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Choo JWS, Moosa AS, Koh JWM, Ng CJ, Tan NC. Empowering patients in primary care: a qualitative exploration of the usability and utility of an online diabetes self-management tool. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2024; 25:111. [PMID: 38605357 PMCID: PMC11010383 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-024-02358-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the potential advantages of Internet-based diabetes self-management education, its adoption was not widespread among Singapore's public primary care clinics (polyclinics). An interactive online tool was thus developed to help educate patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and was now ready for user testing before implementation. AIM To explore the perceived utility and usability of the educational tool in patients with suboptimally-controlled T2DM in a Singapore primary care setting. METHODS In-depth interviews were used to gather qualitative data from multi-ethnic Asian adults who had suboptimally-controlled T2DM. A total of 17 IDIs were conducted between April 2022 to March 2023, audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed to identify emergent themes via thematic analysis. RESULTS Regarding utility, users found the educational tool useful because it provided them with information that was comprehensive, accessible, reliable, and manageable. Regarding usability, the majority of users reported that the educational tool was easy to use, and suggested ways to improve navigational cues, visual clarity, readability and user engagement. CONCLUSION Participants generally found the educational tool useful and easy to use. A revised educational tool will be developed based on their feedback and implemented in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aminath Shiwaza Moosa
- SingHealth Polyclinics, Singapore, Singapore
- SingHealth-Duke NUS Family Medicine Academic Clinical Programme, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Chirk Jenn Ng
- SingHealth Polyclinics, Singapore, Singapore
- SingHealth-Duke NUS Family Medicine Academic Clinical Programme, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ngiap Chuan Tan
- SingHealth Polyclinics, Singapore, Singapore
- SingHealth-Duke NUS Family Medicine Academic Clinical Programme, Singapore, Singapore
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AshaRani PV, Tan YWB, Samari E, Wang P, Cetty L, Satghare P, Verma SK, Tang C, Subramaniam M. The relationship between therapeutic alliance, frequency of consultation and uptake of telemedicine among patients seeking treatment for early psychosis: A moderated mediation model. Digit Health 2024; 10:20552076241247194. [PMID: 38698830 PMCID: PMC11064748 DOI: 10.1177/20552076241247194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Telehealth services ensure the delivery of healthcare services to a wider range of consumers through online platforms. Nonetheless, the acceptance and uptake of telehealth remain elusive. This study aims to understand the (a) uptake and (b) acceptability of telemedicine, (c) if therapeutic alliance mediates the relationship between the frequency of consultations with clinicians and the uptake of telemedicine in patients with early psychosis, and (d) role of education in moderating the relationship between therapeutic alliance and the uptake of telemedicine for their mental healthcare. Methods A convenience sample of outpatients (n = 109) seeking treatment for early psychosis and their care providers (n = 106) were recruited from a tertiary psychiatric care centre. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, therapeutic alliance (Working Alliance Inventory), and telemedicine use were captured through self-administered surveys. The moderated mediation analysis was performed using PROCESS macro 3.4.1 with therapeutic alliance and level of education as the mediating and moderating factors, respectively. Results The acceptance of telemedicine was high (possibly will use: 47.7%; definitely will use: 26.6%) whilst the uptake was low (11%). Therapeutic alliance mediated the relationship between the frequency of consultation and the uptake of telemedicine (β: 0.326; CI: 0.042, 0.637). This effect was moderated by the level of education (β: -0.058; p < 0.05). Conclusion Therapeutic alliance mediates the relationship between the frequency of consultations and the uptake of telemedicine services with the level of education moderating this mediation. Focusing on the patients with lower education to improve their telemedicine knowledge and therapeutic alliance might increase the uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- PV AshaRani
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Ellaisha Samari
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Peizhi Wang
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Laxman Cetty
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Pratika Satghare
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Swapna K Verma
- Department of Psychosis, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Early Psychosis Intervention Programme, Department of Psychosis, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Charmaine Tang
- Early Psychosis Intervention Programme, Department of Psychosis, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mythily Subramaniam
