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

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.