Mobile tech for post-surgery care in Uganda to enable same-day discharge
Official title: Incorporating mobile technology into postoperative care: a shift in paradigm toward ambulatory surgery in Uganda
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11251215 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study test introduces a smartphone-based follow-up model to support patients after low-risk surgeries in Uganda so they can go home the same day safely.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | December 23, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $131,568 |
| NIH project number | 5R21TW012963-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11251215 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients undergoing low-acuity, ambulatory surgeries at participating centers in Uganda who have access to mobile technology.
✕Less likely to help
Patients needing extended inpatient care or without reliable mobile access may not benefit from this model.
What this research studies
This project tests a new post-op care framework called mAS-FUN that uses mobile health tools and home nursing follow-up to support patients after ambulatory surgery in a resource-limited setting. It builds on existing experience at a rural Ugandan surgical center and aims to scale a cost-effective, safe approach for same-day discharge. The approach involves remote monitoring, timely nurse support, and clear recovery guidance to reduce hospital stays while maintaining quality care. The study is conducted in Uganda with a collaboration between local providers and Mount Sinai researchers to adapt the model for LMIC contexts.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could recover safely at home sooner, saving time and reducing hospital costs.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pilot work has shown that mobile follow-up can support recovery after surgery in resource-limited settings, with positive signals for safety and satisfaction.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Linda — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Linda
Related research
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Mobile technology in postoperative care to enable same-day surgery in Uganda
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.