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RACS ASC 2026
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Continuing the conversation: Enhancing multidisciplinary care for patients with complex colorectal conditions through a digital platform
Poster
Presentation Description

Institution: Perth Children's Hospital - Western Australia, Australia

Background: Anorectal malformations (ARM) are a spectrum of congenital anomalies that often require early surgical intervention, close follow-up and coordinated transition of care given their impact on quality of life. Previous work has highlighted that only around one-fifth of paediatric patients in Western Australia (WA) have transition of care plans, with many being lost to follow-up and having ongoing issues with constipation and soiling. Aim: In working towards bridging these gaps, one of many newly established interventions at Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) is a collaboration with a digital platform allowing patients and carers to continue the conversation with our complex colorectal multidisciplinary team with regard to ongoing management and follow-up needs. Our ongoing work aims to assess changes in the length of follow-up, planning for the transition of care and symptom management following the platform implementation late last year. Methods: This retrospective cohort will include all patients above the age of 12 who previously underwent surgical management for ARM at PCH and have been invited to submit responses through the digital platform. This data will be compared to a similar cohort of patients who received care before the implementation of this platform. Expected outcomes: Our work will provide key preliminary information on the utility of this intervention and may pave the way for its use for paediatric patients with other chronic surgical conditions. We are hopeful that our findings will also inform further service development, funding for multidisciplinary input and similar studies aiming to improve patient and carer experience.
Presenters
Authors
Authors

Dr Luke Uden - , Dr Parshotam Gera -