Distinguishing features in the assessment of mHealth apps

Key Considerations for Designing Clinical Studies to Evaluate Digital Health Solutions

Evidence of clinical impact is critical to unlock the potential of digital health solutions (DHSs), yet many solutions are failing to deliver positive clinical results. We argue in this viewpoint that this failure is linked to current approaches to DHS evaluation design, which neglect numerous key characteristics (KCs) requiring specific scientific and design considerations. We first delineate the KCs of DHSs: (1) they are implemented at health care system and patient levels; (2) they are "complex" interventions; (3) they can drive multiple clinical outcomes indirectly through a multitude of smaller clinical benefits; (4) their mechanism of action can vary between individuals and change over time based on patient needs; and (5) they develop through short, iterative cycles-optimally within a real-world use context. Following our objective to drive better alignment between clinical evaluation design and the unique traits of DHSs, we then provide methodological suggestions that better address these KCs, including tips on mechanism-of-action mapping, alternative randomization methods, control-arm adaptations, and novel end-point selection, as well as innovative methods utilizing real-world data and platform research.

Clinical Validation of Digital Healthcare Solutions: State of the Art, Challenges and Opportunities

Digital health technologies (DHTs) at the intersection of health, medical informatics, and business aim to enhance patient care through personalised digital approaches. Ensuring the efficacy and reliability of these innovations demands rigorous clinical validation. A PubMed literature review (January 2006 to July 2023) identified 1250 papers, highlighting growing academic interest. A focused narrative review (January 2018 to July 2023) delved into challenges, highlighting issues such as diverse regulatory landscapes, adoption issues in complex healthcare systems, and a plethora of evaluation frameworks lacking pragmatic guidance. Existing frameworks often omit crucial criteria, neglect empirical evidence, and clinical effectiveness is rarely included as a criterion for DHT quality. The paper underscores the urgency of addressing challenges in accreditation, adoption, business models, and integration to safeguard the quality, efficacy, and safety of DHTs. A pivotal illustration of collaborative efforts to address these challenges is exemplified by the Digital Health Validation Center, dedicated to generating clinical evidence of innovative healthcare technologies and facilitating seamless technology transfer. In conclusion, it is necessary to harmonise evaluation approaches and frameworks, improve regulatory clarity, and commit to collaboration to integrate rigorous clinical validation and empirical evidence throughout the DHT life cycle.

Which behaviour change techniques work best for diabetes self-management mobile apps? Results from a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Self-management is pivotal in addressing noncommunicable diseases, such as diabetes. The increased availability of digital behaviour change interventions (DBCIs) delivered through mobile health apps offers unprecedented opportunities to enhance self-management and improve health outcomes. However, little is known about the characteristics of DBCIs for diabetes that significantly impact glycaemic control. Therefore, our systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to summarize characteristics and behaviour change components in DBCIs for diabetes self-management and explore potential associations with metabolic outcomes.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Scopus to identify randomized controlled trials published until November 2023. The main outcome variable was the change in the mean difference of HbA1c levels between baseline and follow-up across intervention and control groups. Random-effects meta-regression was used to explore variation in glycaemic control as a function of prespecified characteristics of study designs and app interventions.

FINDINGS

A total of 57 studies was included in the analysis, showing a statistically significant percentage point reduction in HbA1c for the intervention group compared to the control arm (-0.36, 95% CI = -0.46 to -0.26, p < 0.001). The inclusion of "self-monitoring of behaviour" as a behaviour change technique (β = -0.22, p = 0.04) and "taking medication" as a target behaviour (β = -0.20, p = 0.05) was associated with improved metabolic outcomes.

INTERPRETATION

Our analyses endorse the use of diabetes self-management apps, highlighting characteristics statistically associated with intervention effectiveness and guiding the design of more effective DBCIs.

FUNDING

This project received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 programme.

Dynamic HTA for digital health solutions: opportunities and challenges for patient-centered evaluation

OBJECTIVES

Germany's 2019 Digital Healthcare Act (Digitale-Versorgung-Gesetz, or DVG) created a number of opportunities for the digital transformation of the healthcare delivery system. Key among these was the creation of a reimbursement pathway for patient-centered digital health applications (digitale Gesundheitsanwendungen, or DiGA). Worldwide, this is the first structured pathway for "prescribable" health applications at scale. As of October 10, 2023, 49 DiGA were listed in the official directory maintained by Germany's Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM); these are prescribable by physicians and psychotherapists and reimbursed by the German statutory health insurance system for all its 73 million beneficiaries. Looking ahead, a major challenge facing DiGA manufacturers will be the generation of the evidence required for ongoing price negotiations and reimbursement. Current health technology assessment (HTA) methods will need to be adapted for DiGA.

METHODS

We describe the core issues that distinguish HTA in this setting: (i) explicit allowance for more flexible research designs, (ii) the nature of initial evidence generation, which can be delivered (in its final form) up to one year after becoming reimbursable, and (iii) the dynamic nature of both product development and product evaluation. We present the digital health applications in the German DiGA scheme as a case study and highlight the role of RWE in the successful evaluation of DiGA on an ongoing basis.

