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Shen Y, Wang S, Shen Y, Tan S, Dong Y, Qin W, Zhuang Y. Evaluating the Usability of mHealth Apps: An Evaluation Model Based on Task Analysis Methods and Eye Movement Data. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1310. [PMID: 38998845 PMCID: PMC11241497 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12131310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Advancements in information technology have facilitated the emergence of mHealth apps as crucial tools for health management and chronic disease prevention. This research work focuses on mHealth apps for the management of diabetes by patients on their own. Given that China has the highest number of diabetes patients in the world, with 141 million people and a prevalence rate of 12.8% (mentioned in the Global Overview of Diabetes), the development of a usability research methodology to assess and validate the user-friendliness of apps is necessary. This study describes a usability evaluation model that combines task analysis methods and eye movement data. A blood glucose recording application was designed to be evaluated. The evaluation was designed based on the model, and the feasibility of the model was demonstrated by comparing the usability of the blood glucose logging application before and after a prototype modification based on the improvement suggestions derived from the evaluation. Tests showed that an improvement plan based on error logs and post-task questionnaires for task analysis improves interaction usability by about 24%, in addition to an improvement plan based on eye movement data analysis for hotspot movement acceleration that improves information access usability by about 15%. The results demonstrate that this study presents a usability evaluation model for mHealth apps that enables the effective evaluation of the usability of mHealth apps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichun Shen
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Shuyi Wang
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Yuhan Shen
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Shulian Tan
- The Institute of Rehabilitation Engineering and Technology, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Yue Dong
- The Institute of Rehabilitation Engineering and Technology, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Wei Qin
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Yiwei Zhuang
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
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Baron R, Haick H. Mobile Diagnostic Clinics. ACS Sens 2024; 9:2777-2792. [PMID: 38775426 PMCID: PMC11217950 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.4c00636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
This article reviews the revolutionary impact of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) in reshaping modern healthcare systems, with a particular focus on the implementation of mobile diagnostic clinics. It presents an insightful analysis of the current healthcare challenges, including the shortage of healthcare workers, financial constraints, and the limitations of traditional clinics in continual patient monitoring. The concept of "Mobile Diagnostic Clinics" is introduced as a transformative approach where healthcare delivery is made accessible through the incorporation of advanced technologies. This approach is a response to the impending shortfall of medical professionals and the financial and operational burdens conventional clinics face. The proposed mobile diagnostic clinics utilize digital health tools and AI to provide a wide range of services, from everyday screenings to diagnosis and continual monitoring, facilitating remote and personalized care. The article delves into the potential of nanotechnology in diagnostics, AI's role in enhancing predictive analytics, diagnostic accuracy, and the customization of care. Furthermore, the article discusses the importance of continual, noninvasive monitoring technologies for early disease detection and the role of clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) in personalizing treatment guidance. It also addresses the challenges and ethical concerns of implementing these advanced technologies, including data privacy, integration with existing healthcare infrastructure, and the need for transparent and bias-free AI systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roni Baron
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Technion—Israel
Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Hossam Haick
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and the Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute, Technion—Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
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3
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Jiang J, Zheng Z. Medical Information Protection in Internet Hospital Apps in China: Scale Development and Content Analysis. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2024; 12:e55061. [PMID: 38904994 PMCID: PMC11226934 DOI: 10.2196/55061] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hospital apps are increasingly being adopted in many countries, especially since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Web-based hospitals can provide valuable medical services and enhanced accessibility. However, increasing concerns about personal information (PI) and strict legal compliance requirements necessitate privacy assessments for these platforms. Guided by the theory of contextual integrity, this study investigates the regulatory compliance of privacy policies for internet hospital apps in the mainland of China. OBJECTIVE In this paper, we aim to evaluate the regulatory compliance of privacy policies of internet hospital apps in the mainland of China and offer recommendations for improvement. METHODS We obtained 59 internet hospital apps on November 7, 2023, and reviewed 52 privacy policies available between November 8 and 23, 2023. We developed a 3-level indicator scale based on the information processing activities, as stipulated in relevant regulations. The scale comprised 7 level-1 indicators, 26 level-2 indicators, and 70 level-3 indicators. RESULTS The mean compliance score of the 52 assessed apps was 73/100 (SD 22.4%), revealing a varied spectrum of compliance. Sensitive PI protection compliance (mean 73.9%, SD 24.2%) lagged behind general PI protection (mean 90.4%, SD 14.7%), with only 12 apps requiring separate consent for processing sensitive PI (mean 73.9%, SD 24.2%). Although most apps (n=41, 79%) committed to supervising subcontractors, only a quarter (n=13, 25%) required users' explicit consent for subcontracting activities. Concerning PI storage security (mean 71.2%, SD 29.3%) and incident management (mean 71.8%, SD 36.6%), half of the assessed apps (n=27, 52%) committed to bear corresponding legal responsibility, whereas fewer than half (n=24, 46%) specified the security level obtained. Most privacy policies stated the PI retention period (n=40, 77%) and instances of PI deletion or anonymization (n=41, 79%), but fewer (n=20, 38.5%) committed to prompt third-party PI deletion. Most apps delineated various individual rights, but only a fraction addressed the rights to obtain copies (n=22, 42%) or to refuse advertisement based on automated decision-making (n=13, 25%). Significant deficiencies remained in regular compliance audits (mean 11.5%, SD 37.8%), impact assessments (mean 13.5%, SD 15.2%), and PI officer disclosure (mean 48.1%, SD 49.3%). CONCLUSIONS Our analysis revealed both strengths and significant shortcomings in the compliance of internet hospital apps' privacy policies with relevant regulations. As China continues to implement internet hospital apps, it should ensure the informed consent of users for PI processing activities, enhance compliance levels of relevant privacy policies, and fortify PI protection enforcement across the information processing stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Jiang
- Law School, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zexing Zheng
- Law School, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Cao J, Feng H, Lim Y, Kodama K, Zhang S. How Social Influence Promotes the Adoption of Mobile Health among Young Adults in China: A Systematic Analysis of Trust, Health Consciousness, and User Experience. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:498. [PMID: 38920829 PMCID: PMC11200938 DOI: 10.3390/bs14060498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
As mobile health (mHealth) offers several advantages in healthcare, researchers are exploring the motivational factors for its adoption. However, few studies have elucidated the complex relationship between social influence and behavioral intentions to adopt mHealth among young adults in China. This study explored the impact of social influence on young adults' behavioral intentions to adopt mHealth, the mediating roles of trust and health consciousness, and the moderating effect of mHealth user experience on the relationship between the predictors. In total, 300 valid responses were collected from a university in China, and a research model was developed. The partial least squares structural equation modeling method was used to verify the relationship between the main research variables. mHealth adoption behavioral intentions among young adults were significantly positively impacted by social influence; it indirectly increased mHealth adoption behavioral intentions by positively affecting trust and health consciousness. mHealth use weakened the positive impact of social influence on trust and health consciousness, while user experience positively moderated the relationship between health consciousness and behavioral intentions. Trust and health consciousness play important roles in the complex multivariate relationships between social influence and behavioral intentions to adopt mHealth. Future research should consider the moderating role of the mHealth user experience. These findings enrich the mHealth technology acceptance theory framework and provide specific guidance strategies for marketing mHealth applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfei Cao
- College of Business Administration, Ritsumeikan University, 2-150 Iwakura-cho, Ibaraki 567-8570, Osaka, Japan; (J.C.); (Y.L.)
| | - Hanlin Feng
- Graduate School of Technology Management, Ritsumeikan University, Ibaraki 567-8570, Osaka, Japan;
| | - Yeongjoo Lim
- College of Business Administration, Ritsumeikan University, 2-150 Iwakura-cho, Ibaraki 567-8570, Osaka, Japan; (J.C.); (Y.L.)
| | - Kota Kodama
- Faculty of Data Science, Nagoya City University, Nagoya 467-8501, Aichi, Japan;
| | - Shuo Zhang
- School of Management, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150006, China
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Yang Y, Ma C. Sociodemographic factors and health digital divide among urban residents: Evidence from a population-based survey in China. Digit Health 2024; 10:20552076241271812. [PMID: 39114114 PMCID: PMC11304494 DOI: 10.1177/20552076241271812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The deep integration of digital technology and healthcare services has propelled the healthcare system into the era of digital health. However, vulnerable populations in the field of information technology, they face challenges in benefiting from the digital dividends brought by digital health, leading to the emerging phenomenon of the "health digital divide." Methods This study utilized the sample of 3547 urban from the 2021 Chinese Social Survey data for analysis. Models were constructed with digital access divide, digital usage divide, and digital outcome divide for urban residents, and structural equation modeling was implemented for analysis. Results The impact β coefficients (95% CI) of urban residents' digital access on the frequency of digital use, internet healthcare utilization, and patient experience were (β = 0.737, P < 0.001), (β = 0.047, P < 0.05), and (β = 0.079, P < 0.001), respectively. Urban elderly groups were at a disadvantage in digital access and usage (β = -0.007, β = -0.024, and β = -0.004), as well as those with lower educational levels (β = 0.109, β = 0.162, and β = 0.045). However, these two factors did not have a significant direct impact on the patient experience in urban areas. Conclusions The health digital divide of urban residents exhibits a cascading effect, primarily manifested in the digital access and usage divide. To bridge health digital divide among urban residents, efforts must be made to improve digital access and usage among the elderly and those with lower educational levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanbin Yang
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chengyu Ma
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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6
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Seretlo RJ, Mokgatle MM, Smuts H. Positive views, attitudes, and acceptability toward mHealth applications in addressing queer sexual and reproductive health: Healthcare providers and the queer individuals. Digit Health 2024; 10:20552076241272704. [PMID: 39221082 PMCID: PMC11363025 DOI: 10.1177/20552076241272704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective In the age of digital health, mankind has resources to write over the historical narrative of queer individuals' healthcare exclusions. The main purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of both healthcare providers (HCPs) and queer individuals regarding the use of web-based tools and mobile health applications (mHealth apps) in the context of addressing queer individuals' sexual and reproductive health services and needs (SRHSN). Methods An overall study was conducted as an exploratory sequential mixed method. This article provides findings from the performed qualitative cycle. The selection method was led by purposeful sampling, which targeted 33 HCPs delivering SRHSN within the defined study settings. Additionally, respondent-driven sampling was employed to select 22 queer individuals. Throughout the study, semi-structured one-on-one face-to-face interviews were used to collect data. Results Four major themes and related sub-themes emerged from HCPs and queer individuals: (a) aid queer individuals with consultations and treatment improvements, (b) drawing parallels with technology in other sectors, (c) enhancing knowledge and education, and (d) positive perception of technological advancements. Conclusions In accordance with our findings, HCPs and queer individuals were all positive and sees mHealth apps as a tool to address SRHSN for homosexual people.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. J. Seretlo
- Department of Public Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, Medunsa 0204, South Africa
| | - M. M. Mokgatle
- Department of Public Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, Medunsa 0204, South Africa
| | - H. Smuts
- Department of Informatics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Sadeghpour Ezbarami S, Zarei F, Haghani S. Evaluation of a mobile-application educational intervention on the knowledge, attitude, and practice of patients in postoperative care for lumbar disk herniation surgery: A randomized control trial. SAGE Open Med 2023; 11:20503121231203684. [PMID: 37900969 PMCID: PMC10612435 DOI: 10.1177/20503121231203684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective We aimed to evaluate the impact of a mobile-based educational program on patients' postoperative care for lumbar disk herniation surgery. Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted at Fayaz-Bakhsh Hospital, Tehran, Iran. Patients with lumbar disc herniation surgery experience were randomized to the intervention and control groups (learning with the LUmbar CAring Training-app). Participants' knowledge, attitudes, and practices of postoperative care for lumbar disc herniation surgery were assessed using a validated questionnaire at three-time points: pre-test (baseline), post-test one (immediately after program completion), and post-test two (8 weeks after program completion). The primary outcome measures were knowledge, attitudes, and practices scores variations. Secondary outcomes were not considered in our study. Results In total, 150 patients were enrolled, with 75 patients in each group. Patients in the intervention group demonstrated increased knowledge, modified attitudes, and practice than those in the control group (p < 0.05). The post-test knowledge, attitudes, and practices scores in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion Mobile-application-based education was a practical and feasible approach to improve patients' postoperative care for lumbar disc herniation surgery in Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohaila Sadeghpour Ezbarami
- Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University (TMU), Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Zarei
- Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University (TMU), Tehran, Iran
| | - Shima Haghani
- Nursing Care Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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8
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Zhang X, Raghavan V, Yang X. Health perceptions and attitudes on mobile health apps in China. Health Informatics J 2023; 29:14604582231207745. [PMID: 37837412 DOI: 10.1177/14604582231207745] [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] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of mobile health apps has been increasing significantly. Many have started using mobile health apps to manage their health and well-being. People need to develop healthy habits that will increase their job productivity, life expectancy and improve their social relationships. This study tests the Health Belief Model with adults in China in influencing health motivation and in turn improving their health behavior. A mobile and online survey was developed, and 120 usable responses were collected. A structural equation modeling was used to test the relationships between perceived benefits, perceived susceptibility, perceived barriers, health motivation, and health behavior. We found perceived self-efficacy, perceived benefits, and perceived susceptibility predicts health motivation, and health motivation predicts health behavior. We did not find that perceived barrier is a predictor for health motivation. We conclude that to encourage behavioral change, it is important to enhance self-efficacy and address the benefits; in the meantime, educating people on susceptibility is also important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoni Zhang
- Management, Information Systems and Quantitative Methods, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Vijay Raghavan
- Information Systems & Analytics, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY, USA
| | - Xueyan Yang
- Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Linan, China
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9
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Simmich J, Ross MH, Andrews NE, Vaezipour A, Russell TG. Content and Quality of Mobile Apps for the Monitoring of Musculoskeletal or Neuropathic Pain in Australia: Systematic Evaluation. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2023; 11:e46881. [PMID: 37706480 PMCID: PMC10510453 DOI: 10.2196/46881] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mobile apps offer a potential mechanism for people with persistent pain to monitor pain levels conveniently within their own environment and for clinicians to remotely monitor their patients' pain. However, the quality of currently available apps and the usefulness of included features from a clinical perspective are not known. Objective The aim of this study was to examine the content and quality of currently available smartphone apps designed for monitoring the intensity or presence of musculoskeletal or neuropathic pain. Methods A systematic search was performed in the Australian Apple and Google Play stores. Apps were included if they were designed to monitor the intensity or presence of musculoskeletal or neuropathic pain and were available in the English language within the Australian app stores. Data pertaining to the intended use of the app and clinical population were extracted by using a custom-designed data extraction form, and app quality was assessed by using the 23-item Mobile App Rating Scale. Results Of the 2190 apps screened, 49 met the inclusion criteria. Apps were primarily designed for adult users (36/49, 73%) with nonspecific musculoskeletal or neuropathic pain conditions, arthritis, and joint pain. All apps monitored pain intensity, with almost half (23/49, 47%) also specifying pain location. Overall, the mean quality scores from the Mobile App Rating Scale ranged from 1.5 to 4.4 (out of 5.0). Between 20% (10/49) and 22% (11/49) of apps involved clinicians, consumers, or both in their development, and 20% (10/49) had published literature related to the development or use of the app in clinical scenarios. Although 71% (35/49) had data sharing features, only 5 apps enabled client-clinician communication through the app. Conclusions The overall quality of mobile apps that are currently available for monitoring pain intensity is acceptable. Presently, mobile apps for remote pain monitoring lack functionality for clinicians to view data between consults. Both users and clinicians should be aware of the limitations of these apps and make informed choices in using or recommending apps that best suit the clinical need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Simmich
- RECOVER Injury Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- STARS Education and Research Alliance, Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS), University of Queensland and Metro North Health, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Megan Heather Ross
- RECOVER Injury Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- STARS Education and Research Alliance, Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS), University of Queensland and Metro North Health, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Nicole Emma Andrews
- RECOVER Injury Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- STARS Education and Research Alliance, Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS), University of Queensland and Metro North Health, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Tess Cramond Pain and Research Centre, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Australia
- Occupational Therapy Department, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Atiyeh Vaezipour
- RECOVER Injury Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- STARS Education and Research Alliance, Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS), University of Queensland and Metro North Health, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Trevor Glen Russell
- RECOVER Injury Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- STARS Education and Research Alliance, Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS), University of Queensland and Metro North Health, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Balharith M, Alghalyini B, Al-Mansour K, Tantawy MH, Alonezi MA, Almasud A, Zaidi ARZ. Physical accessibility, availability, financial affordability, and acceptability of mobile health clinics in remote areas of Saudi Arabia. J Family Med Prim Care 2023; 12:1947-1956. [PMID: 38024907 PMCID: PMC10657046 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_567_23] [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] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Access to primary healthcare (PHC) services is a significant concern, especially for those living in remote areas. Mobile health clinics (MHCs) are a model widely used to enhance access to healthcare in rural areas. In Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Health has launched mobile clinics to facilitate access to PHC and increase access to healthcare. This study aims to assess the accessibility of MHCs in rural areas of Saudi Arabia measuring four dimensions of access from the patient's perspective: physical accessibility, availability, financial affordability, and acceptability. Methods A quantitative cross-sectional survey in the form of an interviewer-administered questionnaire was performed on patients who attended mobile clinics between August and October 2020. All these people have been targeted to be interviewed as a nonprobability sample. Data was collected through a survey filled out by the interviewer. Results Five hundred participants were interviewed in nine mobile clinics in the nine cities of the Kingdom. The majority were men (82.4%) and from Makkah city (13.6%) and 94.2% of the participants were Saudi nationals. In total, 98.3% of the respondents were satisfied with the overall mobile clinic services and 11.4% of the participants had difficulties with the mobile clinics' work schedules. There was a positive correlation between access to mobile clinics and satisfaction. Conclusions The mobile clinics in rural and remote areas in Saudi Arabia during the study period were accessible to the respondents and met patient satisfaction. Most participants accept the work schedule for mobile clinics. However, it requires further improvements to meet all access dimensions of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manea Balharith
- Family and Community Medicine Department, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Baraa Alghalyini
- Family and Community Medicine Department, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Al-Mansour
- Department of Social Studies, College of Arts, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Bo Y, Liu QB, Tong Y. The Effects of Adopting Mobile Health and Fitness Apps on Hospital Visits: Quasi-Experimental Study. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e45681. [PMID: 37505809 PMCID: PMC10422177 DOI: 10.2196/45681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overcrowding in public hospitals, a common issue in many countries, leads to a range of negative outcomes, such as insufficient access to medical services and patient dissatisfaction. Prior literature regarding solutions to reducing hospital overcrowding primarily focuses on organizational-level operational efficiency. However, few studies have investigated the strategies from the individual patient perspective. Specifically, we considered using mobile health and fitness apps to promote users' health behaviors and produce health benefits, thereby reducing hospital visits. OBJECTIVE This study estimated the causal effect of health and fitness app adoption on hospital visits by exploiting the staggered timing of adoption. We also investigated how the effect varied with users' socioeconomic status and digital literacy. This study provides causal evidence for the effects of health apps, extends the digital health literature, and sheds light on mobile health policies. METHODS This study used a data set containing health and fitness app use and hospital-related geolocation data of 267,651 Chinese mobile phone users from January to December 2019. We used the difference-in-differences and difference-in-difference-in-differences designs to estimate the causal effect. We performed a sensitivity analysis to establish the robustness of the findings. We also conducted heterogeneity analyses based on the interactions of postadoption indicators with users' consumption levels, city tiers, and digital literacy. RESULTS The preferred model (difference-in-difference-in-differences) showed a significant decrease in hospital visits after the adoption of health and fitness apps. App adoption led to a 5.8% (P<.001), 13.1% (P<.001), and 18.4% reduction (P<.001) in hospital visits 1, 2, and 3 months after adoption, respectively. In addition, the moderation analysis shows that the effect is greater for users with high consumption levels, in high-tier cities, or with high digital literacy. CONCLUSIONS This study estimated the causal effect of health and fitness app adoption on hospital visits. The results and sensitivity analysis showed that app adoption can reduce users' hospital visits. The effect varies with users' consumption levels, city tiers, and digital literacy. These findings provide useful insights for multiple stakeholders in the Chinese health care context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Bo
- Department of Data Science and Engineering Management, School of Management, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Information Systems, College of Business, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Qianqian Ben Liu
- Department of Information Systems, College of Business, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yu Tong
- Department of Data Science and Engineering Management, School of Management, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Center for Research on Zhejiang Digital Development and Governance, Hangzhou, China
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12
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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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Li P, Zhang C, Gao S, Zhang Y, Liang X, Wang C, Zhu T, Li W. Association Between Daily Internet Use and Incidence of Chronic Diseases Among Older Adults: Prospective Cohort Study. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e46298. [PMID: 37459155 PMCID: PMC10390981 DOI: 10.2196/46298] [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: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic disease incidence among the elderly is increasing, which is correlated with the acceleration of population aging. Evolving internet technologies may help prevent and provide interventions for chronic diseases in an accelerating aging process. However, the impact of daily internet use on the incidence of chronic diseases is not well understood. OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate whether daily internet use by middle-aged and older adults may inhibit or promote the occurrence of chronic diseases. METHODS We included participants from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), a longitudinal survey of Chinese residents aged ≥45 years. We assessed 8-year data from wave 1 (June 2011-March 2012) to wave 4 (July-September 2018) in CHARLS. Data from wave 4 were used for a cross-sectional study, and data from all 4 waves were used for a longitudinal study. Self-reported data were used to track variables, including internet use, use frequency, and the incidence of different chronic diseases. Cox proportional hazards modeling was applied in the longitudinal study to examine the relationship between daily internet use and chronic diseases among middle-aged and older adults, while adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and health behaviors. In addition, longitudinal data were used to analyze internet usage trends, and cross-sectional data were used to analyze the factors influencing internet use. RESULTS Among the 20,113 participants included in the longitudinal analyses, internet use increased significantly, from 2% to 12.3%, between 2011 and 2018. The adjusted model found statistically significant relationships between daily internet use and a lower incidence of the following chronic diseases: hypertension (hazard ratio [HR] 0.78, 95% CI 0.65-0.95, P=.01), chronic lung disease (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.57-0.97, P=.03), stroke (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.50-0.94, P=.02), digestive disease (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.58-0.91, P=.005), memory-related disorders (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.37-0.91, P=.02), arthritis or rheumatism (HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.48-0.76, P<.001), asthma (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.33-0.84, P=.007), depression (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.71-0.89, P<.001), and vision impairment (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.74-0.93, P=.004). Moreover, our study also showed that with increasing frequency of internet use, the risk of some chronic diseases decreases. CONCLUSIONS This study found that middle-aged and older adults who use the internet have a reduced risk of developing chronic diseases versus those who do not use the internet. The increasing prevalence of daily internet use among middle-aged and older adults may stimulate contemplation of the potential role of internet platforms in future research on chronic disease prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyi Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- The Research Units of West China (2018RU012)-Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chenyang Zhang
- Institute of Hospital Management, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuanliang Gao
- Chengdu University of Information Technology, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanbo Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Xiaolong Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chengdi Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tao Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- The Research Units of West China (2018RU012)-Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Weimin Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- President's Office, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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14
