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Allen LN, Karanja S, Gichangi M, Bunywera C, Rono H, Macleod D, Kim MJ, Tlhajoane M, Burton MJ, Ramke J, Bolster NM, Bastawrous A. Access to community-based eye services in Meru, Kenya: a cross-sectional equity analysis. Int J Equity Health 2024; 23:170. [PMID: 39187843 PMCID: PMC11346173 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-024-02244-x] [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: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over 80% of blindness in Kenya is due to curable or preventable causes and 7.5 m Kenyans currently need eye services. Embedding sociodemographic data collection into screening programmes could help identify the groups facing systematic barriers to care. We aimed to determine the sociodemographic characteristics that were associated with access among patients diagnosed with an eye problem and referred for treatment in the Vision Impact Programme, currently operating in Meru County. METHOD We used an embedded, pragmatic, cross-sectional design. A list of sociodemographic questions was developed with input from key stakeholders. The final question set included the following domains: age, gender, religion, marital status, disability, education, occupation, income, housing, assets, and health insurance. These were integrated into an app that is used to screen, refer, and check-in (register) participants within a major eye screening programme. We gathered data from 4,240 people who screened positive and were referred to their local outreach treatment clinic. We used logistic regression to identify which groups were facing the greatest barriers to accessing care. RESULTS A quarter of those screened between April - July 2023 were found to have an eye problem and were referred, however only 46% of these people were able to access care. In our fully adjusted model, at the 0.05 level there were no statistically significant differences in the odds of attendance within the domains of disability, health insurance, housing, income, or religion. Strong evidence (p < 0.001) was found of an association between access and age, gender, and occupation; with males, younger adults, and those working in sales, services and manual jobs the least likely to receive care. CONCLUSIONS Access to essential eye services is low and unequal in Meru, with less than a third of those aged 18-44 receiving the care they need. Future work should explore the specific barriers faced by this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke N Allen
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
| | | | | | | | - Hillary Rono
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
- Kitale County Hospital, Kitale, Kenya
- Moi University, Kipkenyo, Kesses Moi University Road, Kenya
| | - David Macleod
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Min Jung Kim
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Malebogo Tlhajoane
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Matthew J Burton
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
- University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jacqueline Ramke
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
- University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Andrew Bastawrous
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
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Niyomyart A, Ruksakulpiwat S, Benjasirisan C, Phianhasin L, Nigussie K, Thorngthip S, Shamita G, Thampakkul J, Begashaw L. Current Status of Barriers to mHealth Access Among Patients With Stroke and Steps Toward the Digital Health Era: Systematic Review. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2024; 12:e54511. [PMID: 39173152 PMCID: PMC11377914 DOI: 10.2196/54511] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mobile health (mHealth) offers significant benefits for patients with stroke, facilitating remote monitoring and personalized health care solutions beyond traditional settings. However, there is a dearth of comprehensive data, particularly qualitative insights, on the barriers to mHealth access. Understanding these barriers is crucial for devising strategies to enhance mHealth use among patients with stroke. OBJECTIVE This study aims to examine the recent literature focusing on barriers to mHealth access among patients with stroke. METHODS A systematic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and CINAHL Plus Full Text was conducted for literature published between 2017 and 2023. Abstracts and full texts were independently screened based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data synthesis was performed using the convergent integrated analysis framework recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute. RESULTS A total of 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. The majority were qualitative studies (about 42%), followed by mixed methods (25%), pilot studies (about 17%), nonrandomized controlled trials (about 8%), and observational studies (about 8%). Participants included patients with stroke, caregivers, and various health care professionals. The most common mHealth practices were home-based telerehabilitation (30%) and poststroke mHealth and telecare services (20%). Identified barriers were categorized into two primary themes: (1) at the patient level and (2) at the health provider-patient-device interaction level. The first theme includes 2 subthemes: health-related issues and patient acceptability. The second theme encompassed 3 subthemes: infrastructure challenges (including software, networking, and hardware), support system deficiencies, and time constraints. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review underscores significant barriers to mHealth adoption among patients with stroke. Addressing these barriers in future research is imperative to ensure that mHealth solutions effectively meet patients' needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsadaporn Niyomyart
- Ramathibodi School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Suebsarn Ruksakulpiwat
- Department of Medical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Lalipat Phianhasin
- Department of Medical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kabtamu Nigussie
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Sutthinee Thorngthip
- Department of Nursing Siriraj Hospital, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Gazi Shamita
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Jai Thampakkul
- Case School of Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Lidya Begashaw
- Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
