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Mobile and Wearable Technology for the Monitoring of Diabetes-Related Parameters: Systematic Review.JMIR MHealth and UHealth Jun 2021Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide and causes several million deaths every year. Such a dramatic scenario... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide and causes several million deaths every year. Such a dramatic scenario puts some pressure on administrations, care services, and the scientific community to seek novel solutions that may help control and deal effectively with this condition and its consequences.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to review the literature on the use of modern mobile and wearable technology for monitoring parameters that condition the development or evolution of diabetes mellitus.
METHODS
A systematic review of articles published between January 2010 and July 2020 was performed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Manuscripts were identified through searching the databases Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed as well as through hand searching. Manuscripts were included if they involved the measurement of diabetes-related parameters such as blood glucose level, performed physical activity, or feet condition via wearable or mobile devices. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
RESULTS
The search yielded 1981 articles. A total of 26 publications met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Studies predominantly used wearable devices to monitor diabetes-related parameters. The accelerometer was by far the most used sensor, followed by the glucose monitor and heart rate monitor. Most studies applied some type of processing to the collected data, mainly consisting of statistical analysis or machine learning for activity recognition, finding associations among health outcomes, and diagnosing conditions related to diabetes. Few studies have focused on type 2 diabetes, even when this is the most prevalent type and the only preventable one. None of the studies focused on common diabetes complications. Clinical trials were fairly limited or nonexistent in most of the studies, with a common lack of detail about cohorts and case selection, comparability, and outcomes. Explicit endorsement by ethics committees or review boards was missing in most studies. Privacy or security issues were seldom addressed, and even if they were addressed, they were addressed at a rather insufficient level.
CONCLUSIONS
The use of mobile and wearable devices for the monitoring of diabetes-related parameters shows early promise. Its development can benefit patients with diabetes, health care professionals, and researchers. However, this field is still in its early stages. Future work must pay special attention to privacy and security issues, the use of new emerging sensor technologies, the combination of mobile and clinical data, and the development of validated clinical trials.
Topics: Blood Glucose; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Exercise; Humans; Monitoring, Physiologic; Wearable Electronic Devices
PubMed: 34081010
DOI: 10.2196/25138 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2023Smart wearable devices enable personalized at-home healthcare by unobtrusively collecting patient health data and facilitating the development of intelligent platforms... (Review)
Review
Smart wearable devices enable personalized at-home healthcare by unobtrusively collecting patient health data and facilitating the development of intelligent platforms to support patient care and management. The accurate analysis of data obtained from wearable devices is crucial for interpreting and contextualizing health data and facilitating the reliable diagnosis and management of critical and chronic diseases. The combination of edge computing and artificial intelligence has provided real-time, time-critical, and privacy-preserving data analysis solutions. However, based on the envisioned service, evaluating the additive value of edge intelligence to the overall architecture is essential before implementation. This article aims to comprehensively analyze the current state of the art on smart health infrastructures implementing wearable and AI technologies at the far edge to support patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). In particular, we highlight the contribution of edge intelligence in supporting the integration of wearable devices into IoT-aware technology infrastructures that provide services for patient diagnosis and management. We also offer an in-depth analysis of open challenges and provide potential solutions to facilitate the integration of wearable devices with edge AI solutions to provide innovative technological infrastructures and interactive services for patients and doctors.
Topics: Humans; Artificial Intelligence; Awareness; Chronic Disease; Heart Failure; Wearable Electronic Devices
PubMed: 37571678
DOI: 10.3390/s23156896 -
Computational and Mathematical Methods... 2015The infusion of information communication technology (ICT) into health services is emerging as an active area of research. It has several advantages but perhaps the most... (Review)
Review
The infusion of information communication technology (ICT) into health services is emerging as an active area of research. It has several advantages but perhaps the most important one is providing medical benefits to one and all irrespective of geographic boundaries in a cost effective manner, providing global expertise and holistic services, in a time bound manner. This paper provides a systematic review of technological growth in eHealth services. The present study reviews and analyzes the role of four important technologies, namely, satellite, internet, mobile, and cloud for providing health services.
