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Schillings C, Meißner E, Erb B, Bendig E, Schultchen D, Pollatos O. Effects of a Chatbot-Based Intervention on Stress and Health-Related Parameters in a Stressed Sample: Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Ment Health 2024; 11:e50454. [PMID: 38805259 PMCID: PMC11167325 DOI: 10.2196/50454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress levels and the prevalence of mental disorders in the general population have been rising in recent years. Chatbot-based interventions represent novel and promising digital approaches to improve health-related parameters. However, there is a lack of research on chatbot-based interventions in the area of mental health. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a 3-week chatbot-based intervention guided by the chatbot ELME, specifically with respect to the ability to reduce stress and improve various health-related parameters in a stressed sample. METHODS In this multicenter two-armed randomized controlled trial, 118 individuals with medium to high stress levels were randomized to the intervention group (n=59) or the treatment-as-usual control group (n=59). The ELME chatbot guided participants of the intervention group through 3 weeks of training based on the topics stress, mindfulness, and interoception, with practical and psychoeducative elements delivered in two daily interactive intervention sessions via a smartphone (approximately 10-20 minutes each). The primary outcome (perceived stress) and secondary outcomes (mindfulness; interoception or interoceptive sensibility; subjective well-being; and emotion regulation, including the subfacets reappraisal and suppression) were assessed preintervention (T1), post intervention (T2; after 3 weeks), and at follow-up (T3; after 6 weeks). During both conditions, participants also underwent ecological momentary assessments of stress and interoceptive sensibility. RESULTS There were no significant changes in perceived stress (β03=-.018, SE=.329; P=.96) and momentary stress. Mindfulness and the subfacet reappraisal significantly increased in the intervention group over time, whereas there was no change in the subfacet suppression. Well-being and momentary interoceptive sensibility increased in both groups over time. CONCLUSIONS To gain insight into how the intervention can be improved to achieve its full potential for stress reduction, besides a longer intervention duration, specific sample subgroups should be considered. The chatbot-based intervention seems to have the potential to improve mindfulness and emotion regulation in a stressed sample. Future chatbot-based studies and interventions in health care should be designed based on the latest findings on the efficacy of rule-based and artificial intelligence-based chatbots. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00027560; https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00027560. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-doi.org/10.3389/fdgth.2023.1046202.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Schillings
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Echo Meißner
- Institute of Distributed Systems, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Benjamin Erb
- Institute of Distributed Systems, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Eileen Bendig
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Dana Schultchen
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Olga Pollatos
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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Konopik J, Blunck D. Development of an Evidence-Based Conceptual Model of the Health Care Sector Under Digital Transformation: Integrative Review. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e41512. [PMID: 37289482 PMCID: PMC10288351 DOI: 10.2196/41512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital transformation is currently one of the most influential developments. It is fundamentally changing consumers' expectations and behaviors, challenging traditional firms, and disrupting numerous markets. Recent discussions in the health care sector tend to assess the influence of technological implications but neglect other factors needed for a holistic view on the digital transformation. This calls for a reevaluation of the current state of digital transformation in health care. Consequently, there is a need for a holistic view on the complex interdependencies of digital transformation in the health care sector. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the effects of digital transformation on the health care sector. This is accomplished by providing a conceptual model of the health care sector under digital transformation. METHODS First, the most essential stakeholders in the health care sector were identified by a scoping review and grounded theory approach. Second, the effects on these stakeholders were assessed. PubMed, Web of Science, and Dimensions were searched for relevant studies. On the basis of an integrative review and grounded theory methodology, the relevant academic literature was systematized and quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed to evaluate the impact on the value creation of, and the relationships among, the stakeholders. Third, the findings were synthesized into a conceptual model of the health care sector under digital transformation. RESULTS A total of 2505 records were identified from the database search; of these, 140 (5.59%) were included and analyzed. The results revealed that providers of medical treatments, patients, governing institutions, and payers are the most essential stakeholders in the health care sector. As for the individual stakeholders, patients are experiencing a technology-enabled growth of influence in the sector. Providers are becoming increasingly dependent on intermediaries for essential parts of the value creation and patient interaction. Payers are expected to try