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Roystonn K, AshaRani PV, Devi F, Wang P, Zhang Y, Jeyagurunathan A, Abdin E, Car LT, Chong SA, Subramaniam M. Exploring views and experiences of the general public's adoption of digital technologies for healthy lifestyle in Singapore: a qualitative study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1227146. [PMID: 37794896 PMCID: PMC10545896 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1227146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Little is known about the general adult population's adoption of digital technology to support healthy lifestyle, especially when they are expected to take greater personal responsibility for managing their health and well-being today. The current qualitative study intended to gain an in-depth understanding of determinants of digital technology adoption for healthy lifestyle among community-dwelling adults in Singapore. Design A qualitative study design, with thematic framework analysis was applied to develop themes from the data. Setting Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with participants either face-to-face or online through a videoconferencing platform. Participants 14 women and 16 men from the general population who were between the ages of 22 and 71 years. Results Three major themes were developed: (1) digitally disempowered (2) safety and perceived risks and harm; (3) cultural values and drives. Adoption of technology among the general population is needs-driven, and contingent on individual, technological and other cross-cultural contextual factors. Conclusion Our findings highlight there is no one solution which fits all individuals, emphasizing the challenges of catering to diverse groups to reduce barriers to adoption of digital technologies for healthy lifestyle. Digital guidance and training, as well as social influences, can motivate technological adoption in the population. However, technical problems as well as data security and privacy concerns should first be adequately addressed. This study provides rich cross-cultural insights and informs policy-making due to its alignment with government public health initiatives to promote healthy lifestyle.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - P. V. AshaRani
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Fiona Devi
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Peizhi Wang
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yunjue Zhang
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Edimansyah Abdin
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lorainne Tudor Car
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Siow Ann Chong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mythily Subramaniam
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Jendly M, Santschi V, Tancredi S, Konzelmann I, Raboud L, Chiolero A. eHealth profile of patients with diabetes. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1240879. [PMID: 37655284 PMCID: PMC10466783 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1240879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Digital health technology can be useful to improve the health of patients with diabetes and to support patient-centered care and self-management. In this cross-sectional study, we described the eHealth profile of patients with diabetes, based on their use of digital health technology, and its association with sociodemographic characteristics. Methods We used data from the "Qualité Diabète Valais" cohort study, conducted in one region of Switzerland (Canton Valais) since 2019. Participants with type 1 or type 2 diabetes completed questionnaires on sociodemographic characteristics and on the use of digital health technology. We defined eHealth profiles based on three features, i.e., ownership or use of (1) internet-connected devices (smartphone, tablet, or computer), (2) mHealth applications, and (3) connected health tools (activity sensor, smart weight scale, or connected blood glucose meter). We assessed the association between sociodemographic characteristics and participants' eHealth profiles using stratified analyses and logistic regression models. Results Some 398 participants (38% women) with a mean age of 65 years (min: 25, max: 92) were included. The vast majority (94%) were Swiss citizens or bi-national and 68% were economically inactive; 14% had a primary level education, 51% a secondary level, and 32% a tertiary level. Some 75% of participants had type 2 diabetes. Some 90% of the participants owned internet-connected devices, 43% used mHealth applications, and 44% owned a connected health tool. Older age and a lower educational level were associated with lower odds of all features of the eHealth profile. To a lesser extent, having type 2 diabetes or not being a Swiss citizen were also associated with a lower use of digital health technology. There was no association with sex. Conclusion While most participants owned internet-connected devices, only about half of them used mHealth applications or owned connected health tools. Older participants and those with a lower educational level were less likely to use digital health technology. eHealth implementation strategies need to consider these sociodemographic patterns among patients with diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Jendly
- Population Health Laboratory (#PopHealthLab), University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Valérie Santschi
- La Source, School of Nursing Sciences, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stefano Tancredi
- Population Health Laboratory (#PopHealthLab), University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | | | - Leila Raboud
- Observatoire Valaisan de la Santé (OVS), Sion, Switzerland
| | - Arnaud Chiolero
- Population Health Laboratory (#PopHealthLab), University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Observatoire Valaisan de la Santé (OVS), Sion, Switzerland
