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Ma J, Xiao X, Zhou S, Gu C, Liu F, Wang H. Features of Studies on Transition Interventions for Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Scoping Review. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:272. [PMID: 38254763 PMCID: PMC10814357 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE in this scoping review, previously reported data were described and synthesized to document transition interventions in CCSs, and the features of intervention components of the current transition studies for CCSs were summarized. METHODS A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Ovid, and the Cochrane Library following the PRISMA-ScR statement. All original studies (n = 9) investigating transition interventions in CCSs were included. RESULTS The current studies identified essential elements for transition programs, such as delivering knowledge, developing skills for coordination of care, and addressing psychosocial needs. However, the current transition interventions were generally in their infancy, and major deficits were found, including poorly reported intervention components and procedures, a limited number of relevant validated outcomes, and a failure to incorporate conceptual frameworks and international consensus statements. CONCLUSIONS This scoping review mapped current evidence of transition interventions for CCSs and highlighted the paucity of data in this area. More high-quality and well-reported randomized controlled trials are needed for the enrichment and standardization of future transition interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Ma
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China; (J.M.); (X.X.); (S.Z.); (C.G.)
| | - Xueling Xiao
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China; (J.M.); (X.X.); (S.Z.); (C.G.)
| | - Siqi Zhou
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China; (J.M.); (X.X.); (S.Z.); (C.G.)
| | - Can Gu
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China; (J.M.); (X.X.); (S.Z.); (C.G.)
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, The Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Honghong Wang
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China; (J.M.); (X.X.); (S.Z.); (C.G.)
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Donkor A, Ayitey JA, Adotey PN, Ofori EO, Kitson-Mills D, Vanderpuye V, Opoku SY, Luckett T, Agar MR, Engel-Hills P. Mobile-Based Application Interventions to Enhance Cancer Control and Care in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review. Int J Public Health 2023; 68:1606413. [PMID: 38125709 PMCID: PMC10732306 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2023.1606413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To identify and appraise mobile-based application (mAPP) interventions that have been used to support cancer control and care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods: Four electronic databases were systematically searched for studies that reported primary research findings related to mAPP interventions applied in oncology settings in LMICs. A narrative synthesis was performed using the Mhealth Index and Navigation Database as an analytical framework. Results: Twenty studies reporting 18 cancer control and care mAPPs were included in this review. Among these mAPPs, ten focused on prevention, screening and early detection of cancer, five provided information to optimise supportive and palliative care, two provided support to assist treatment-shared decision-making and one covered information for follow-up and survivorship care. Conclusion: Cancer mAPP interventions are gradually gaining attention in LMICs as they provide unique resources for empowering and strengthening the role of people with cancer in their own care. To enhance cancer control, a focus on prevention and early detection is important; however, more mAPP interventions related to cancer treatment, follow-up and survivorship are also needed to enable more cost-effective cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Donkor
- Department of Medical Imaging, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Jennifer Akyen Ayitey
- Department of Medical Imaging, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Prince Nyansah Adotey
- Department of Medical Imaging, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Esther Oparebea Ofori
- Department of Medical Imaging, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Doris Kitson-Mills
- Department of Medical Imaging, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | | | - Tim Luckett
- Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Meera R. Agar
- Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Penelope Engel-Hills
- Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa
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Ma J, Li J, Huang W, Wang H. Developing a theory-driven framework for a web-based intervention to improve transition in childhood cancer survivors: a protocol of realist synthesis. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e074162. [PMID: 37963702 PMCID: PMC10649388 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-074162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS AND PURPOSE Childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) who transition through adolescence and enter young adulthood may suffer psychological, cognitive, social, fertility, and sexual issues and concerns. There is an urgent need for comprehensive intervention strategies to improve the transition of CCSs. Web-based technologies are gaining momentum as a new mechanism to provide healthcare and education for adolescents. However, previous frameworks have been limited in their effectiveness in explaining web-based interventions.This realist synthesis aims to synthesise current evidence on transition of CCSs to develop a framework for web-based interventions. The framework can foster understanding of the integrity