Application and Effectiveness of eHealth Strategies for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Patients: A Systematic Review
Sarah E. Messiah, Paulina M. Sacher, Jonathan Yudkin, Amos Ofori, Faisal G. Qureshi, Benjamin Schneider, Deanna M. Hoelscher, Nestor de la Cruz-Muñoz, Sarah E. Barlow
- This review examined whether digital health tools including telehealth, apps, wearables, and online support programs help bariatric surgery patients achieve better outcomes and stay engaged in care.
- Up to 50-70% of bariatric surgery patients stop attending follow-up appointments within 2 years. Digital tools can help bridge this gap.
- The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated telehealth adoption; this review provided evidence bariatric programs needed to confidently integrate virtual care.
- Dr. de la Cruz-Muñoz's team has studied both sides: a 2015 study on follow-up attrition risk factors and this 2020 review on digital tools to keep patients engaged.
- For patients, this shows commitment to using modern technology to support the full weight loss journey, not just the surgery itself.
This systematic review published in Digital Health examined the application and effectiveness of eHealth strategies, including telehealth, mobile apps, wearable devices, remote monitoring, and digital behavioral support tools, for patients undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery. This review assessed evidence on whether these tools can improve outcomes across the bariatric surgery care continuum from preoperative preparation through long-term follow-up. Dr. de la Cruz-Muñoz is a co-author.
Messiah SE, Sacher PM, Yudkin J, Ofori A, Qureshi FG, Schneider B, Hoelscher DM, de la Cruz-Muñoz N, Barlow SE. Application and effectiveness of eHealth strategies for metabolic and bariatric surgery patients: A systematic review. Digital Health. 2020;6. doi:10.1177/2055207619898987.
