The b-Redy App

Getting Fit for Surgery

Principal Investigator: Emily Finlayson, MD, MS

Challenge

Older patients are at greater risk for complications after surgery, including delirium, loss of functional independence, and death. Recent studies suggest that older patients who receive health coaching before surgery have better postsurgical outcomes, including fewer complications, shorter hospital length of stay, and faster functional recovery. 

Solution

The “b-Redy App” acts as a personal health coach for older patients by actively engaging users in their efforts to get ready for surgery. The application streamlines assessment of patients’ mental and physical status and generates individualized optimization programs that coach patients through activities in preparation for surgery. By preparing patients and improving fitness before surgery, the “b-Redy App” has the potential to help elders prepare for surgery, accelerate recovery, reduce complications, and improve outcomes in older patients after surgical procedures. 

Funding

CTSI Catalyst (Spring 2015)

Honors & Awards

Surgical Innovations Accelerator (Spring 2015)

Featured Media

A Push to Get Older Adults in Better Shape for Surgery - Kaiser Health News - January 25, 2018