RESULTS

When a DiGA is likely to be updated and assessed regularly, full-scale RCTs are infeasible; we therefore make the case for using real-world data and real-world evidence (RWE) for dynamic HTAs.

CONCLUSIONS

Continous evaluation using RWD is a regulatory innovation that can help improve the quality of DiGAs on the market.

Facilitators and barriers of mHealth interventions during the Covid-19 pandemic: systematic review

BACKGROUND

With the spread of Covid-19 disease, health interventions related to the control, prevention, and treatment of this disease and other diseases were given real attention. The purpose of this systematic review is to express facilitators and barriers of using mobile health (mHealth) interventions during the Covid-19 pandemic.

METHODS

In this systematic review, original studies were searched using keywords in the electronic database of PubMed until August 2022. The objectives and outcomes of these studies were extracted. Finally, to identify the facilitators and barriers of mHealth interventions, a qualitative content analysis was conducted based on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis method with Atlas.ti 8 software. We evaluated the studies using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT).

RESULTS

In total, 1598 articles were identified and 55 articles were included in this study. Most of the studies used mobile applications to provide and receive health services during the Covid-19 pandemic (96.4%). The purpose of the applications was to help prevention (17), follow-up (15), treatment (12), and diagnosis (8). Using SWOT analysis, 13 facilitators and 18 barriers to patients' use of mHealth services were identified.

CONCLUSION

Mobile applications are very flexible technologies that can be customized for each person, patient, and population. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the applications designed due to lack of interaction, lack of time, lack of attention to privacy, and non-academic nature have not met their expectations of them.

Digital Health Reimbursement Strategies of 8 European Countries and Israel: Scoping Review and Policy Mapping

BACKGROUND

The adoption of digital health care within health systems is determined by various factors, including pricing and reimbursement. The reimbursement landscape for digital health in Europe remains underresearched. Although various emergency reimbursement decisions were made during the COVID-19 pandemic to enable health care delivery through videoconferencing and asynchronous care (eg, digital apps), research so far has primarily focused on the policy innovations that facilitated this outside of Europe.

OBJECTIVE

This study examines the digital health reimbursement strategies in 8 European countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom) and Israel.

METHODS

We mapped available digital health reimbursement strategies using a scoping review and policy mapping framework. We reviewed the literature on the MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, and Web of Science databases. Supplementary records were identified through Google Scholar and country experts.

RESULTS

Our search strategy yielded a total of 1559 records, of which 40 (2.57%) were ultimately included in this study. As of August 2023, digital health solutions are reimbursable to some extent in all studied countries except Poland, although the mechanism of reimbursement differs significantly across countries. At the time of writing, the pricing of digital health solutions was mostly determined through discussions between national or regional committees and the manufacturers of digital health solutions in the absence of value-based assessment mechanisms. Financing digital health solutions outside traditional reimbursement schemes was possible in all studied countries except Poland and typically occurs via health innovation or digital health-specific funding schemes. European countries have value-based pricing frameworks that range from nonexistent to embryonic.

CONCLUSIONS

Studied countries show divergent approaches to the reimbursement of digital health solutions. These differences may complicate the ability of patients to seek cross-country health care in another country, even if a digital health app is available in both countries. Furthermore, the fragmented environment will present challenges for developers of such solutions, as they look to expand their impact across countries and health systems. An increased emphasis on developing a clear conceptualization of digital health, as well as value-based pricing and reimbursement mechanisms, is needed for the sustainable integration of digital health. This study can therein serve as a basis for further, more detailed research as the field of digital health reimbursement evolves.

Non-Contact Assessment of Swallowing Dysfunction Using Smartphone Captured Skin Displacements

Early and accurate dysphagia diagnosis is essential for reducing the risk of associated co-morbidities and mortalities. Barriers to current evaluation methods may alter the effectiveness of identifying at-risk patients. This preliminary study evaluates the feasibility of using iPhone X-captured videos of swallowing as a non-contact dysphagia screening tool. Video recordings of the anterior and lateral necks were captured simultaneously with videofluoroscopy in dysphagic patients. Videos were analyzed using an image registration algorithm (phase-based Savitzky-Golay gradient correlation (P-SG-GC)) to determine skin displacements over hyolaryngeal regions. Biomechanical swallowing parameters of hyolaryngeal displacement and velocity were also measured. Swallowing safety and efficiency were assessed by the Penetration Aspiration Scale (PAS), Residue Severity Ratings (RSR), and the Normalized Residue Ratio Scale (NRRS). Anterior hyoid excursion and horizontal skin displacements were strongly correlated with swallows of a 20 mL bolus (r_s = 0.67). Skin displacements of the neck were moderately to very strongly correlated with scores on the PAS (r_s = 0.80), NRRS (r_s = 0.41-0.62), and RSR (r_s = 0.33). This is the first study to utilize smartphone technology and image registration methods to produce skin displacements indicating post-swallow residual and penetration-aspiration. Enhancing screening methods provides a greater chance of detecting dysphagia, reducing the risk of negative health impacts.