to increase their influence on intermediaries to exploit the enormous amounts of data while seeing their business models be challenged by emerging technologies. Governing institutions regulating the health care sector are increasingly facing challenges from new entrants in the sector. Intermediaries increasingly interconnect all these stakeholders, which in turn drives new ways of value creation. These collaborative efforts have led to the establishment of a virtually integrated health care ecosystem. CONCLUSIONS The conceptual model provides a novel and evidence-based perspective on the interrelations among actors in the health care sector, indicating that individual stakeholders need to recognize their role in the system. The model can be the basis of further evaluations of strategic actions of actors and their effects on other actors or the health care ecosystem itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Konopik
- Institute of Management, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Dominik Blunck
- Institute of Management, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nuremberg, Germany
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Schillings C, Meissner D, Erb B, Schultchen D, Bendig E, Pollatos O. A chatbot-based intervention with ELME to improve stress and health-related parameters in a stressed sample: Study protocol of a randomised controlled trial. Front Digit Health 2023; 5:1046202. [PMID: 36937250 PMCID: PMC10014895 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2023.1046202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Stress levels in the general population had already been increasing in recent years, and have subsequently been exacerbated by the global pandemic. One approach for innovative online-based interventions are "chatbots" - computer programs that can simulate a text-based interaction with human users via a conversational interface. Research on the efficacy of chatbot-based interventions in the context of mental health is sparse. The present study is designed to investigate the effects of a three-week chatbot-based intervention with the chatbot ELME, aiming to reduce stress and to improve various health-related parameters in a stressed sample. Methods In this multicenter, two-armed randomised controlled trial with a parallel design, a three-week chatbot-based intervention group including two daily interactive intervention sessions via smartphone (á 10-20 min.) is compared to a treatment-as-usual control group. A total of 130 adult participants with a medium to high stress levels will be recruited in Germany. Assessments will take place pre-intervention, post-intervention (after three weeks), and follow-up (after six weeks). The primary outcome is perceived stress. Secondary outcomes include self-reported interoceptive accuracy, mindfulness, anxiety, depression, personality, emotion regulation, psychological well-being, stress mindset, intervention credibility and expectancies, affinity for technology, and attitudes towards artificial intelligence. During the intervention, participants undergo ecological momentary assessments. Furthermore, satisfaction with the intervention, the usability of the chatbot, potential negative effects of the intervention, adherence, potential dropout reasons, and open feedback questions regarding the chatbot are assessed post-intervention. Discussion To the best of our knowledge, this is the first chatbot-based intervention addressing interoception, as well as in the context with the target variables stress and mindfulness. The design of the present study and the usability of the chatbot were successfully tested in a previous feasibility study. To counteract a low adherence of the chatbot-based intervention, a high guidance by the chatbot, short sessions, individual and flexible time points of the intervention units and the ecological momentary assessments, reminder messages, and the opportunity to postpone single units were implemented. Trial registration The trial is registered at the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform via the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00027560; date of registration: 06 January 2022). This is protocol version No. 1. In case of important protocol modifications, trial registration will be updated.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Schillings
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- Correspondence: C. Schillings @stineschillings
| | - D. Meissner
- Institute of Distributed Systems, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - B. Erb
- Institute of Distributed Systems, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - D. Schultchen
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - E. Bendig
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - O. Pollatos
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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Davids J, Ashrafian H. AIM and mHealth, Smartphones and Apps. Artif Intell Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-64573-1_242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Back DA, Scherer J, Osterhoff G, Rigamonti L, Pförringer D. Digital implications for human resource management in surgical departments. Eur Surg 2021; 54:17-23. [PMID: 33936187 PMCID: PMC8075015 DOI: 10.1007/s10353-021-00709-9] [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: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Changes in demographics and dynamics of our society are affecting the healthcare system, leading to an intensified “war for talents,” especially for surgical departments. Also with regard to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the present work analyzes the potential of digitalization for human resource management of surgical departments in hospitals. Methods PubMed and Google Scholar were searched to identify articles referring to the specific subject of human resource management and its digital support in hospitals and surgical departments in particular. Results The main topics include the digital affinity of young physicians and surgeons in terms of staff recruiting, digital support for everyday working life in surgical departments, and the potential of digital approaches for surgical training. These topics are put into the context of company strategies, and their future potential is identified accordingly. Conclusion Digital programs, digital structures, and digital tools can today be used by human resources departments to advertise the hospital and to make the recruitment of future candidates increasingly attractive. In addition, by making digital tools available, the employees’ satisfaction can be raised with the potential of a strong employer branding. In times of the COVID-19 pandemic, digital personnel strategies and training formats have to be regarded a contemporary offering.