Women invited to take part in project to develop surgical companion platform

A project to develop a surgical companion platform for women with gynaecological conditions has been launched, with patients across the world invited to take part.

The initiative, launched by London-based start-up Syrona Health and led by Edinburgh Napier University student Iliyana Pirinska, is hoped to provide a clear roadmap for women facing gynaecological surgeries.

Through features such as symptom trackers, personalised care plans and checklists, the surgical companion platform aims to improve pre- and post-operative care for patients with gynaecological issues and support them throughout their journeys.

Dr Karolina Afors, chief medical officer at Syrona Health, said she noticed an overwhelming sense of anxiety in patients gearing up for gynaecological surgeries.

After extensive research, she recognised the need for a platform tailored to support patients’ needs and, upon sharing her insights with Syrona co-founders Anya Roy and Chantelle Bell, envisioned an enhancement to Syrona’s existing app, SORA.

“One of the biggest challenges people face is uncertainty — not knowing what to expect before, during, and after the surgery,” explains Afors.

“Our platform tackles this by providing clear answers, which can greatly reduce stress and anxiety. From pre- to post-surgery, we aim to break down the entire process, ensuring that people understand what’s coming up and how they can prepare for it.

“This means they can also better arrange their work schedules, make personal life adjustments, and ensure they are taking care of both their minds and body.”

The survey Syrona is conducting ahead of the launch of its surgical companion platform aims to gather insights and experiences from women who might, will or have undergone gynaecological surgical care.

“The survey will help us understand the pain points of people who have an upcoming surgery or have been through surgery before,” says Afors.

“We want to understand their experience, the problems they face, what worries them, and what they need most. But it’s not just about fixing issues. We want everyone who uses our platform to feel like we understand what they’re going through.

“With the information from the questionnaire, we aim to create a platform that doesn’t just react to needs but even predicts them.”

Women from across the world over the age of 18 are invited to take part in the survey. The team are hoping to collect data from at least 100 patients.

“Gathering data from a large pool of people from varied socioeconomic backgrounds and ethnicities is of vital importance,” says Afors.

“Different backgrounds can lead to varied experiences, perspectives and needs. With a wide range of participants, we can capture a holistic view of the challenges patients face.

“Our most profound desire is for this platform to become an indispensable companion for all those undergoing gynaecological surgeries,” she ends.

“By providing consistent, reliable, and holistic support, we hope to foster a world where no individual feels unequipped or isolated in their surgical journey.”

To find out more about the survey, visit syronahealth.com.