Dr. Smartphone, can you support my trauma? An informatics analysis study of App Store apps for trauma- and stressor-related disorders

Background

Psychological trauma is prevalent in developed countries, with prevalence rates and treatment needs exceeding health system capacity. As telemedicine and out-of-patient care are promoted, there has been an expansion of digital apps to compliment therapeutic stages in psychological trauma. To date there are no reviews that have compared these apps and their clinical utility. This study aims to identify the availability of trauma- and stressor-related mhealth apps, assess their functionality, and review their therapeutic abilities.

Methodology

The authors conducted a systematic search using an iPhone 13 Pro in the Australian IOS App Store to extract trauma- and stressor-related apps that resulted from the search criteria. A cross-adaptation of the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) and the Comprehensive App Evaluation Model (CAEM) were used as a framework to produce the mTrauma App Evaluation Conceptual Model and Informatics Framework. App content descriptors were analysed based on their general characteristics, usability, therapeutic focus, clinical utility, data integration. Following an applicability in concordance with psychological trauma-informed delivery.

Results

A total of 234 apps resulting from the search strategy were screened, with 81 apps that met the inclusion criteria. The majority of apps were marketed to 4+ to 17+ years of age, categorised as 'health and fitness', with the highest target markets observed for adolescents, children, parents, clinicians, and clients. A total of 43 apps (53.1%) contained a trauma-informed specified section, and 37 (45.7%) incorporated a section useful to support trauma-related symptoms. A significant number of apps there was an absence of therapeutic utility (in 32 apps (39.5%)). Most apps were supporting post-traumatic stress disorder-informed, cognitive behavioural therapy and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing. Provision of psychoeducation, courses, guided sessions, trainings, self-reflection/journaling, symptom management and progress tracking were highly present.

Conclusions

Trauma-informed mobile apps are available in the App Store, expanding in its target market reach and usability, with an increase of creative psychotherapies being introduced alongside conventional modalities. However, based on the app descriptors, the scarcity of evidenced-based testimonials and therapeutic applicability remains questionable for clinical validity. Although mhealth tools are marketed as trauma-related, current available apps employ a multifunctional approach to general psychological symptomatology, through to associated comorbid conditions and emphasizes on passive activity. For higher uptake on user engagement, clinical application and validity, trauma-apps require curated specification to fulfil its role as complimentary psychological treatment.

Exploring User Visions for Modeling mHealth Apps Toward Supporting Patient-Parent-Clinician Collaboration and Shared Decision-making When Treating Adolescent Knee Pain in General Practice: Workshop Study

BACKGROUND

Long-standing knee pain is one of the most common reasons for adolescents (aged 10-19 years) to consult general practice. Generally, 1 in 2 adolescents will continue to experience pain after 2 years, but exercises and self-management education can improve the prognosis. However, adherence to exercises and self-management education interventions remains poor. Mobile health (mHealth) apps have the potential for supporting adolescents' self-management, enhancing treatment adherence, and fostering patient-centered approaches. However, it remains unclear how mHealth apps should be designed to act as tools for supporting individual and collaborative management of adolescents' knee pain in a general practice setting.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to extract design principles for designing mHealth core features, which were both sufficiently robust to support adolescents' everyday management of their knee pain and sufficiently flexible to act as enablers for enhancing patient-parent collaboration and shared decision-making.

METHODS

Overall, 3 future workshops were conducted with young adults with chronic knee pain since adolescence, parents, and general practitioners (GPs). Each workshop followed similar procedures, using case vignettes and design cards to stimulate discussions, shared construction of knowledge and elicit visions for mHealth designs. Young adults and parents were recruited via social media posts targeting individuals in Northern Jutland. GPs were recruited via email and cold calling. Data were transcribed and analyzed thematically using NVivo (QSR International) coding software. Extracted themes were synthesized in a matrix to map tensions in the collaborative space and inform a conceptual model for designing mHealth core-features to support individual and collaborative management of knee pain.

RESULTS

Overall, 38% (9/24) young adults with chronic knee pain since adolescence, 25% (6/24) parents, and 38% (9/24) GPs participated in the workshops. Data analysis revealed how adolescents, parents, and clinicians took on different roles within the collaborative space, with different tasks, challenges, and information needs. In total, 5 themes were identified: adolescents as explorers of pain and social rules; parents as supporters, advocates and enforcers of boundaries; and GPs as guides, gatekeepers, and navigators or systemic constraints described participants' roles; collaborative barriers and tensions referred to the contextual elements; and visions for an mHealth app identified beneficial core features. The synthesis informed a conceptual model, outlining 3 principles for consolidating mHealth core features as enablers for supporting role negotiation, limiting collaborative tensions, and facilitating shared decision-making.

