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Elkefi S, Trapani D, Ryan S. The role of digital health in supporting cancer patients' mental health and psychological well-being for a better quality of life: A systematic literature review. Int J Med Inform 2023; 176:105065. [PMID: 37224644 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2023.105065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This work aims to evaluate the role of digital health in supporting the mental and psychological well-being of patients with cancer and identify the associated challenges of use and implementation. METHODS Eligibility criteria: We included peer-reviewed studies (quantitative/qualitative) published between January 2011 and July 2022, that are written in English using technology to support cancer patients' mental health. We excluded opinion papers, editorials, and commentaries. INFORMATION SOURCES The systematic review was conducted across ProQuest CENTRAL, Scopus, PubMed, PsycInfo, Web Of Science, and IEEE Xplore. The study selection followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews, meta-Analysis Reviews, and meta-Analysis guidelines (PRISMA). Risk of bias: All screening steps followed a consensus between the authors to minimize bias or discrepancy. Synthesis of the results: Data were extracted following the Six-factor Model of Psychological Well-being (SMPW). The technology challenges are summarized following the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety model (SEIPS), focusing on design, impact on processes, and outcomes. RESULTS We included 25 studies satisfying our inclusion criteria. The studies had little interest in minorities and sociodemographic factors' assessment within their results. The review showed that mental health and psychological well-being tools cover many applications. In addition to allowing personal growth, digital health can help cancer patients gain more autonomy and self-acceptance. Moreover, these health technologies can aid in mastering the environment, shaping social relationships, and pursuing life goals. Many challenges were identified related to the environment, organization, users, and tasks. DISCUSSION Digital health applications for cancer care cover a broad spectrum of mental health interventions. Challenges warrant analyzing the needs and usability. Lessons learned during COVID-19 may help refine technology interventions for mental health in cancer care. More interest in minorities is needed when designing technologies for patients to ensure more access to equitable care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safa Elkefi
- School of Systems and Enterprises, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ, USA.
| | - Dario Trapani
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sean Ryan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
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2
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Haun JN, Alman AC, Jean-Baptiste E, Melillo C, McMahon-Grenz J, Paykel JM. Delivery of Complementary and Integrative Health Using Virtual Health Resources: A Scoping Review. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE 2022; 28:851-861. [PMID: 35819410 PMCID: PMC9700349 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2021.0458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Complementary and integrative health (CIH) modalities promote overall health and well-being and can be beneficial for individuals with a range of conditions. Traditionally, CIH has been delivered in person. COVID-19 created a need to identify sustainable remote delivery options to assure access to CIH while practicing public health recommendations. This scoping review maps the opportunities and challenges to remotely delivered CIH. Materials and methods: A scoping review was conducted between June 2020 and October 2020 using the following search engines: PubMed, Academic Search Premier, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Reviews, and the Cochrane Clinical Trial Collections. Search results investigating remote CIH delivery were restricted to articles written in English, published after 1990. Results: Of the 10,884 articles identified, after review for content and methods, 330 articles were included. Most articles were randomized controlled trials (n = 170), applied mindfulness (n = 203), and targeted mental and behavioral health conditions (n = 182). Interventions were primarily delivered through mobile applications (n = 151) and web-based platforms (n = 86). Most commonly reported barriers were adherence (n = 24), resource requirements (e.g., time and space) (n = 23), and technology-related issues (n = 21). Although most studies did not report facilitators (n = 217), most commonly reported facilitators were social and technologic supports, accessibility, usability, perceptions, and rewards. Participant outcomes measured were broad and included movement (n = 88), stress (n = 68), and pain (n = 54). Intervention characteristic outcomes most often measured were satisfaction and usability (n = 5). Conclusions: This scoping literature review identified many articles addressing remote delivery of CIH, but few reporting on the implementation of remotely delivered CIH. Findings suggest remotely delivered CIH, specifically mindfulness and meditation-based modalities, is a viable treatment option for a diverse range of health conditions. Feasibility studies and larger sample sizes are recommended to strengthen the scientific evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolie N. Haun
- Research and Development Service, James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, FL, USA
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Amy C. Alman
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Esther Jean-Baptiste
- Research and Development Service, James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Christine Melillo