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Oclaman JM, Murray ML, Grandis DJ, Beatty AL. The Association Between Mobile App Use and Change in Functional Capacity Among Cardiac Rehabilitation Participants: Cohort Study. JMIR Cardio 2023; 7:e44433. [PMID: 37184917 PMCID: PMC10227697 DOI: 10.2196/44433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is underused in the United States and globally, with participation disparities across gender, socioeconomic status, race, and ethnicities. The pandemic led to greater adoption of telehealth CR and mobile app use. OBJECTIVE Our primary objective was to estimate the association between CR mobile app use and change in functional capacity from enrollment to completion in patients participating in a CR program that offered in-person, hybrid, and telehealth CR. Our secondary objectives were to study the association between mobile app use and changes in blood pressure (BP) or program completion. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of participants enrolled in CR at an urban CR program in the United States. Participants were English speaking, at least 18 years of age, participated in the program between May 22, 2020, and May 21, 2022, and downloaded the CR mobile app. Mobile app use was quantified by number of exercise logs, vitals logs, and education material views. The primary outcome was change in functional capacity, measured by change in 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) from enrollment to completion. The secondary outcome was change in BP from enrollment to completion. We estimated associations using multivariable linear or logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status by ZIP code, insurance, and primary diagnosis for CR referral. RESULTS A total of 107 participants (mean age 62.9, SD 13.02 years; 90/107, 84.1% male; and 57/105, 53.3% self-declared as White Caucasian) used the mobile app and completed the CR program. Participants had a mean 64.0 (SD 54.1) meter increase in 6MWD between enrollment and completion (P<.001). From enrollment to completion, participants with an elevated BP at baseline (≥130/80 mmHg) experienced a significant decrease in BP (systolic BP -11.5 mmHg; P=.002 and diastolic BP -7.7 mmHg; P=.003). We found no significant association between total app interactions and change in 6MWD (coefficient -0.03, 95% CI -0.1 to 0.07; P=.59) or change in BP (systolic coefficient 0.002, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.03; P=.87 and diastolic coefficient -0.005, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.02; P=.65). There was no significant association between total exercise logs and change in 6MWD (coefficient 0.1, 95% CI -0.3 to 0.4; P=.57) or total BP logs and change in BP (systolic coefficient -0.02, 95% CI -0.1 to 0.06; P=.63 and diastolic coefficient -0.02, 95% CI -0.09 to 0.04; P=.50). There was no significant association between total app interactions and completion of CR (adjusted odds ratio 1.00, 95% CI 0.99-1.01; P=.44). CONCLUSIONS CR mobile app use as part of an in-person, hybrid, or telehealth CR program was not associated with greater improvement in functional capacity or BP or with program completion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janah May Oclaman
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Michelle L Murray
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Donald J Grandis
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Alexis L Beatty
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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15
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Kapeller A, Loosman I. Empowerment through health self-testing apps? Revisiting empowerment as a process. MEDICINE, HEALTH CARE, AND PHILOSOPHY 2023; 26:143-152. [PMID: 36592301 PMCID: PMC9806806 DOI: 10.1007/s11019-022-10132-w] [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: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Empowerment, an already central concept in public health, has gained additional relevance through the expansion of mobile health (mHealth). Especially direct-to-consumer self-testing app companies mobilise the term to advertise their products, which allow users to self-test for various medical conditions independent of healthcare professionals. This article first demonstrates the absence of empowerment conceptualisations in the context of self-testing apps by engaging with empowerment literature. It then contrasts the service these apps provide with two widely cited empowerment definitions by the WHO, which describe the term as a process that, broadly, leads to knowledge and control of health decisions. We conclude that self-testing apps can only partly empower their users, as they, we argue, do not provide the type of knowledge and control the WHO definitions describe. More importantly, we observe that this shortcoming stems from the fact that in the literature on mHealth and in self-testing marketing, empowerment is understood as a goal rather than a process. This characterises a shift in the meaning of empowerment in the context of self-testing and mHealth, one that reveals a lack of awareness for relational and contextual factors that contribute to empowerment. We argue that returning to a process-understanding of empowerment helps to identify these apps' deficits, and we conclude the article by briefly suggesting several strategies to increase self-testing apps' empowerment function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Kapeller
- Department of Thematic Studies – Technology and Social Change, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Iris Loosman
- Department of Philosophy and Ethics, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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16
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Jiang Y, Lau AKW. Understanding Post-Adoption Behavioral Intentions of Mobile Health Service Users: An Empirical Study during COVID-19. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3907. [PMID: 36900918 PMCID: PMC10001414 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20053907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to understand the post-adoption behaviors of mobile health (m-Health) service users during the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on the stimulus-organism-response framework, we examined the effects of user personality traits, doctor characteristics, and perceived risks on user continuance intentions and positive word of mouth (WOM) when using m-Health, as mediated by cognitive and emotional trust. The empirical data were collected via an online survey questionnaire from 621 m-Health service users in China and were verified with partial least squares structural equation modeling. The results showed that personal traits and doctor characteristics were positively associated and the perceived risks were negatively associated with both cognitive and emotional trust. Both cognitive and emotional trust significantly influenced users' post-adoption behavioral intentions in terms of continuance intentions and positive WOM, with different magnitudes. This study provides new insights for the promotion of the sustainable development of m-Health businesses after or during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmei Jiang
- The School of Business, Anhui University of Technology, Ma’anshan 243032, China
- Key Laboratory of Multidisciplinary Management and Control of Complex Systems of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui University of Technology, Ma’anshan 243032, China
| | - Antonio K. W. Lau
- The School of Management, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
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17
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Malathi A, Jasim K. Validating the relationship between service quality, patient sensitivity and experience towards medical applications using SERVQUAL. Int J Med Inform 2022; 168:104883. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2022.104883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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18
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Yusuf A, P. Iskandar YH, Ab Hadi IS, Nasution A, Lean Keng S. Breast awareness mobile apps for health education and promotion for breast cancer. Front Public Health 2022; 10:951641. [PMID: 36324460 PMCID: PMC9620858 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.951641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Lack of knowledge, poor awareness, and attitude are barriers to breast cancer (BC) screening participation. The ubiquitous usage of mobile phones makes it a perfect platform for delivering interventions to increase knowledge and awareness in screening, a strategy for early identification of BC. However, although numerous applications for BC prevention are available on major mobile phone platforms, relatively few have been tested in scientific studies to determine their efficacy. Objective This study aimed to assess the efficacy of BrAware Apps in increasing the knowledge of BC risk factors, awareness of warning signs and confidence in breast self-examination (BSE) among women in northeast peninsular Malaysia. Methods A quasi-experimental pre and post-test research design were conducted with 41 women participants in Kelantan, Malaysia, before and after using the BrAware apps. Participants were given an online, adapted Breast Cancer Awareness Measure questionnaire. Post-test was 2 months after using the BrAware apps. Comparison using paired T-tests were conducted to evaluate the change in knowledge of risk factors, warning signs awareness and confidence level for BSE. Results The mean age of women was 39.71(SD = 8.80). The participants' mean knowledge score of BC warning signs differs before using BrAware (mean 70.62, SD 11.74) and after using the BrAware app (mean 79.83, SD 10.15) at the <0.001 level of significance. Conclusions The BrAware mobile app had a positive effect in increasing the women's knowledge of risk factors of BC, warning signs awareness and confidence level for BSE. It can be concluded that the mobile app may be an adjunct in educating women on BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azlina Yusuf
- School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia,*Correspondence: Azlina Yusuf
| | | | - Imi Sairi Ab Hadi
- Department of Surgery, Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
| | - Arryana Nasution
- School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| | - Soon Lean Keng
- School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
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19
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Sun L, Buijsen M. Mobile health in China: Does it meet availability, accessibility, acceptability and quality standards? HEALTH POLICY AND TECHNOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hlpt.2022.100660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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20
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Gosak L, Pajnkihar M, Stiglic G. The Impact of Mobile Health Use on the Self-care of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e31652. [PMID: 35713944 PMCID: PMC9250066 DOI: 10.2196/31652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic diseases are a substantial public health issue worldwide and affect an individual’s quality of life. Due to the alarming rise in type 2 diabetes, health care that was primarily focused on diagnosis and treatment of the disease is increasingly focused on prevention and self-care. Patients who adhere to a constant and strict treatment regimen (physical activity, diet, medication) and regularly monitor their health are more likely to maintain self-care and health, prevent the exacerbation of the disease, and avoid the complications of diabetes (retinopathy, diabetic feet, etc). In recent years, many innovative devices that have become increasingly present in inpatient health care, such as mobile apps, are available to help patients maintain consistency in monitoring their health status. Mobile apps make it easier for individuals to monitor their self-care and illness and follow instructions regarding disease control. Objective This study aims to determine the impact of mobile app use on self-care in patients with type 2 diabetes. We will evaluate and test the usefulness of the forDiabetes app as a tool to improve the self-care of individuals with type 2 diabetes. Methods We will perform a double-blind randomized controlled trial. The study will include individuals aged over 18 years diagnosed with or have regulated type 2 diabetes who are treated in family medicine practices. Additionally, the individuals included in the study should not have any acute complications due to the consequences of type 2 diabetes. They will use an Android or iOS mobile phone and a blood glucose meter during the investigation. With the help of simple randomization, individuals will be divided into the intervention and control groups. Individuals in the intervention group will use the forDiabetes mobile app to monitor their self-care for type 2 diabetes. Individuals in the control group will not receive a particular intervention. Data will be collected using the Self-care of Diabetes Inventory questionnaire and Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire. Blood sugar, blood pressure, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and weight measurements will be monitored using calibrated instruments during the study by the nurses employed at the family medicine practice. Data will be collected at the beginning of the study and after a patient visits the family medicine practice. Results In the first half of 2020, we have prepared a translation of the mobile app that will be used by the participants of the intervention group, as well as more detailed instructions for using the app. We have also prepared a translation of the questionnaires in Slovene. The research results will be published in 2023. Conclusions This research contributes to greater visibility and usability of mobile apps for the self-care of patients with type 2 diabetes and raises awareness of the possible use of innovative methods. Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04999189; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04999189 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/31652
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucija Gosak
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Majda Pajnkihar
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Stiglic
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
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21
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The Association between mHealth App Use and Healthcare Satisfaction among Clients at Outpatient Clinics: A Cross-Sectional Study in Inner Mongolia, China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116916. [PMID: 35682498 PMCID: PMC9180655 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) have been developed in hospital settings to allocate and manage medical care services, which is one of the national strategies to improve health care in China. Little is known about the comprehensive effects of hospital-based mHealth app use on client satisfaction. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the full range of mHealth app use and satisfaction domains among clients attending outpatient clinics. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to February 2021 in twelve tertiary hospitals in Inner Mongolia. After the construction of the mHealth app use, structural equation modeling was used for data analysis. Of 1889 participants, the standardized coefficients β on environment/convenience, health information, and medical service fees were 0.11 (p < 0.001), 0.06 (p = 0.039), and 0.08 (p = 0.004), respectively. However, app use was not significantly associated with satisfaction of doctor−patient communication (β = 0.05, p = 0.069), short-term outcomes (β = 0.05, p = 0.054), and general satisfaction (β = 0.02, p = 0.429). Clients of the study hospitals were satisfied with the services, but their satisfaction was not much associated with mHealth use. The limitation of the mHealth system should be improved to enhance communication and engagement among clients, doctors, and healthcare givers, as well as to pay more attention to health outcomes and satisfaction of clients.