CONCLUSIONS

An mHealth app for treating adolescents with knee pain should be designed to accommodate multiple users, enable them to shift between individual management decision-making, take charge, and engage in role negotiation to inform shared decision-making. We identified 3 silver-bullet principles for consolidating mHealth core features as enablers for negotiation by supporting patient-GP collaboration, supporting transitions, and cultivating the parent-GP alliance.

Adaptation and Utilization of a Postmarket Evaluation Model for Digital Contact Tracing Mobile Health Tools in the United States: Observational Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Case investigation and contact tracing are core public health activities used to interrupt disease transmission. These activities are traditionally conducted manually. During periods of high COVID-19 incidence, US health departments were unable to scale up case management staff to deliver effective and timely contact-tracing services. In response, digital contact tracing (DCT) apps for mobile phones were introduced to automate these activities. DCT apps detect when other DCT users are close enough to transmit COVID-19 and enable alerts to notify users of potential disease exposure. These apps were deployed quickly during the pandemic without an opportunity to conduct experiments to determine effectiveness. However, it is unclear whether these apps can effectively supplement understaffed manual contact tracers.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to (1) evaluate the effectiveness of COVID-19 DCT apps deployed in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic and (2) determine if there is sufficient DCT adoption and interest in adoption to meet a minimum population use rate to be effective (56%). To assess uptake, interest and safe use covariates were derived from evaluating DCTs using the American Psychological Association App Evaluation Model (AEM) framework.

METHODS

We analyzed data from a nationally representative survey of US adults about their COVID-19-related behaviors and experiences. Survey respondents were divided into three segments: those who adopted a DCT app, those who are interested but did not adopt, and those not interested. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize factors of the three groups. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze the characteristics of segments adopting and interested in DCT apps against AEM framework covariates.

RESULTS

An insufficient percentage of the population adopted or was interested in DCTs to achieve our minimum national target effectiveness rate (56%). A total of 17.4% (n=490) of the study population reported adopting a DCT app, 24.7% (n=697) reported interest, and 58.0% (n=1637) were not interested. Younger, high-income, and uninsured individuals were more likely to adopt a DCT app. In contrast, people in fair to poor health were interested in DCT apps but did not adopt them. App adoption was positively associated with visiting friends and family outside the home (odds ratio [OR] 1.63, 95% CI 1.28-2.09), not wearing masks (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.38-0.71), and adopters thinking they have or had COVID-19 (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.21-2.12).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, a small percentage of the population adopted DCT apps. These apps may not be effective in protecting adopters' friends and family from their maskless contacts outside the home given low adoption rates. The public health community should account for safe use behavioral factors in future public health contact-tracing app design. The AEM framework was useful in developing a study design to evaluate DCT effectiveness and safety.

Exploring the barriers and facilitators for supporting adolescents with knee pains adherence to mobile health apps: A think-aloud study

Background

Mobile health (mHealth) applications have the potential to support adolescents' self-management of knee pain. However, ensuring adherence remains a barrier when designing mHealth concepts for adolescents.

Objective

This study aimed to explore barriers and facilitators for adhering to mHealth interventions to inform design principles.

Methods

Think-aloud tests were conducted with 12 adolescents (aged 12.5 years median) with knee pain, using a low-fidelity prototype. The prototype was informed by the authors previous work, rapid prototyping sessions with seven health professionals, and synthesis via the Behavioral Intervention Technology Model. The think-aloud tests were video recorded and analyzed thematically to identify design principles.

Results

The analysis based on user testing with adolescents with knee pain identified three themes: "user experience and feedback," "contextual challenges," and "new features" and nine subthemes. Adolescents were able to use mHealth behavioral features such as self-tracking, goal setting, education, and data visualization to capture and reflect on their knee pain developments, which facilitated use. However, adolescents struggle with timing interventions, breaking down management behaviors, and biases towards interventions were identified as internal threats to adherence. Competing activities, parental meddling, and privacy concerns were external adherence barriers. Twelve design principles were identified for integrating these insights into mHealth designs.

Conclusion

Participants' motivations for adherence were influenced by internal and external factors. While adolescents were able to use mHealth behavioral features to capture and reflect on knee pain developments, understanding how to accommodate adolescents' cognitive abilities, competing activities, and need for independence is quintessential to enhance adherence in everyday contexts.

Pushing the boundaries of evaluation, diffusion, and use of medical devices in Europe: Insights from the COMED project

The field of medical devices has attracted considerable interest from scholarly research in health economics in recent years. Medical devices are indispensable tools for quality health care delivery, but their assessment and appropriate use pose significant challenges to healthcare systems. More research is needed to overcome existing gaps associated with evaluation of digital technologies, address challenges in the use of real-world data in generating evidence for decision-making and to uncover drivers of variation in access to medical devices across countries. Furthermore, the translation of the results and recommendations stemming from research projects into health technology assessment practices needs to be strengthened. The European Union (EU) project COMED aimed to address these gaps by improving existing research and developing new research streams on the methods for evaluation and diffusion of medical devices. The project also intended to provide directly applicable policy advice and tools to inform decision-making, with the aim of impacting public health in the EU. This Health Economics Supplement, together with references of other published outputs of the project, is intended to be the main source for researchers and policy makers seeking information on the COMED project.