- Research and Development Service, James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Julie McMahon-Grenz
- Research and Development Service, James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, FL, USA
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Pereira DR, Silva ER, Carvalho-Maia C, Monteiro-Reis S, Lourenço C, Calisto R, Teixeira RJ, Carlson LE, Bart G, Vainio SJ, Sales MGF, Jerónimo C, Henrique R. The modulatory role of internet-supported mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on extracellular vesicles and psychological distress in people who have had cancer: a protocol for a two-armed randomized controlled study. Trials 2022; 23:118. [PMID: 35123569 PMCID: PMC8817152 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06045-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been used in oncology contexts as a promising tool with numerous benefits for various health-related and psychosocial outcomes. Despite the increasing popularity of MBIs, few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have examined their effects upon biological parameters. Specifically, no previous study has examined the effects of MBIs on extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are potentially important markers of health, disease, and stress. Moreover, the lack of RCTs is even more limited within the context of technology-mediated MBIs and long-term effects. Methods The current study protocol presents a two-arm, parallel, randomized controlled study investigating the effects of internet-supported mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) compared with treatment as usual (TAU). Primary outcomes are psychological distress and EV cargo of distressed participants with previous breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer diagnoses. Secondary outcomes are self-reported psychosocial and health-related measures, and additional biological markers. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 4 weeks after baseline (mid-point of the intervention), 8 weeks after baseline (immediately post-intervention), 24 weeks after baseline (after booster sessions), and 52 weeks after baseline. Our goal is to recruit at least 111 participants who have been diagnosed with breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer (cancer stage I to III), are between 18 and 65 years old, and have had primary cancer treatments completed between 3 months and 5 years ago. Half of the participants will be randomized to the TAU group, and the other half will participate in an 8-week online MBCT intervention with weekly group sessions via videoconference. The intervention also includes asynchronous homework, an online retreat after the fifth week, and 4 monthly booster sessions after completion of the 8-week programme. Discussion This study will allow characterizing the effects of internet-based MBCT on psychosocial and biological indicators in the context of cancer. The effects on circulating EVs will also be investigated, as a possible neurobiological pathway underlying mind-body intervention effects. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.govNCT04727593 (date of registration: 27 January 2021; date of record verification: 6 October 2021). Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-022-06045-x.
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Text Messaging in Cancer-Supportive Care: A Systematic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143542. [PMID: 34298756 PMCID: PMC8307703 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The global cancer disease burden is substantial, resulting in increased economic and clinical strain on our healthcare systems. A proposed solution is text-based communication, which can be used for cancer-supportive care. We conducted a systematic review to synthesize and describe the use of text-based communications for cancer-supportive care. Our population of interest included adult patients with cancer. A total of 18 studies were included in the review: 9 RCTs and 9 non-randomized interventional/observational studies. Patients were largely satisfied with text-based communication during their cancer care. Compared to controls, results for other outcomes including symptoms and quality of life were largely mixed; however, no harms were observed. Furthermore, positive outcomes were seen for specific interventions, such as text message medication reminders. These findings should be considered with caution due to the considerable heterogeneity observed between studies regarding their design and reported outcomes and the high risk of bias associated with 6/18 studies. Overall, this review suggests that text-based communication may be a complementary tool for cancer-supportive care; however, more research is needed to examine the feasibility of implementation and use.
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Malins S, Owen R, Wright I, Borrill H, Limond J, Gibson F, Grundy RG, Bailey S, Clifford SC, Lowis S, Lemon J, Hayes L, Thomas S. Acceptance and commitment therapy for young brain tumour survivors: study protocol for an acceptability and feasibility trial. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e051091. [PMID: 34078638 PMCID: PMC8173289 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-051091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Survivors of childhood brain tumours have the poorest health-related quality of life of all cancer survivors due to the multiple physical and psychological sequelae of brain tumours and their treatment. Remotely delivered acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) may be a suitable and accessible psychological intervention to support young people who have survived brain tumours. This study aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of remotely delivered ACT to improve quality of life among these young survivors. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This study is a two-arm, parallel group, randomised controlled trial comparing ACT with waitlist control at 12-week follow-up as the primary endpoint. Seventy-two participants will be recruited, who are aged 11-24 and have completed brain tumour treatment. Participants will be randomised to receive 12 weeks of ACT either immediately or after a 12-week wait. The DNA-v model of ACT will be employed, which is a developmentally appropriate model for young people. Feasibility will be assessed using the proportion of those showing interest who consent to the trial and complete the intervention. Acceptability will be assessed using participant evaluations of the intervention, alongside qualitative interviews and treatment diaries analysed thematically. A range of clinical outcome measures will also assess physical and mental health, everyday functioning, quality of life and service usage at 12-week follow-up. The durability of treatment effects will be assessed by further follow-up assessments at 24 weeks, 36 weeks and 48 weeks. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval was given by East Midlands, Nottingham 1 Research Ethics Committee (Reference: 20/EM/0237). Study results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals, through public events and relevant third sector organisations. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN10903290; NCT04722237.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Malins
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
- Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Ray Owen
- Wye Valley NHS Trust, Hereford, UK
| | - Ingram Wright
- University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Heather Borrill
- Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jenny Limond
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Faith Gibson
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital For Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Richard G Grundy
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Simon Bailey
- Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Steven C Clifford
- Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Stephen Lowis
- University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Louise Hayes
- DNA-v International, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sophie Thomas
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
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Morgan AA, Landers AL, Simpson JE, Russon JM, Case Pease J, Dolbin‐MacNab ML, Bland KN, Jackson JB. The transition to teletherapy in marriage and family therapy training settings during COVID-19: What do the data tell us? JOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY 2021; 47:320-341. [PMID: 33742728 PMCID: PMC8250895 DOI: 10.1111/jmft.12502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, little is known about how university training programs transitioned to teletherapy. This study describes the transition of two university marriage and family therapy (i.e., master's and doctoral) training clinics to teletherapy and presents preliminary analyses of the types of clients and cases that converted to teletherapy. A series of chi-square analyses, a t-test, a logistic regression model, and a multiple linear regression model were employed. Four key findings emerged: (1) most cases converted to teletherapy; (2) Hispanic ethnicity was the only demographic characteristic to significantly predict conversion to teletherapy; (3) individual cases were significantly more likely to convert to teletherapy than relational cases; and (4) the number of prior in-person sessions attended significantly predicted conversion to teletherapy. Teletherapy conversion implications are discussed across four systemic levels: client, student trainee, supervision, and larger systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy A. Morgan
- Department of Family ScienceSchool of Public HealthUniversity of MarylandCollege ParkMDUSA
| | - Ashley L. Landers
- Department of Human Development and Family ScienceCollege of Liberal Arts and Human SciencesVirginia TechBlacksburg & Falls ChurchVAUSA
| | - Jessica E. Simpson
- Department of Family Social ScienceCollege of Education and Human DevelopmentUniversity of MinnesotaSt PaulMNUSA
| | - Jody M. Russon
- Department of Human Development and Family ScienceCollege of Liberal Arts and Human SciencesVirginia TechBlacksburg & Falls ChurchVAUSA
| | - Jenene Case Pease
- Department of Human Development and Family ScienceCollege of Liberal Arts and Human SciencesVirginia TechBlacksburg & Falls ChurchVAUSA
| | - Megan L. Dolbin‐MacNab
- Department of Human Development and Family ScienceCollege of Liberal Arts and Human SciencesVirginia TechBlacksburg & Falls ChurchVAUSA
| | - Krista N. Bland
- Department of Human Development and Family ScienceCollege of Liberal Arts and Human SciencesVirginia TechBlacksburg & Falls ChurchVAUSA
| | - Jeffrey B. Jackson
- Department of Human Development and Family ScienceCollege of Liberal Arts and Human SciencesVirginia TechBlacksburg & Falls ChurchVAUSA
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Abstract
Headache is one of the most disabling conditions in the world. Despite plentiful evidence supporting rehabilitation strategies, headache is significantly underassessed and undertreated. Obstacles to headache care include lack of available expertise in headache management, few available resources for effective assessment and treatment, and cost and disability that preclude treatment seeking in patients with headache. Telerehabilitation can allow providers to access expert consultation and gives patients easier access to assessment and treatment. This article covers existing telerehabilitation options for headache management and explores the strength of evidence supporting these approaches. Risks of telerehabilitation and recommendations for future development are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Don McGeary
