The role of digital health for post-surgery care of older patients with hip fracture: A scoping review

Platform-Based Patient-Clinician Digital Health Interventions for Care Transitions: Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Care transitions are complex and can make patients vulnerable to adverse events. Poor communication among clinicians, patients, and their caregivers is a critical gap during these periods of transition. Technology solutions such as platform-based patient-clinician digital health interventions (DHIs) can provide support and education to patients.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this scoping review were to explore the literature on platform-based patient-clinician DHIs specific to hospital-to-home care transitions and identify the barriers to and enablers of the uptake and implementation of these DHIs.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted. A total of 4 databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) were searched on July 13, 2022. Studies involving patients aged >18 years who used platform-based DHIs during their hospital-to-home transition were included. In total, 2 reviewers independently screened the articles for eligibility using a 2-stage process of title and abstract and full-text screening. Eligible studies underwent data extraction, and the results were analyzed using descriptive and narrative methods.

RESULTS

We screened 8322 articles, of which 97 (1.17%) met our inclusion criteria. DHIs were implemented using a mobile app (59/97, 61%), a web-based platform (28/97, 29%), or a combination of both (10/97, 10%). The 2 most common health conditions related to the DHIs were cardiac disease (22/97, 23%) and stroke (11/97, 11%). Outcomes varied greatly but were grouped by health care use, complications, and wellness outcomes. The top 2 barriers were lack of interest (13/97, 13%) and time constraints to use the DHIs (10/97, 10%), and the top 2 enablers were the ability to use the DHIs (17/97, 18%) and their ease of use (11/97, 11%). The main conflicting theme was access (enabler; 28/97, 29%) or limited access (barrier; 15/97, 15%) to technology or the internet.

CONCLUSIONS

Platform-based DHIs could help improve communication, coordination, and information sharing between clinicians and patients during transition periods. Further research is needed to assess the effectiveness of these platform-based DHIs on patient outcomes.

A novel hyperparameter search approach for accuracy and simplicity in disease prediction risk scoring

OBJECTIVE

Develop a novel technique to identify an optimal number of regression units corresponding to a single risk point, while creating risk scoring systems from logistic regression-based disease predictive models. The optimal value of this hyperparameter balances simplicity and accuracy, yielding risk scores of small scale and high accuracy for patient risk stratification.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The proposed technique applies an adapted line search across all potential hyperparameter values. Additionally, DeLong test is integrated to ensure the selected value produces an accuracy insignificantly different from the best achievable risk score accuracy. We assessed the approach through two case studies predicting diabetic retinopathy (DR) within six months and hip fracture readmissions (HFR) within 30 days, involving cohorts of 90 400 diabetic patients and 18 065 hip fracture patients.

RESULTS

Our scores achieve accuracies insignificantly different from those obtained by existing approaches, reaching AUROCs of 0.803 and 0.645 for DR and HFR predictions, respectively. Regarding the scale, our scores ranged 0-53 for DR and 0-15 for HFR, while scores produced by existing methods frequently spanned hundreds or thousands.

DISCUSSION

According to the assessment, our risk scores offer simple and accurate predictions for diseases. Furthermore, our new DR score provides a competitive alternative to state-of-the-art risk scores for DR, while our HFR case study presents the first risk score for this condition.

CONCLUSION

Our technique offers a generalizable framework for crafting precise risk scores of compact scales, addressing the demand for user-friendly and effective risk stratification tool in healthcare.

How to design equitable digital health tools: A narrative review of design tactics, case studies, and opportunities

With a renewed focus on health equity in the United States driven by national crises and legislation to improve digital healthcare innovation, there is a need for the designers of digital health tools to take deliberate steps to design for equity in their work. A concrete toolkit of methods to design for health equity is needed to support digital health practitioners in this aim. This narrative review summarizes several health equity frameworks to help digital health practitioners conceptualize the equity dimensions of importance for their work, and then provides design approaches that accommodate an equity focus. Specifically, the Double Diamond Model, the IDEAS framework and toolkit, and community collaboration techniques such as participatory design are explored as mechanisms for practitioners to solicit input from members of underserved groups and better design digital health tools that serve their needs. Each of these design methods requires a deliberate effort by practitioners to infuse health equity into the approach. A series of case studies that use different methods to build in equity considerations are offered to provide examples of how this can be accomplished and demonstrate the range of applications available depending on resources, budget, product maturity, and other factors. We conclude with a call for shared rigor around designing digital health tools that deliver equitable outcomes for members of underserved populations.

Characteristics and Effects of Home-Based Digital Health Interventions on Functional Outcomes in Older Patients With Hip Fractures After Surgery: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Digital health interventions (DHIs) have been used to improve postoperative functional ability in older patients with hip fractures. However, there is limited information on the characteristics of home-based DHIs, and controversy exists regarding their impact on functional outcomes in this population.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to provide an overview of the characteristics and effects of home-based DHIs on functional outcomes in older patients with hip fractures after surgery.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Five electronic medical databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, ProQuest, and CINAHL) were searched up until January 3, 2023. We included clinical trials or randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in English involving home-based DHIs for postoperative care among older patients with hip fractures. Excluded studies involved patients not hospitalized, not discharged to home, not directly using DHIs, or with inaccessible full text. The PROSPERO registration number is CRD42022370550. Two independent reviewers screened and extracted data (SP and NB). Disagreements were resolved through discussion and agreement with the third author (KP). Home-based DHIs were characterized in terms of purpose and content, mode of delivery, and health care provider. Functional outcomes assessed included Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Summary measures were calculated using mean differences with 95% CIs. Risk of bias was assessed using the Risk-of-Bias 2 assessment tool for RCTs and ROBINS-I for non-RCTs. The quality of evidence was assessed using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation).