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Kuper H, Azizatunnisa' L, Gatta DR, Rotenberg S, Banks LM, Smythe T, Heydt P. Building disability-inclusive health systems. Lancet Public Health 2024; 9:e316-e325. [PMID: 38702096 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-2667(24)00042-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Health systems often fail people with disabilities, which might contribute to their shorter life expectancy and poorer health outcomes than people without disabilities. This Review provides an overview of the existing evidence on health inequities faced by people with disabilities and describes existing approaches to making health systems disability inclusive. Our Review documents a broad range of health-care inequities for people with disabilities (eg, lower levels of cancer screening), which probably contribute towards health differentials. We identified 90 good practice examples that illustrate current strategies to reduce inequalities. Implementing such strategies could help to ensure that health systems can expect, accept, and connect people with disabilities worldwide, deliver on their right to health, and achieve health for all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Kuper
- Department of Population Health, International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Missing Billion Initiative, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Luthfi Azizatunnisa'
- Department of Population Health, International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Department of Health Behavior, Environment, and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Danae Rodríguez Gatta
- Department of Population Health, International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Missing Billion Initiative, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sara Rotenberg
- Department of Population Health, International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Lena Morgon Banks
- Department of Population Health, International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Tracey Smythe
- Department of Population Health, International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Division of Physiotherapy, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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Philippin H, Morny EKA, Heinrich SP, Töws I, Maier PC, Guthoff RF, Qureshi BM, Reinhard T, Burton MJ, Finger RP. [Global ophthalmology : Update]. DIE OPHTHALMOLOGIE 2024; 121:157-170. [PMID: 38300260 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-023-01983-6] [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] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
The aim of global ophthalmology is to maximize vision, ocular health and functional ability, thereby contributing to overall health and well-being, social inclusion and quality of life of every individual worldwide. Currently, an estimated 1.1 billion people live with visual impairment, 90% of which can be prevented or cured through largely cost-effective interventions. At the same time, 90% of people affected live in regions with insufficient eye health coverage. This challenge drove the World Health Organization (WHO) and a group of nongovernmental organizations to launch "VISION 2020: the Right to Sight", a global campaign which recently concluded after 20 years. The achievements, challenges and lessons learned were identified and incorporated into the current campaign "2030 IN SIGHT".
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Affiliation(s)
- Heiko Philippin
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg i. Brsg., Deutschland.
- International Centre for Eye Health, Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, WC1E 7HTUK, London, Vereinigtes Königreich.
- CBM Christoffel-Blindenmission Christian Blind Mission, Bensheim, Deutschland.
| | - Enyam K A Morny
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg i. Brsg., Deutschland
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Sven P Heinrich
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg i. Brsg., Deutschland
| | - Ingrid Töws
- Institut für Evidenz in der Medizin, Universitätsklinikum und Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Freiburg i. Brsg., Deutschland
| | - Philip C Maier
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg i. Brsg., Deutschland
| | - Rudolf F Guthoff
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde, Universität Rostock, Rostock, Deutschland
| | - Babar M Qureshi
- CBM Christoffel-Blindenmission Christian Blind Mission, Cambridge, Vereinigtes Königreich
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg i. Brsg., Deutschland
| | - Matthew J Burton
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg i. Brsg., Deutschland
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, Vereinigtes Königreich
| | - Robert P Finger
- Augenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Mannheim, Universität Heidelberg, Mannheim, Deutschland
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Ge Y, Yao D, Ung COL, Xue Y, Li M, Lin J, Hu H, Lai Y. Digital Medical Information Services Delivered by Pharmaceutical Companies via WeChat: Qualitative Analytical Study. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e43812. [PMID: 37976079 PMCID: PMC10692881 DOI: 10.2196/43812] [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: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social media has become one of the primary information sources for medical professionals and patients. Pharmaceutical companies are committed to using various social media platforms to provide stakeholders with digital medical information services (DMISs), which remain experimental and immature. In China, WeChat tops the list of popular social media platforms. To date, little is known about the service model of DMISs delivered by pharmaceutical companies via WeChat. OBJECTIVE This study aims to explore the emerging service model of DMISs delivered by pharmaceutical companies via WeChat in China. METHODS This study applied a qualitative research design combining case study and documentary analysis to explore the DMISs of 6 leading pharmaceutical companies in China. Materials were collected from their official WeChat platforms. Thematic analysis was conducted on the data. RESULTS The DMISs of 6 pharmaceutical companies were investigated. Themes emerged regarding 2 essential information services delivered by pharmaceutical companies via WeChat: business operation services and DMISs (ie, public information services, professional services, science and education services, and e-commerce services). Business operation services mainly function to assist or facilitate the company's operations and development trends for general visitors. Public-oriented information services are realized through health science popularization, academic frontiers, product information, and road maps to hospitals and pharmacies. Internet hospital and pharmacy services are the main patient-oriented professional services. Medical staff-oriented science and education services commonly include continuing education, clinical assistance, academic research, and journal searching. Public-oriented e-commerce services include health products and health insurance. CONCLUSIONS Pharmaceutical companies in China use WeChat to provide stakeholders with diversified DMISs, which remain in the exploratory stage. The service model of DMISs requires more distinct innovations to provide personalized digital health and patient-centric services. Moreover, specific regulations on the DMISs of pharmaceutical companies need to be established to guard public health interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Dongning Yao