Topics: Access to Information; Cell Phone; Cloud Computing; Computers, Handheld; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Delivery of Health Care; Health Services Accessibility; Humans; Internet; Medical Informatics; Satellite Communications; Social Media; Telemedicine
PubMed: 26146515
DOI: 10.1155/2015/894171 -
Health Promotion Perspectives 2023ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence based tool developed by OpenAI (California, USA). This systematic review examines the potential of ChatGPT in patient care and its...
BACKGROUND
ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence based tool developed by OpenAI (California, USA). This systematic review examines the potential of ChatGPT in patient care and its role in medical research.
METHODS
The systematic review was done according to the PRISMA guidelines. Embase, Scopus, PubMed and Google Scholar data bases were searched. We also searched preprint data bases. Our search was aimed to identify all kinds of publications, without any restrictions, on ChatGPT and its application in medical research, medical publishing and patient care. We used search term "ChatGPT". We reviewed all kinds of publications including original articles, reviews, editorial/ commentaries, and even letter to the editor. Each selected records were analysed using ChatGPT and responses generated were compiled in a table. The word table was transformed in to a PDF and was further analysed using ChatPDF.
RESULTS
We reviewed full texts of 118 articles. ChatGPT can assist with patient enquiries, note writing, decision-making, trial enrolment, data management, decision support, research support, and patient education. But the solutions it offers are usually insufficient and contradictory, raising questions about their originality, privacy, correctness, bias, and legality. Due to its lack of human-like qualities, ChatGPT's legitimacy as an author is questioned when used for academic writing. ChatGPT generated contents have concerns with bias and possible plagiarism.
CONCLUSION
Although it can help with patient treatment and research, there are issues with accuracy, authorship, and bias. ChatGPT can serve as a "clinical assistant" and be a help in research and scholarly writing.
PubMed: 37808939
DOI: 10.34172/hpp.2023.22 -
BMC Health Services Research Mar 2018Over the last quarter century, there has been an emergence of evidence-based research directed toward the development, implementation, and assessment of youth-friendly... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Over the last quarter century, there has been an emergence of evidence-based research directed toward the development, implementation, and assessment of youth-friendly health services (YFHS) to improve the delivery of sexual and reproductive health services for young people. Despite these research efforts, evidence supporting the effectiveness of YFHS is limited, which may be attributed to a lack of consensus on how to define and measure youth-friendliness to track progress and evaluate outcomes. The purpose of this systematic review is to assess how youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services are measured worldwide.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review of studies measuring youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services at health facilities published between January 2000 and June 2015 using PubMed, Web of Science, and POPLINE databases. Additional studies were identified by reviewing references of selected articles. Studies were screened to identify measurements and indicators that have been used to measure YFHS.
RESULTS
Our review identified 20 studies from an initial search of more than 11,000 records, including six from high-income countries and 14 from low-and middle-income countries. The review identified 115 indicators used for measuring youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services. Our review found a lack of consistency in the tools and indicators used to measure YFHS. The three most frequently assessed domains were accessibility, staff characteristics and competency, and confidentiality and privacy. The majority of the indicators were not specific to young people's needs and often reflected basic standards of care.
CONCLUSIONS
This review shows the need for standardization and prioritization of indicators for the evaluation of YFHS. The results can be used to identify a core set of indicators that can be incorporated into a framework for assessing youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services. There is a need to further distinguish between those variables that may have greatest impact on the use of services by young people, such as respect and privacy, those that impact the quality of services offered, and those that have limited relevance. Conducting more rigorous studies using a refined set of indicators is critical to measure and compare the impact and effectiveness of YFHS efforts.