RESULTS

Of 2125 identified studies, 16 were included in the systematic review, involving 1467 participants. Six studies were included in the meta-analysis (4 for TUG, 4 for SPPB, and 2 for FIM). Home-based DHIs predominantly involved communication and feedback, education, and telerehabilitation. Telephone calls were the most common mode of delivery, followed by web-based software and mobile apps. Physical therapists were the main health care providers. The meta-analysis showed that home-based DHIs improved functional outcomes compared with usual care, with decreased TUG scores (mean difference=-7.89; 95% CI -10.34 to -5.45; P<.001), significantly increased SPPB scores (mean difference=1.11; 95% CI 0.51-1.72; P<.001), and increased FIM scores (mean difference=7.98; 95% CI 5.73-10.24; P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Home-based DHIs that integrate communication and feedback, education, and telerehabilitation have demonstrated effectiveness in enhancing functional outcomes among older patients recovering from hip fractures after surgery. These interventions are commonly administered by physical therapists, who play a crucial role in facilitating and guiding the rehabilitation process. However, while the existing evidence supports the efficacy of such interventions, further research is needed to enhance our understanding and optimize the implementation of home-based DHIs for this specific population.

Patient-clinician digital health interventions for the hip fracture population: a scoping review

INTRODUCTION

Older adults with hip fracture often require extensive post-surgery care across multiple sectors, making follow-up care even more important to ensure an ideal recovery. With the increased adoption of technology, patient-clinician digital health interventions can potentially improve post-surgery outcomes of hip fracture patients by helping them and their caregivers better understand the various aspects of their care, post-hip fracture surgery. The purpose of this study was to examine the available literature on the impact of hip fracture-specific, patient-clinician digital health interventions on patient outcomes and health care delivery processes. We also aimed to identify the barriers and enablers to the uptake and implementation of these technologies and to provide strategies for improved use of these digital health interventions.

METHODS

We conducted a scoping review following the six stages of Arksey and O'Malley's framework and following the PRISMA-ScR reporting format. Searches were conducted in five databases. In addition to hand searching for relevant studies from the references of all included studies, we also conducted a grey literature search to identify relevant primary studies. Screening of titles and abstracts as well as full texts were performed independently by two reviewers. Two reviewers also performed the data extraction of the included studies.

RESULTS

After screening 3,638 records, 20 articles met the criteria and 1 article was identified through hand searching. Various patient-clinician digital health interventions were described including telehealth /telerehabilitation programs (n = 6), care transition /follow-up interventions (n = 5), online resources (n = 2), and wearable devices /sensor monitoring (n = 1). Outcomes were varied and included functional status, gait/mobility, quality of life, psychological factors, satisfaction, survival/complications, caregiver outcomes, compliance, technology-user interactions, and feedback on the use of the digital health interventions. For clinicians, a key barrier to the use of the digital health interventions was the acceptability of the technology. However, the usefulness of the digital health intervention by clinicians was seen as both a barrier and an enabler. For patients and caregivers, all the themes were seen as both a barrier and an enabler depending on the study. These themes included: 1) availability and access, 2) usability, 3) knowledge and skills, 4) acceptability, and 5) usefulness of the digital health intervention.

CONCLUSION

Many behavioural factors affect the use of patient-clinician digital health interventions. However, a specific attention should be focused on the acceptability of the technology by the clinicians to encourage uptake of the digital health interventions. The results of this scoping review can help to better understand the factors that may be targeted to increase the use of these technologies by clinicians, patients, and caregivers.

Platform-Based Patient-Clinician Digital Health Interventions for Care Transitions: Protocol for a Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

With the increased adoption of technology, the use of digital health interventions in health care settings has increased. Patient-clinician digital health interventions have the potential to improve patient care, especially during important transitions between hospital and home. Digital health interventions can provide support to patients during these transitions, thereby leading to better patient outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

This scoping review aims to explore the available literature, specifically (1) to examine the impact of platform-based digital health interventions focused on care transitions on patient outcomes, and (2) to identify the barriers to and enablers for the uptake and implementation of these digital health interventions.

METHODS

This protocol was developed based on Arksey and O'Malley's, Levac and colleagues', and JBI scoping review methodologies, and it has been reported according to the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement for the Scoping Reviews) format. The search strategies were developed for 4 databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials by using key words such as "hospital to home transition" and "platform-based digital health." Studies involving patients 16 years or older that used a platform-based digital health intervention during their hospital to home transition will be included in this review. Two reviewers will independently screen articles for eligibility by using a 2-stage process (ie, title and abstract screening and full-text screening). We expect to refine the eligibility criteria during the title and abstract screening process as we anticipate retrieving a significant number of articles. In addition, we will also perform a targeted search of the grey literature, as well as data extraction. Data analysis will consist of a narrative and descriptive synthesis.

