most needed to ensure accessibility and equity.
Project outcomes will support patients through a platform of their preference, ensuring not only efficient clinical care, but importantly letting them know they matter and their needs are being addressed.
Extensive work by Dr Cory Williams during his PhD has demonstarted that during surgical healthcare journeys our patients often feel overwhelmed, and at times poorly supported, with all the paper-based resources and information.
Surveys from earlier work have shown 93% of patients have smartphones, with most preferring digital and visual format for information. This project will explore with consumers how their surgery information should be presented, and what formats and supports are most needed to ensure accessibility and equity.
Project outcomes will support patients through a platform of their preference, ensuring not only efficient clinical care, but importantly letting them know they matter and their needs are being addressed.
Expected outcomes
The anticipated benefits extend beyond patients to their families, clinicians and the health service.
With more than 22,000 elective surgeries annually across RBWH and STARS, the Digital Surgery School represents a sustainable, scalable digital asset with potential to expand into other specialties, improving perioperative care for thousands of patients and their families.