Role of Social and App-Related Factors in Behavioral Engagement With mHealth for Improved Well-being Among Chronically Ill Patients: Scenario-Based Survey Study

Background

The last decade has seen a considerable increase in the number of mobile health (mHealth) apps in everyday life. These mHealth apps have the potential to significantly improve the well-being of chronically ill patients. However, behavioral engagement with mHealth apps remains low.

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe the behavioral engagement of chronically ill patients with mHealth apps by investigating (1) how it is affected by social factors (ie, physician recommendation) and app-related factors (ie, app integration) and (2) how it affects patient well-being. This study also considers the moderating effect of attachment to traditional health care and the mobile app experience among patients.

Methods

We carried out a scenario-based survey study of chronically ill patients (N=521). A Bayesian structural equation modeling with mediation and moderation analysis was conducted in MPlus.

Results

Both physician recommendations for mHealth app use and app integration have positive effects on the behavioral engagement of chronically ill patients with mHealth apps. Higher behavioral engagement positively affects the hedonic well-being (extent of pleasure) and the eudaemonic well-being (extent of self-efficacy) of chronically ill patients. Mobile app experience, however, positively moderates the relationship between app integration and behavioral engagement, whereas patient attachment to traditional care does not moderate the relationship between physician recommendation and behavioral engagement. Taken together, the proportion of variance explained (R²) equals 21% for behavioral engagement and 52.8% and 62.2% for hedonic and eudaemonic well-being, respectively, thereby providing support for the strong influence of app integration and physician recommendation via the mediation of the patients’ behavioral engagement on both patients’ hedonic and eudaemonic well-being.

Conclusions

Physician recommendation and app integration enable behavioral engagement and promote well-being among chronically ill patients. It is thus important to take social and app-related factors into consideration during and after the development of mHealth apps.

Challenges in the Adoption of eHealth and mHealth for Adult Mental Health Management—Evidence from Romania

New methods of connecting physicians and patients have arisen. Technology is playing a crucial role and the concept of hybrid doctor–patient relationship is considered relevant for the competitive health management system. At the same time, the need for knowledge about implementing policies and best practices into the system is highly demanding. Digital tools, such as eHealth or mHealth can improve the traditional approach to consulting patients without requiring face-to-face interaction. However, due to the discussion surrounding the adoption of these technologies, the authors performed the study with two marketing research methods. The first is qualitative and is related to the opinions, attitudes, and beliefs of Romanian experts on the use of eHealth and mHealth for the prevention, detection, and treatment of mild mental disorders. The second method quantifies the opinions, attitudes, and behaviours of Romanian adults on their openness to adopt new technologies for mental health management. The main findings of the research highlight three factors that can increase the chances of adults using technology for health-related needs: (1) accessibility (2) data security, and (3) content. These are the main aspects that influence the well-being of both young and older adults, who both need support regarding mental health management.

Digital Health Technologies for Long-term Self-management of Osteoporosis: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background

Osteoporosis is the fourth most common chronic disease worldwide. The adoption of preventative measures and effective self-management interventions can help improve bone health. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies can play a key role in the care and self-management of patients with osteoporosis.

Objective

This study presents a systematic review and meta-analysis of the currently available mHealth apps targeting osteoporosis self-management, aiming to determine the current status, gaps, and challenges that future research could address, as well as propose appropriate recommendations.

Methods

A systematic review of all English articles was conducted, in addition to a survey of all apps available in iOS and Android app stores as of May 2021. A comprehensive literature search (2010 to May 2021) of PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, Web of Science, and IEEE Xplore was conducted. Articles were included if they described apps dedicated to or useful for osteoporosis (targeting self-management, nutrition, physical activity, and risk assessment) delivered on smartphone devices for adults aged ≥18 years. Of the 32 articles, a random effects meta-analysis was performed on 13 (41%) studies of randomized controlled trials, whereas the 19 (59%) remaining studies were only included in the narrative synthesis as they did not provide enough data.