of web-based intervention implementation chain, examine which mechanistic factors will be triggered by web-based interventions, note and examine the flows, blockages and points of contention in the implementation, to refine web-based interventions. METHOD AND ANALYSIS A realist synthesis that adheres to the Realist and Meta-narrative Evidence Syntheses-Evolving Standard will be used. Studies will be identified through PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Ovid and Cochrane Library from the period of January 2005 to May 2023. We will also search the reference lists provided in relevant studies and reviews. Articles will be screened based on two principles: (1) Relevance: does the research address the initial programme theory? (2) Rigour: whether a particular inference drawn by the original researcher has sufficient weight to make a methodologically credible contribution to the test of the initial programme theory. No restrictions regarding the design or language of publication will be considered. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION As a review, ethical approval is not required. The results from this study will be presented at international conferences and disseminated through peer-reviewed publications. Patients and the public will be involved in the dissemination plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Ma
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jing Li
- Teaching and Research Section of Clinical Nursing, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Mobile Health Ministry of Education - China Mobile Joint Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Weihong Huang
- Mobile Health Ministry of Education - China Mobile Joint Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Honghong Wang
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Novrianda D, Herini ES, Haryanti F, Supriyadi E, Lazuardi L. Chemo assist for children mobile health application to manage chemotherapy-related symptoms in acute leukemia in Indonesia: a user-centered design approach. BMC Pediatr 2023; 23:274. [PMID: 37254039 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-04076-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A mobile health (mHealth) application can encourage parents and pediatric patients to be involved in caring for their child's health condition by providing the ability to identify and actively manage chemotherapy-related symptoms in their child. Several monitoring systems available today are diverse in features and system basis. This study aimed to develop and trial the Chemo Assist for Children (CAC) mHealth application for symptom management in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). METHODS In this study, the development of the CAC application went through multiple phases and methods. Study phases included: (1) development of the application's feature based on the need assessment, (2) creation of content of application based on literature review, (3) develop prototyping of CAC, (4) expert review and feedback on the application content, (5) usability testing by targeted end-user. RESULTS Based on need assessment, it was determined that parents with leukemia children were interested in symptom management of chemotherapy and preferred mobile applications. Therefore, a mHealth application was designed to include features to identify symptoms and provide recommendation strategies to manage the symptom. Usability evaluation by end-user revealed that mHealth is a valid, accessible, and appropriate application for users. CONCLUSIONS The CAC mHealth application developed can meet the needs of technology users to identify symptoms and manage chemotherapy-related symptoms in children with ALL. The CAC mHealth application can accommodate data not recorded at out-of-hospital care, increase the independence of symptom management, and improve communication between parents of children with ALL and health workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dwi Novrianda
- Department of Pediatrics and Maternity Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Andalas, Padang, Indonesia
| | - Elisabeth Siti Herini
- Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada/Dr. Sardjito Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
| | - Fitri Haryanti
- Department of Pediatric-Maternity Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Eddy Supriyadi
- Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada/Dr. Sardjito Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Lutfan Lazuardi
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
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Abstract
Many childhood cancer survivors (CCS) could benefit from improved knowledge about their cancer diagnosis, the treatments received, and associated risks during the period when they transition into adult aftercare. Interventions that support the transition from pediatric to adult care have showed high patient satisfaction. We developed an educational workbook, "Life After the Janeway," to support CCS transition into adult care. We evaluated its understandability, actionability, and overall acceptability, using an online survey based on the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Printable Material (PEMAT-P). Ten participants completed the survey. The overall PEMAT-P score was 94.06 (SD ± 7.40). Mean scores for understandability and actionability were 92.83 (SD ± 8.79) and 98.15 (SD ± 5.24) respectively. Interrater reliability found strong agreement across survey items. Participants support efforts to improve transition and felt positive about the intervention. The workbook was shown to be understandable and actionable to likely users. The next steps will focus on delivering the workbook to CCS going through their transition of care and exploring developing the workbook in an electronic format.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devonne Ryan
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada.
