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Digital Health 2024Digital health interventions for behaviour change are usually complex interventions, and intervention developers should 'articulate programme theory', that is, they...
OBJECTIVE
Digital health interventions for behaviour change are usually complex interventions, and intervention developers should 'articulate programme theory', that is, they should offer detailed descriptions of individual intervention components and their proposed mechanisms of action. However, such detailed descriptions often remain lacking. The objective of this work was to provide a conceptual case study with an applied example of 'articulating programme theory' for a newly developed digital health intervention.
METHODS
Intervention Mapping methodology was applied to arrive at a detailed description of programme theory for a newly developed digital health intervention that aims to support cardiac rehabilitation patients in establishing heart-healthy physical activity habits. Based on a Predisposing, Reinforcing, and Enabling Constructs in Educational Diagnosis and Evaluation (PRECEDE) logic model of the problem, a logic model of change was developed. The proposed mechanisms of action were visualised in an acyclic behaviour change diagram.
RESULTS
Programme theory for this digital health intervention includes 4 sub-behaviours of the main target behaviour (i.e. habitual heart-healthy physical activity), 8 personal determinants and 12 change objectives (i.e. changes needed at the determinant level to achieve the sub-behaviours). These are linked to 12 distinct features of the digital health intervention and 12 underlying behaviour change methods.
CONCLUSIONS
This case study offers a worked example of articulating programme theory for a digital health intervention using Intervention Mapping. Intervention developers and researchers may draw on this example to replicate the method, or to reflect on most suitable approaches for their own behaviour change interventions.
PubMed: 38894945
DOI: 10.1177/20552076241260974 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024In the last few decades, there has been an ongoing transformation of our healthcare system with larger use of sensors for remote care and artificial intelligence (AI)... (Review)
Review
In the last few decades, there has been an ongoing transformation of our healthcare system with larger use of sensors for remote care and artificial intelligence (AI) tools. In particular, sensors improved by new algorithms with learning capabilities have proven their value for better patient care. Sensors and AI systems are no longer only non-autonomous devices such as the ones used in radiology or surgical robots; there are novel tools with a certain degree of autonomy aiming to largely modulate the medical decision. Thus, there will be situations in which the doctor is the one making the decision and has the final say and other cases in which the doctor might only apply the decision presented by the autonomous device. As those are two hugely different situations, they should not be treated the same way, and different liability rules should apply. Despite a real interest in the promise of sensors and AI in medicine, doctors and patients are reluctant to use it. One important reason is a lack clear definition of liability. Nobody wants to be at fault, or even prosecuted, because they followed the advice from an AI system, notably when it has not been perfectly adapted to a specific patient. Fears are present even with simple sensors and AI use, such as during telemedicine visits based on very useful, clinically pertinent sensors; with the risk of missing an important parameter; and, of course, when AI appears "intelligent", potentially replacing the doctors' judgment. This paper aims to provide an overview of the liability of the health professional in the context of the use of sensors and AI tools in remote healthcare, analyzing four regimes: the contract-based approach, the approach based on breach of duty to inform, the fault-based approach, and the approach related to the good itself. We will also discuss future challenges and opportunities in the promising domain of sensors and AI use in medicine.
Topics: Artificial Intelligence; Telemedicine; Humans; Health Personnel; Liability, Legal; Algorithms; Delivery of Health Care; COVID-19
PubMed: 38894282
DOI: 10.3390/s24113491 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jun 2024Thoracic aortopathy includes conditions like aortic aneurysms and dissections, posing significant management challenges. In India, care delivery is complicated by...
Thoracic aortopathy includes conditions like aortic aneurysms and dissections, posing significant management challenges. In India, care delivery is complicated by geographic vastness, financial constraints, and healthcare resource disparities. Telemedicine and digital health technologies offer promising solutions. A comprehensive review of literature and clinical experiences was conducted to explore the implementation of remote care strategies for thoracic aortopathy in India. The review included studies from 2000 to 2023 and insights from cardiothoracic specialists. Remote care benefits include improved access to specialized expertise, enhanced patient engagement, and optimized resource utilization. Telemedicine enables consultations without travel, and remote monitoring facilitates early intervention. However, challenges like technology integration, digital literacy, patient engagement, privacy concerns, and regulatory compliance need addressing. Telemedicine offers significant advantages but requires overcoming challenges to ensure effective, secure care. Careful planning for technology integration, patient education, robust privacy measures, and supportive regulatory policies are essential. Addressing these issues can bridge the healthcare access gap and improve outcomes in India's diverse landscape.