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Carolina Oi Lam Ung
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
- Department of Public Health and Medical Administration, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Yan Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Meng Li
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Medical Insurance, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiabao Lin
- School of Public Health and Management, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
- Department of Public Health and Medical Administration, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Yunfeng Lai
- School of Public Health and Management, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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6
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Allen LN, Nkomazana O, Mishra SK, Gichangi M, Macleod D, Ramke J, Bolster N, Marques AP, Rono H, Burton M, Kim M, Ratshaa B, Karanja S, Ho-Foster A, Bastawrous A. Improvement studies for equitable and evidence-based innovation: an overview of the 'IM-SEEN' model. Int J Equity Health 2023; 22:116. [PMID: 37330480 PMCID: PMC10276912 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-023-01915-5] [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: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health inequalities are ubiquitous, and as countries seek to expand service coverage, they are at risk of exacerbating existing inequalities unless they adopt equity-focused approaches to service delivery. MAIN TEXT Our team has developed an equity-focused continuous improvement model that reconciles prioritisation of disadvantaged groups with the expansion of service coverage. Our new approach is based on the foundations of routinely collecting sociodemographic data; identifying left-behind groups; engaging with these service users to elicit barriers and potential solutions; and then rigorously testing these solutions with pragmatic, embedded trials. This paper presents the rationale for the model, a holistic overview of how the different elements fit together, and potential applications. Future work will present findings as the model is operationalised in eye-health programmes in Botswana, India, Kenya, and Nepal. CONCLUSION There is a real paucity of approaches for operationalising equity. By bringing a series of steps together that force programme managers to focus on groups that are being left behind, we present a model that can be used in any service delivery setting to build equity into routine practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke N Allen
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Keppel St, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
| | | | | | | | - David Macleod
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Keppel St, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Jacqueline Ramke
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Keppel St, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | | | - Ana Patricia Marques
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Keppel St, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Hilary Rono
- Kitale Hospital and Peek Vision, Kitale, Kenya
| | - Matthew Burton
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Keppel St, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Min Kim
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Keppel St, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
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Ting DSJ, Deshmukh R, Ting DSW, Ang M. Big data in corneal diseases and cataract: Current applications and future directions. Front Big Data 2023; 6:1017420. [PMID: 36818823 PMCID: PMC9929069 DOI: 10.3389/fdata.2023.1017420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The accelerated growth in electronic health records (EHR), Internet-of-Things, mHealth, telemedicine, and artificial intelligence (AI) in the recent years have significantly fuelled the interest and development in big data research. Big data refer to complex datasets that are characterized by the attributes of "5 Vs"-variety, volume, velocity, veracity, and value. Big data analytics research has so far benefitted many fields of medicine, including ophthalmology. The availability of these big data not only allow for comprehensive and timely examinations of the epidemiology, trends, characteristics, outcomes, and prognostic factors of many diseases, but also enable the development of highly accurate AI algorithms in diagnosing a wide range of medical diseases as well as discovering new patterns or associations of diseases that are previously unknown to clinicians and researchers. Within the field of ophthalmology, there is a rapidly expanding pool of large clinical registries, epidemiological studies, omics studies, and biobanks through which big data can be accessed. National corneal transplant registries, genome-wide association studies, national cataract databases, and large ophthalmology-related EHR-based registries (e.g., AAO IRIS Registry) are some of the key resources. In this review, we aim to provide a succinct overview of the availability and clinical applicability of big data in ophthalmology, particularly from the perspective of corneal diseases and cataract, the synergistic potential of big data, AI technologies, internet of things, mHealth, and wearable smart devices, and the potential barriers for realizing the clinical and research potential of big data in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren S. J. Ting
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom,Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre, Birmingham, United Kingdom,Academic Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Darren S. J. Ting ✉
| | - Rashmi Deshmukh
- Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Daniel S. W. Ting
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Duke-National University of Singapore (NUS) Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Marcus Ang
