Randomization and Groups
redness, voice, swelling, pain
STERILE, EVENT, HEAT, COMPLICATIONS
The research tool involves the completion of a “Participant Consent Form” by the patient or their legal representative, followed by random allocation to either the intervention group or the control group through a drawing of lots. Patients in the intervention group had the mobile device app “Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tracking System (HTML 5)“ (PEG app) installed during their hospitalization.The intervention group received the PEG app and Line app (for instant messaging) for guidance. The protocol encompassed a teaching and feedback process administered by the principal investigator. This process involved daily changes of the wound dressing and applying sterile gauze, which were conducted by the patient or their caregiver postoperation. Additionally, the process included ongoing monitoring of the wound's condition and regular measurement of body temperature and body weight for a duration of 1 week. Patients were instructed to self-report any symptoms related to their wound, including but not limited to redness, swelling, heat, pain, discharge, and odor, using the designated mobile app. They were encouraged to upload daily wound photos until the completion of 1 week after the procedure. In addition to the aforementioned wound symptom reporting, patients were asked to complete a self-care knowledge questionnaire as a pretest. Furthermore, in the fourth week following tube placement, patients were instructed to complete questionnaires related to self-care knowledge, self-care ability, and their quality of life through the designated mobile app. In the event of an emergency, such as visits to the emergency department within 3 days or hospital readmissions within 14 days, patients or their family members were instructed to use the mobile app to report the situation on a daily basis. The data collected through the app were then accessed by the principal investigator through a designated website. The Line app (instant messaging) provided real-time communication for patients or family members to address any caregiving issues, including the ability to conduct voice or video calls and upload wound photos for immediate response.The control group received traditional paper-based gastric tube education handouts, which include information on the purpose, indications, daily care instructions, and complications. Additionally, for ethical consideration, the Line app (instant messaging) was used for real-time communication with patients or family members to address any caregiving issues, including immediate response through voice or video calls and uploading wound photos for prompt evaluation.