PubMed: 38893041
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13113327 -
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Globally, approximately 1.4% of people have celiac disease (CD), induced by gluten sensitivity. If left untreated, it causes small intestinal inflammation and villous... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Globally, approximately 1.4% of people have celiac disease (CD), induced by gluten sensitivity. If left untreated, it causes small intestinal inflammation and villous atrophy, which can result in failure to thrive, anemia, osteoporosis, malabsorption, and even malignancy. The only treatment option available is a gluten-free diet (GFD). Few studies have looked at the role and perception of telehealth in relation to CD and selective nutrition both before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
AIM
Our goal was to screen and investigate the research conducted both before and after the COVID-19 pandemic concerning the utilization of telehealth applications and solutions in CD and other GFD-dependent circumstances.
METHODS
We employed a narrative review approach to explore articles that were published in scholarly journals or organizations between the years 2000 and 2024. Only English-language publications were included. PubMed and Google Scholar searches were mainly conducted using the following keywords: telemedicine, telehealth, telecare, eHealth, m-health, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, celiac disease, and gluten-free diet (GFD). Manual searches of the references in the acquired literature were also carried out, along with the authors' own personal contributions of their knowledge and proficiency in this field.
RESULTS
Only a few studies conducted prior to the COVID-19 outbreak examined the viewpoints and experiences of adult patients with CD with relation to in-person clinic visits, as well as other options such as telehealth. The majority of patients believed that phone consultations were appropriate and beneficial. Video conferencing and telemedicine became more popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating the effectiveness of using these technologies for CD on a global basis. In recent years, urine assays for gluten identification have become accessible for use at home. These tests could be helpful for CD monitoring with telemedicine assistance.
CONCLUSIONS
The extended knowledge gathered from the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to complement pre-COVID-19 data supporting the usefulness of telemedicine even after the emergent pandemic, encouraging its wider adoption in standard clinical practice. The monitoring and follow-up of CD patients and other GFD-dependent conditions can greatly benefit from telemedicine.
PubMed: 38891207
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12111132 -
Human Resources For Health Jun 2024Physician assistants/associates (PAs) provide services in diverse medical specialties globally, including psychiatry. While health professionals in psychiatry have been...
BACKGROUND
Physician assistants/associates (PAs) provide services in diverse medical specialties globally, including psychiatry. While health professionals in psychiatry have been described for many years, little is known about PAs practicing in this discipline.
METHODS
We describe US PAs practicing in psychiatry using robust national data from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Analyses included descriptive and inferential statistics comparing PAs in psychiatry to PAs in all other medical and surgical specialties.
RESULTS
The percentage of PAs practicing in psychiatry has increased from 1.1% (n = 630) in 2013 to 2.0% (n = 2 262) in 2021. PAs in psychiatry differed from PAs practicing in all other specialties in the following: they identified predominately as female (71.4% vs. 69.1%; p = 0.016), were more racially diverse (Asian [6.6% vs. 6.0%], Black/African American [5.5% vs. 3.4%], multi-race [2.8% vs. 2.1%], and other races [Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, American Indian/Alaska Native, or other; 3.7% vs. 3.6%]; p < 0.001), and resided in the South (43.8% vs. 34.1%; p < 0.001). PAs in psychiatry vs. all other specialties were more likely to work in office-based private practice settings (41.6% vs. 37.3%; p < 0.001) and nearly twice as likely to provide telemedicine services for their patients (62.7% vs. 32.9%; p < 0.001). While one-third (31.9%) of PAs in psychiatry experienced one or more burnout symptoms, and 8.1% considered changing their current position, the vast majority of PAs in psychiatry (86.0%) were satisfied with their position.
CONCLUSIONS
Understanding the attributes of PAs in psychiatry is essential in medical labor supply and demand research. Our findings suggest that the number of PAs working in psychiatry is steadily increasing. These PAs were predominantly female, exhibited greater racial diversity, and were primarily located in the South and Midwest regions of the US. A striking difference was that PAs in psychiatry were almost twice as likely to provide telemedicine services for their patients. Although nearly a third of PAs in psychiatry acknowledged having one or more symptoms of burnout, few were considering changing their employment, and the vast majority reported high job satisfaction.
Topics: Humans; Psychiatry; Female; Physician Assistants; Male; United States; Adult; Middle Aged; Health Workforce; Workforce
PubMed: 38890630
DOI: 10.1186/s12960-024-00911-2 -
BMJ Open Jun 2024Digital technology is increasingly being adopted within primary healthcare services to improve service delivery and health outcomes; however, the scope for digital...
INTRODUCTION
Digital technology is increasingly being adopted within primary healthcare services to improve service delivery and health outcomes; however, the scope for digital innovation within primary care services in rural areas is currently unknown. This systematic review aims to synthesise existing research on the use and integration of digital health technology within primary care services for rural populations across the world.
