Post-surgical continuity of care from home using social media in a resource limited country

This study was conducted to analyse if in a resource constraint country, social media can provide a feasible, acceptable and cost effective mode of surgical care in post-operative period? This was a prospective study conducted at Department of Endocrine Surgery, SGPGIMS, Lucknow, India. Total 102 post thyroidectomy patients were offered to choose follow up care either by conventional face to face follow up or remotely through social media (Skype®). Data was analysed using IBM SPSS statistics version 22.0. 76 (74.5%) patients had internet facilities. Out of these 51 (50%) patients opted for conventional follow up whereas 25 (24.5%) patients consented for tele-follow up using social media. Distance from the treating hospital was the significant factor for acceptance of tele-follow up. In tele-follow up group majority of patients (84%) possessed graduate or postgraduate degree, postulating role of education. Average cost and work days saving per visit was $68 and 4.4 days respectively with mean satisfaction score of 4.51 ± 0.601. Even in resource constrained countries, social media can provide an alternative mode of healthcare delivery.