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22
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Amer SA, Bahumayim A, Shah J, Aleisa N, Hani BM, Omar DI. Prevalence and Determinants of Mobile Health Applications Usage: A National Descriptive Study. Front Public Health 2022; 10:838509. [PMID: 35570952 PMCID: PMC9094068 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.838509] [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] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to determine the prevalence of MHAs' usage and explore the context and determinants of using MHAs among inhabitants in Saudi Arabia (SA). This cross-sectional study randomly selected 679 adult inhabitants from the 20 health regions in SA through an electronic, self-administered, well-structured, and validated Arabic questionnaire. The prevalence of using MHAs was 47.9%, and it was significantly higher among younger, Saudis, highly educated, and working participants, as well as those with chronic diseases (p < 0.05). The main motives for using MHAs were to promote health status (68.6%) and to lose weight (33.2%). The most used apps were related to daily steps-counting (54.2%), and among females was tracking ovulation period apps (43.5%). The most common reported advantage of using MHAs was saving time (64%). Despite the potential benefits of MHAs, they were used by only about half of the study participants in SA. The most effective MHAs in improving health status were exercise, calorie-related, water uptake, and daily steps-counting apps. Policymakers looking to address reform aimed at improving health with mobile apps will find our study interesting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar A Amer
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.,Member at Royal College of General Practitioners, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Mental Health Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nova University, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ayah Bahumayim
- Health Education Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jaffer Shah
- Medical Research Center, Kateb University, Kabul, Afghanistan
| | - Nouf Aleisa
- Health Education Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, The General Directorate of Clinical Health Education Department, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Basma M Hani
- Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Doaa I Omar
- Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
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Rodríguez-Rubio P, Lacomba-Trejo L, Valero-Moreno S, Montoya-Castilla I, Pérez-Marín M. 10Vida: A Mental and Physical Health Intervention for Chronically Ill Adolescents and Their Caregivers in the Hospital Setting: An Open Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19063162. [PMID: 35328851 PMCID: PMC8953533 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Suffering from a chronic disease (CD) in adolescence can significantly impact the emotional health of adolescents and their families. MHealth can be a useful tool for these groups. However, few intervention programmes include the family system. The aim is to design an intervention programme (10Vida) for a paediatric population with a CD, and their families, to improve their adaptation to the disease. The study is a quasi-experimental repeated measures design in a open study, where the patients themselves, and their families, are their own control group. Participants will receive an intervention of seven individual sessions: five sessions with each patient, and two sessions with their caregivers. In the case of the patients, the aim is to improve their emotional state, their self-esteem, and their emotional competencies, reducing their perceived threat of illness. Furthermore, in the case of the caregivers, the aim is to improve their emotional state and reduce their burden. Indirectly, working with caregivers and those being cared for will improve family ties. The pilot study will involve 25 to 30 chronically ill adolescents aged between 12 and 16 years and their primary caregivers. Following the results, the necessary modifications will be included, and the programme will be offered to adolescents and their families who are willing to participate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Rodríguez-Rubio
- Department of Personality, Assessment and Psychological Treatments, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, Universitat de València, Av. Blasco Ibáñez, 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (P.R.-R.); (L.L.-T.); (I.M.-C.)
| | - Laura Lacomba-Trejo
- Department of Personality, Assessment and Psychological Treatments, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, Universitat de València, Av. Blasco Ibáñez, 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (P.R.-R.); (L.L.-T.); (I.M.-C.)
| | - Selene Valero-Moreno
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, Universitat de València, Av. Blasco Ibáñez, 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Inmaculada Montoya-Castilla
- Department of Personality, Assessment and Psychological Treatments, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, Universitat de València, Av. Blasco Ibáñez, 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (P.R.-R.); (L.L.-T.); (I.M.-C.)
| | - Marián Pérez-Marín
- Department of Personality, Assessment and Psychological Treatments, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, Universitat de València, Av. Blasco Ibáñez, 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (P.R.-R.); (L.L.-T.); (I.M.-C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-963983392
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Taha AR, Shehadeh M, Alshehhi A, Altamimi T, Housser E, Simsekler MCE, Alfalasi B, Al Memari S, Al Hosani F, Al Zaabi Y, Almazroui S, Alhashemi H, Alhajri N. The integration of mHealth technologies in telemedicine during the COVID-19 era: A cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264436. [PMID: 35202424 PMCID: PMC8870491 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Telemedicine is a rapidly expanding field of medicine and an alternative method for delivering quality medical care to patients' fingertips. With the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in the use of telemedicine to connect patients and healthcare providers, which has been made possible by mobile health (mHealth) applications. The goal of this study was to compare the satisfaction of patients with telemedicine among mHealth users and non-users. This was a survey-based study that included outpatients from Abu Dhabi. The association between patient satisfaction with telemedicine and use of mHealth technologies was described using regression models. This study included a total of 515 completed responses. The use of mHealth application was significantly associated with ease of booking telemedicine appointments (OR 2.61, 95% CI 1.63-4.18; P < .001), perception of similarity of quality of care between telemedicine consultations and in-person visits (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.26-2.61; P = .001), and preference for using telemedicine applications over in-person visits during the COVID-19 pandemic (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.12-2.72; P = .015). Our study results support that the use of mHealth applications is associated with increased patient satisfaction with telemedicine appointments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Rahman Taha
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Mustafa Shehadeh
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Ali Alshehhi
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Tariq Altamimi
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Emma Housser
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | | | - Buthaina Alfalasi
- Department of Family Medicine, Zayed Military Hospital, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Noora Alhajri
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Department of Medicine, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), Abu Dhabi, UAE
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Cao L, Chongsuvivatwong V, McNeil EB. Socio-demographic digital divide in mHealth app use among clients at outpatient departments in Inner Mongolia, China: a cross-sectional study (Preprint). JMIR Hum Factors 2022; 9:e36962. [PMID: 35587367 PMCID: PMC9164102 DOI: 10.2196/36962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mobile health (mHealth) apps have become part of the infrastructure for access to health care in hospitals, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, little is known about the effects of sociodemographic characteristics on the digital divide regarding the use of hospital-based mHealth apps and their benefits to patients and caregivers. Objective The aim of this study was to document the cascade of potential influences from digital access to digital use and then to mHealth use, as well as the potential influence of sociodemographic variables on elements of the cascade. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to February 2021 among adult clients at outpatient departments in 12 tertiary hospitals of Inner Mongolia, China. Structural equation modeling was conducted after the construct comprising digital access, digital use, and mHealth use was validated. Results Of 2115 participants, the β coefficients (95% CI) of potential influence of digital access on digital use, and potential influence of digital use on mHealth use, were 0.28 (95% CI 0.22-0.34) and 0.51 (95% CI 0.38-0.64), respectively. Older adults were disadvantaged with regard to mHealth access and use (β=–0.38 and β=–0.41), as were less educated subgroups (β=–0.24 and β=–0.27), and these two factors had nonsignificant direct effects on mHealth use. Conclusions To overcome the mHealth use divide, it is important to improve digital access and digital use among older adults and less educated groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Cao
- Information Technology Department, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | | | - Edward B McNeil
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
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Al-Kahtani N, Alrawiai S, Al-Zahrani BM, Abumadini RA, Aljaffary A, Hariri B, Alissa K, Alakrawi Z, Alumran A. Digital health transformation in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional analysis using Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society’ digital health indicators. Digit Health 2022; 8:20552076221117742. [PMID: 35959196 PMCID: PMC9358341 DOI: 10.1177/20552076221117742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The digital revolution has had a huge impact on healthcare around the world.
Digital technology could dramatically improve the accuracy of diagnosis,
treatment, health outcomes, efficiency of care, and workflow of healthcare
operations. Using health information technology will bring major
improvements in patient outcomes. Purpose This study aims to measure the readiness for digital health transformation at
different hospitals in the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia in relation to
Saudi Vision 2030 based on the four dimensions adopted by the Healthcare
Information and Management Systems Society: person-enabled health,
predictive analytics, governance and workforce, and interoperability. Methods The study was conducted with a cross-sectional design using data collected
through an online questionnaire from 10 healthcare settings, the
questionnaire consists of the four digital health indicators. The survey was
developed by Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society for the
purpose of assessing the level of digital maturity in healthcare
settings. Results Ten healthcare facilities in the Eastern Province, both private and
governmental, were included in the study. The highest total scores for
digital health transformation were reported in private healthcare facilities
(median score for private facilities = 77, public facilities = 71). The
‘governance and workforce’ was the most implemented dimension among the
healthcare facilities in the study (median = 80), while the dimension that
was least frequently implemented was predictive analytics (median
score = 70). In addition, tertiary hospitals scored the least in digital
transformation readiness (median = 74) compared to primary and secondary
healthcare facilities in the study. Conclusion The results of the study show that private healthcare facilities scored
higher in digital health transformation indicators. These results will be
useful for promoting policymakers’ understanding of the level of digital
health transformation in the Eastern Province and for the creation of a
strategic action plan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nouf Al-Kahtani
- Health Information Management and Technology, College of Public Health, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sumaiah Alrawiai
- Health Information Management and Technology, College of Public Health, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bnan Mohammed Al-Zahrani
- Health Information Management and Technology, College of Public Health, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rahaf Ali Abumadini
- Health Information Management and Technology, College of Public Health, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Afnan Aljaffary
- Health Information Management and Technology, College of Public Health, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bayan Hariri
- Health Information Management and Technology, College of Public Health, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Alissa
- Department of Networks and Communication, College of Computer Science and Information Technology, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zahra Alakrawi
- Health Information Management and Technology, College of Public Health, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arwa Alumran
- Health Information Management and Technology, College of Public Health, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
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Alazzam MB, Al-Radaideh AT, Alhamarnah RA, Alassery F, Hajjej F, Halasa A. A Survey Research on the Willingness of Gynecologists to Employ Mobile Health Applications. COMPUTATIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND NEUROSCIENCE 2021; 2021:1220374. [PMID: 35047026 PMCID: PMC8763536 DOI: 10.1155/2021/1220374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In gynecological care, mHealth (mobile health) technology may play an important role. Medical professionals' willingness to use this technology is the key to its acceptance. Most doctors utilize mobile health technology; however, there is still room for improvement in the use of mHealth. Gynecologists were asked to participate in this research to see how open they were to use mobile health technologies. In this descriptive-analytical investigation, the researchers determined the average scores for each variable. The overall mean for preparedness to embrace mobile medical technology is 1.8 out of 2, as shown in Table 1. When it came to their desire to embrace mobile health technology, doctors' years of experience correlated negatively with their age. According to our findings, the amount of interest in mobile health technology is high. Patients' private information must be protected throughout the usage of this technology though. Mobile health technology may effectively reach patients in remote areas, but it is not a substitute for face-to-face encounters with medical professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malik Bader Alazzam
- Faculty of Computer Science and Informatics, Amman Arab University, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Raed Ahmed Alhamarnah