| | - Paul Moorehead
- Discipline of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada
- Children's and Women's Health, Eastern Health, St. John's, NL, Canada
- Janeway Pediatric Research Unit, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Roger Chafe
- Discipline of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada
- Janeway Pediatric Research Unit, St. John's, NL, Canada
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Yazdanian A, Mehdizadeh H, Balaghafari A, Kahouei M, Masoudinezhad M. Requirements of mobile-based self-management application for patients with gastric cancer: specialists and patients perspective (Preprint). JMIR Cancer 2022; 8:e36788. [PMID: 35475920 PMCID: PMC9096641 DOI: 10.2196/36788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Objective Methods Results Conclusions
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Affiliation(s)
- Azade Yazdanian
- Department of Health Information Technology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Hamed Mehdizadeh
- Department of Health Information Technology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Azita Balaghafari
- Department of Health Information Technology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mahdi Kahouei
- Department of Health Information Technology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Maede Masoudinezhad
- Technology Department, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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Abstract
This narrative review describes the evidence regarding digital health interventions targeting adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors. We reviewed the published literature for studies involving Internet, mHealth, social media, telehealth, and other digital interventions for AYA survivors. We highlight selected studies to illustrate the state of the research in this unique patient population. Interventions have used various digital modalities to improve health behaviors (eg, physical activity, nutrition, tobacco cessation), enhance emotional well-being, track and intervene on cancer-related symptoms, and improve survivorship care delivery. The majority of studies have demonstrated feasibility and acceptability of digital health interventions for AYA survivors, but few efficacy studies have been conducted. Digital health interventions are promising to address unmet psychosocial and health information needs of AYA survivors. Researchers should use rigorous development and evaluation methods to demonstrate the efficacy of these approaches to improve health outcomes for AYA survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie A Devine
- Katie A. Devine, Adrienne S. Viola, and Elliot J. Coups, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ; Yelena P. Wu, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Adrienne S Viola
- Katie A. Devine, Adrienne S. Viola, and Elliot J. Coups, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ; Yelena P. Wu, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Elliot J Coups
- Katie A. Devine, Adrienne S. Viola, and Elliot J. Coups, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ; Yelena P. Wu, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Yelena P Wu
- Katie A. Devine, Adrienne S. Viola, and Elliot J. Coups, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ; Yelena P. Wu, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT
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Mehdizadeh H, Asadi F, Mehrvar A, Nazemi E, Emami H. Smartphone apps to help children and adolescents with cancer and their families: a scoping review. Acta Oncol 2019; 58:1003-1014. [PMID: 30915872 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2019.1588474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Considering the importance of empowering patients and their families by providing appropriate information and education, it seems smartphone apps provide a good opportunity for this group. The purpose of this review was to identify studies which used smartphone apps to help children and adolescents with cancer and their families. Method: Arksey and O'Malley's framework was employed in this review. To examine the evidence on the design and use of smartphone apps for the target group, PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched from 2007 to November 2018. Results: Twenty-four articles met the inclusion criteria, with 33% being conducted in the USA and 21% in Canada. Moreover, in 20 studies (83%), app was specifically designed for children and adolescents, with only three studies (13%) for parents and one study (4%) for both. The main modules of smartphone apps in these studies included symptom assessment (90%), provision of information and education (74%), communication with caregivers (57%), social support (30%) and calendar and reminder (21%). Conclusions: Due to the easy access to smartphones without a costly infrastructure compared to landline phones, the use of mobile health (m-Health) has become a suitable method of providing healthcare services, especially for cancer. Use of smartphone apps, increases patient and families' access to reliable and suitable education and information regarding the disease. Thus, healthcare policy-makers in developing or underdeveloped countries can exploit the health-related potentials of m-Health following the experience of developed countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Mehdizadeh
- Department of Health Information Technology and Management, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farkhondeh Asadi
- Department of Health Information Technology and Management, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azim Mehrvar
- MAHAK Hematology Oncology Research Center (MAHAK-HORC), MAHAK Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Eslam Nazemi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hassan Emami
- Department of Health Information Technology and Management, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Jeminiwa RN, Hohmann NS, Fox BI. Developing a Theoretical Framework for Evaluating the Quality of mHealth Apps for Adolescent Users: A Systematic Review. J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther 2019; 24:254-269. [PMID: 31337988 DOI: 10.5863/1551-6776-24.4.254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess adolescents' preferred mobile app features and to propose a framework for evaluating health-related mobile apps for adolescents. METHODS PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ERIC, HealthIT.gov, and ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically searched in August 2017. Studies pertaining to app development, feasibility, or usability that reported preferred app features and rating criteria on mHealth (mobile health) apps intended for adolescents were included. Quality assessment was performed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Qualitative synthesis was performed to develop themes reflecting best practices for evaluating the quality of mHealth apps for adolescents. Using a grounded theory approach, we constructed a theoretical framework of rating criteria that can be used to inform development of an evaluation tool for mHealth apps targeted to adolescents. RESULTS Thirteen articles were included. Most commonly preferred features include ability to track test results or self-management progress, connect to social media, and gain points or prizes through app gamification. Common rating criteria include degree of app customizability, ease of use, visual appeal, and interactivity. Five emerging dimensions were used in the theoretical framework: Technical Quality; Engagement; Support System; Autonomy; and Safety, Privacy, and Trust. CONCLUSIONS We found that adolescents prefer mHealth apps that are customizable, offer peer support through social media, sustain engagement via gamification, and support the ability to visualize health trends via simplified graphs. Findings may help in the development of mHealth apps that are preferred by adolescents, as well as the development of a quality evaluation tool for mHealth apps targeted to this population.
