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Lee M, Lin X, Chai JZQ, Lee ES, Smith H, Tudor Car L. Smartphone apps for point-of-care information summaries: systematic assessment of the quality and content. BMJ Evid Based Med 2023; 28:320-327. [PMID: 36922021 DOI: 10.1136/bmjebm-2022-112146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinicians need easy access to evidence-based information to inform their clinical practice. Point-of-care information summaries are increasingly available in the form of smartphone apps. However, the quality of information from the apps is questionable as there is currently no regulation on the content of the medical apps. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to systematically assess the quality and content of the medical apps providing point-of-care information summaries that were available in two major app stores. We evaluated apps designed specifically for healthcare professionals and assessed their content development, editorial policy, coverage of medical conditions and trustworthiness. METHODS We conducted a systematic assessment of medical apps providing point-of-care information summaries available in Google Play and Apple app stores. Apps launched or updated since January 2020 were identified through a systematic search using 42matters. Apps meeting the inclusion criteria were downloaded and assessed. The data extraction and app assessment were done in parallel and independently by at least two reviewers. Apps were evaluated against the adapted criteria: (1) general characteristics, (2) content presentation of the summaries, (3) editorial quality, (4) evidence-based methodology, (5) coverage (volume) of the medical conditions, (6) usability of apps and (7) trustworthiness of the app based on HONcode principles. HONcode principles are guidelines used to inform users about the credibility and reliability of health information online. The results were reported as a narrative review. RESULTS Eight medical apps met the inclusion criteria and were systematically appraised. Based on our evaluation criteria, UpToDate supported 16 languages, and all other apps were English. Bullet points and brief paragraphs were used in all apps, and only DynaMed and Micromedex and Pathway-medical knowledge provided a formal grading system for the strength of recommendations for all the medical conditions in their apps. All the other apps either lacked a formal grading system altogether or offered one for some of the medical conditions. About 30% of the editorial quality assessment and 47.5% of the evidence-based methodology assessment were unclear or missing. UpToDate contained the most point-of-care evidence-based documents with >10 500 documents. All apps except 5-Minute Clinical Consult and DynaMed and Micromedex were available for offline access. Only Medscape complied with the HONcode principles. CONCLUSIONS Future apps should report a more detailed evidence-based methodology, be accessible for offline use and support search in more than one language. There should be clearer information provided in future apps regarding the declaration of authorship and conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricette Lee
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Xiaowen Lin
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Joanne Zhi Qi Chai
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Eng Sing Lee
- Family Medicine and Primary Care, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Helen Smith
- Family Medicine and Primary Care, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Lorainne Tudor Car
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Ncube B, Mars M, Scott RE. Recommendations for Developing a Telemedicine Strategy for Botswana: A Meta-Synthesis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6718. [PMID: 37754578 PMCID: PMC10530668 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20186718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Botswana is developing its eHealth capacity using a National eHealth Strategy. However, that strategy overlooks telemedicine, a potential solution for many healthcare challenges. For telemedicine to benefit Botswana, a telemedicine-specific strategy is required. While establishing a national strategy is a sovereign responsibility, guidance and recommendations can be provided. Using published resources specific to Botswana, key health-related issues were identified. These issues were matched with suitable telemedicine activities and delivery approaches. Recommendations were then derived from these for use in an effective telemedicine-specific strategy for Botswana. From 28 health-related issues, 6 were prioritised. Three telemedicine activities were identified (clinical services, education, and behaviour change), and one delivery approach was chosen (store-and-forward) because they align well with current needs, infrastructure, and mobile phone user capabilities. Since telemedicine has been proven to be effective, efficient, and cost-effective when implemented correctly, this knowledge and experience, plus a recognised strategy development framework, has led to evidence-based recommendations. Specific telemedicine options were identified as examples. As confidence grows, telemedicine options can be expanded to address additional clinical needs and explore alternative activities and delivery options. The recommendations can help the government develop a telemedicine-specific strategy that aligns with the National eHealth Strategy while actively promoting and supporting the adoption and system integration of straightforward telemedicine interventions. This foundation will facilitate the future expansion of telemedicine initiatives for the benefit of all Batswana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benson Ncube
- Department of TeleHealth, School of Nursing & Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa; (M.M.); (R.E.S.)
| | - Maurice Mars
- Department of TeleHealth, School of Nursing & Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa; (M.M.); (R.E.S.)
| | - Richard E. Scott
- Department of TeleHealth, School of Nursing & Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa; (M.M.); (R.E.S.)