- Computer and Information System Department, University of Almaarefa, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fawaz Alassery
- Department of Computer Engineering, College of Computers and Information Technology, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahima Hajjej
- Department of Information Systems, College of Computer and Information Sciences, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P. O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Azmi Halasa
- Department of MIS, College of Business, Jadara University, Irbid, Jordan
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Valero-Moreno S, Lacomba-Trejo L, Montoya-Castilla I, Pérez-Marín M. Is mHealth a useful therapy for improving physical or emotional health in adolescents with cystic fibrosis? A systematic review. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 42:1-14. [PMID: 34840486 PMCID: PMC8610788 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02452-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a rare disease that severely compromises health and interferes with the lives of those who suffer from it and is especially challenging in adolescence. The use of tools such as MHealth may benefit the physical and psychological health of adolescents with CF. Therefore, this study aims to examine the benefits of MHealth in adolescents with CF through a systematic review. A search of the scientific literature following the PRISMA guidelines was conducted in the ProQuest Central, PubMed, Web Of Science, Embase and ínDICE databases, resulting in 186 studies, of which seven were selected (based on inclusion and exclusion criteria). Two blinded evaluators conducted the searches, the selection and data extraction process and the quality evaluation of the studies. The agreement between evaluators was excellent in all cases (Kappa ranged from .78 to .96). 214 pediatric CF patients (61.71% female) participated in the final analysis. The mean age was 12.76 years. The studies evaluated different types of mHealth tools, with greater homogeneity in the independent and dependent variables. The quality of the studies analyzed was poor, since these had small samples selected for convenience, conducted non-experimental and low-quality designs, recorded few variables, and their statistical analyses were not sufficiently robust. Further research is needed in this field, improving research designs and considering physical and psychological adjustment variables, as well as patients and family members in the process of health improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selene Valero-Moreno
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, Universitat de València, Av. Blasco Ibáñez, 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Laura Lacomba-Trejo
- Departament of Personality, Assessment and Psychological Treatment, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, Universitat de València, Av. Blasco Ibánez, 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Montoya-Castilla
- Departament of Personality, Assessment and Psychological Treatment, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, Universitat de València, Av. Blasco Ibánez, 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Marian Pérez-Marín
- Departament of Personality, Assessment and Psychological Treatment, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, Universitat de València, Av. Blasco Ibánez, 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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Patel B, Edwards T, Schrire T, Barnard K, Sen S. Is the quality of mobile health applications for burns being adequately assessed? J Burn Care Res 2021; 43:814-826. [PMID: 34673981 DOI: 10.1093/jbcr/irab197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
High quality mobile health applications (mhealth apps) have the potential to enhance the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of burns. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate whether the quality of mhealth apps for burns care is being adequately assessed. The secondary aim was to determine whether these apps meet regulatory standards in the UK. We searched AMED, BNI, CINAHL, Cochrane library, Embase, Emcare, Medline and PsychInfo to identify studies assessing mhealth app quality for burns. The PRISMA reporting guideline was adhered to. Two independent reviewers screened abstracts to identify relevant studies. The quality of identified studies was assessed according to the framework proposed by Nouri et al, including design, information/content, usability, functionality, ethical issues, security/privacy and user-perceived value. Of the 28 included studies, none assessed all seven domains of quality. Design was assessed in 4/28 studies; information/content in 26/28 studies; usability in 12/28 studies; functionality in 10/28 studies; ethical issues were never assessed in any studies; security/privacy was not assessed; subjective assessment was made in 9/28 studies. 17/28 studies included apps that met the definition of 'medical device' according to MHRA guidance, yet only one app was appropriately certified with the UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) mark. The quality of mHealth apps for burns are not being adequately assessed. The majority of apps should be considered medical devices according to UK standards, yet only one was appropriately certified. Regulatory bodies should support mhealth app developers, so as to improve quality control whilst simultaneously fostering innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Patel
- Southmead Hospital Burns Unit, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Edwards
- Southmead Hospital Burns Unit, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy Schrire
- Southmead Hospital Burns Unit, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Katie Barnard
- Library and Knowledge Service , North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Sankhya Sen
- Southmead Hospital Burns Unit, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Qan'ir Y, Khalifeh AH, Eid M, Hammad B, Al-Batran M. Mobile health apps use among Jordanian outpatients: A descriptive study. Health Informatics J 2021; 27:14604582211017940. [PMID: 34030504 DOI: 10.1177/14604582211017940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Our purpose in this descriptive cross-sectional study was to examine the prevalence of mobile health (mHealth) apps use, factors associated with downloading mHealth apps, and to describe characteristics of mHealth apps use among Jordanian patients in government-sponsored outpatient clinics. A total of 182 (41.6%) of the 438 outpatients who completed questionnaires downloaded mHealth apps. Common reasons for downloading mHealth apps included tracking physical activity, losing weight, learning exercises, as well as monitoring, and controlling diet. More than two thirds of the users (70%) stopped using the apps they downloaded due to loss of interest, lack of anticipated support, too time consuming, or better apps available. The most common personal reasons for never downloading mHealth apps were lack of interest, in good health, and the most common technical reasons included a limited data plan, lack of trust, cost, and complexity of the apps. We also found that gender, age, weight, and educational level influenced the decision whether to download mHealth apps or not. We have shown the potential in mHealth apps use among Jordanian patients is promising, and health care systems must adopt this technology as well as work through population needs and preferences to supply it.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Moawia Eid
- Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital, United Arab Emirates
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Experience of Patients with Diabetes and Other Cardiovascular Risk Factors with Health Professionals and Healthcare in Spain. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10132831. [PMID: 34206918 PMCID: PMC8267612 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10132831] [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: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to evaluate the experience of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) with healthcare received in Spain. This was a retrospective, observational study in patients with T2DM cared for in primary healthcare (PHC) centers. A cross-sectional analysis of the patients' experience data was performed using the Instrument for the Evaluation of the Experience of Chronic Patients (IEXPAC). A total of 475 patients with T2DM were recruited from 36 PHC centers, of which 248 (52.2%) completed the IEXPAC questionnaire. The IEXPAC total mean score (range 0-10) was 7 points, with an average "new relational model" score of 2.5 points. The mean continuity of care score after hospital discharge was 6.2 points. The results showed that 8% of the patients always or almost always used the internet to check their medical history, appointments or other data from their healthcare service, and 15% responded that healthcare professionals always or almost always informed them of forums or other reliable internet sites to obtain information about their illness. The study results show that there is a wide margin for improvement in the experience of patients with T2DM with healthcare in Spain, especially regarding the information patients receive or can obtain.
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Song T, Liu F, Deng N, Qian S, Cui T, Guan Y, Arnolda L, Zhang Z, Yu P. A Comprehensive 6A Framework for Improving Patient Self-Management of Hypertension Using mHealth Services: Qualitative Thematic Analysis. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e25522. [PMID: 34152272 PMCID: PMC8277389 DOI: 10.2196/25522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hypertension affects over 15% of the world’s population and is a significant global public health and socioeconomic challenge. Mobile health (mHealth) services have been increasingly introduced to support hypertensive patients to improve their self-management behaviors, such as adherence to pharmacotherapy and lifestyle modifications. Objective This study aims to explore patients’ perceptions of mHealth services and the mechanisms by which the services support them to self-manage their hypertension. Methods A semistructured, in-depth interview study was conducted with 22 outpatients of the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University from March to May 2019. In 2015, the hospital introduced an mHealth service to support community-dwelling outpatients with self-management of hypertension. Content analysis was conducted by following a grounded theory approach for inductive thematic extraction. Constant comparison and categorization classified the first-level codes with similar meanings into higher-level themes. Results The patient-perceived mechanisms by which the mHealth service supported their self-management of hypertension were summarized as 6A: access, assessment, assistance, awareness, ability, and activation. With the portability of mobile phones and digitization of information, the mHealth service provided outpatients with easy access to assess their vital signs and self-management behaviors. The assessment results gave the patients real-time awareness of their health conditions and self-management performance, which activated their self-management behaviors. The mHealth service also gave outpatients access to assistance, which included health education and self-management reminders. Both types of assistance could also be activated by abnormal assessment results, that is, uncontrolled or deteriorating blood pressure values, discomfort symptoms, or not using the service for a long period. With its scalable use to handle any possible information and services, the mHealth service provided outpatients with educational materials to learn at their own pace. This led to an improvement in self-management awareness and ability, again activating their self-management behaviors. The patients would like to see further improvements in the service to provide more useful, personalized information and reliable services. Conclusions The mHealth service extended the traditional hypertension care model beyond the hospital and clinician’s office. It provided outpatients with easy access to otherwise inaccessible hypertension management services. This led to process improvement for outpatients to access health assessment and health care assistance and improved their awareness and self-management ability, which activated their hypertension self-management behaviors. Future studies can apply the 6A framework to guide the design, implementation, and evaluation of mHealth services for outpatients to self-manage chronic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Song
- Centre for Digital Transformation, School of Computing and Information Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Fang Liu
- Department of Health Examination, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Ning Deng
- Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Siyu Qian
- Centre for Digital Transformation, School of Computing and Information Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia.,Drug and Alcohol Service, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Tingru Cui
- School of Computing and Information Systems, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Yingping Guan
- Department of Health Examination, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Leonard Arnolda
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Zhenyu Zhang
- Centre for Digital Transformation, School of Computing and Information Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Ping Yu
- Centre for Digital Transformation, School of Computing and Information Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
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Effects of a mobile health diabetes self-management program on HbA1C, self-management and patient satisfaction in adults with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial. JOURNAL OF HEALTH RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/jhr-02-2021-0126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to examine the effects of a three-month mobile health diabetes self-management program (MHDSMP) on glycemic control, diabetes self-management (DSM) behaviors and patient satisfaction in adults with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in Thailand.
Design/methodology/approach
This was a three-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial among 129 adults with uncontrolled T2DM who attended the medical outpatient department in a medical center. The participants were randomly assigned to the three study groups (n = 43 per group), including MHDSMP, telephone follow-up (TF) and usual care (UC). MHDSMP encompassed four components, including DSM engagement, DSM mobile application, motivational text messages and telephone coaching. Outcomes were evaluated at three-month end-of-study by using HbA1C and response to the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA) and the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8). Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA).
Findings
The findings revealed that at the end-of-study, HbA1C decreased from 7.80 to 7.17% (p < 0.001) in MHDSMP group, from 7.72 to 7.65% (p = 0.468) in TF group, and from 7.89 to 7.72% (p = 0.074) in UC group. Significantly higher SDSCA and CSQ-8 scores were also observed in MHDSMP compared to TF and UC groups (F = 12.283, F = 19.541, F = 8.552, p < 0.001, respectively).
Originality/value
This study demonstrated that MHDSMP adjunct with usual care is beneficial for patient outcomes in adults with uncontrolled T2DM in Thailand, compared to TF and UC groups.