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
| | - Cindy McGeary
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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Světlák M, Linhartová P, Knejzlíková T, Knejzlík J, Kóša B, Horníčková V, Jarolínová K, Lučanská K, Slezáčková A, Šumec R. Being Mindful at University: A Pilot Evaluation of the Feasibility of an Online Mindfulness-Based Mental Health Support Program for Students. Front Psychol 2021; 11:581086. [PMID: 33505332 PMCID: PMC7829670 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.581086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
University study can be a life period of heightened psychological distress for many students. The development of new preventive and intervention programs to support well-being in university students is a fundamental challenge for mental health professionals. We designed an 8-week online mindfulness-based program (eMBP) combining a face-to-face approach, text, audio, video components, and support psychotherapy principles with a unique intensive reminder system using the Facebook Messenger and Slack applications in two separate runs (N = 692). We assessed the program's effect on mindful experiencing, perceived stress, emotion regulation strategies, self-compassion, negative affect, and quality of life. The results of the presented pilot study confirmed that eMBP is a feasible and effective tool in university students' mental health support. The students who completed the eMBP reported a reduction of perceived stress with a large effect size ( p η2 = 0.42) as well as a decrease of negative affect experience frequency and intensity ( p η2 = 0.31), an increase of being mindful in their life (Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire subscales: p η2 = 0.21, 0.27, 0.25, 0.28, 0.28), and a higher rate of self-compassion ( p η2 = 0.28) with a medium effect size. A small effect size was found in the frequency of using a cognitive reappraisal strategy ( p η2 = 0.073). One new result is the observation of an eMBP effect ( p η2 = 0.27) on the decrease in attributed importance to the quality-of-life components replicated in two consecutive runs of the program. The study affirms that mindfulness-based interventions can be effectively delivered in an eHealth form to university students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslav Světlák
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia.,Department of Psychology and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Pavla Linhartová
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Terezia Knejzlíková
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia.,Department of Psychology and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Jakub Knejzlík
- Department of Psychology and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Barbora Kóša
- Department of Psychology and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Veronika Horníčková
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Kristýna Jarolínová
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Klaudia Lučanská
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Alena Slezáčková
- Department of Psychology and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia.,Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Rastislav Šumec
- Department of Psychology and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia.,First Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czechia
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9
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Matis J, Svetlak M, Slezackova A, Svoboda M, Šumec R. Mindfulness-Based Programs for Patients With Cancer via eHealth and Mobile Health: Systematic Review and Synthesis of Quantitative Research. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e20709. [PMID: 33196452 PMCID: PMC7704284 DOI: 10.2196/20709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background eHealth mindfulness-based programs (eMBPs) are on the rise in complex oncology and palliative care. However, we are still at the beginning of answering the questions of how effective eMBPs are and for whom, and what kinds of delivery modes are the most efficient. Objective This systematic review aims to examine the feasibility and efficacy of eMBPs in improving the mental health and well-being of patients with cancer, to describe intervention characteristics and delivery modes of these programs, and to summarize the results of the included studies in terms of moderators, mediators, and predictors of efficacy, adherence, and attrition. Methods In total, 4 databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge) were searched using relevant search terms (eg, mindfulness, program, eHealth, neoplasm) and their variations. No restrictions were imposed on language or publication type. The results of the efficacy of eMBPs were synthesized through the summarizing effect estimates method. Results
A total of 29 published papers describing 24 original studies were included in this review. In general, the results indicate that eMBPs have the potential to reduce the levels of stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep problems, and pain, and improve the levels of mindfulness, posttraumatic growth, and some parameters of general health. The largest median of Cohen d effect sizes were observed in reducing anxiety and depression (within-subject: median −0.38, IQR −0.62 to −0.27; between-group:
median −0.42, IQR −0.58 to −0.22) and facilitating posttraumatic growth (within-subject: median 0.42, IQR 0.35 to 0.48;
between-group: median 0.32, IQR 0.22 to 0.39). The efficacy of eMBP may be comparable with that of parallel, face-to-face
MBPs in some cases. All studies that evaluated the feasibility of eMBPs reported that they are feasible for patients with cancer.
Potential moderators, mediators, and predictors of the efficacy, attrition, and adherence of eMBPs are discussed.