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada
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Aksan F, Tanriverdi LH, Figueredo CJ, Barrera LC, Hasham A, Jariwala SP. The impact of smartphone applications on bowel preparation, compliance with appointments, cost-effectiveness, and patients' quality of life for the colonoscopy process: A scoping review. Saudi J Gastroenterol 2022; 29:71-87. [PMID: 36073572 DOI: 10.4103/sjg.sjg_207_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this scoping review is to evaluate the impact of smartphone application (SPA) technology in patients undergoing elective colonoscopy to measure compliance with appointments, cost-effectiveness, bowel preparation, and quality of life. The scoping review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. Ovid Medline, Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and PubMed were screened up to Oct 14, 2020, and bibliographies of the retrieved articles were included. Based on pre-specified inclusion and exclusion criteria, 8 primary studies were included in the final analysis from a total of 3,979 non-duplicate articles. Seven out of eight studies measured the bowel preparation quality. In six of these studies, patients in the smartphone group had a successful bowel preparation when compared with the control arm; on the other hand, one study did not find any differences between groups. Adherence to colonoscopy screening was assessed by one study. Patients in the digital intervention arm were significantly more likely to complete a screening test. Patient satisfaction during the periprocedural period of colonoscopy was assessed by five studies which reported significantly higher patient satisfaction in the intervention arm compared to the control arm. None of the studies measured cost-effectiveness. We came to the conclusion that a well-designed, user-friendly SPA can help and guide patients undergoing colonoscopy through the process of following up on their appointments, adhering to bowel preparation, and better understanding their disease condition. Future trials investigating SPAs should include cost-effectiveness and adherence to appointments as an endpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feyzullah Aksan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Lokman H Tanriverdi
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Carlos Jose Figueredo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | | | - Alia Hasham
- Department of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Sunit P Jariwala
- Montefiore Einstein Innovation Biodesign Training Program; Clinical and Research Innovation, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center; Department of Allergy and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
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Koh E, Maranga A, Yane T, Ndlovu K, Jereni B, Nwako-Mohamadi MK, Kovarik C, Forrestel A, Williams VL. Evaluation of WhatsApp as a Platform for Teledermatology in Botswana: Retrospective Review and Survey. JMIR DERMATOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.2196/35254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
In emerging market countries in sub-Saharan Africa, access to specialty services such as dermatology is limited. Teledermatology is an innovative solution to address this issue; however, many initiatives have been tried without sustained success. Recently, WhatsApp has been used as a store-and-forward telemedicine communication platform for consultation and education in Botswana.
Objective
This study aims to describe the utilization of WhatsApp for teledermatology and the satisfaction levels of participating providers.
Methods
A 2-part pilot study was conducted. First, a retrospective review was performed of WhatsApp communications received by participating dermatologists in Gaborone, Botswana, from January 2016 to December 2019. Sender information, patient demographics and history, response time, diagnoses made, and follow-up recommendations were collected. Second, a 12-question cross-sectional survey was distributed to health care providers who utilized WhatsApp for teledermatology during this period. Descriptive statistics were then performed.
Results
There were 811 communication threads over the study period. The majority (503/811, 62%) of communications were consultations from providers inquiring about a specific patient, followed by multidisciplinary care coordination communications (90/811, 11%). Our in-depth analysis focused on the former. In 323 (64%) provider consultations, dermatologists responded within 1 hour. A diagnosis was made in 274 (55%) consultations. Dermatologists gave treatment recommendations remotely in 281 (56%) consultations and recommended an in-person dermatology visit in 163 (32%). Of the 150 health care providers surveyed, 23 (15%) responded. All respondents (100%) felt that there was a need for teledermatology and improved teledermatology education in Botswana. Moreover, 17 (74%) respondents strongly felt that the guidance received via WhatsApp was high quality, and 22 (96%) were satisfied with WhatsApp as a platform for teledermatology.
