RESEARCH ARTICLE


Post Surgical Review of Bariatric Surgery Patients: A Feasibility Study of Multidisciplinary Follow Up Using Videoconferencing



Emma Morrow*, Duff Morrison Bruce, Elizabeth Bruce, Cathy Dorrian , Fiona Sim
Clinical Psychologist, Obesity Services, Rosehill Annexe, Foresterhill Site, Cornhill Road, Aberdeen AB25 2ZG, UK


Article Metrics

CrossRef Citations:
13
Total Statistics:

Full-Text HTML Views: 472
Abstract HTML Views: 435
PDF Downloads: 182
Total Views/Downloads: 1089
Unique Statistics:

Full-Text HTML Views: 306
Abstract HTML Views: 267
PDF Downloads: 128
Total Views/Downloads: 701



Creative Commons License
© Morrow et al.; Licensee Bentham Open.

open-access license: This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/) which permits unrestricted, non-commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited.

* Address correspondence to this author at the Obesity Services, Rosehill Annexe, Foresterhill Site, Cornhill Road, Aberdeen AB25 2ZG, UK; Tel: 00441224559365; E-mail: emma.morrow@nhs.net, mail@emmamorrow.co.uk


Abstract

Background:

Bariatric surgery is an effective means of managing weight and reducing medical co-morbidities in the obese patient. However, psychological difficulties are common and adequate multidisciplinary support is vital for post-surgical success. Videoconferencing is potentially a vehicle for the delivery of support to patients residing in remote areas.

Methods:

Ten patients were invited to attend a videolink session utilising videoconferencing technology to allow clinicians to connect audio-visually with patients from two remote locations. Seven patients attended. A Consultant Surgeon, Clinical Psychologist and Specialist Dietitian reviewed the patients. Patients and clinicians completed a post-session evaluation questionnaire and commented on their experience.

Results:

The videolink session was evaluated as acceptable and useful to both patients and clinicians. Patients and clinicians were satisfied with the user-friendliness of the technology.

Conclusion:

Videolink technology may be a viable and accessible means of delivering specialist multidisciplinary input to bariatric patients. Further research is necessary.

Keywords: Bariatric surgery, obesity, videoconferencing.