How digitizing at-home care can improve recovery for hysterectomy and c-section patients
Digitizing at-home care improves the quality of life and positively impacts the recovery rates of women who have undergone c-sections and hysterectomies.
Cesarean sections and hysterectomies are the two most common surgical procedures among women. Sometimes they are even performed together when necessary, known as a cesarean hysterectomy.1
According to the World Health Organization, c-sections account for 1 in 5 of all childbirths. While the procedure is life-saving for mothers and babies, it comes with many risks. Many times, mothers won’t know they’re going to have a c-section until they are already in labor. This makes at-home care knowledge sharing that much more important, seeing as though they have not prepared or even expected a c-section.
As the second most common surgery among women, around 600,000 hysterectomies2 are performed in the US every year. This surgery can have many physical and emotional complications. The recovery time is typically about 4-6 weeks, but the patient will have to monitor themselves to ensure that everything is healing properly.
Both surgeries have a major risk of complications during recovery, so it’s important to understand the challenges.
Challenges of at-home care following a c-section
Typically, someone who is going to have a c-section1 won’t know until they’re in labor. That means they won’t have any time to prepare and this can cause major stress afterward. Not only is the patient going to be caring for an unexpected wound, but a newborn baby almost simultaneously.
A c-section will usually require 2-3 days in the hospital before heading home. This gives providers time to explain what they will need to do during recovery, but they won’t be there to monitor them at home.
Cesarean section patients are encouraged to take it easy, but that can be difficult with a newborn baby by your side. They are also in charge of monitoring their incision to ensure it doesn’t get infected. Few people who undergo a c-section hire an in-home caretaker while they recover.
Another challenge is the emotional recovery from a c-section. Some people will feel fine, but it’s crucial to look out for mental health issues during recovery. C-sections can cause:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
Challenges of at-home care for a hysterectomy
Recovery from a hysterectomy can vary depending on the type of hysterectomy1 and whether it was performed alongside a c-section. Different types of hysterectomies include:
- Partial hysterectomy
- Total hysterectomy
- Radical hysterectomy
The recovery time can be anywhere from 2-8 weeks, and at-home care will help determine how long it takes to heal. It’s important for patients to have the proper materials and be informed so they take care of themselves as best they can after a hysterectomy. When recovering, patients should avoid:
- Heavy lifting and strenuous activity, given the nature of the wound
- Driving or managing machinery of any kind
- Sexual intercourse
- Sit-down baths
Providers will typically give patients a treatment plan that includes diet and exercise. Not following the doctor’s advice could result in more complications. Having a digital way to communicate with patients can encourage them to be actively engaging with their recovery.
Helping patients manage their recovery with Ayva
If you’re concerned about your patient following their post-surgery recovery plan, Ayva can help. Using a digital engagement platform will allow you to give your patient the resources they need and access to their treatment plan.
Having access to everything digitally will also allow you to touch base with your patient when you need to and ensure they’re following your instructions.
You can also use Ayva to manage your patient’s mental health status. With surveys and other data tools, you can make sure your hysterectomy or c-section patient is recovering well physically and mentally.
If you’re interested in getting to know more about how Ayva works, contact us today!