Conclusions Although the effects of the reviewed studies were highly heterogeneous, the review provides evidence that eMBPs are an appropriate way for mindfulness practice to be delivered to patients with cancer. Thus far, existing eMBPs have mostly attempted to convert proven face-to-face mindfulness programs to the eHealth mode. They have not yet fully exploited the potential of eHealth technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juraj Matis
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Svetlak
- Department of Psychology and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Slezackova
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Psychology and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Svoboda
- Department of Comprehensive Cancer Care, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Rastislav Šumec
- Department of Psychology and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.,First Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
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Fisk M, Livingstone A, Pit SW. Telehealth in the Context of COVID-19: Changing Perspectives in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e19264. [PMID: 32463377 PMCID: PMC7286230 DOI: 10.2196/19264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 258] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background On March 12, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak a pandemic. On that date, there were 134,576 reported cases and 4981 deaths worldwide. By March 26, 2020, just 2 weeks later, reported cases had increased four-fold to 531,865, and deaths increased five-fold to 24,073. Older people are both major users of telehealth services and are more likely to die as a result of COVID-19. Objective This paper examines the extent that Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, during the 2 weeks following the pandemic announcement, sought to promote telehealth as a tool that could help identify COVID-19 among older people who may live alone, be frail, or be self-isolating, and give support to or facilitate the treatment of people who are or may be infected. Methods This paper reports, for the 2-week period previously mentioned and immediately prior, on activities and initiatives in the three countries taken by governments or their agencies (at national or state levels) together with publications or guidance issued by professional, trade, and charitable bodies. Different sources of information are drawn upon that point to the perceived likely benefits of telehealth in fighting the pandemic. It is not the purpose of this paper to draw together or analyze information that reflects growing knowledge about COVID-19, except where telehealth is seen as a component. Results The picture that emerges for the three countries, based on the sources identified, shows a number of differences. These differences center on the nature of their health services, the extent of attention given to older people (and the circumstances that can relate to them), the different geographies (notably concerned with rurality), and the changes to funding frameworks that could impact these. Common to all three countries is the value attributed to maintaining quality safeguards in the wider context of their health services but where such services are noted as sometimes having precluded significant telehealth use. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic is forcing changes and may help to establish telehealth more firmly in its aftermath. Some of the changes may not be long-lasting. However, the momentum is such that telehealth will almost certainly find a stronger place within health service frameworks for each of the three countries and is likely to have increased acceptance among both patients and health care providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malcolm Fisk
- De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sabrina Winona Pit
- University Centre for Rural Health, School of Medicine, University of Western Sydney, Lismore, Australia.,University Centre for Rural Health, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Lismore, Australia
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11
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Wells C, Malins S, Clarke S, Skorodzien I, Biswas S, Sweeney T, Moghaddam N, Levene J. Using smart-messaging to enhance mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for cancer patients: A mixed methods proof of concept evaluation. Psychooncology 2019; 29:212-219. [PMID: 31654533 PMCID: PMC7004102 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Objective Depression and anxiety lead to reduced treatment adherence, poorer quality of life, and increased care costs amongst cancer patients. Mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is an effective treatment, but dropout reduces potential benefits. Smart‐message reminders can prevent dropout and improve effectiveness. However, smart‐messaging is untested for MBCT in cancer. This study evaluates smart‐messaging to reduce dropout and improve effectiveness in MBCT for cancer patients with depression or anxiety. Methods Fifty‐one cancer patients attending MBCT in a psycho‐oncology service were offered a smart‐messaging intervention, which reminded them of prescribed between‐session activities. Thirty patients accepted smart‐messaging and 21 did not. Assessments of depression and anxiety were taken at baseline, session‐by‐session, and one‐month follow‐up. Logistic regression and multilevel modelling compared the groups on treatment completion and clinical effectiveness. Fifteen post‐treatment patient interviews explored smart‐messaging use. Results The odds of programme completion were eight times greater for patients using smart‐messaging compared with non‐users, controlling for age, gender, baseline depression, and baseline anxiety (OR = 7.79, 95% CI 1.75 to 34.58, p = .007). Smart‐messaging users also reported greater improvement in depression over the programme (B = ‐2.33, SEB = .78, p = .004) when controlling for baseline severity, change over time, age, and number of sessions attended. There was no difference between groups in anxiety improvement (B = ‐1.46, SEB = .86, p = .097). In interviews, smart‐messaging was described as a motivating reminder and source of personal connection. Conclusions Smart‐messaging may be an easily integrated telehealth intervention to improve MBCT for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Wells
- Department of PsychologyNottingham Trent UniversityNottinghamUK
| | - Sam Malins
- Institute of Mental HealthUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamUK
- Specialist ServicesNottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation TrustNottinghamshireUK
| | - Simon Clarke
- Department of PsychologyNottingham Trent UniversityNottinghamUK
| | | | - Sanchia Biswas
- Specialist ServicesNottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation TrustNottinghamshireUK
| | - Tim Sweeney
- Specialist ServicesNottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation TrustNottinghamshireUK
| | | | - Jo Levene
- Specialist ServicesNottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation TrustNottinghamshireUK
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