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Octavius GS, Antonio F. Antecedents of Intention to Adopt Mobile Health (mHealth) Application and Its Impact on Intention to Recommend: An Evidence from Indonesian Customers. Int J Telemed Appl 2021; 2021:6698627. [PMID: 34012467 PMCID: PMC8105118 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6698627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mobile health (mHealth) applications gain popularity due to the increasing number of mobile phone usage and internet penetration, which might help some of Indonesia's medical issues. However, the uptake of mHealth applications is still low in Indonesia. This study is aimed at understanding the factors that drive individuals to adopt mHealth applications and their impact on the intention to recommend. METHODS We applied a new model that combines three different theories with some other constructs: an extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, diffusion of innovation, and the internet customer trust model. The study used a cross-sectional study design with partial least squares causal modeling approach. RESULTS There are 787 respondents in our study, with the majority of them being female, young adults. Our model could explain 53.2% of the variance of intention to adopt while explaining 48.3% of the variance of intention to recommend. Initial trust in mHealth platform (β = 0.373, p = <0.001), facilitating conditions (β = 0.131, p = <0.01), and performance expectancy (β = 0.099, p = <0.05) are the top three most important drivers of intention to adopt mHealth applications. Lastly, importance-performance map analysis (IPMA) showed that the mHealth application's initial trust is the most important construct with a high-performance score. Discussion. Mobile health developers and managers need to improve initial trust in the mHealth platform, facilitating conditions, and performance expectancy when developing the applications. With a medium Q 2 predict, these factors can be applied out of the research context with medium predictive power.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ferdi Antonio
- Assistant Professor of Graduate School of Management, Universitas Pelita Harapan, Jakarta, Indonesia
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Reinecke F, Dittrich F, Dudda M, Stang A, Polan C, Müller R, Beck P, Kauther MD. Acceptance, Barriers, and Future Preferences of Mobile Health Among Patients Receiving Trauma and Orthopedic Surgical Care: Paper-Based Survey in a Prospective Multicenter Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2021; 9:e23784. [PMID: 33881401 PMCID: PMC8100880 DOI: 10.2196/23784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smartphones have become an essential part of everyday life and it is undeniable that apps offer enormous opportunities for dealing with future challenges in public health. Nevertheless, the exact patient requirements for medical apps in the field of orthopedic and trauma surgery are currently unknown. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to define target groups, evaluate patient requirements, and the potential and pitfalls regarding medical apps specific for patients receiving orthopedic and trauma surgical care. METHODS A prospective multicenter study was conducted between August 2018 and December 2019 at a German trauma center and 3 trauma surgery/orthopedic practices. A paper-based survey consisting of 15 questions evaluated information regarding smartphone and medical app usage behavior. In addition, suggested app functions were rated using Likert scales. Descriptive statistics and binary log-binomial regression were performed. RESULTS A total of 1055 questionnaires were included in our statistical analysis. Approximately 89.57% (945/1055) of the patients in this study owned a smartphone. Smartphone ownership probability decreased with every decade of life and increased with higher levels of education. Medical information was obtained via mobile web access by 62.65% (661/1055) of the patients; this correlated with smartphone ownership in regard to age and educational level. Only 11.18% (118/1055) of the patients reported previous medical app usage, and 3.50% (37/1055) of the patients received an app recommendation from a physician. More than half (594/1055, 56.30%) of the patients were unwilling to pay for a medical app. The highest rated app functions were information about medication, behavioral guidelines, and medical record archival. An improved treatment experience was reported through the suggested app features by 71.18% (751/1055) of the patients. CONCLUSIONS Mobile devices are a widely used source of information for medical content, but only a minority of the population reported previous medical app usage. The main target group for medical apps among patients receiving orthopedic and trauma surgical care tends to be the younger population, which results in a danger of excluding fringe groups, especially the older adults. Education seems to be one of the most important pull factors to use smartphones or a mobile web connection to obtain health information. Medical apps primarily focusing on an optimized patient education and flow of information seem to have the potential to support patients in health issues, at least in their subjective perception. For future target group-oriented app developments, further evidence on the clinical application, feasibility, and acceptance of app usage are necessary in order to avoid patient endangerment and to limit socioeconomic costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Reinecke
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Medicine Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Florian Dittrich
- Department of Orthopedics and Orthopedic Surgery, Saarland University Medical Center and Saarland University Faculty of Medicine, Homburg, Germany
- Joint Centre Bergischland, Sana Fabricius Clinic Remscheid, Remscheid, Germany
| | - Marcel Dudda
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Medicine Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Andreas Stang
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Christina Polan
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Medicine Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Roman Müller
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Medicine Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Paula Beck
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Medicine Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Max Daniel Kauther
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Medicine Essen, Essen, Germany
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Zhao D, Zhou Z, Shen C, Nawaz R, Li D, Ren Y, Zhao Y, Cao D, Zhai X. Rural and urban differences in patient experience in China: a coarsened exact matching study from the perspective of residents. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:330. [PMID: 33849544 PMCID: PMC8042990 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06328-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient experience is a key measure widely used to evaluate quality of healthcare, yet there is little discussion about it in China using national survey data. This study aimed to explore rural and urban differences in patient experience in China. METHODS Data regarding this study were drawn from Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) 2015, with a sample size of 9604. Patient experience was measured by the evaluation on healthcare services. Coarsened exact matching (CEM) method was used to balance covariates between the rural and urban respondents. Three thousand three hundred seventy-two participants finally comprised the matched cohort, including 1592 rural residents and 1780 urban residents. Rural and urban differences in patient experience were tested by ordinary least-squares regression and ordered logistic regression. RESULTS The mean (SD) score of patient experience for rural and urban residents was 72.35(17.32) and 69.45(17.00), respectively. Urban residents reported worse patient experience than rural counterparts (Crude analysis: Coef. = - 2.897, 95%CI: - 4.434, - 1.361; OR = 0.706, 95%CI: 0.595, 0.838; Multivariate analysis: Coef. = - 3.040, 95%CI: - 4.473, - 1.607; OR = 0.675, 95%CI: 0.569, 0.801). Older (Coef. = 2.029, 95%CI: 0.338, 3.719) and healthier (Coef. = 2.287, 95%CI: 0.729, 3.845; OR = 1.217, 95%CI: 1.008, 1.469) rural residents living in western area (Coef. = 2.098, 95%CI: 0.464, 3.732; OR = 1.276, 95%CI: 1.044, 1.560) with higher social status (Coef. = 1.158, 95%CI: 0.756, 1.561; OR = 1.145, 95%CI: 1.090, 1.204), evaluation on adequacy (Coef. = 7.018, 95%CI: 5.045, 8.992; OR = 2.163, 95%CI: 1.719, 2.721), distribution (Coef. = 4.464, 95%CI: 2.471, 6.456; OR = 1.658, 95%CI: 1.312, 2.096) and accessibility (Coef. = 2.995, 95%CI: 0.963, 5.026; OR = 1.525, 95%CI: 1.217, 1.911) of healthcare resources had better patient experience. In addition, urban peers with lower education (OR = 0.763, 95%CI: 0.625, 0.931) and higher family economic status (Coef. = 2.990, 95%CI: 0.959, 5.021; OR = 1.371, 95%CI: 1.090,1.723) reported better patient experience. CONCLUSIONS Differences in patient experience for rural and urban residents were observed in this study. It is necessary to not only encourage residents to form a habit of seeking healthcare services in local primary healthcare institutions first and then go to large hospitals in urban areas when necessary, but also endeavor to reduce the disparity of healthcare resources between rural and urban areas by improving quality and capacity of rural healthcare institutions and primary healthcare system of China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dantong Zhao
- School of Public Policy and Administration, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 28 Xianning West Road, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhongliang Zhou
- School of Public Policy and Administration, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 28 Xianning West Road, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Chi Shen
- School of Public Policy and Administration, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 28 Xianning West Road, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Rashed Nawaz
- School of Public Policy and Administration, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 28 Xianning West Road, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dan Li
- School of Public Policy and Administration, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 28 Xianning West Road, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yangling Ren
- School of Public Policy and Administration, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 28 Xianning West Road, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yaxin Zhao
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Dan Cao
- School of Public Policy and Administration, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 28 Xianning West Road, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhai
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
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Chandler R, Guillaume D, Parker AG, Carter S, Hernandez ND. Promoting Optimal Sexual and Reproductive Health with Mobile Health Tools for Black Women: Combining Technology, Culture and Context. PERSPECTIVES ON SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2020; 52:205-209. [PMID: 33399277 PMCID: PMC8536956 DOI: 10.1363/psrh.12170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrea G Parker
- School of Interactive Computing, College of Computing, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta
| | - Sierra Carter
- Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta
| | - Natalie D Hernandez
- Center for Maternal Health Equity, Department of Community Health and Preventative Medicine, Office of Community Engagement, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta
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Mandracchia F, Llauradó E, Tarro L, Valls RM, Solà R. Mobile Phone Apps for Food Allergies or Intolerances in App Stores: Systematic Search and Quality Assessment Using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS). JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2020; 8:e18339. [PMID: 32936078 PMCID: PMC7527917 DOI: 10.2196/18339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Food allergies and intolerances are increasing worldwide, and mobile phone apps could be a promising tool for self-management of these issues. Objective This study aimed to systemically search and assess food allergy or intolerance apps in app stores using the multidimensional Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) to rate the objective and subjective quality and to identify critical points for future improvements. Methods This systematic search identified apps through the keywords “food allergy,” “food intolerance,” and “allergens” in English, Spanish, and Italian in the Apple App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android). The inclusion criteria were a user star rating of ≥3 (of 5 stars) to limit the selection to the most highly rated apps; ≥1000 reviews as an indicator of reliability; and the most recent update performed up to 2017. Then, the apps were divided according to their purpose (searching for allergen-free “food products,” “restaurants,” or recipes in “meal planners”) and evaluated on a scale of 1 to 5 points using the MARS in terms of (1) app classification category with a descriptive aim; (2) app subjective and objective quality categories comprised of engagement, functionality, esthetics, and information sections (Medline was searched for eligible apps to check whether they had been tested in trials); and (3) an optional app-specific section. Furthermore, the output and input features were evaluated. Differences between MARS sections and between app purposes and correlations among MARS sections, star ratings, and numbers of reviews were evaluated. Results Of the 1376 apps identified, 14 were included: 12 related to food allergies and intolerances that detect 2-16 food allergens and 2 related only to gluten intolerance. The mean (SD) MARS scores (maximum 5 points) were 3.8 (SD 0.4) for objective quality, highlighting whether any app had been tested in trials; 3.5 (SD 0.6) for subjective quality; and 3.6 (SD 0.7) for the app-specific section. Therefore, a rating ≥3 points indicated overall acceptable quality. From the between-section comparison, engagement (mean 3.5, SD 0.6) obtained significantly lower scores than functionality (mean 4.1, SD 0.6), esthetics (mean 4, SD 0.5), and information (mean 3.8, SD 0.4). However, when the apps were compared by purpose, critical points were identified: meal planner apps showed significantly higher engagement (mean 4.1, SD 0.4) than food product (mean 3.0, SD 0.6; P=.05) and restaurant (mean 3.2, SD 0.3; P=.02) apps. Conclusions In this systematic search of food allergy or intolerance apps, acceptable MARS quality was identified, although the engagement section for food product and restaurant purpose apps should be improved and the included apps should be tested in trials. The critical points identified in this systematic search can help improve the innovativeness and applicability of future food allergy and intolerance apps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Floriana Mandracchia
- Functional Nutrition, Oxidation, and Cardiovascular Diseases Group (NFOC-Salut), Healthy Environment Chair, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - Elisabet Llauradó
- Functional Nutrition, Oxidation, and Cardiovascular Diseases Group (NFOC-Salut), Healthy Environment Chair, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - Lucia Tarro
- Functional Nutrition, Oxidation, and Cardiovascular Diseases Group (NFOC-Salut), Healthy Environment Chair, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain.,Unit of Nutrition and Health, EURECAT-Technology Centre of Catalonia, Reus, Spain
| | - Rosa Maria Valls
- Functional Nutrition, Oxidation, and Cardiovascular Diseases Group (NFOC-Salut), Healthy Environment Chair, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - Rosa Solà
- Functional Nutrition, Oxidation, and Cardiovascular Diseases Group (NFOC-Salut), Healthy Environment Chair, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain.,Unit of Nutrition and Health, EURECAT-Technology Centre of Catalonia, Reus, Spain.,Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus, Reus, Spain
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Philip-McKenzie Y, Jamnadass E, Hameed BZ, Gamage KN, Bres-Niewada E, Sulaiman SK, Naik N, Somani BK. A content analysis of 'Water Apps' and prevention of urological diseases: Do apps really help? Cent European J Urol 2020; 73:187-192. [PMID: 32782839 PMCID: PMC7407778 DOI: 10.5173/ceju.2020.0136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Maintaining hydration reduces incidence of kidney stone disease (KSD), chronic kidney disease (CKD) and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Mobile applications (apps) measuring hydration are gaining in usage, allowing users to monitor intake whilst also taking into account the signs and symptoms of dehydration. Our study looked at the water apps in the management and/or prevention of urological disease. Material and methods The original android app store (Google Play Store), and the Apple App Store (iOS App Store) were searched using the term ‘hydration’, ‘fluid’ and ‘water’. All apps from each distribution platform, with a minimum of 100 reviews, were then selected and analysed. Results After identification of 51 applications (13 from Apple App Store, and 38 from Google Play Store), 45 were free to download and 6 were paid (cost range: $2.19–$7.97). While none of the apps facilitated measurement of urine output and colour, 12 mentioned signs and symptoms of dehydration. Furthermore, when calculating required fluid intake, the level of activity was considered by 31 apps. With regards to information provision, only one of the apps included advice or education about urological conditions associated with poor hydration. None of the apps gave advice on hydration related to CKD and UTI. Conclusions Mobile phone apps are a well-established tool for measuring fluid intake. However, they provide little information regarding the importance of hydration, and don’t utilise other measures such as level of activity, urine output or colour. Considering the increasing popularity of fitness and hydration apps in our daily lives, the developers need to make them more comprehensive and informative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosef Philip-McKenzie
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Enakshee Jamnadass