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Duke-National University of Singapore (NUS) Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
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Mavragani A, van Egmond J, Wanten J, Bauer N, Nuijts R, Wisse R. The Accuracy of a Web-Based Visual Acuity Self-assessment Tool Performed Independently by Eye Care Patients at Home: Method Comparison Study. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e41045. [PMID: 36696171 PMCID: PMC9909522 DOI: 10.2196/41045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telehealth solutions can play an important role in increasing access to eye care. Web-based eye tests can enable individuals to self-assess their visual function remotely without the assistance of an eye care professional. A web-based tool for self-assessing visual acuity (VA) has previously been studied in controlled, supervised conditions. The accuracy of this tool when performed independently by patients in their home environment, using their own devices, has not yet been examined. OBJECTIVE The objective of this paper was to examine the accuracy of a web-based tool with respect to measuring VA in ophthalmic patients in their home environment, compared with a conventional in-hospital assessment using a Snellen chart (the gold standard). METHODS From April through September 2020, consecutive adult patients with uveitis at the University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands, performed the web-based VA test at home (the index test) before their upcoming conventional VA assessment at the hospital (the reference test). The agreement between the 2 tests was assessed by the Bland-Altman analysis. Additional analyses were performed to investigate associations between clinical characteristics and the accuracy of the web-based test. RESULTS A total of 98 eyes in 59 patients were included in the study. The difference in VA between the index and reference tests was not significant, with a mean difference of 0.02 (SD 0.12) logMAR (P=.09) and 95% limits of agreement of -0.21 to 0.26 logMAR. The majority of the differences (77%) fell within the predetermined acceptable deviation limit of 0.15 logMAR. In addition, no patient characteristics or clinical parameters were found to significantly affect the accuracy of the web-based test. CONCLUSIONS This web-based test for measuring VA is a valid tool for remotely assessing VA, also when performed independently by patients at home. Implementation of validated web-based tools like this in the health care system may represent a valuable step forward in revolutionizing teleconsultations and can provide individual patients with the opportunity to self-monitor changes in VA. This is particularly relevant when the patient's access to ophthalmic care is limited. Future developments should focus on optimizing the testing conditions at home to reduce outliers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juultje van Egmond
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Joukje Wanten
- University Eye Clinic Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Noël Bauer
- University Eye Clinic Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Rudy Nuijts
- University Eye Clinic Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Robert Wisse
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Xpert Clinics Oogzorg, Zeist, Netherlands
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Lee L, Moo E, Angelopoulos T, Yashadhana A. Integrated people-centered eye care: A scoping review on engaging communities in eye care in low- and middle-income settings. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0278969. [PMID: 36656849 PMCID: PMC9851534 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community engagement has been endorsed as a key strategy to achieving integrated people-centered eye care that enables people and communities to receive a full spectrum of eye care across their life-course. Understanding the ways communities are engaged in eye care, to what degree participation is achieved, and the factors associated with intervention implementation is currently limited. OBJECTIVE The scoping review aimed to assess how community engagement is approached and implemented in eye care interventions in low- and middle-income countries, and to identify the barriers and facilitators associated with intervention implementation. METHODS Searches were conducted across five databases for peer-reviewed research on eye care interventions engaging communities published in the last ten years (January 2011 to September 2021). Studies were screened, reviewed and appraised according to Cochrane Rapid Reviews methodology. A hybrid deductive-inductive iterative analysis approach was used. RESULTS Of 4315 potential studies screened, 73 were included in the review. Studies were conducted across 28 countries and 55 targeted populations across more than one life-course stage. A variety of community actors were engaged in implementation, in four main domains of eye care: health promotion and education; drug and supplement distribution and immunization campaigns; surveillance, screening and detection activities; and referral and pathway navigation. With the approaches and level of participation, the majority of studies were community-based and at best, involved communities, respectively. Involving community actors alone does not guarantee community trust and therefore can impact eye care uptake. Community actors can be integrated into eye care programs, although with varying success. Using volunteers highlighted sustainability issues with maintaining motivation and involvement when resources are limited. CONCLUSION This scoping review provides researchers and policy makers contextual evidence on the breadth of eye care interventions and the factors to be considered when engaging and empowering communities in integrated people-centered eye care programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Lee
- International Programs Division, The Fred Hollows Foundation Australia, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, The University of New South Wales, Sydney Australia
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Elise Moo
- International Programs Division, The Fred Hollows Foundation Australia, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Tiffany Angelopoulos
- International Programs Division, The Fred Hollows Foundation Australia, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Aryati Yashadhana