- School of Population and Global Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Suchodolska G, Koelmer A, Puchowska M, Senkus E. Are All Societies Ready for Digital Tools? Feasibility Study on the Use of Mobile Application in Polish Early Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Perioperative Chemotherapy. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2114. [PMID: 37510555 PMCID: PMC10379019 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11142114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The population of individuals affected by breast cancer is growing, and with advances in cancer treatment implemented into usual care, there is an urgent need to improve the recognition, monitoring and treatment of therapy-induced adverse effects. This study aims to explore the use of an in-app electronic questionnaire to assess and monitor chemotherapy-related symptoms in early breast cancer patients treated with perioperative chemotherapy. METHOD Between December 2019 and June 2021, 72 female study participants used the mobile app Centrum Chorób Piersi UCK and completed an in-app questionnaire about the 14 most common chemotherapy-related symptoms. Replies including symptoms with a critical value triggered automatic email alerts to the nursing team. RESULTS Acceptance of the study was higher among younger women and patients originating from rural areas, while possible digital exclusion among patients >60 years was observed during the enrolment process. A total of 55 participants completed the electronic questionnaire at least once and generated 553 responses with 1808 specific problems reported. Fatigue (n = 428) was the most common problem, and fever (n = 5) the least reported problem. A total of 21 participants triggered alerts with responses containing symptoms with critical value assessment (n = 89). Significant negative correlation was observed between the number of responses and time from the first chemotherapy administration; however, the number of responses was not determined by any sociodemographic or medical factors. Significant positive correlations were identified between the number of communicated problems and participants' age. The usage of our electronic symptom assessment questionnaire decreased substantially after the period of active encouragement during the study enrolment. CONCLUSIONS Not all societies are ready for innovative eHealth solutions. Patients' age should be carefully considered when app-based interventions are introduced to usual cancer care. Additional support is suggested for older patients to improve their awareness and participation in eHealth interventions. More research involving older participants is needed to explore and address their particular needs and perspectives on eHealth solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grażyna Suchodolska
- Department of Oncology & Radiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Smoluchowskiego 17, 80-214 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Anna Koelmer
- Centre of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Analysis, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 1, 80-211 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Monika Puchowska
- Department of Non-Commercial Clinical Research, Clinical Research Support Centre, Medical University of Gdańsk, Skłodowskiej-Curie 3a, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Senkus
- Department of Oncology & Radiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Smoluchowskiego 17, 80-214 Gdańsk, Poland
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Yen JM, Lim JH. A Clinical Perspective on Bespoke Sensing Mechanisms for Remote Monitoring and Rehabilitation of Neurological Diseases: Scoping Review. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:536. [PMID: 36617134 PMCID: PMC9823649 DOI: 10.3390/s23010536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Neurological diseases including stroke and neurodegenerative disorders cause a hefty burden on the healthcare system. Survivors experience significant impairment in mobility and daily activities, which requires extensive rehabilitative interventions to assist them to regain lost skills and restore independence. The advent of remote rehabilitation architecture and enabling technology mandates the elaboration of sensing mechanisms tailored to individual clinical needs. This study aims to review current trends in the application of sensing mechanisms in remote monitoring and rehabilitation in neurological diseases, and to provide clinical insights to develop bespoke sensing mechanisms. A systematic search was performed using the PubMED database to identify 16 papers published for the period between 2018 to 2022. Teleceptive sensors (56%) were utilized more often than wearable proximate sensors (50%). The most commonly used modality was infrared (38%) and acceleration force (38%), followed by RGB color, EMG, light and temperature, and radio signal. The strategy adopted to improve the sensing mechanism included a multimodal sensor, the application of multiple sensors, sensor fusion, and machine learning. Most of the stroke studies utilized biofeedback control systems (78%) while the majority of studies for neurodegenerative disorders used sensors for remote monitoring (57%). Functional assessment tools that the sensing mechanism may emulate to produce clinically valid information were proposed and factors affecting user adoption were described. Lastly, the limitations and directions for further development were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Min Yen
- Division of Rehabilitation Medicine, University Medicine Cluster, National University Hospital, Singapore 119074, Singapore
| | - Jeong Hoon Lim
