Exploring the Use of Instant Messaging Groups in the Postoperative Period for Pectus Excavatum Patients

As a National Centre for Pectus Surgery, our department receives referrals from across England. To strengthen perioperative support for patients undergoing the Nuss procedure in the RESTORE Trial (August 2024-May 2025), individual WhatsApp groups were introduced, reflecting growing evidence of the value of text-based communication in surgical care. Fifty-two groups were established, each averaging 6.7 members, including patients, relatives, secretarial, and research staff. These groups facilitated direct communication with the clinical team. All conversations were anonymised prior to analysis. Groups averaged an exchange of 67 messages: 20 from clinicians, 19 from patients, and 17 from family or friends. Patients initiated 28% of conversations and family members 20%, most often regarding pain management. Clinicians shared an average of 7.2 images per group, and patients shared 4, typically related to wounds or chest appearance. Mean clinician response time was 94 min, with daily message averages of 2 from clinicians, 2.5 from patients, and 1.6 from family. All patients reported satisfaction and would recommend this communication method. Instant messaging provided an effective, responsive, and low-burden means of enhancing perioperative care and reassurance for Nuss patients.