Results

In total, 3906 unique articles were identified. Of these 3906 articles, 32 (0.81%) articles met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed in depth. The 32 studies comprised 14,235 participants, of whom, on average, 69.5% (n=9893) were female, with a mean age of 49.8 (SD 17.8) years. The app search identified 23 relevant apps for osteoporosis self-management. The meta-analysis revealed that mHealth-supported interventions resulted in a significant reduction in pain (Hedges g −1.09, 95% CI −1.68 to −0.45) and disability (Hedges g −0.77, 95% CI −1.59 to 0.05). The posttreatment effect of the digital intervention was significant for physical function (Hedges g 2.54, 95% CI −4.08 to 4.08) but nonsignificant for well-being (Hedges g 0.17, 95% CI −1.84 to 2.17), physical activity (Hedges g 0.09, 95% CI −0.59 to 0.50), anxiety (Hedges g −0.29, 95% CI −6.11 to 5.53), fatigue (Hedges g −0.34, 95% CI −5.84 to 5.16), calcium (Hedges g −0.05, 95% CI −0.59 to 0.50), vitamin D intake (Hedges g 0.10, 95% CI −4.05 to 4.26), and trabecular score (Hedges g 0.06, 95% CI −1.00 to 1.12).

Conclusions

Osteoporosis apps have the potential to support and improve the management of the disease and its symptoms; they also appear to be valuable tools for patients and health professionals. However, most of the apps that are currently available lack clinically validated evidence of their efficacy and focus on a limited number of symptoms. A more holistic and personalized approach within a cocreation design ecosystem is needed.

Trial Registration

PROSPERO 2021 CRD42021269399; https://tinyurl.com/2sw454a9

Research on the Impact of mHealth Apps on the Primary Healthcare Professionals in Patient Care

The goal of this study was to develop and use a questionnaire in order to analyse the effects of eHealth apps on patient care using Jordanian population. A two-stage cross-sectional research was conducted. A questionnaire was developed in the beginning to evaluate its consistency and legitimacy using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, a multitrait connection atmosphere; the multivariate technique is component examination. In the study's another phase, correlation and regression are used to determine the influence of eHealth apps on patient care. The five major axes of the final surveys were healthcare efficiency, teaching, notices, consultation, and follow-up. Individuals from diverse demographic aspects, such as gender, age, job experience, and education level, have no differing perspectives on cell phone use in their amenities, according to a staff's viewpoint evaluation. In general, mobile health applications had a good influence on health services and healthcare, which would be an important setting for the operative use of mobile headphones in public policy; such a background would affect in workers' intents to practice and adopt mHealth.

A prospective observational real world feasibility study assessing the role of app-based remote patient monitoring in reducing primary care clinician workload during the COVID pandemic

BACKGROUND

The novel coronavirus disease in 2019 (COVID-19) has placed unprecedented strain on healthcare providers, in particular, primary care services. General practitioners (GP) have to effectively manage patients remotely preserving social distancing. We aim to assess an app-based remote patient monitoring solution in reducing the workload of a clinician and reflect this as time-saved in an economic context. Primary care COVID patients in West London deemed medium risk were recruited into the virtual ward. Patients were monitored for 14 days by telephone or by both the Huma app and telephone. Information on number of phone calls, duration of phone calls and duration of time spent reviewing the app data was recorded.

RESULTS

The amount of time spent reviewing one patient in the telephone only arm of the study was 490 min, compared with 280 min spent reviewing one patient who was monitored via both the Huma app and telephone. Based on employed clinicians monitoring patients, this equates to a 0.04 reduction of full-time equivalent staffing I.e. for every 100 patients, it would require 4 less personnel to remotely monitor them. There was no difference in mortality or adverse events between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

App-based remote patient monitoring potentially holds large economic benefit to COVID-19 patients. In wake of further waves or future pandemics, and even in routine care, app-based remote monitoring patients could free up vital resources in terms of clinical team's time, allowing a better reallocation of services.

The evolution of the Italian National Health Service

40 years ago, Italy saw the birth of a national, universal health-care system (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale [SSN]), which provides a full range of health-care services with a free choice of providers. The SSN is consistently rated within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development among the highest countries for life expectancy and among the lowest in health-care spending as a proportion of gross domestic product. Italy appears to be in an envious position. However, a rapidly ageing population, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, rising demand, and the COVID-19 pandemic have exposed weaknesses in the system. These weaknesses are linked to the often tumultuous history of the nation and the health-care system, in which innovation and initiative often lead to spiralling costs and difficulties, followed by austere cost-containment measures. We describe how the tenuous balance of centralised versus regional control has shifted over time to create not one, but 20 different health systems, exacerbating differences in access to care across regions. We explore how Italy can rise to the challenges ahead, providing recommendations for systemic change, with emphasis on data-driven planning, prevention, and research; integrated care and technology; and investments in personnel. The evolution of the SSN is characterised by an ongoing struggle to balance centralisation and decentralisation in a health-care system, a dilemma faced by many nations. If in times of emergency, planning, coordination, and control by the central government can guarantee uniformity of provider behaviour and access to care, during non-emergency times, we believe that a balance can be found provided that autonomy is paired with accountability in achieving certain objectives, and that the central government develops the skills and, therefore, the legitimacy, to formulate health policies of a national nature. These processes would provide local governments with the strategic means to develop local plans and programmes, and the knowledge and tools to coordinate local initiatives for eventual transfer to the larger system.