- Division of Rehabilitation Medicine, University Medicine Cluster, National University Hospital, Singapore 119074, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
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Goetzinger C, Alleaume C, Schritz A, Vrijens B, Préau M, Fagherazzi G, Huiart L. Analysing breast cancer survivors’ acceptance profiles for using an electronic pillbox connected to a smartphone application using Seintinelles, a French community-based research tool. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:889695. [PMID: 36238564 PMCID: PMC9551449 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.889695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Up to 50% of breast cancer (BC) survivors discontinue their adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) before the recommended 5 years, raising the issue of medication non-adherence. eHealth technologies have the potential to support patients to enhance their medication adherence and may offer an effective way to complement the healthcare. In order for eHealth technologies to be successfully implemented into the healthcare system, end-users need to be willing and accepting to use these eHealth technologies. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the current usability of eHealth technologiesin and to identify differences in BC SURVIVORS BC survivors accepting a medication adherence enhancing eHealth technology to support their AET to BC survivors that do not accept such a medication adherence enhancing eHealth technology. Methods: This study was conducted in 2020 including volunteering BC survivors belonging to the Seintinelles Association. Eligible participants were women, diagnosed with BC within the last 10 years, and been exposed to, an AET. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate medication adherence enhancing eHealth technology acceptance profiles among BC survivors. The dependent variable was defined as acceptance of an electronic pillbox connected to a smartphone application (hereafter: medication adherence enhancing eHealth technology). Results: Overall, 23% of the participants already use a connected device or health application on a regular basis. The mean age of the participants was 52.7 (SD 10.4) years. In total, 67% of 1268 BC survivors who participated in the survey declared that they would accept a medication adherence enhancing eHealth technology to improve their AET. BC survivors accepting a medication adherence enhancing eHealth technology for their AET, are younger (OR = 0.97, 95% CI [0.95; 0.98]), do take medication for other diseases (OR = 0.31, 95% CI [0.13; 0.68]), already use a medication adherence enhancing eHealth technology or technique (OR = 1.74, 95% CI [1.06; 2.94]) and are willing to possess or currently possess one or more connected devices or health applications (OR = 2.89, 95% CI [2.01; 4.19]). Conclusion: Understanding acceptance profiles of BC survivors is fundamental for conceiving an effective eHealth technology enhancing AET among BC survivors. Hence, such profiling will foster the development of personalized medication adherence enhancing eHealth technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Goetzinger
- Deep Digital Phenotyping Research Unit, Department of Precision Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg
- University of Luxembourg, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- *Correspondence: Catherine Goetzinger,
| | | | - Anna Schritz
- Competence Center for Methodology and Statistics, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Bernard Vrijens
- AARDEX Group & Department of Public Health, Liège University, Liège, Belgium
| | - Marie Préau
- Institut de Psychologie, Université Lumière Lyon 2, Lyon, France
| | - Guy Fagherazzi
- Deep Digital Phenotyping Research Unit, Department of Precision Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg
- University of Luxembourg, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
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Patient Satisfaction with Telemedicine in Adults with Diabetes: A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10091677. [PMID: 36141289 PMCID: PMC9498402 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10091677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Patient satisfaction assessment is essential for improving the quality of healthcare. Diabetes management using telemedicine technology is promising in the 21st century. However, the number of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effect of telemedicine on satisfaction in patients with diabetes is limited. This systematic review aimed to summarise the current evidence on patient satisfaction with telemedicine in adults with diabetes and discuss related issues and future directions of telemedicine in patients with diabetes. The author systematically searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase and The Cochrane Library, and a total of six RCTs were eligible for this review. Patient satisfaction with telemedicine was as high as conventional face-to-face care; however, telemedicine appeared not to significantly increase patient satisfaction compared with conventional face-to-face care in the included studies. Significant heterogeneity was noted between the studies, including participants’ age, study duration, the method of assessing patient satisfaction and types of telemedicine. Further studies are required to provide firm evidence to healthcare providers who are willing to use telemedicine in diabetes management. Telemedicine technology has been advancing and is a key tool in providing high-quality healthcare to patients with diabetes in the 21st century.
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