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Alexander Back
- Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Bundeswehr Hospital Berlin, Scharnhorststraße 13, 10115 Berlin, Germany
- Center for Musculoskeletal Surgery, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Julian Scherer
- Department of Traumatology, University Hospital of Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Georg Osterhoff
- Department of Orthopaedics, Trauma and Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Leipzig, Liebigstraße 20, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Lia Rigamonti
- Outpatient Clinic, Sports Medicine & Sports Orthopaedics, University of Potsdam, Am Neuen Palais 10, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
| | | | - Dominik Pförringer
- Clinic and Policlinic for Traumatology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
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Bendig E, Meißner D, Erb B, Weger L, Küchler AM, Bauereiss N, Ebert D, Baumeister H. Study protocol of a randomised controlled trial on SISU, a software agent providing a brief self-help intervention for adults with low psychological well-being. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e041573. [PMID: 33558351 PMCID: PMC7871683 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Only a minority of people living with mental health problems are getting professional help. As digitalisation moves on, the possibility of providing internet/mobile-based interventions (IMIs) arises. One type of IMIs are fully automated conversational software agents (chatbots). Software agents are computer programs that can hold conversations with a human by mimicking a human conversational style. Software agents could deliver low-threshold and cost-effective interventions aiming at promoting psychological well-being in a large number of individuals. The aim of this trial is to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and acceptance of the brief software agent-based IMI SISU in comparison with a waitlist control group. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Within a two-group randomised controlled trial, a total of 120 adult participants living with low well-being (Well-being Scale/WHO-5) will be recruited in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. SISU is based on therapeutic writing and acceptance and commitment therapy-based principles. The brief intervention consists of three modules. Participants work through the intervention on 3 consecutive days. Assessment takes place before (t1), during (t2) and after (t3) the interaction with SISU, as well as 4 weeks after randomisation (t4). Primary outcome is psychological well-being (WHO-5). Secondary outcomes are emotional well-being (Flourishing Scale), psychological flexibility (Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II), quality of life (Assessment of Quality of Life -8D), satisfaction with the intervention (Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8) and side effects (Inventory for the assessment of negative effectsof psychotherapy). Examined mediators and moderators are sociodemographic variables, personality (Big Five Inventory-10), emotion regulation (Emotion Regulation Questionnaire), alexithymia (Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20), centrality of events (Centrality of Events Scale), treatment expectancies (Credibility Expectancy Questionnaire) and technology alliance (Inventory of Technology Alliance-Online Therapy). Data analysis will be based on intention-to-treat principles. SISU guides participants through a 3-day intervention. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This trial has been approved by the ethics committee of the Ulm University (No. 448/18, 18.02.2019). Results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial is registered at the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform via the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS): DRKS00016799 (date of registration: 25 April 2019). In case of important protocol modifications, trial registration will be updated. This is protocol version number 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Bendig
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Dominik Meißner
- Department of Computer Science, Institute of Distributed Systems, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Benjamin Erb
- Department of Computer Science, Institute of Distributed Systems, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Lena Weger
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Ann-Marie Küchler
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Natalie Bauereiss
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - David Ebert
- Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Clinical Psychology, Vrije University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harald Baumeister