Topics: Adolescent; Adolescent Health Services; Clinical Competence; Confidentiality; Health Services Accessibility; Health Services Research; Humans; Professional-Patient Relations; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Reproductive Health Services
PubMed: 29587727
DOI: 10.1186/s12913-018-2982-4 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jul 2021COVID-19 shocked cities around the world and revealed the vulnerability of urban lives and functions. Most cities experienced a catastrophic disturbance that has lasted... (Review)
Review
COVID-19 shocked cities around the world and revealed the vulnerability of urban lives and functions. Most cities experienced a catastrophic disturbance that has lasted for a long time. Planning plays a critical role in responding efficiently to this crisis and enabling rapid functional recovery in the post-disaster era. Cities that have implemented digitalization initiatives and programs are likely to have more capacity to react appropriately. Specifically, digitalized cities could ensure the well-being of their residents and maintain continuity of urban functions. This research aims to analyze the role of technology in crisis management in the last two decades and provide appropriate policy recommendations for dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Systematic literature review and subjective content analysis are employed to investigate the effects of technology on community well-being and making cities more resilient in past crises. This study shows that different technology-driven policies and actions enable crisis management, enhance community well-being, and increase urban resilience. Technology has enhanced coping and recovery capacities by increasing participation and social connectedness, enhancing physical and mental health and maintaining the functionality of education and economic systems. These have been achieved through various solutions and technologies such as social media, telehealth, tracking and monitoring systems, sensors and locational applications, teleworking systems, etc. These solutions and technologies have also been used during the COVID-19 pandemic to enhance community well-being and sustain urban functions. However, technology deployment might have adverse effects such as social exclusion, digital divide, privacy and confidentiality violation, political bias and misinformation dissemination, and inefficient remote working and education. It is suggested that to mitigate these side effects, policymakers should liberate the process of digitalization, increase the accessibility to digital services, and enhance digital literacy.
Topics: COVID-19; Cities; Humans; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2; Telemedicine
PubMed: 34360029
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18157736 -
Pregnancy and childbirth during incarceration: A qualitative systematic review of lived experiences.BJOG : An International Journal of... Aug 2022Incarcerated individuals who experience pregnancy or childbirth in correctional facilities face unique considerations for obstetric care and consequently are at greater... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Incarcerated individuals who experience pregnancy or childbirth in correctional facilities face unique considerations for obstetric care and consequently are at greater risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.
OBJECTIVES
To characterise patient experiences regarding pregnancy and childbirth during incarceration via qualitative synthesis.
SEARCH STRATEGY
Medline-OVID, EMBASE, CINAHL, Sociological Abstracts, Social Work Abstracts, Web of Science, Scopus and PsycInfo were systematically searched from inception to 24 December 2020. Supplementary searches were performed using the Scopus database.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Only original, peer-reviewed literature was examined. Eligible studies were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research.
RESULTS
After screening 4173 original database citations, 24 studies that met inclusion criteria were included and analysed via thematic analysis. The 24 studies included perspectives from 645 female patients who had experienced incarceration, 69 healthcare providers and 70 prison staff. Key patient-reported concerns for the well-being of pregnant individuals during incarceration included mental health challenges, dehumanisation of prenatal care and delivery, lack of privacy, stigma, psychological trauma, lack of emotional support and shackle usage during pregnancy and/or labour. The studies reported a lack of support for patients to access female correctional officers or guards, privacy during intimate examinations, timely medical care and support for breastfeeding. Above all, the psychological trauma of separation from one's newborn after birth was of utmost devastation.
CONCLUSIONS
Our systematic review highlights the dire need for accountability and interventions to improve pregnancy and childbirth care for incarcerated individuals.
TWEETABLE ABSTRACT
This systematic review describes lived experiences of pregnancy & childbirth during incarceration, including dehumanisation, psychological trauma, and use of shackles.