Conclusions
This retrospective review and survey demonstrated that WhatsApp is a quick, well-received, and sustainable method of communication between dermatologists and providers across Botswana. The app may offer a solution to the challenges providers face in accessing specialty referral systems, point-of-care education, and medical decision-making support for complex dermatologic cases in Botswana. The information gained from this pilot study can serve as the basis for future telemedicine studies to improve the implementation of teledermatology in Botswana and other resource-limited countries.
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Mutebi M, Dehar N, Nogueira LM, Shi K, Yabroff KR, Gyawali B. Cancer Groundshot: Building a Robust Cancer Control Platform in Addition To Launching the Cancer Moonshot. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2022; 42:1-16. [PMID: 35561297 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_359521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cancer Groundshot is a philosophy that calls for prioritization of strategies in global cancer control. The underlying principle of Cancer Groundshot is that one must ensure access to interventions that are already proven to work before focusing on the development of new interventions. In this article, we discuss the philosophy of Cancer Groundshot as it pertains to priorities in cancer care and research in low- and middle-income countries and the utility of technology in addressing global cancer disparities; we also address disparities seen in high-income countries. The oncology community needs to realign our priorities and focus on improving access to high-value cancer control strategies, rather than allocating resources primarily to the development of technologies that provide only marginal gains at a high cost. There are several "low-hanging fruit" actions that will improve access to quality cancer care in low- and middle-income countries and in high-income countries. Worldwide, cancer morbidity and mortality can be averted by implementing highly effective, low-cost interventions that are already known to work, rather than investing in the development of resource-intensive interventions to which most patients will not have access (i.e., we can use Cancer Groundshot to first save more lives before we focus on the "moonshots").
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Mutebi
- Breast Surgical Oncology, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Navdeep Dehar
- Department of Oncology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leticia M Nogueira
- Department of Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| | - Kewei Shi
- Department of Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| | - K Robin Yabroff
- Department of Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| | - Bishal Gyawali
- Department of Oncology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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Kadimo K, Mutshewa A, Kebaetse MB. Understanding the role of the bring-your-own-device policy in medical education and healthcare delivery at the University of Botswana’s Faculty of Medicine. INFORMATION AND LEARNING SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1108/ils-09-2021-0077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
Seeking to leverage on benefits of personal mobile device use, medical schools and healthcare facilities are increasingly embracing the use of personal mobile devices for medical education and healthcare delivery through bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies. However, empirical research findings that could guide the development of BYOD policies are scarce. Available research is dominated by studies that were guided by technocentric approaches, hence seemingly overlooking the complexities of the interactions of actors in mobile device technologies implementation. The purpose of this study was to use the actor–network theory to explore the potential role of a BYOD policy at the University of Botswana’s Faculty of Medicine.
Design/methodology/approach
Purposive sampling was used to select the participants and interviews, focus group discussions, observations and document analysis were used to collect data. Data were collected from 27 participants and analysed using grounded theory techniques. Emerging themes were continually compared and contrasted with incoming data to create broad themes and sub-themes and to establish relationships or patterns from the data.
Findings
The results suggest that the potential roles for BYOD policy include promoting appropriate mobile device use, promoting equitable access to mobile devices and content, and integrating mobile devices into medical education, healthcare delivery and other institutional processes.
Research limitations/implications
BYOD policy could be conceptualized and researched as a “script” that binds actors/actants into a “network” of constituents (with shared interests) such as medical schools and healthcare facilities, mobile devices, internet/WiFi, computers, software, computer systems, medical students, clinical teachers or doctors, nurses, information technology technicians, patients, curriculum, information sources or content, classrooms, computer labs and infections.
Practical implications
BYOD is a policy that seeks to represent the interests (presents as a solution to their problems) of the key stakeholders such as medical schools, healthcare facilities and mobile device users. BYOD is introduced in medical schools and healthcare facilities to promote equitable access to mobile devices and content, appropriate mobile device use and ensure distribution of liability between the mobile device users and the institution and address the implication of mobile device use in teaching and learning.
