The impact of a mobile support application developed for patients undergoing bariatric surgery on self-management, quality of life, and clinical outcomes

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of e-BariS mobile support application, developed specifically for bariatric surgery, on patients' self-management, quality of life, and clinical outcomes. Method: This randomized controlled single-blind study included a total of 70 patients (Intervention: 35, Control: 35). The patients were selected using a 4-block randomization method. Data was collected between September 2023 and June 2024 at a public hospital in Antalya. Patients were followed up for a total of three months after bariatric surgery using the mobile application. Bariatric Surgery Self-Management Behaviors Scale, Moorehead Ardelt Quality of Life Questionare II, and clinical outcomes were evaluated through the mobile application. Results: Mixed measures (2*3 ve 2*2) were used for the assessment of quality of life and self-management. It was concluded that the changes in quality of life and self-management scores were not significantly influenced by being in the intervention or control group. Although there was an increase in scale scores over time, this increase was not statistically significant. The use of the mobile application (e-BariS) did not have a positive effect on patients' quality of life, self-management, or clinical outcomes (nausea, vomiting, dumping syndrome, pain, wound infection, constipation, weight loss, hospital re-admissions, emergency department visits) following bariatric surgery. However, patients showed high satisfaction with the application. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the use of e-BariS mobile application after bariatric surgery has the potential to support long-term follow-up and motivate patients during the process. Key words: m-health, e-BariS mobile application, bariatric surgery, quality of life, self-management