METHODS AND ANALYSIS
A systematic approach to the search strategy will be conducted. Relevant medical and healthcare-focused electronic databases will be searched using key search terms between January 2013 and December 2023. Searches will be conducted using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. A systematic study selection and data extraction process will be implemented, using standardised templates. Outcomes will be reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses- Protocol statement guidelines. Quality assessment and risk of bias appraisal will be conducted using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION
Ethical approval will not be required because there is no individual patient data collected or reviewed. The finding of this review will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. Outcomes will help to understand existing knowledge and identify gaps in delivering digital healthcare services, while also providing potential future practice and policy recommendations.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42023477233.
Topics: Primary Health Care; Humans; Systematic Reviews as Topic; Rural Health Services; Digital Technology; Research Design; Telemedicine
PubMed: 38890142
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-083152 -
International Journal of Medical... Jun 2024The Communication and Tracing App HIV (COMTRAC-HIV) project is developing a mobile health (mHealth) app for integrated care of HIV patients in Germany. The complexity of...
BACKGROUND
The Communication and Tracing App HIV (COMTRAC-HIV) project is developing a mobile health (mHealth) app for integrated care of HIV patients in Germany. The complexity of HIV treatment and continuous care necessitates the need for tailored mHealth solutions. This qualitative study explores design solutions and a prototype to enhance the app's functionality and effectiveness.
METHODS
A total of eight HIV patients and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) users, recruited at the HIV Center Frankfurt, participated in focus groups and thinking-aloud tests (TA test). In the focus groups, design solutions were discussed for user-interface clarity, leading to the development of an interactive prototype, the usability of which was evaluated with a TA test. Data collection involved video/audio recordings. Qualitative analysis was conducted using a deductive category system, and focused on app design and usage in focus groups, and layout, navigation, interaction, terminology, comprehension, feedback, and level of satisfaction in TA tests.
RESULTS
The app was commended for its simple, clear design, especially its medication reminders and health tracking features. Opinions on the symptom diary varied however, respondents noting it more suitable for HIV users than PrEP users. Privacy concerns suggest avoiding display of HIV-specific information. Suggested improvements include e.g. image uploads, drug interaction checks and prescription tracking. A total of 25 usability issues were identified in the TA test, with most found in the layout (n = 6), navigation (n = 5), interaction (n = 5), and terminology (n = 5) categories. Two examples are non-intuitive controls and illogical button placement. Despite these disadvantages, participants noted positive impressions (n = 5) in the satisfaction category.
CONCLUSION
The study emphasizes the need for patient-centered design in mobile HIV care solutions, highlighting to the app's user-friendliness and potential to enhance care. Further research is necessary to refine the app's functionality and to align it with clinical and patients' privacy needs.
PubMed: 38889535
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2024.105524 -
JMIR MHealth and UHealth Jun 2024Hypertension, a key modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, is more prevalent among Black and low-income individuals. To address this health disparity,...
Engagement in mHealth-Prompted Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring Among Participants Recruited From a Safety-Net Emergency Department: Secondary Analysis of the Reach Out Trial.
BACKGROUND
Hypertension, a key modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, is more prevalent among Black and low-income individuals. To address this health disparity, leveraging safety-net emergency departments for scalable mobile health (mHealth) interventions, specifically using text messaging for self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) monitoring, presents a promising strategy. This study investigates patterns of engagement, associated factors, and the impact of engagement on lowering blood pressure (BP) in an underserved population.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to identify patterns of engagement with prompted SMBP monitoring with feedback, factors associated with engagement, and the association of engagement with lowered BP.
METHODS
This is a secondary analysis of data from Reach Out, an mHealth, factorial trial among 488 hypertensive patients recruited from a safety-net emergency department in Flint, Michigan. Reach Out participants were randomized to weekly or daily text message prompts to measure their BP and text in their responses. Engagement was defined as a BP response to the prompt. The k-means clustering algorithm and visualization were used to determine the pattern of SMBP engagement by SMBP prompt frequency-weekly or daily. BP was remotely measured at 12 months. For each prompt frequency group, logistic regression models were used to assess the univariate association of demographics, access to care, and comorbidities with high engagement. We then used linear mixed-effects models to explore the association between engagement and systolic BP at 12 months, estimated using average marginal effects.
RESULTS
For both SMBP prompt groups, the optimal number of engagement clusters was 2, which we defined as high and low engagement. Of the 241 weekly participants, 189 (78.4%) were low (response rate: mean 20%, SD 23.4) engagers, and 52 (21.6%) were high (response rate: mean 86%, SD 14.7) engagers. Of the 247 daily participants, 221 (89.5%) were low engagers (response rate: mean 9%, SD 12.2), and 26 (10.5%) were high (response rate: mean 67%, SD 8.7) engagers. Among weekly participants, those who were older (>65 years of age), attended some college (vs no college), married or lived with someone, had Medicare (vs Medicaid), were under the care of a primary care doctor, and took antihypertensive medication in the last 6 months had higher odds of high engagement. Participants who lacked transportation to appointments had lower odds of high engagement. In both prompt frequency groups, participants who were high engagers had a greater decline in BP compared to low engagers.