Originality/value
The BYOD policy is a comprehensive solution that transcends other institutional policies and regulations to fully integrate mobile devices in medical education and healthcare delivery.
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Bolatli G, Kizil H. The Effect of Mobile Learning on Student Success and Anxiety in Teaching Genital System Anatomy. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2022; 15:155-165. [PMID: 33524208 DOI: 10.1002/ase.2059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The widespread use of smartphones has led to the emergence of new mobile learning tools. The aim of this study was to compare traditional methods to mobile learning applications, and their effect on the academic achievement and anxiety levels of students learning genital system anatomy. This research study was a randomized controlled study conducted with students who took anatomy between November and December 2018. The cohort consisted of 63 students who met the sampling criteria. Groups (control = 31, experimental = 32) were randomly selected using a simple number table. The mobile application developed for the experimental group was installed on the students' mobile devices with the extension "genitalsystem.apk." The anatomy of the genital system was taught to the control group using the standard curriculum and to the experimental group using the mobile application. After teaching the anatomy of the genital system, the state anxiety levels of the students in the control group were determined to be higher at 45.6 (±8.7) than the experimental group at 40.4 (±8.3) as measured by the 20-80 point STAI scale. The posttest examination average of the control group was 8.9 (±6.9) out of 22 or 40.4 (±6.9)% and the posttest average of the experimental group using mobile application was 14.9 (±5.5) or 67.7 (±5.5)%. State anxiety levels and examination grades showed a highly significant difference in favor of the experimental group. These results indicate that using mobile applications when teaching anatomy may be an effective method to enhance learning and reduce anxiety levels when compared to the traditional teaching methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Güneş Bolatli
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Siirt University, Siirt, Turkey
| | - Hamiyet Kizil
- Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Beykent University, İstanbul, Turkey
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8
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Jasim W. Knowledge assessment of medical students’ college regarding the suitability of e-learning application in medical education. MEDICAL JOURNAL OF BABYLON 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/mjbl.mjbl_56_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Dodoo JE, Al-Samarraie H, Alsswey A. The development of telemedicine programs in Sub-Saharan Africa: Progress and associated challenges. HEALTH AND TECHNOLOGY 2021; 12:33-46. [PMID: 34849325 PMCID: PMC8613515 DOI: 10.1007/s12553-021-00626-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Monitoring the progress of telemedicine use in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries has received a considerable attention from many health organizations and governmental agencies. This study reviewed the current progress and challenges in relation to the development of telemedicine programs in SSA. The results from reviewing 66 empirical studies revealed an unbalanced progress across SSA countries. Further, technological, organisational, legal and regulatory, individual, financial, and cultural aspects were identified as the major barriers to the success of telemedicine development in SSA. This study reported the current trends in telemedicine application, as well as highlighting critical barriers for consideration by healthcare decision makers. The outcomes from this study offer a number of recommendations to support wider implementation and sustainable usage of telemedicine in SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Eva Dodoo
- College of Distance Education, Department of Business Studies, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.,College of Distance Education, Department of Business Studies, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Hosam Al-Samarraie
- School of Design, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,Centre for Instructional Technology & Multimedia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Ahmed Alsswey
- Department of Multimedia Technology, AL-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
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Prakash AV, Das S. Medical practitioner's adoption of intelligent clinical diagnostic decision support systems: A mixed-methods study. INFORMATION & MANAGEMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.im.2021.103524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Jalali P, Gholizadeh Z, Kouh Soltani M, Kouhsoltani M. Design and Evaluation of DentAll Mobile Software for Dental Education. JOURNAL OF ADVANCES IN MEDICAL EDUCATION & PROFESSIONALISM 2021; 9:221-229. [PMID: 34692860 PMCID: PMC8521218 DOI: 10.30476/jamp.2021.90771.1423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The use of new learning methods to improve the educational processes is inevitable in the field of dentistry. Due to the positive effects of mobile learning on the students' learning and