Feasibility of an iPad to Facilitate Communication in Postoperative Patients With Head and Neck Cancer

Purpose: To measure the feasibility of a communication application and an iPad to facilitate communication in postoperative patients with head and neck cancer. Design: A prospective feasibility study. Methods: This IRB-approved study was conducted in the postanesthesia care unit at an urban comprehensive cancer center. The participants included patients with head and neck cancer who underwent surgery that resulted in altered communication. Questionnaires were developed and administered to measure feasibility and patient satisfaction at different time points (preoperative, postoperative, and 1 to 4 days postoperatively). Findings: Of 38 patients in the study, 25 (66%) were able to use the customized iPad. Of these 25 patients, 15 (60%) were satisfied or somewhat satisfied with it. 84% found the customized iPad to be very or somewhat helpful for communication after surgery. Conclusions: Patients were satisfied with the customized iPad, and the study found that using technology such as this was feasible in the immediate postoperative period.