CONCLUSIONS
Participants randomized to weekly SMBP monitoring prompts responded more frequently overall and were more likely to be classed as high engagers compared to participants who received daily prompts. High engagement was associated with a larger decrease in BP. New strategies to encourage engagement are needed for participants with lower access to care.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Telemedicine; Emergency Service, Hospital; Safety-net Providers; Adult; Hypertension; Aged; Michigan; Text Messaging; Blood Pressure Determination
PubMed: 38889070
DOI: 10.2196/54946 -
JMIR Formative Research Jun 2024Substance use disorder (SUD) is a major health issue in Indonesia, where several barriers to treatment exist, including inaccessibility to treatment services, stigma,...
BACKGROUND
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a major health issue in Indonesia, where several barriers to treatment exist, including inaccessibility to treatment services, stigma, and criminalization of drug issues. Peer involvement and the use of telemedicine to deliver psychotherapy are promising approaches to overcome these barriers.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims (1) to describe the development of a new group psychotherapy coprovided by a health care worker and a peer and (2) to evaluate the acceptability, practicality, and preliminary outcomes of the program delivered via videoconferencing in Indonesia.
METHODS
Building upon an established relapse prevention therapy in Japan, we developed a 3-month weekly group therapy module in the Indonesian language. Adjustments were made via focus group discussions with local stakeholders in terms of substance types, understandability, inclusive language, and cultural relevance. A pilot study was conducted to test the new module provided by a peer and a psychiatrist via videoconferencing, termed tele-Indonesia Drug Addiction Relapse Prevention Program (tele-Indo-DARPP), with a pre- and postcontrolled design. We analyzed data from semistructured feedback interviews and outcome measurements, including the number of days using substances and quality of life, and compared the intervention (tele-Indo-DARPP added to treatment as usual [TAU]) and control (TAU only) arms.
RESULTS
In total, 8 people diagnosed with SUD participated in the pilot study with a mean age of 37 (SD 12.8) years. All were men, and 7 (88%) used sedatives as the primary substance. Collectively, they attended 44 of the 48 tele-Indo-DARPP sessions. A total of 3 out of 4 (75%) preferred telemedicine rather than in-person therapy. Positive acceptability and practicality were shown from qualitative feedback, in which the participants who joined the tele-Indo-DARPP reported that they liked the convenience of joining from home and that they were able to open up about personal matters, received helpful advice from peers, and received support from other participants. Providers reported that they feel the module was provider-friendly, and the session was convenient to join without diminishing rapport-building. Meanwhile, troubles with the internet connection and difficulty in comprehending some terminology in the workbook were reported. The intervention arm showed better improvements in psychological health and anxiety symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS
Group psychotherapy via videoconferencing coprovided by health care workers and peers was acceptable and practical for participants with SUD and service providers in this study. A large-scale study is warranted to examine the effectiveness of the newly developed module in Indonesia.
PubMed: 38888959
DOI: 10.2196/50452 -
Cureus May 2024Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a need to balance optimum treatment service and the safety of patients and hospital staff. The British Orthopaedic...
Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a need to balance optimum treatment service and the safety of patients and hospital staff. The British Orthopaedic Association recommended a virtual fracture clinic to give the right first-time decision and to minimize patient exposure to disease. This study aimed to evaluate the patients' satisfaction outcomes for the service provided through the virtual fracture clinic. Methodology From January to May 2022, all patients seen by the staff in the Emergency Department (ED) at Queens Burton Hospitals were enrolled in a prospective study. An Excel spreadsheet was provided to both ED personnel and the orthopaedic team for accessibility. Patients were continually added to the spreadsheet, and their cases were reviewed by the on-call consultant to devise treatment plans. A satisfaction questionnaire was collected from patients about their virtual clinic experience as a route to provide treatment service. Results The study comprised 150 patients, with an average age of 40 years. Distal radial fractures represented one-third of the cases. Different modalities of management were offered such as a sling, splint, cast, or referral to physiotherapy. Around 75% of cases were satisfied, understood the advice given over the phone, and were not required to attend the actual clinic. The remaining quarter attended the clinic either for further reassessment by an orthopaedic surgeon or for discussion of their injury as they could not get the full message over the phone due to fast calls, hearing struggles, or just listening to messages. Conclusions The virtual fracture clinic is an effective standalone service that gained around 75% satisfaction in patients' outcome questionnaires. It saved the actual fracture clinic slots and hospital resources. It is recommended to be part of the standard daily practice throughout the United Kingdom.
PubMed: 38887350
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60528