An Electronic Patient-Reported Outcome Mobile App for Data Collection in Type A Hemophilia: Design and Usability Study

Background

There is currently limited evidence on the level and intensity of physical activity in individuals with hemophilia A. Mobile technologies can offer a rigorous and reliable alternative to support data collection processes but they are often associated with poor user retention. The lack of longitudinal continuity in their use can be partly attributed to the insufficient consideration of stakeholder inputs in the development process of mobile apps. Several user-centered models have been proposed to guarantee that a thorough knowledge of the end user needs is considered in the development process of mobile apps.

Objective

The aim of this study is to design and validate an electronic patient-reported outcome mobile app that requires sustained active input by individuals during POWER, an observational study that aims at evaluating the relationship between physical activity levels and bleeding in patients with hemophilia A.

Methods

We adopted a user-centered design and engaged several stakeholders in the development and usability testing of this mobile app. During the concept generation and ideation phase, we organized a need-assessment focus group (FG) with patient representatives to elicit specific design requirements for the end users. We then conducted 2 exploratory FGs to seek additional inputs for the app’s improvement and 2 confirmatory FGs to validate the app and test its usability in the field through the mobile health app usability questionnaire.

Results

The findings from the thematic analysis of the need-assessment FG revealed that there was a demand for sense making, for simplification of app functionalities, for maximizing integration, and for minimizing the feeling of external control. Participants involved in the later stages of the design refinement contributed to improving the design further by upgrading the app’s layout and making the experience with the app more efficient through functions such as chatbots and visual feedback on the number of hours a wearable device had been worn, to ensure that the observed data were actually registered. The end users rated the app highly during the quantitative assessment, with an average mobile health app usability questionnaire score of 5.32 (SD 0.66; range 4.44-6.23) and 6.20 (SD 0.43; range 5.72-6.88) out of 7 in the 2 iterative usability testing cycles.

Conclusions

The results of the usability test indicated a high, growing satisfaction with the electronic patient-reported outcome app. The adoption of a thorough user-centered design process using several types of FGs helped maximize the likelihood of sustained retention of the app’s users and made it fit for data collection of relevant outcomes in the observational POWER study. The continuous use of the app and the actual level of engagement will be evaluated during the ongoing trial.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04165135; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04165135

Comparison of Healthcare Resource Utilization Between Patients Who Engaged or Did Not Engage With a Prescription Digital Therapeutic for Opioid Use Disorder

Background

A prescription digital therapeutic (PDT) (reSET-O^®) may expand access to behavioral treatment for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) treated with buprenorphine, but long-term data on effectiveness are lacking.

Objective

To compare real-world healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) among patients who engaged with reSET-O and buprenorphine compared to similar patients in recovery treated with buprenorphine who did not fill their reSET-O script or engage with the PDT beyond week one.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of facility and clinical service claims data was conducted in adults with PDT initiation and between 12 weeks and 9 months of continuous enrollment in a health plan after initiation. Patients who filled their prescription and engaged with the therapeutic were compared to patients who filled the prescription but did not engage beyond week one (NE), and patients who did not fill the prescription (NR) (the latter two groups combined into one group hereafter referred to as “non-engagers”). Comparisons were analyzed using a repeated-measures negative binomial model of encounters/procedures, adjusted for number of days in each period. Associated cost trends assessed using current Medicare reimbursement rates.

Results

A total of 444 patients redeemed a prescription and engaged with the PDT (mean age 37.5 years, 63.1% female, 84% Medicaid), and 64 patients did not engage with the PDT (mean age 39.5 years, 32.8% female, 73.4% Medicaid). Total cost of hospital facility encounters was $2693 for engaged patients vs $6130 for non-engaged patients. Engaged patients had somewhat higher rates of certain clinician services. Total facility and clinician services costs for engaged vs non-engaged patients were $8733 vs $11,441, for a net cost savings over 9 months of $2708 per patient who engaged with reSET-O.

Conclusion

Patients who engaged with an OUD-specific PDT had a net cost reduction for inpatient and outpatient services of $2708 per patient over 9 months compared to patients who did not engage with the PDT, despite similar levels of buprenorphine adherence.

Development features and study characteristics of mobile health apps in the management of chronic conditions: a systematic review of randomised trials

COVID-19 pandemic challenges have accelerated the reliance on digital health fuelling the expanded incorporation of mobile apps into healthcare services, particularly for the management of long-term conditions such as chronic diseases (CDs). However, the impact of health apps on outcomes for CD remains unclear, potentially owing to both the poor adoption of formal development standards in the design process and the methodological quality of studies. A systematic search of randomised trials was performed on Medline, ScienceDirect, the Cochrane Library and Scopus to provide a comprehensive outlook and review the impact of health apps on CD. We identified 69 studies on diabetes (n = 29), cardiovascular diseases (n = 13), chronic respiratory diseases (n = 13), cancer (n = 10) or their combinations (n = 4). The apps rarely adopted developmental factors in the design stage, with only around one-third of studies reporting user or healthcare professional engagement. Apps differed significantly in content, with a median of eight behaviour change techniques adopted, most frequently pertaining to the ‘Feedback and monitoring’ (91%) and ‘Shaping knowledge’ (72%) categories. As for the study methodologies, all studies adopted a traditional randomised control trial (RCT) design, with relatively short follow-ups and limited sample sizes. Findings were not significant for the majority of studies across all CD, with most RCTs revealing a high risk of bias. To support the adoption of apps for CD management, this review reinforces the need for more robust development and appropriate study characteristics to sustain evidence generation and elucidate whether study results reflect the true benefits of apps or a biased estimate due to unsuitable designs.