- International Programs Division, The Fred Hollows Foundation Australia, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- School of Population Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Frisby C, Eikelboom RH, Mahomed-Asmail F, Kuper H, de Kock T, Manchaiah V, Swanepoel DW. Community-based adult hearing care provided by community healthcare workers using mHealth technologies. Glob Health Action 2022; 15:2095784. [PMID: 35960191 PMCID: PMC9377258 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2022.2095784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rising prevalence of hearing loss is a global health concern. Professional hearing services are largely absent within low- and middle-income countries where appropriate skills are lacking. Task-shifting to community healthcare workers (CHWs) supported by mHealth technologies is an important strategy to address the problem. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the feasibility of a community-based rehabilitation model providing hearing aids to adults in low-income communities using CHWs supported by mHealth technologies. METHOD Between September 2020 and October 2021, hearing aid assessments and fittings were implemented for adults aged 18 and above in two low-income communities in the Western Cape, South Africa, using trained CHWs. A quantitative approach with illustrative open-ended questions was utilised to measure and analyse hearing aid outcomes. Data were collected through initial face-to-face interviews, telephone interviews, and face-to-face visits post-fitting. Responses to open-ended questions were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. The International Outcome Inventory - Hearing Aids questionnaire determined standardised hearing aid outcomes. RESULTS Of the 152 adults in the community who self-reported hearing difficulties, 148 were successfully tested by CHWs during home visits. Most had normal hearing (39.9%), 24.3% had bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, 20.9% had suspected conductive hearing loss, and 14.9% had unilateral hearing loss, of which 5.4% had suspected conductive loss. Forty adults met the inclusion criteria to be fitted with hearing aids. Nineteen of these were fitted bilaterally. Positive hearing aid outcomes and minimal device handling challenges were reported 45 days post-fitting and were maintained at six months. The majority (73.7%) of participants fitted were still making use of their hearing aids at the six-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Implementing a hearing healthcare service-delivery model facilitated by CHWs in low-income communities is feasible. mHealth technologies used by CHWs can support scalable service-delivery models with the potential for improved access and affordability in low-income settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Frisby
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Virtual Hearing Lab, Collaborative initiative between University of Colorado and the University of Pretoria, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Robert H. Eikelboom
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, WA, Australia
- Ear Sciences Centre, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - Faheema Mahomed-Asmail
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Virtual Hearing Lab, Collaborative initiative between University of Colorado and the University of Pretoria, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Hannah Kuper
- International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Vinaya Manchaiah
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Virtual Hearing Lab, Collaborative initiative between University of Colorado and the University of Pretoria, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
- UCHealth Hearing and Balance, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Speech and Hearing, School of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal University, Manipal, India
| | - De Wet Swanepoel
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Virtual Hearing Lab, Collaborative initiative between University of Colorado and the University of Pretoria, Aurora, CO, USA
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, WA, Australia
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11
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Katibeh M, Sanyam SD, Watts E, Bolster NM, Yadav R, Roshan A, Mishra SK, Burton MJ, Bastawrous A. Development and Validation of a Digital (Peek) Near Visual Acuity Test for Clinical Practice, Community-Based Survey, and Research. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2022; 11:18. [PMID: 36583912 PMCID: PMC9807182 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.11.12.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Unaddressed near vision impairment (NVI) affects more than 500 million people. Testing near vision is necessary to identify those in need of services. To make such testing readily accessible, we have developed and validated a new smartphone-based near visual acuity (NVA) test: Peek Near Vision (PeekNV). Methods Two forms of the PeekNV test were developed: (1) quantitative measurement of NVA, and (2) binary screening test for presence or absence of NVI. The validity study was carried out with 483 participants in Sagarmatha Choudhary Eye Hospital, Lahan, Nepal, using a conventional Tumbling "E" Near Point Vision Chart as the reference standard. Bland-Altman limits of agreement (LoA) were used to evaluate test agreement and test-retest repeatability. NVI screening was assessed using Cohen's kappa coefficient, sensitivity, and specificity. Results The mean difference between PeekNV and chart NVA results was 0.008 logMAR units (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.005 to 0.021) in right eye data, and the 95% LoA between PeekNV and chart testing were within 0.235 and -0.218 logMAR. As a NVI screening tool, the overall agreement between tests was 92.9% (κ = 0.85). The positive predictive value of PeekNV was 93.2% (95% CI, 89.6% to 96.9%), and the negative predictive value 92.7% (95% CI, 88.9% to 96.4%). PeekNV had a faster NVI screening time (11.6 seconds; 95% CI, 10.5 to 12.6) than the chart (14.9 seconds; 95% CI, 13.5 to 16.2; P < 0.001). Conclusions The PeekNV smartphone-based test produces rapid NVA test results, comparable to those of an accepted NV test. Translational Relevance PeekNV is a validated, reliable option for NV testing for use with smartphones or digital devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Katibeh
- Peek Vision, Berkhamsted, UK ,Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Elanor Watts
- Peek Vision, Berkhamsted, UK ,Tennent Institute of Ophthalmology, Glasgow, UK
| | - Nigel M. Bolster
- Peek Vision, Berkhamsted, UK ,International Centre for Eye Health, Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Reena Yadav
- Sagarmatha Choudhary Eye Hospital, Lahan, Nepal
| | | | | | - Matthew J. Burton
- International Centre for Eye Health, Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK,National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Andrew Bastawrous