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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Davids J, Ashrafian H. AIM and mHealth, Smartphones and Apps. Artif Intell Med 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-58080-3_242-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Rigamonti L, Albrecht UV, Lutter C, Tempel M, Wolfarth B, Back DA. Potentials of Digitalization in Sports Medicine: A Narrative Review. Curr Sports Med Rep 2020; 19:157-163. [PMID: 32282462 DOI: 10.1249/jsr.0000000000000704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Digital transformation is becoming increasingly common in modern life and sports medicine, like many other medical disciplines, it is strongly influenced and impacted by this rapidly changing field. This review aims to give a brief overview of the potential that digital technologies can have for health care providers and patients in the clinical practice of sports medicine. We will focus on mobile applications, wearables, smart devices, intelligent machines, telemedicine, artificial intelligence, big data, system interoperability, virtual reality, augmented reality, exergaming, or social networks. While some technologies are already used in current medical practice, others still have undiscovered potential. Due to the diversity and ever changing nature of this field, we will briefly review multiple areas in an attempt to give readers some general exposure to the landscape instead of a thorough, deep review of one topic. Further research will be necessary to show how digitalization applications could best be used for patient treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lia Rigamonti
- Center of Sport Medicine, Department of Sport and Health Science, University of Potsdam, University Outpatient Clinic, Potsdam, GERMANY
| | - Urs-Vito Albrecht
- Hannover Medical School, Peter L Reichertz Institute for Medical Informatics, Hannover, GERMANY
| | - Christoph Lutter
- Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Sports Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Klinikum Bamberg, Bamberg, GERMANY
| | - Mathias Tempel
- Department of Sports Medicine, Humboldt University, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, GERMANY
| | - Bernd Wolfarth
- Department of Sports Medicine, Humboldt University, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, GERMANY
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Strametz R, Jahn D, Müller H, Huf W. [Developing a recommendation for handling risks through digital transformation in patient care]. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR EVIDENZ, FORTBILDUNG UND QUALITAT IM GESUNDHEITSWESEN 2019; 143:30-34. [PMID: 30952596 DOI: 10.1016/j.zefq.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Digital transformation in healthcare presents enormous challenges as it partially redefines care processes and interaction between patients and doctors. In order to seize opportunities to improve patient care as well as patient safety by using digital innovations, arising patient safety risks due to these changes have to be considered and addressed. The German Coalition for Patient Safety, the Austrian Network for Patient Safety and the Swiss Foundation for Patient Safety decided to develop a recommendation for members of all professional groups in healthcare to sensitize for arising risks, inform about cause-effect relationships and to empower professionals to perform an individual risk-benefit-assessment for existing and upcoming digital innovations. In May 2017 the German Coalition on Patient Safety implemented its working group Digitization and Patient Safety with its subgroup Digitization and Risk Management. Based on open brainstorming of experts followed by a nominal group technique process the most relevant risks for patient safety arising from digitization were identified and assessed by using a modified scenario analysis. After internal consultation of all members of the German Coalition for Patient Safety and all executive boards of participation associations, the recommendation was published at the annual meeting of the German Coalition for Patient Safety in May 2018. We identified six core risks that were assessed by modified scenario technique: insufficient protection of the IT system from external attacks, insufficient protection of the IT system from unauthorized access, non-availability of IT system or patient data, handing over data to external service providers, unsafe embedding of medical devices in IT systems and insufficient digital literacy of healthcare professionals. In addition, we developed a checklist for the self-assessment of risks arising from implementing digital innovation, using risk criteria according to ONR 49002-2:2014, and provided key questions for decision makers. On the basis of the approach described a multiprofessional and intersectoral recommendation for clinical core risks associated with digitization in healthcare was developed within a 12-month period. The dissemination of this recommendation in German language can be regarded as very successful since the German Coalition for Patient Safety received more than 22,000 requests for paper copies, and 1,200 downloads of this open-access publication have been registered. An English version of this recommendation will soon be available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinhard Strametz
- Hochschule RheinMain, Wiesbaden Business School, Wiesbaden, Deutschland; Aktionsbündnis Patientensicherheit APS, Berlin, Deutschland.
| | - Dirk Jahn
- Katholische Kliniken, Essen, Deutschland; Aktionsbündnis Patientensicherheit APS, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Hardy Müller
- Techniker Krankenkasse, Fachbereich Versorgungsmanagement, Hamburg, Deutschland; Aktionsbündnis Patientensicherheit APS, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Wolfgang Huf
- Wiener Krankenanstaltenverbund, Krankenhaus Hietzing mit Neurologischem Zentrum Rosenhügel, Wien, Österreich; Österreichische Plattform Patientensicherheit, Wien, Österreich; Karl-Landsteiner-Institut für Klinisches Risikomanagement, Wien, Österreich
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