Topics: Correctional Facilities; Female; Health Personnel; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Parturition; Pregnancy; Prenatal Care; Qualitative Research
PubMed: 35274810
DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17137 -
Telemedicine Journal and E-health : the... Mar 2022Through a qualitative systematic literature review ( = 12), this article seeks to better understand how telemedicine is used globally to address mental health needs... (Review)
Review
Through a qualitative systematic literature review ( = 12), this article seeks to better understand how telemedicine is used globally to address mental health needs within rural areas. This article highlights common barriers and advantages to providing this type of care, arguing that telemedicine services may be quite impactful in addressing mental health care needs in rural areas, but barriers, risks, and other cultural considerations must be considered when designing and implementing telemental health intervention programs. A search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, PsychINFO, Medline, and SocINDEX. The inclusion criteria: (1) studies published between the years 2012 and 2019; (2) studies that met rigorous methodological criteria or analyzed telemedicine programs rigorously with evidence-based approaches; and (3) studies that specifically address or discuss tested telemedicine intervention programs for mental health in rural areas. Twelve articles of the 143 reviewed met the inclusion criteria. Themes included: (1) advantages (cost-effectiveness; accessibility, feasibility, and addressing disparities; privacy/confidentiality; integrative/collaborative care with primary care providers); (2) barriers and challenges (digital divides and infrastructure; ongoing care); (3) need for evaluation, evidence-based programs, and sustainability; and (4) across-cultural considerations. Future research examining the use of telemedicine in mental health intervention programs for rural areas should focus on various types of rural communities across the globe, diversifying the scope of this type of research and allowing for a better understanding of how to implement programs that address specific needs and barriers unique to rural communities across the globe.
Topics: Humans; Mental Health; Rural Population; Telemedicine
PubMed: 34061678
DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2020.0536 -
The Pharmacogenomics Journal Dec 2022The successful implementation of pharmacogenetics (PGx) into clinical practice requires patient genomic data to be shared between stakeholders in multiple settings. This...
The successful implementation of pharmacogenetics (PGx) into clinical practice requires patient genomic data to be shared between stakeholders in multiple settings. This creates a number of barriers to widespread adoption of PGx, including privacy concerns related to the storage and movement of identifiable genomic data. Informatic solutions that support secure and equitable data access for genomic data are therefore important to PGx. Here we propose a methodology that uses smart contracts implemented on a blockchain-based framework, PGxChain, to address this issue. The design requirements for PGxChain were identified through a systematic literature review, identifying technical challenges and barriers impeding the clinical implementation of pharmacogenomics. These requirements included security and privacy, accessibility, interoperability, traceability and legal compliance. A proof-of-concept implementation based on Ethereum was then developed that met the design requirements. PGxChain's performance was examined using Hyperledger Caliper for latency, throughput, and transaction success rate. The findings clearly indicate that blockchain technology offers considerable potential to advance pharmacogenetic data sharing, particularly with regard to PGx data security and privacy, large-scale accessibility of PGx data, PGx data interoperability between multiple health care providers and compliance with data-sharing laws and regulations.
Topics: Humans; Blockchain; Pharmacogenetics; Computer Security; Information Dissemination; Pharmacogenomic Testing
PubMed: 35869255
DOI: 10.1038/s41397-022-00285-5 -
PeerJ. Computer Science 2022On January 8, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officially announced a new virus in Wuhan, China. The first novel coronavirus (COVID-19) case was...
BACKGROUND
On January 8, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officially announced a new virus in Wuhan, China. The first novel coronavirus (COVID-19) case was discovered on December 1, 2019, implying that the disease was spreading quietly and quickly in the community before reaching the rest of the world. To deal with the virus' wide spread, countries have deployed contact tracing mobile applications to control viral transmission. Such applications collect users' information and inform them if they were in contact with an individual diagnosed with COVID-19. However, these applications might have affected human rights by breaching users' privacy.
METHODOLOGY
This systematic literature review followed a comprehensive methodology to highlight current research discussing such privacy issues. First, it used a search strategy to obtain 808 relevant papers published in 2020 from well-established digital libraries. Second, inclusion/exclusion criteria and the snowballing technique were applied to produce more comprehensive results. Finally, by the application of a quality assessment procedure, 40 studies were chosen.
RESULTS
This review highlights privacy issues, discusses centralized and decentralized models and the different technologies affecting users' privacy, and identifies solutions to improve data privacy from three perspectives: public, law, and health considerations.
CONCLUSIONS
Governments need to address the privacy issues related to contact tracing apps. This can be done through enforcing special policies to guarantee users privacy. Additionally, it is important to be transparent and let users know what data is being collected and how it is being used.
PubMed: 35111915
DOI: 10.7717/peerj-cs.826