skills, we decided to design a software in the required areas. Considerations of systemic diseases, medications, emergencies, prophylaxis, tests interpretation, lesions diagnosis, cephalometric, and cast analysis were the topics required. METHODS This semi-experimental study was carried out in Faculty of Dentistry, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences during 2020. DentAll software was developed using Android Studio software. It is an educational and decision-making support system. The satisfaction and perceptions of 10 professors, 5 post-graduate students, and 30 senior dental students about the designed software were assessed using a questionnaire based on a 5-part Likert scale. The senior students were invited and the pre-test was taken to assess the students' knowledge; then, the designed software was provided by the administrator. At the end of the process, the post-test was taken. Paired samples t-test was used to compare the results of the pre-test and post-test. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 17.0. The significance level was established at a P < 0.05. RESULTS The mean scores of the pre-test and post-test were 16.5 ± 1.49 and 18.2 ± 0.99, respectively. The statistical analysis showed that the difference between the mean scores of the pre-test and post-test was statistically significant (p< 0.001). 46.7% of the professors and post-graduate students expressed their overall satisfaction as very high, 46.7% as high, and 6.7% as average. Furthermore, 50% of the students expressed their overall satisfaction as very high, 36.7% as high, and 13.3% as moderate. CONCLUSION The designed comprehensive software satisfied the students and the professors who used it and the students' scores increased after use. This software had capabilities such as easy access to the resources, learning anytime and anywhere, increasing the students' interest and motivation, etc. from the point of view of the commentators. To the best of our knowledge, this comprehensive educational aid has not been designed previously and it was effective in improving the students' learning, scientific knowledge and treatment planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Jalali
- Dental and Periodontal Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Minou Kouh Soltani
- Mianeh Technical and Engineering Faculty, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Maryam Kouhsoltani
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry, Tabriz University of Medical sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Gismalla MDA, Mohamed MS, Ibrahim OSO, Elhassan MMA, Mohamed MN. Medical students' perception towards E-learning during COVID 19 pandemic in a high burden developing country. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2021; 21:377. [PMID: 34246254 PMCID: PMC8271314 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-021-02811-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In High-income countries, many academic institutions are using E-learning during COVID 19 Pandemic. However, in limited-resource countries, like Sudan, shifting towards E-learning requires many adjustments to be made to make sure the E-learning is held in a proper manner, as best as possible. This study was undertaken to assess medical students' perception towards implementing E-learning during COVID 19 Pandemic and to highlight for E-learning implementation in Sudan as an example of a limited-resource setting. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted between 10 and 25 of May 2020 among the undergraduate medical students at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Gezira, Sudan. The study used self-administered online-based questionnaire. E-mail and social media platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp were utilized to disseminate the questionnaire. RESULTS The total numbers of 358 undergraduate medical students responded to the online survey questionnaire. The majority (87.7 %) of students agreed that the closure of the university is an essential decision to control the spread of the COVID-19 infection. Approximately two-thirds (64 %) of students perceived that E-learning is the best solution during COVID 19 lockdown. The level of medical students (Pre-clerkship and Clerkship) and place of residence had significant correlation (p-value < 0.05) with medical students opinion regards starting the E-learning. Internet bandwidth and connectivity limitation, unfamiliarity with E-learning system, technical support limitation and time flexibility in case of technical problems during online exams, and lack of face-to-face interaction were the factors considered by medical students to be against the E-learning implementation. CONCLUSIONS Most medical students had a positive perception of E-learning. However, there are many challenges considered as an inhibitory factor for utilizing electronic technologies for medical education. We recommend that challenges of E-learning in our limited-resource setting should be systematically evaluated and that effective strategies should be developed to overcome their inhibitory effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Omaima Salah O Ibrahim
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Gezira, Medani, Sudan