RESULTS

The review is expected to identify research gaps that will inform the development of future patient-clinician digital health interventions. We have identified a total of 8333 articles. Screening began in September 2022, and data extraction is expected to commence in February 2023 and end by April 2023. Data analyses and final results will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal in August 2023.

CONCLUSIONS

We expect to find a wide variety of postcare interventions, some gaps in the quality of research evidence, as well as a lack of detailed information on digital health interventions.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/42056.

The Hospital to Home study (H2H): smartwatch technology-enabled rehabilitation following hip fracture in older adults, a feasibility non-randomised trial

Introduction

Hip fractures are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study assessed the feasibility of smartwatches supporting rehabilitation post-surgical fixation.

Methods

This UK-based non-randomised intervention study recruited patients who had sustained a hip fracture (age ≥65 and Abbreviated Mental Test Score ≥8/10), following surgical fixation, at one hospital to the intervention group, and at a second hospital to a usual care group. The intervention group received a smartwatch (Fitbit Charge 4) and app (CUSH Health©). Feasibility measures included retention and completion of outcome measures.

Results

Between November 2020 and November 21, 66 participants were recruited (median age 78 (IQR 74-84)). The intervention cohort were younger, with no significant differences in frailty or multi-morbidity between the cohorts. Hospital stay was shorter in the intervention cohort (10 days (7-16) versus 12 (10-18), p=0.05). There were 15 falls-related readmissions in the control cohort, including 11 fractures, with none in the intervention cohort (p=0.016). In the intervention group, median daily step counts increased from 477 (320-697) in hospital, to 931 (505-1238) 1 week post-discharge, to 5,352 (3,552-7,944) at 12-weeks (p=0.001). Of the intervention cohort, 12 withdrew.

Conclusion

This study found that smartwatch-supported rehabilitation was feasible in this cohort. A significant proportion of patients either chose not to participate or withdrew; such a decrease in participants must be addressed to avoid digital exclusion. Falls and fracture-related readmissions were more frequent at the control site compared with the intervention site.

Protocol for a scoping review of patient-clinician digital health interventions for the population with hip fracture

INTRODUCTION

Patient-clinician digital health interventions can potentially improve the care of patients with hip fracture transitioning from hospital to rehabilitation to home. Assisting older patients with a hip fracture and their caregivers in managing their postsurgery care is crucial for ensuring the best rehabilitation outcomes. With the increased availability and wide uptake of mobile devices, the use of digital health to better assist patients in their care has become more common. Among the older adult population, hip fractures are a common occurrence and integrated postsurgery care is key for optimal recovery. The overall aims are to examine the available literature on the impact of hip fracture-specific patient-clinician digital health interventions on patient outcomes and healthcare delivery processes; to identify the barriers and enablers to the uptake and implementation of these digital health interventions; and to provide strategies for improved use of digital health technologies.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will conduct a scoping review using Arksey and O'Malley's methodology framework and following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement for the Scoping Reviews reporting format. A search strategy will be developed, and key databases will be searched until approximately May 2022. A two-step screening process and data extraction of included studies will be performed by two reviewers. Any disagreement will be resolved by consensus or by a third reviewer. For the included studies, a narrative data synthesis will be conducted. Barriers and enablers identified will be mapped to the domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework and related strategies will be provided to guide the uptake of future patient-clinician digital health interventions.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This review does not require ethics approval. The results will be presented at a scientific conference and published in a peer-reviewed journal. We will also involve relevant stakeholders to determine appropriate approaches for dissemination.

Barriers and Enablers to the Use of Web-Based Applications for Older Adults and Their Caregivers Post-Hip Fracture Surgery: A Descriptive Qualitative Study

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to describe the barriers and enablers to the use of web-based applications designed to help manage the personalized needs of older adults and their caregivers post-hip fracture surgery while transitioning from hospital to geriatric rehabilitation to home.

Methods

This was a descriptive qualitative study consisting of semi-structured interviews informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework. The study took place between March 2021 and April 2022 on an orthopaedic unit in a large academic health sciences centre and in a geriatric rehabilitation service in Ontario, Canada. The transcripts were analyzed using a systematic 6-step approach.

Results

Interviews were conducted with older adults (n = 10) and with caregivers (n = 8) post-hip fracture surgery. A total of 21 barriers and 24 enablers were identified. The top two barriers were a need for basic computer skills (n = 11, 61.1%) and a preference for direct verbal communication (n = 10, 55.6%). The top two enablers were having no concerns with using web-based applications (n = 12, 66.7%) and having ease of access to information (n = 10, 55.6%).

Conclusion

We described the key barriers and enablers to the use of web-based applications from the perspectives of older adults and their caregivers. These factors will inform further developments of web-based applications aimed at improving the care transition from hospital to geriatric rehabilitation to home post-hip fracture surgery.