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Ryan D, Chafe R, Hodgkinson K, Chan K, Stringer K, Moorehead P. Interventions to improve the aftercare of survivors of childhood cancer: A systematic review. Pediatric Hematology Oncology Journal 2018; 3:90-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phoj.2018.11.186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Wang EH, Zhou L, Chen SHK, Hill K, Parmanto B. An mHealth Platform for Supporting Clinical Data Integration into Augmentative and Alternative Communication Service Delivery: User-Centered Design and Usability Evaluation. JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol 2018; 5:e14. [PMID: 30042092 PMCID: PMC6081606 DOI: 10.2196/rehab.9009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recent trend of increasing health care costs in the United States is likely not sustainable. To make health care more economically sustainable, attention must be directed toward improving the quality while simultaneously reducing the cost of health care. One of the recommended approaches to provide better care at a lower cost is to develop high-quality data collection and reporting systems, which support health care professionals in making optimal clinical decisions based on solid, extensive evidence. OBJECTIVE The objective of this project was to develop an integrated mobile health Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) platform consisting of an AAC mobile app and a Web-based clinician portal for supporting evidence-based clinical service delivery. METHODS A questionnaire and interviews were used to collect clinicians' ideas regarding what constitutes their desired "clinically relevant" data. In response, a Web-based portal was designed by combining mobile and Web technologies with an AAC intervention to create an integrated platform for supporting data collection, integration, and reporting. Finally, a usability study was conducted with health care professionals. RESULTS A Web-based portal was created and integrated with a tablet-based AAC mobile app and data analysis procedures. In the usability study, all participants agreed that the integrated platform provided the ability to collect comprehensive clinical evidence, automatically analyze collected data in real time, and generate clinically relevant performance measures through an easily accessible Web-based portal. CONCLUSIONS The integrated platform offers a better approach for clinical data reporting and analytics. Additionally, the platform streamlines the workflow of AAC clinical service delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erh-Hsuan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Leming Zhou
- Department of Health Information Management, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Szu-Han Kay Chen
- Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences, State University of New York at Fredonia, Fredonia, NY, United States
| | - Katya Hill
- Department of Communication Science and Disorders, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Bambang Parmanto
- Department of Health Information Management, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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Bruggers CS, Baranowski S, Beseris M, Leonard R, Long D, Schulte E, Shorter A, Stigner R, Mason CC, Bedrov A, Pascual I, Bulaj G. A Prototype Exercise-Empowerment Mobile Video Game for Children With Cancer, and Its Usability Assessment: Developing Digital Empowerment Interventions for Pediatric Diseases. Front Pediatr 2018; 6:69. [PMID: 29686977 PMCID: PMC5900044 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2018.00069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical advances continue to improve morbidity and mortality of serious pediatric diseases, including cancer, driving research addressing diminished physical and psychological quality of life in children with these chronic conditions. Empowerment enhances resilience and positively influences health, disease, and therapy understanding. We describe the development and usability assessment of a prototype Empower Stars! mobile video game grounded in behavioral and exercise theories with the purpose of coupling physical exercise with empowerment over disease in children with cancer. METHODS Academic faculty, health-care providers, and community video game developers collaborated in this project. The iPadAir was selected as a delivery platform for its accelerometer and gyroscope features facilitating exercise design. Unity multiplatform technology provided animation and audiovisual features for immediate player feedback. Javascript, C#, Photoshop, Flash, and SketchUp were used for coding, creating graphical assets, Sprite sheets, and printing files, respectively. 3D-printed handles and case backing were used to adapt the iPad for physical exercise. Game usability, engagement, and enjoyment were assessed via a multilevel study of children undergoing cancer chemotherapy, their parents, and pediatric cancer health-care providers. Feedback crucial for ongoing game development was analyzed. RESULTS A prototype Empower Stars! mobile video game was developed for children 7-14 years old with cancer. Active, sedentary, educational, and empowerment-centered elements intermix for 20 min of exercise within a 30 min "one-day treatment" gameplay session involving superheroes, space exploration, metaphorical cancer challenges, life restoration on a barren planet, and innumerable star rewards. No player "dies." Usability assessment data analyses showed widespread enthusiasm for integrating exercise with empowerment over cancer and the game itself. Favorite elements included collecting star rewards and planet terraforming. Traveling in space and the Healthy Food Choice game were least liked. The need for improved gameplay instructions was expressed by all groups. The usability study provided essential feedback for converting the prototype into alpha version of Empower Stars! CONCLUSION Adapting exercise empowerment-promoting video game technology to mobile platforms facilitates usability and widespread dissemination for children with cancer. We discuss broader therapeutic applicability in diverse chronic pediatric diseases, including obesity, asthma, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol S Bruggers
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.,Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | | | | | | | - Derek Long
- Spy Hop Youth Media, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | | | | | - Rowan Stigner
- Spy Hop Youth Media, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Clinton C Mason
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Alisa Bedrov
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Ian Pascual
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.,Juan Diego Catholic High School, Draper, UT, United States
| | - Grzegorz Bulaj
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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