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Bm Zeeshan Hameed
- Department of Urology, Kasturba Medical College Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India.,Innovation Center, Kasturba Medical College Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Kithmini N Gamage
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Ewa Bres-Niewada
- Department of Urology, Roefler Memorial Hospital, Pruszków, Poland
| | - Sadaf Karim Sulaiman
- Core Surgical Trainee, University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Nitesh Naik
- Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Bhaskar K Somani
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom
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Tebeje TH, Klein J. Applications of e-Health to Support Person-Centered Health Care at the Time of COVID-19 Pandemic. Telemed J E Health 2020; 27:150-158. [PMID: 32746750 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2020.0201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Many e-health services were launched after countries relaxed their telehealth regulations to combat the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. e-Health technologies that support person-centered health care are crucial for the patient's needs. In this systematic review, we examined how e-health applications are used to support person-centered health care at the time of COVID-19. Methodology: Literature was systematically searched without language restriction and publication status between January 1 and May 25, 2020, to describe e-health's support on the person-centered health care to control the COVID-19 pandemic. PubMed, ScienceDirect, and CINAHL, MedRxiv, and Web of Science were used. Two researchers independently assessed the eligibility of each retrieved record. All included studies were subsequently rescreened by the researchers. The systematic review was conducted in accordance with preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. Results: We identified 60 articles and selected 8 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Most of the studies used e-health technologies to facilitate clinical decision support and team care. Patient's engagement and access to health care from their homes were enhanced using telehealth and mobile health. Electronic health records were used to avail reliable data to health care providers and health authorities to make evidence-based decisions. Conclusion: Although there are limited studies to evaluate the effectiveness of e-health technologies for person-centered health care, the reviewed studies indicated e-health's potentials to improve the quality of health care and personalized health systems during COVID-19 pandemic. Further research should be done to better understand applications of e-health to improve the quality of health care and patients' outcomes and evaluate its cost-effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsion H Tebeje
- Department of Public Health and Health Informatics, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Jorn Klein
- Department of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Kongsberg, Norway
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Ramdani B, Duan B, Berrou I. Exploring the Determinants of Mobile Health Adoption by Hospitals in China: Empirical Study. JMIR Med Inform 2020; 8:e14795. [PMID: 32459630 PMCID: PMC7388041 DOI: 10.2196/14795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although mobile health (mHealth) has the potential to transform health care by delivering better outcomes at a much lower cost than traditional health care services, little is known about mHealth adoption by hospitals. OBJECTIVE This study aims to explore the determinants of mHealth adoption by hospitals using the technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework. METHODS We conducted an interviewer-administered survey with 87 managers in Chinese public hospitals and analyzed the data using logistic regression. RESULTS The results of our survey indicate that perceived ease of use (β=.692; P<.002), system security (β=.473; P<.05), top management support (β=1.466; P<.002), hospital size (β=1.069; P<.004), and external pressure (β=.703; P<.005) are significantly related to hospitals' adoption of mHealth. However, information technology infrastructure (β=.574; P<.02), system reliability (β=-1.291; P<.01), and government policy (β=2.010; P<.04) are significant but negatively related to hospitals' adoption of mHealth. CONCLUSIONS We found that TOE model works in the context of mHealth adoption by hospitals. In addition to technological predictors, organizational and environmental predictors are critical for explaining mHealth adoption by Chinese hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boumediene Ramdani
- Centre for Entrepreneurship, College of Business & Economics, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Binheng Duan
- Creative Assembly, Spire Court, Albion Way, Horsham, United Kingdom
| | - Ilhem Berrou
- Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Cherid C, Baghdadli A, Wall M, Mayo NE, Berry G, Harvey EJ, Albers A, Bergeron SG, Morin SN. Current level of technology use, health and eHealth literacy in older Canadians with a recent fracture-a survey in orthopedic clinics. Osteoporos Int 2020; 31:1333-1340. [PMID: 32112118 DOI: 10.1007/s00198-020-05359-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Among older adults who have recently sustained a fracture, there is substantial adoption of mobile technology. Furthermore, health and eHealth literacy level reported by participants supports the development of interactive eHealth interventions toward fostering better patient engagement in skeletal health management. INTRODUCTION Electronic health resources are increasingly used in the self-management of medical conditions. We aimed to identify the current level of technology adoption, health, and eHealth literacy among older adults with a recent fracture, to determine if the use of electronic interventions would be feasible and acceptable in this population. METHODS Adults ≥ 50 years with recent fractures were invited to complete a self-administered survey composed of 21 questions, including an 8-item perceived eHealth literacy scale. RESULTS A total of 401 participants completed the survey (women, 64%; ≥ 65 years, 59%; university education, 32%). Most participants reported no difficulty in reading printed health material (67%) and felt confident in filling out medical forms (65%). Younger age and higher levels of education were associated with higher health literacy. Most respondents (81%) owned at least one mobile device (smartphone, 49%; tablet, 45%). eHEALS scores were similar among men (29, IQR 24-32) and women (29, IQR 25-33), and between younger age group categories (50-64 years, 30; IQR 26-33; and 65-74 years, 29; IQR 25-32), but lower in the oldest age group (≥ 75 years, 24; IQR 21-29; p < 0.05). Compared with the youngest group, those ≥ 75 years had higher odds of an eHEALS < 26 (odds ratio, 4.2; 95% confidence interval 2.0-8.9) after adjusting for sex and education level. CONCLUSION There is significant adoption of mobile technology among older adults. Health and eHealth literacy reported by this study population supports the development of interactive eHealth interventions toward fostering better patient engagement in skeletal health management.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Cherid
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - A Baghdadli
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 5252 Boulevard de Maisonneuve O, Room 3E-11, Montreal, Québec, H4A 3S5, Canada
| | - M Wall
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 5252 Boulevard de Maisonneuve O, Room 3E-11, Montreal, Québec, H4A 3S5, Canada
| | - N E Mayo
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 5252 Boulevard de Maisonneuve O, Room 3E-11, Montreal, Québec, H4A 3S5, Canada
| | - G Berry
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 5252 Boulevard de Maisonneuve O, Room 3E-11, Montreal, Québec, H4A 3S5, Canada
- Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - E J Harvey
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 5252 Boulevard de Maisonneuve O, Room 3E-11, Montreal, Québec, H4A 3S5, Canada
- Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - A Albers
- Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- St. Mary's Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - S G Bergeron
- Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - S N Morin
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 5252 Boulevard de Maisonneuve O, Room 3E-11, Montreal, Québec, H4A 3S5, Canada.
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Li P, Luo Y, Yu X, Wen J, Mason E, Li W, Jalali MS. Patients' Perceptions of Barriers and Facilitators to the Adoption of E-Hospitals: Cross-Sectional Study in Western China. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e17221. [PMID: 32525483 PMCID: PMC7317627 DOI: 10.2196/17221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As an innovative approach to providing web-based health care services from physical hospitals to patients at a distance, e-hospitals (ie, extended care hospitals through the internet) have been extensively developed in China. This closed health care delivery chain was developed by combining e-hospitals with physical hospitals; treatment begins with web-based consultation and registration, and then, patients are diagnosed and treated in a physical hospital. This approach is promising in its ability to improve accessibility, efficiency, and quality of health care. However, there is limited research on end users' acceptance of e-hospitals and the effectiveness of strategies aimed to prompt the adoption of e-hospitals in China. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to provide insights regarding the adoption of e-hospitals by investigating patients' willingness to use e-hospitals and analyzing the barriers and facilitators to the adoption of this technology. METHODS We used a pretested self-administered questionnaire and performed a cross-sectional analysis in 1032 patients across three hierarchical hospitals in West China from June to August 2019. Patients' sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, current disease status, proficiency with electronic devices, previous experience with web-based health services, willingness to use e-hospitals, and perceived facilitators and barriers were surveyed. Multiple significance tests were employed to examine disparities across four age groups, as well as those between patients who were willing to use e-hospitals and those who were not. Multivariate logistic regression was also performed to identify the potential predictors of willingness to use e-hospitals. RESULTS Overall, it was found that 65.6% (677/1032) of participants were willing to use e-hospitals. The significant predictors of willingness to use e-hospitals were employment status (P=.02), living with children (P<.001), education level (P=.046), information technology skills (P<.001), and prior experience with web-based health care services (P<.001), whereas age, income, medical insurance, and familiarity with e-hospitals were not predictors. Additionally, the prominent facilitators of e-hospitals were convenience (641/677, 94.7%) and accessibility to skilled medical experts (489/677, 72.2%). The most frequently perceived barrier varied among age groups; seniors most often reported their inability to operate technological devices as a barrier (144/166, 86.7%), whereas young participants most often reported that they avoided e-hospital services because they were accustomed to face-to-face consultation (39/52, 75%). CONCLUSIONS We identified the variables, facilitators, and barriers that play essential roles in the adoption of e-hospitals. Based on our findings, we suggest that efforts to increase the adoption of e-hospitals should focus on making target populations accustomed to web-based health care services while maximizing ease of use and providing assistance for technological inquiries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyi Li
- Institute of Hospital Management, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunmei Luo
- Institute of Hospital Management, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuexin Yu
- Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin Wen
- Institute of Hospital Management, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Elizabeth Mason
- Massachusetts General Hospital's Institute for Technology Assessment, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Weimin Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mohammad S Jalali
- Massachusetts General Hospital's Institute for Technology Assessment, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- MIT Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
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Yaacob NA, Mohamad Marzuki MF, Yaacob NM, Ahmad SB, Abu Hassan MR. Effectiveness of the ColorApp Mobile App for Health Education and Promotion for Colorectal Cancer: Quasi-Experimental Study. JMIR Hum Factors 2020; 7:e15487. [PMID: 32130119 PMCID: PMC7064964 DOI: 10.2196/15487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Revised: 11/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Lack of knowledge and poor attitude are barriers to colorectal cancer screening participation. Printed material, such as pamphlets and posters, have been the main approach in health education on disease prevention in Malaysia. Current information technology advancements have led to an increasing trend of the public reading from websites and mobile apps using their mobile phones. Thus, health information dissemination should also be diverted to websites and mobile apps. Increasing knowledge and awareness could increase screening participation and prevent late detection of diseases such as colorectal cancer. Objective This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the ColorApp mobile app in improving the knowledge and attitude on colorectal cancer among users aged 50 years and older, who are the population at risk for the disease in Kedah. Methods A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 100 participants in Kedah, Malaysia. Participants from five randomly selected community empowerment programs in Kota Setar district were in the intervention group; Kuala Muda district was the control group. Participants were given a self-administered validated questionnaire on knowledge and attitudes toward colorectal cancer. A mobile app, ColorApp (Colorectal Cancer Application), was developed as a new educational tool for colorectal cancer prevention. The intervention group used the app for two weeks. The same questionnaire was redistributed to both groups after two weeks. The mean percentage scores for knowledge and attitude between groups were compared using repeated measure ANCOVA. Results There was no significant difference in age, sex, highest education level, current occupation, and diabetic status between the two groups. The number of smokers was significantly higher in the intervention group compared with the control group and was controlled for during analysis. The intervention group showed a significantly higher mean knowledge score compared with the control group with regards to time (Huynh-Feldt: F1,95=19.81, P<.001). However, there was no significant difference in mean attitude scores between the intervention and control groups with regards to time (F1,95=0.36, P=.55). Conclusions The ColorApp mobile app may be an adjunct approach in educating the public on colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nor Azwany Yaacob
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Muhamad Fadhil Mohamad Marzuki
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Najib Majdi Yaacob
- Unit of Biostatistics and Research Methodology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| | - Shahrul Bariyah Ahmad
- Non-Communicable Disease Control Unit, Kedah State Health Department, Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia
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Cao H, Zhang Z, Evans R, Dai W, Bi Q, Zhu Z, Shen L. Barriers and Enablers to the Implementation of Intelligent Guidance Systems for Patients in Chinese Tertiary Transfer Hospitals: Usability Evaluation (Preprint). JMIR Med Inform 2020. [DOI: 10.2196/18382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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46
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Wattanapisit A, Teo CH, Wattanapisit S, Teoh E, Woo WJ, Ng CJ. Can mobile health apps replace GPs? A scoping review of comparisons between mobile apps and GP tasks. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2020; 20:5. [PMID: 31906985 PMCID: PMC6945711 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-019-1016-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mobile health applications (mHealth apps) are increasingly being used to perform tasks that are conventionally performed by general practitioners (GPs), such as those involved in promoting health, preventing disease, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and support for health services. This raises an important question: can mobile apps replace GPs? This study aimed to systematically search for and identify mobile apps that can perform GP tasks. Methods A scoping review was carried out. The Google Play Store and Apple App Store were searched for mobile apps, using search terms derived from the UK Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) guideline on GPs’ core capabilities and competencies. A manual search was also performed to identify additional apps. Results The final analysis included 17 apps from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, and 21 apps identified by the manual search. mHealth apps were found to have the potential to replace GPs for tasks such as recording medical history and making diagnoses; performing some physical examinations; supporting clinical decision making and management; assisting in urgent, long-term, and disease-specific care; and health promotion. In contrast, mHealth apps were unable to perform medical procedures, appropriately utilise other professionals, and coordinate a team-based approach. Conclusions This scoping review highlights the functions of mHealth apps that can potentially replace GP tasks. Future research should focus on assessing the performance and quality of mHealth apps in comparison with that of real doctors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apichai Wattanapisit
- School of Medicine, Walailak University, Thasala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand. .,Walailak University Hospital, Thasala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand.
