Muhammad Khawar Abbas
There are currently no national guidelines for post-operative follow-up after elective skin surgery. Although NICE provides general wound care advice, follow-up practices vary locally. Patients are typically discharged to self-care, GP review, or Plastic Dressing Clinic (PDC). High volumes of elective skin surgery place significant logistical/financial pressure on GP services (£13.25/GP nurse appointment). This study aimed to evaluate/improve post-operative follow-up in a plastic surgery unit.
A retrospective service evaluation was conducted across two hospitals. Cycle 1(C1) included patients operated in November 2024, and Cycle 2 (C2) included patients from July 2025. Outcomes assessed included surgical site infection (SSI) rates and follow-up destination.
Two interventions were introduced. First, patients with low-risk surgical wounds were supported in self-care. Second, randomly selected patients received education using AI-generated images, with knowledge and confidence regarding SSI assessed before and after intervention.
C2 included 362 patients compared with 207 patients in C1 (472 vs 274 surgical sites). SSI rates reduced from 2.9% to 1.9%. Discharge to self-care increased from 21% to 48%. GP follow-up reduced from 65% to 36%. PDC reviews remained similar (15.5% vs 14%).
AI-generated images improved familiarity with infection signs (23% to 60%), confidence in recognising infection (70% to 90%), and confidence in seeking medical help (73% to 90%). 90% patients rated the information as helpful/high quality.
AI-supported Patient education and self-care safely improved knowledge and reduced GP follow-up burden. These interventions have projected NHS savings of £21,000/annum and could reduce travel-related carbon emissions, leading to sustainable practice.
Authors
Muhammad Khawar Abbas, Maria Martha Galani Manolakou, Richard Kwasnicki, Kuen Yeow Chin
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, Slough, United Kingdom