Exploring the Shift in International Trends in Mobile Health Research From 2000 to 2020: Bibliometric Analysis

BACKGROUND

Smartphones have become an integral part of our lives with unprecedented popularity and a diverse selection of apps. The continuous upgrading of information technology has also enabled smartphones to display great potential in the field of health care.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine the future research direction of mobile health (mHealth) by analyzing its research trends and latest research hotspots.

METHODS

This study collected mHealth-related literature published between 2000 and 2020 from the Web of Science database. Descriptive statistics of publication trends of mHealth research were determined by analyzing the annual number of publications in the literature and annual number of publications by country. We constructed visualization network maps of country (or regional) collaborations and author-provided keyword co-occurrences, as well as overlay visualization maps of the average publication year of author-provided keywords to analyze the hotspots and research trends in mHealth research.

RESULTS

In total, 12,593 mHealth-related research papers published between 2000 and 2020 were found. The results showed an exponential growth trend in the number of annual publications in mHealth literature. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, the Journal of Medical Internet Research, and JMIR Research Protocols were the 3 top journals with respect to number of publications. The United States remained the leading contributor to the literature in this area (5294/12,593, 42.0%), well ahead of other countries and regions. Other countries and regions also showed a clear trend of annual increases in the number of mHealth publications. The 4 countries with the largest number of publications-the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia-were found to cooperate more closely. The rest of the countries and regions showed a clear geographic pattern of cooperation. The keyword co-occurrence analysis of the top 100 authors demonstrated 5 clusters, namely, development of mHealth medical technology and its application to various diseases, use of mHealth technology to improve basic public health and health policy, mHealth self-health testing and management in daily life, adolescent use of mHealth, and mHealth in mental health. The research trends revealed a gradual shift in mHealth research from health policy and improving public health care to the development and social application of mHealth technologies.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, the most current bibliometric analysis dates back to 2016. However, the number of mHealth research published between 2017 and 2020 exceeds the previous total. The results of this study shed light on the latest hotspots and trends in mHealth research. These findings provide a useful overview of the development of the field; they may also serve as a valuable reference and provide guidance for researchers in the digital health field.

Medical Device Regulation Efforts for mHealth Apps during the COVID-19 Pandemic—An Experience Report of Corona Check and Corona Health

Within the healthcare environment, mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) are becoming more and more important. The number of new mHealth apps has risen steadily in the last years. Especially the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an enormous amount of app releases. In most countries, mHealth applications have to be compliant with several regulatory aspects to be declared a “medical app”. However, the latest applicable medical device regulation (MDR) does not provide more details on the requirements for mHealth applications. When developing a medical app, it is essential that all contributors in an interdisciplinary team—especially software engineers—are aware of the specific regulatory requirements beforehand. The development process, however, should not be stalled due to integration of the MDR. Therefore, a developing framework that includes these aspects is required to facilitate a reliable and quick development process. The paper at hand introduces the creation of such a framework on the basis of the Corona Health and Corona Check apps. The relevant regulatory guidelines are listed and summarized as a guidance for medical app developments during the pandemic and beyond. In particular, the important stages and challenges faced that emerged during the entire development process are highlighted.

Can the Human Resources Index (HRI) Be Used as a Process Feedback Measurement in a Structured Support Model for Systematic Work Environment Management?

The aim of the study was to estimate the level of the human resources index (HRI) measure among Swedish municipal employees, and to investigate the association between human resources index (HRI) and relational justice, short-term recovery, work environment-related production loss, and health-related production loss. A cross-sectional design was used with one sample of municipal employees (n = 6402). The results showed a positive association (r = 0.31) between human resources index (HRI) and relational justice; a positive (r = 0.27) association between HRI and short-term recovery; a negative association between HRI and work environment-related production loss (r = −0.37); and a negative association between HRI and health-related production loss (r = −0.23). The findings implicate that HRI captures important aspects of the work environment such as productivity, relational justice, and short-term recovery. The HRI measure is part of a support model used in workplaces to systematically address work environment-related issues. Monitoring changes in the HRI measure, it is possible to determine whether the measures taken effect production loss, perceived leadership, and short-term recovery in a work group. The support model using HRI may thus be used to complement traditional work environment surveys conducted in Swedish organizations as obliged by legal provisions.