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Thorp M, Pool KL, Tymchuk C, Saab F. WhatsApp Linking Lilongwe, Malawi to Los Angeles: Impacting Medical Education and Clinical Management. Ann Glob Health 2021; 87:20. [PMID: 33633931 PMCID: PMC7894367 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.3156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Subspecialty expertise is often lacking in clinical environments in low-resource settings. As a result, medically complicated patients can receive suboptimal care, local clinicians can feel inadequately supported, and global health engagements can be difficult for medical trainees accustomed to more expert supervision at their home institutions. Objective We created WhatsApp Messenger discussion groups to connect subspecialists at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) David Geffen School of Medicine with clinicians and rotating global health residents at Partners in Hope (PIH) Medical Center in Lilongwe, Malawi. Methods Case submitters and subspecialist respondents were surveyed about their experience in the discussion groups. Findings Over a three-year period, 95 cases were discussed in ten subspecialty groups, with dermatology and radiology/pulmonology receiving the most submissions. Participants were surveyed and reported excellent educational outcomes; large majorities of both case submitters (89%) and experts (71%) agreed or strongly agreed that the case discussions improved their medical education. The surveys also suggested positive impact on medical management decisions and patient outcomes. The major challenge to our intervention was low utilization of this resource by Malawian clinicians in comparison to medical residents. We hope to further address the barriers to participation and adapt the intervention to better support our Malawian colleagues. Conclusion Because the discussion groups are free to create and require very little maintenance, this intervention can be easily replicated at other institutions looking to augment their global health educational engagements and support their clinical partners abroad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marguerite Thorp
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, US
| | | | - Christopher Tymchuk
- Department of Medicine – Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California, Los Angeles, US
| | - Faysal Saab
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, US
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Ncube B, Mars M, Scott RE. The need for a telemedicine strategy for Botswana? A scoping review and situational assessment. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:794. [PMID: 32843017 PMCID: PMC7448978 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-05653-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Health, healthcare, and healthcare system problems within the developing world are well recognised. eHealth, the use of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) for health, is frequently suggested as one means by which to ameliorate such problems. However, to identify and implement the most appropriate ehealth solutions requires development of a thoughtful and broadly evidence-informed strategy. Most published strategies focus on health informatics solutions, neglecting the potential for other aspects of ehealth (telehealth, telemedicine, elearning, and ecommerce). This study examined the setting in Botswana to determine the need for a telemedicine-specific strategy. Methods A situational assessment of ehealth activities in Botswana was performed through a scoping review of the scientific and grey literature using specified search terms to July 2018; an interview with an official from the major mhealth stakeholder; and benchtop review of policies and other relevant Government documents including the country’s current draft eHealth Strategy. Results Thirty-nine papers were reviewed. Various ehealth technologies have been applied within Botswana. These include Skype for educational activities, instant messaging (WhatsApp for telepathology; SMS for transmission of laboratory test results, patient appointment reminders, and invoicing and bill payment), and robotics for dermatopathology. In addition health informatics technologies have been used for surveillance, monitoring, and access to information by healthcare workers. The number of distinct health information systems has been reduced from 37 to 12, and 9 discrete EMRs remain active within the public health institutions. Many infrastructural issues were identified. A critical assessment of the current draft ehealth strategy document for Botswana showed limitations. Many telemedicine services have been introduced over the years (addressing cervical cancer screening, teledermatology, teleradiology, oral medicine and eye screening), but only one project was confirmed to be active and being scaled up with the intervention of the Government. Conclusions Botswana’s draft ‘ehealth’ strategy will not, in and of itself, nurture innovative growth in the application of telemedicine initiatives, which currently are fragmented and stalled. This lack of focus is preventing telemedicine’s recognised potential from being leveraged. A specific Telemedicine Strategy, aligned with and supportive of the pre-existing ehealth strategy, would provide the necessary focus, stimulus, and guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Ncube
- Department of TeleHealth, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. .,Dynamics Research & Development Institute, Gaborone, Botswana.