- Peek Vision, Berkhamsted, UK ,International Centre for Eye Health, Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Allen LN, Ratshaa B, Macleod D, Bolster N, Burton M, Kim M, Bastawrous A, Ho-Foster A, Chroston H, Nkomazana O. Protocol for an automated, pragmatic, embedded, adaptive randomised controlled trial: behavioural economics-informed mobile phone-based reminder messages to improve clinic attendance in a Botswanan school-based vision screening programme. Trials 2022; 23:656. [PMID: 35971156 PMCID: PMC9377141 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06519-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinic non-attendance rates are high across the African continent. Emerging evidence suggests that phone-based reminder messages could make a small but important contribution to reducing non-attendance. We will use behavioural economics principles to develop an SMS and voice reminder message to improve attendance rates in a school-based eye screening programme in Botswana. METHODS We will test a new theory-informed SMS and voice reminder message in a national school-based eye screening programme in Botswana. The control will be the standard SMS message used to remind parents/guardians to bring their child for ophthalmic assessment. All messages will be sent twice. The primary outcome is attendance for ophthalmic assessment. We will use an automated adaptive approach, starting with a 1:1 allocation ratio. DISCUSSION As far as we are aware, only one other study has used behavioural economics to inform the development of reminder messages to be deployed in an African healthcare setting. Our study will use an adaptive trial design, embedded in a national screening programme. Our approach can be used to trial other forms of reminder message in the future. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN 96528723 . Registered on 5 January 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nigel Bolster
- LSHTM, Keppel St, London, WC1E 7HT UK
- Peek Vision, Berkhamsted, UK
| | | | - Min Kim
- LSHTM, Keppel St, London, WC1E 7HT UK
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13
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Khan AA, Talpur KI, Awan Z, Arteaga SL, Bolster NM, Katibeh M, Watts E, Bastawrous A. Improving equity, efficiency and adherence to referral in Pakistan's eye health programmes: Pre- and post-pandemic onset. Front Public Health 2022; 10:873192. [PMID: 35937227 PMCID: PMC9354236 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.873192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Over one billion people worldwide live with avoidable blindness or vision impairment. Eye Health Programmes tackle this by providing screening, primary eye care, refractive correction, and referral to hospital eye services. One point where patients can be lost in the treatment journey is adherence to hospital referral. Context Peek Vision's software solutions have been used in Pakistan with the goal of increasing eye health programme coverage and effectiveness. This involved collaboration between health system stakeholders, international partners, local community leaders, social organizers and “Lady Health Workers”. Results From the beginning of the programmes in November 2018, to the end of December 2021, 393,759 people have been screened, 26% of whom (n = 101,236) needed refractive services or secondary eye care, and so were referred onwards to the triage centers or hospital services. Except for a short period affected heavily by COVID-19 pandemic, the programmes reached an increasing number of people over time: screening coverage improved from 774 people per month to over 28,300 people per month. Gathering and discussing data regularly with stakeholders and implementers has enabled continuous improvement to service delivery. The quality of screening and adherence to hospital visits, gender balance differences and waiting time to hospital visits were also improved. Overall attendance to hospital appointments improved in 2020 compared to 2019 from 45% (95% CI: 42–48%) to 78% (95% CI: 76–80%) in women, and from 48% (95% CI: 45–52%) to 70% (95% CI: 68–73%) in men. These patients also accessed treatment more quickly: 30-day hospital referral adherence improved from 12% in 2019 to 66% in 2020. This approach helped to utilize refractive services more efficiently, reducing false positive referrals to triage from 10.6 to 5.9%. Hospital-based services were also utilized more efficiently, as primary eye care services and refractive services were mainly delivered at the primary healthcare level. Discussion Despite various challenges, we demonstrate how data-driven decisions can lead to health programme systems changes, including patient counseling and appointment reminders, which can effectively improve adherence to referral, allowing programmes to better meet their community's needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asad Aslam Khan
- College of Ophthalmology and Allied Visual Sciences (COAVS), Mayo Hospital, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
- National Committee for Eye Health, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Khalid Iqbal Talpur
- Sindh Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (SIOVS), Liaquat University, Jamshoro, Pakistan
| | - Zahid Awan
- Head of Inclusive Eye Health Projects, CBM Pakistan Country Office, CBM International, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sergio Latorre Arteaga
- Peek Vision, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Optometry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Lúrio University, Nampula, Mozambique
| | - Nigel M. Bolster
- Peek Vision, London, United Kingdom
- International Centre for Eye Health, Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Elanor Watts
- Peek Vision, London, United Kingdom
- Tennent Institute of Ophthalmology, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Elanor Watts
| | - Andrew Bastawrous
- Peek Vision, London, United Kingdom
