Optimizing recovery after reverse shoulder arthroplasty with a personalised mobile health application compared to generic digital information: a protocol of a multicentre randomised controlled trial

BackgroundMobile health (mHealth)-the use of medical applications in healthcare settings-include tools that can support self-management after surgery and thereby contribute to early postoperative recovery. Providing patients with timely and interactive information through mHealth is hypothesized to positively influence recovery after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of both interactive and personalized information and a rehabilitation protocol with a mobile application compared to generic non-personalized digital information on postoperative recovery in patients undergoing primary RSA.MethodsA multicentre randomised controlled trial will be conducted in two Dutch hospitals. In total 170 patients undergoing elective, primary RSA will be included. Participants will be randomly allocated to one of the two groups on a 1:1 ratio. The intervention group will receive interactive postoperative information on a daily basis. The control group will receive generic, non-personalized digital information. The primary outcome is defined as functional recovery measured using the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) at 6 weeks. Secondary outcomes are: pain, physical functioning, quality of life, length of stay, complications, treatment satisfaction and app usage. The between group difference will be analysed using linear mixed-effects regression.DiscussionThis randomised controlled trial will compare the postoperative recovery rate in patients undergoing RSA between patients receiving an interactive mHealth application with generic digital information. The results from this study can contribute to improving postoperative care for patients undergoing RSA.Trial registrationThis trial is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06520085) on the 22nd of July 2024.