NIH-funded research R21 grant

Using mobile technology to improve postoperative care in Uganda

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-11060437 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new way to help patients recover at home after minor surgeries in Uganda by using a mobile app and visiting nurses, making it easier and safer for them to get the care they need without staying in the hospital.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project startDecember 23, 2024
Project endNovember 30, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$169,475
NIH project number1R21TW012963-01
Project IDNIH-11060437 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients in Uganda undergoing low-acuity surgeries who require postoperative care.

Less likely to help

Patients who are undergoing high-acuity surgeries or those with complex medical conditions may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates a new approach to postoperative care in Uganda by utilizing mobile technology to facilitate follow-up care for patients who have undergone low-acuity surgeries. The project aims to implement a system called mHealth Ambulatory Surgery with Follow-up Nurse (mAS-FUN), which allows patients to recover at home instead of being hospitalized. By using a cloud-based mobile app and visiting nurses, the research seeks to ensure safe and effective follow-up care, reduce costs, and improve recovery times for patients. The study will compare this innovative method to traditional inpatient care to assess its effectiveness and safety.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce hospital stays and costs for patients while improving their recovery experience.

How similar studies have gone: Similar approaches using mobile technology for postoperative care have shown promise in other settings, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

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

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Mobile technology in postoperative care to enable same-day surgery in Uganda

    A small NIH grant is testing a mobile health-enabled care model to support safe same-day recovery for patients undergoing low-acuity surgery in rural Uganda.

    NIH research Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · New York, United States · NIH-11517843

  • Voice-activated symptom monitoring after gastrointestinal cancer surgery

    A voice-activated system will help people recovering from gastrointestinal tumor surgery report symptoms and get timely follow-up, focusing on reducing gaps for Black and Hispanic patients.

    NIH research Medstar Health Research Institute · Hyattsville, United States · NIH-11260237

  • Mobile tech for post-surgery care in Uganda to enable same-day discharge

    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.

    NIH research Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · New York, United States · NIH-11251215

  • Using voice technology to improve recovery after GI cancer surgery

    This study is looking at how a voice-assisted system can help patients recover better after gastrointestinal cancer surgery by keeping track of their symptoms from home, especially for those from different backgrounds who may not always get the best care.

    NIH research Medstar Health Research Institute · Hyattsville, United States · NIH-11017626

  • Timing of Postoperative ICU Complications in the First 24 Hours

    This study tests how often and when serious problems occur in adults during the first 24 hours after ICU admission for postoperative monitoring.

    Recruiting Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital · Istanbul · NCT07856537

  • Postoperative Atrial Pacing in Children After Heart Surgery

    This study tests whether briefly raising a child’s heart rate after heart surgery improves blood flow and oxygen delivery by using temporary atrial pacing at 10 or 20 beats per minute above the child’s natural rate.

    Recruiting Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago · Chicago, Illinois · NCT07852390

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.