- International Centre for Eye Health, Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Yong AC, Ebri AE, O'Connor SE, O'Donovan D, Congdon N, Graham C, Lohfeld L, O'Neill C, Chan VF. Demographic characteristics and ocular needs of children attending child eye clinics in Cross River State, Nigeria: a retrospective analysis of clinical records. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e060379. [PMID: 35537792 PMCID: PMC9092169 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-060379] [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: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the demographic characteristics and ocular needs of children attending four child eye clinics in Cross River State, Nigeria, to inform the development of a sustainable spectacle cross-subsidisation scheme. DESIGN Retrospective analysis of clinic records. SETTING Four child eye clinics in Calabar, Ogoja, Ikom and Ugep, Cross River State, Nigeria, from 1 May 2017 to 30 June 2019. PARTICIPANTS Children who failed the vision screening in schools and visited assigned child eye clinics, and self-referred children from the community. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Children's age, sex, residence, diagnosis, disease management, presenting and corrected visual acuity, history of spectacle wear and magnitude of refractive errors in spherical equivalent in the worse eye. RESULTS Of all the 3799 records reviewed, data were available for 3774 children (mean age 10.6±4.35 years; 61.6% girls; 69.1% from urban settings); 30.8% (n=1162) of them had vision impairment. Of those children, 71.2% (n=827) were diagnosed with refractive error. For management, 48.6% (n=1833) were prescribed spectacles and 40.5% (n=1527) were prescribed ocular medications. Children prescribed spectacles were significantly more likely to be girls (68.0%, p<0.001), and older than 13 years of age (53.6%, p<0.001). The most common range of spherical equivalent (in the worse eye) was <-0.50 DS to +1.75 DS (51.6%, n=945), followed by >-0.25 DS to -3.00DS (39.7%, n=727). Non-refractive eye conditions such as cataract (33.3%) and corneal disorders (14.1%) contributed to almost half of the total blindness. CONCLUSION The findings show that spectacles provisions and ocular medications are the primary and secondary needs for children who attended child eye clinics seeking eye care services. Further research is needed to understand parents' willingness to pay for spectacles to set strategic multitier pricing for a sustainable cross-subsidisation scheme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai Chee Yong
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Anne Effiom Ebri
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Sara E O'Connor
- Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Nathan Congdon
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Christine Graham
- Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
| | - Lynne Lohfeld
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- Wenzhou Medical University Eye Hospital, Wenshou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ciaran O'Neill
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Ving Fai Chan
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- College of Health Sciences, University KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
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15
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Bechange S, Buttan S. Effectiveness of community-based eye care: process and considerations. THE LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2022; 10:e451-e452. [DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(22)00032-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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16
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Khurana MP, Raaschou-Pedersen DE, Kurtzhals J, Bardram JE, Ostrowski SR, Bundgaard JS. Digital health competencies in medical school education: a scoping review and Delphi method study. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2022; 22:129. [PMID: 35216611 PMCID: PMC8881190 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-022-03163-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In order to fulfill the enormous potential of digital health in the healthcare sector, digital health must become an integrated part of medical education. We aimed to investigate which knowledge, skills and attitudes should be included in a digital health curriculum for medical students through a scoping review and Delphi method study. METHODS We conducted a scoping review of the literature on digital health relevant for medical education. Key topics were split into three sub-categories: knowledge (facts, concepts, and information), skills (ability to carry out tasks) and attitudes (ways of thinking or feeling). Thereafter, we used a modified Delphi method where experts rated digital health topics over two rounds based on whether topics should be included in the curriculum for medical students on a scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). A predefined cut-off of ≥4 was used to identify topics that were critical to include in a digital health curriculum for medical students. RESULTS The scoping review resulted in a total of 113 included articles, with 65 relevant topics extracted and included in the questionnaire. The topics were rated by 18 experts, all of which completed both questionnaire rounds. A total of 40 (62%) topics across all three sub-categories met the predefined rating cut-off value of ≥4. CONCLUSION An expert panel identified 40 important digital health topics within knowledge, skills, and attitudes for medical students to be taught. These can help guide medical educators in the development of future digital health curricula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark P Khurana
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Daniel E Raaschou-Pedersen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Kurtzhals
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jakob E Bardram
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sisse R Ostrowski
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Johan S Bundgaard
- Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Keenan TDL, Chen Q, Agrón E, Tham YC, Lin Goh JH, Lei X, Ng YP, Liu Y, Xu X, Cheng CY, Bikbov MM, Jonas JB, Bhandari S, Broadhead GK, Colyer MH, Corsini J, Cousineau-Krieger C, Gensheimer W, Grasic D, Lamba T, Magone MT, Maiberger M, Oshinsky A, Purt B, Shin SY, Thavikulwat AT, Lu Z, Chew EY. Deep Learning Automated Diagnosis and Quantitative Classification of Cataract Type and Severity. Ophthalmology 2022; 129:571-584. [PMID: 34990643 PMCID: PMC9038670 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2021.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To develop and evaluate deep learning models to perform automated diagnosis and quantitative classification of age-related cataract, including all three anatomical types, from anterior segment photographs. DESIGN Application of deep learning models to Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) dataset. PARTICIPANTS 18,999 photographs (6,333 triplets) from longitudinal follow-up of 1,137 eyes (576 AREDS participants). METHODS Deep learning models were trained to detect and quantify nuclear cataract (NS; scale 0.9-7.1) from 45-degree slit-lamp photographs and cortical (CLO; scale 0-100%) and posterior subcapsular (PSC; scale 0-100%) cataract from retroillumination photographs. Model performance was compared with that of 14 ophthalmologists and 24 medical students. The ground truth labels were from reading center grading. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Mean squared error (MSE). RESULTS On the full test set, mean MSE values for the deep learning models were: 0.23 (SD 0.01) for NS, 13.1 (SD 1.6) for CLO, and 16.6 (SD 2.4) for PSC. On a subset of the test set (substantially enriched for positive cases of CLO and PSC), for NS, mean MSE for the models was 0.23 (SD 0.02), compared to 0.98 (SD 0.23; p=0.000001) for the ophthalmologists, and 1.24 (SD 0.33; p=0.000005) for the medical students. For CLO, mean MSE values were 53.5 (SD 14.8), compared to 134.9 (SD 89.9; p=0.003) and 422.0 (SD 944.4; p=0.0007), respectively. For PSC, mean MSE values were 171.9 (SD 38.9), compared to 176.8 (SD 98.0; p=0.67) and 395.2 (SD 632.5; p=0.18), respectively. In external validation on the Singapore Malay Eye Study (sampled to reflect the distribution of cataract severity in AREDS), MSE was 1.27 for NS and 25.5 for PSC. CONCLUSIONS A deep learning framework was able to perform automated and quantitative classification of cataract severity for all three types of age-related cataract. For the two most common types (NS and CLO), the accuracy was significantly superior to that of ophthalmologists; for the least common type (PSC), the accuracy was similar. The framework may have wide potential applications in both clinical and research domains. In the future, such approaches may increase the accessibility of cataract assessment globally. The code and models are publicly available at https://XXX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiarnan D L Keenan
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Qingyu Chen
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Elvira Agrón
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yih-Chung Tham
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | | | - Xiaofeng Lei
- Institute of High Performance Computing, A*STAR, Singapore
| | - Yi Pin Ng
- Institute of High Performance Computing, A*STAR, Singapore
| | - Yong Liu
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Institute of High Performance Computing, A*STAR, Singapore
| | - Xinxing Xu
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Institute of High Performance Computing, A*STAR, Singapore
| | - Ching-Yu Cheng
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Institute of High Performance Computing, A*STAR, Singapore; Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Jost B Jonas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany; Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Switzerland; Privatpraxis Prof Jonas und Dr Panda-Jonas, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sanjeeb Bhandari
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Geoffrey K Broadhead
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Marcus H Colyer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA, USA; Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jonathan Corsini
- Warfighter Eye Center, Malcolm Grow Medical Clinics and Surgery Center, Joint Base Andrews, MD, USA
| | - Chantal Cousineau-Krieger
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - William Gensheimer
- White River Junction Veterans Affairs Medical Center, White River Junction, VT, USA; Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth, NH, USA
| | - David Grasic
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tania Lamba
- Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington DC, USA
| | - M Teresa Magone
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Arnold Oshinsky
- Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington DC, USA
| | - Boonkit Purt
- Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Soo Y Shin
- Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington DC, USA
| | - Alisa T Thavikulwat
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Zhiyong Lu
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Emily Y Chew
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Rono H, Kimetto L. Overcoming the challenges of access to eye care through mHealth in Kenya. COMMUNITY EYE HEALTH 2022; 35:17-18. [PMID: 36035099 PMCID: PMC9412096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hillary Rono
- Ophthalmologist: Kitale County and Referral Hospital, Kitale, Kenya and a consultant at Peek Vision, UK
| | - Lily Kimetto
- Optometrist: Bethsaida Eye Centre, Kitale, Kenya
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Morjaria P, Bergson S, Bastawrous A, Watts E, Pant S, Gudwin E, Zinn M, Chan VF. Delivering Refractive Care to Populations With Near and Distance Vision Impairment: 2 Novel Social Enterprise Models. Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila) 2022; 11:59-65. [PMID: 35114685 DOI: 10.1097/apo.0000000000000470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Vision impairment due to refractive error affects crucial time periods across the life course-the educational years for children and working years for adults. Refractive error is easily and safely corrected with glasses, but many potential beneficiaries remain uncorrected due to various barriers, which can be addressed with innovative service delivery models. This review describes evidence-based initiatives from 2 social enterprises, Peek Vision and VisionSpring, addressing barriers to refractive error correction in children and working adults, particularly in low-resource settings. The reach, implementation challenges, adoption, and future development of these 2 novel models are described, and research evidence of program effectiveness is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Morjaria
- Peek Vision, UK
- International Centre for Eye Health, Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Andrew Bastawrous
- Peek Vision, UK
- International Centre for Eye Health, Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Elanor Watts
- Peek Vision, UK
- Tennent Institute of Ophthalmology, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | | | - Ving Fai Chan
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
- College of Health Sciences, University KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Frisby C, Eikelboom R, Mahomed-Asmail F, Kuper H, Swanepoel DW. MHealth Applications for Hearing Loss: A Scoping Review. Telemed J E Health 2021; 28:1090-1099. [DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2021.0460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Frisby
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Robert Eikelboom
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Australia
- Ear Sciences Centre, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Faheema Mahomed-Asmail
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Hannah Kuper
- International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - De Wet Swanepoel
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Australia
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