| | - Chin Hai Teo
- Department of Primary Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Wing Jun Woo
- Department of Primary Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chirk Jenn Ng
- Department of Primary Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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47
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Kang YN, Shen HN, Lin CY, Elwyn G, Huang SC, Wu TF, Hou WH. Does a Mobile app improve patients' knowledge of stroke risk factors and health-related quality of life in patients with stroke? A randomized controlled trial. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2019; 19:282. [PMID: 31864348 PMCID: PMC6925878 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-019-1000-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Developing a stroke health-education mobile app (SHEMA) and examining its effectiveness on improvement of knowledge of stroke risk factors and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with stroke. Methods We recruited 76 stroke patients and randomly assigned them to either the SHEMA intervention (n = 38) or usual care where a stroke health-education booklet was provided (n = 38). Knowledge of stroke risk factors and HRQOL were assessed using the stroke-knowledge questionnaire and European Quality of Life–Five Dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaire, respectively. Results Sixty-three patients completed a post-test survey (the SHEMA intervention, n = 30; traditional stroke health-education, n = 33). Our trial found that patients’ mean knowledge score of stroke risk factors was improved after the SHEMA intervention (Mean difference = 2.83; t = 3.44; p = .002), and patients’ knowledge was also improved in the after traditional stroke health-education (Mean difference = 2.79; t = 3.68; p = .001). However, patients after the SHEMA intervention did not have significantly higher changes of the stroke knowledge or HRQOL than those after traditional stroke health-education. Conclusions Both the SHEMA intervention and traditional stroke health-education can improve patients’ knowledge of stroke risk factors, but the SHEMA was not superior to traditional stroke health-education. Trial registration NCT02591511 Verification Date 2015-10-01.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-No Kang
- Institute of Health Policy and Management, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Evidence-Based Medicine Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipie, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Nien Shen
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yun Lin
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Glyn Elwyn
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Dartmouth College, New Hampshire, USA.,Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare, University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Armsterdam, Netherlands.,Cochrane Institute for Primary Care and Public Health, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Szu-Chi Huang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Master Program in Long-Term Care and School of Gerontology Health Management, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, No. 250, Wu-Hsing Street, Xinyi District, Taipei City, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Fu Wu
- Master Program in Long-Term Care and School of Gerontology Health Management, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, No. 250, Wu-Hsing Street, Xinyi District, Taipei City, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Hsuan Hou
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Master Program in Long-Term Care and School of Gerontology Health Management, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, No. 250, Wu-Hsing Street, Xinyi District, Taipei City, 11031, Taiwan. .,Center of Evidence-Based Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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48
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Shen L, Wang S, Chen W, Fu Q, Evans R, Lan F, Li W, Xu J, Zhang Z. Understanding the Function Constitution and Influence Factors on Communication for the WeChat Official Account of Top Tertiary Hospitals in China: Cross-Sectional Study. J Med Internet Res 2019; 21:e13025. [PMID: 31815674 PMCID: PMC6928700 DOI: 10.2196/13025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Widespread adoption and continued developments in mobile health care technologies have led to the improved accessibility and quality of medical services. In China, WeChat, an instant messaging and social networking app released by the company Tencent, has developed a specific type of user account called WeChat official account (WOA), which is now widely adopted by hospitals in China. It enables health care providers to connect with local citizens, allowing them to, among other actions, send regular updates through mass circulation. However, with the diversity in function provided by WOA, little is known about its major constitution as well as the influence factors on the WeChat communication index (WCI). The WCI has been widely used in social media impact ranking with various types of WeChat content to fully reflect the dissemination and coverage of tweets as well as the maturity and impact of WOA. Objective There are two typical WOAs available to users, namely, WeChat subscription account (WSSA) and WeChat service account (WSVA). The biggest difference between them is the frequency of messages transmitted. This study aimed to explore the function constitution of WSVA adopted by top tertiary hospitals in China and the major contributors of the WCI score. Methods A total of 681 top tertiary hospitals were selected from the Hospital Quality Monitoring System; the WOA of every top tertiary hospital was retrieved in the WeChat app. We divided core functional items of WSVAs using categorical principal component analysis. To elicit the factors that influenced the use of WSVA, quantile regression was employed to analyze the WCI score. Results From the 668 WOAs identified, adoption of WSVAs (543/668, 81.3%) was more than that of WSSAs (125/668, 18.7%). Functional items of WSVAs were categorized into four clusters: (1) hospital introduction, (2) medical services, (3) visiting assistants, and (4) others. With regard to the influence factors on the WCI, the impact of the activity index of WSVA and the total visiting number of outpatients and emergencies on WCI were statistically significant and positive in all quantiles. However, the year of certification, the type of hospital, the year of public hospital reform, and the number of beds merely affected the WCI at some quantiles. Conclusions Our findings are considered helpful to tertiary hospitals in developing in-depth functional items that improve patient experience. The tertiary hospitals should take full advantage of times of posting and provide high-quality tweets to meet the various needs of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lining Shen
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Provincial Research Center for Health Technology Assessment, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Smart Health, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shimin Wang
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenqiang Chen
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Richard Evans
- College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences, Brunel University London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fuqiang Lan
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Li
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Juan Xu
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Provincial Research Center for Health Technology Assessment, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Provincial Research Center for Health Technology Assessment, Wuhan, China
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To WM, Lee PKC, Lu J, Wang J, Yang Y, Yu Q. What Motivates Chinese Young Adults to Use mHealth? Healthcare (Basel) 2019; 7:healthcare7040156. [PMID: 31810293 PMCID: PMC6956209 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare7040156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
mHealth is one of China’s national strategies that brings affordable, accessible, and convenient health care to its entire population, may they be in cities or rural areas. Although Chinese young adults are among the first to adopt mHealth, the factors influencing Chinese young adults to use mHealth are yet to be studied both empirically and in depth. This study explores the mechanism that determines Chinese young adults’ intention to use mHealth, based on an extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The extended TAM was tested using responses from 486 Chinese young adults. The results showed that perceived usefulness strongly and significantly influenced people’s intention to use mHealth. Additionally, communication effectiveness, health consciousness, and perceived ease of use were found as significant factors influencing people’s intention to use mHealth through perceived usefulness. Distrust was not found to significantly influence people’s intention to use mHealth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wai-Ming To
- School of Business, Macao Polytechnic Institute, Macao SAR 999078, China;
| | - Peter K. C. Lee
- Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China; (J.L.); (J.W.); (Y.Y.); (Q.Y.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +852-27667415
| | - Jinxuan Lu
- Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China; (J.L.); (J.W.); (Y.Y.); (Q.Y.)
| | - Junhao Wang
- Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China; (J.L.); (J.W.); (Y.Y.); (Q.Y.)
| | - Yihan Yang
- Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China; (J.L.); (J.W.); (Y.Y.); (Q.Y.)
| | - Qingxin Yu
- Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China; (J.L.); (J.W.); (Y.Y.); (Q.Y.)
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Xu ZF, Luo X, Shi J, Lai Y. Quality analysis of smart phone sleep apps in China: can apps be used to conveniently screen for obstructive sleep apnea at home? BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2019; 19:224. [PMID: 31730487 PMCID: PMC6858766 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-019-0916-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder with a high prevalence in China. Standard diagnosis of OSA requires polysomnography (PSG). Currently, smart phone applications (apps) are widely used as an important source of health guidance. However, the quality of the information provided by these apps has not been carefully assessed. Methods We searched for sleep apps available in China. We designed an evaluation scale that included scientific, functionality and usability, and accountability domains. The Scientific domain included an index of 16 items to evaluate the scientific quality of the apps for their level of adherence to PSG. The functionality and usability domain included 10 items to evaluate the functions of apps and 1 item to define whether the apps needed to connect with other devices. The accountability domain included 9 items that came from the Silberg Scale to evaluate whether the information provided by apps were trustable or not. We then calculated the sum of all domains. We also evaluated the popularity of each app. Results A total of 2379 apps were found, and 127 met the inclusion criteria. The mean total score of the apps was 14.23 ± 3.93. The mean scores of scientific basis, functionality and usability, and accountability were 5.51 ± 2.58, 2.90 ± 1.84, and 2.90 ± 1.84. The scientific scores of apps that could connect to other devices were higher than those of apps that worked alone (mean score: 5.26 vs. 4.17, P < 0.001). The functionality and usability score was correlated with the accountability score, and the coefficient of correlation was 0.304 (P = 0.001). Conclusions Apps that could connect to other devices were more scientific and powerful than those that worked alone. Multifunctional apps were more popular and reliable. Because of the low quality of sleep apps in China, more work is necessary to create an ideal app.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Feng Xu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Luo
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianbo Shi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yinyan Lai
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.
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