| | - M Mars
- Department of TeleHealth, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - R E Scott
- Department of TeleHealth, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.,Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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15
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Mutebi M, Bhatia R, Salako O, Rubagumya F, Grover S, Hammad N. Innovative Use of mHealth and Clinical Technology for Oncology Clinical Trials in Africa. JCO Glob Oncol 2020; 6:948-953. [PMID: 32614724 PMCID: PMC7392770 DOI: 10.1200/jgo.19.00191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Utilization of clinical technology and mobile health (mHealth) is expanding globally. It is important to reflect on how their usage and application could translate in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) settings. With the exponential growth and advancements of mobile and wireless technologies, LMICs are prime to adapt such technologies to potentially democratize and create solutions to health-related challenges. The role of these technologies in oncology clinical trials continues to expand. The lure of mHealth promises disruptive technology that may change the way clinical trials are designed and conducted in many settings. Its applicability in the African context is currently under consideration. Although potentially of expanding benefit, the role of these technologies requires careful and nuanced evaluation of the context in which they might be applied to harness their full potential, while mitigating possible harms or preventing further deepening of disparities within populations. Moreover, technology and digital innovations are no substitute for poor referral pathways and dysfunctional health systems and can only complement or enhance definite strategies aimed at strengthening these health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Fidel Rubagumya
- Rwanda Military Hospital, University of Global Health Equity, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - Nazik Hammad
- Queen's University Cancer Center of Southeastern Ontario, Kingston Health Science Center, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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16
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Pala P, Bergler-Czop BS, Gwiżdż JM. Teledermatology: idea, benefits and risks of modern age - a systematic review based on melanoma. Postepy Dermatol Alergol 2020; 37:159-167. [PMID: 32489348 PMCID: PMC7262815 DOI: 10.5114/ada.2020.94834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Telemedicine may be described as a modern technology supporting health care at a distance. Dermatology, as a visually-dependent specialty, is particularly suited for this kind of the health care model. This has been proven in a number of recent studies, which emphasized feasibility and reliability of teledermatology. Many patients in the world still do not have access to appropriate dermatological care, while skin cancers morbidity is on an upward trend. Technological development has enabled clinicians to care for diverse patient populations in need of skin expertise without increasing their overhead costs. Teledermatology has been used for various purposes: health care workers can use this technology to provide clinical services to patients, to monitor patient health, to consult with other health care providers and to provide patients with access to educational resources. It seems that teledermatology might be the answer to numerous issues concerning diagnosing, screening and managing cancers as well as pigmented skin lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Pala
- Student Scientific Society, Medical School of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
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17
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Straube S, Chang-Bullick J, Nicholaus P, Mfinanga J, Rose C, Nichols T, Hackner D, Murphy S, Sawe H, Tenner A. Novel educational adjuncts for the World Health Organization Basic Emergency Care Course: A prospective cohort study. Afr J Emerg Med 2020; 10:30-34. [PMID: 32161709 PMCID: PMC7058880 DOI: 10.1016/j.afjem.2019.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The World Health Organization's (WHO) Basic Emergency Care Course (BEC) is a five day, in-person course covering basic assessment and life-saving interventions. We developed two novel adjuncts for the WHO BEC: a suite of clinical cases (BEC-Cases) to simulate patient care and a mobile phone application (BEC-App) for reference. The purpose was to determine whether the use of these educational adjuncts in a flipped classroom approach improves knowledge acquisition and retention among healthcare workers in a low-resource setting. Methods We conducted a prospective, cohort study from October 2017 through February 2018 at two district hospitals in the Pwani Region of Tanzania. Descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact t-tests, and Wilcoxon ranked-sum tests were used to examine whether the use of these adjuncts resulted in improved learner knowledge. Participants were enrolled based on location into two arms; Arm 1 received the BEC course and Arm 2 received the BEC-Cases and BEC-App in addition to the BEC course. Both Arms were tested before and after the BEC course, as well as a 7-month follow-up exam. All participants were invited to focus groups on the course and adjuncts. Results A total of 24 participants were included, 12 (50%) of whom were followed to completion. Mean pre-test scores in Arm 1 (50%) were similar to Arm 2 (53%) (p=0.52). Both arms had improved test scores after the BEC Course Arm 1 (74%) and Arm 2 (87%), (p=0.03). At 7-month follow-up, though with significant participant loss to follow up, Arm 1 had a mean follow-up exam score of 66%, and Arm 2, 74%. Discussion Implementation of flipped classroom educational adjuncts for the WHO BEC course is feasible and may improve healthcare worker learning in low resource settings. Our focus- group feedback suggest that the course and adjuncts are user friendly and culturally appropriate.
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18
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Clebone A, Strupp KM, Whitney G, Anderson MR, Hottle J, Fehr J, Yaster M, Schleelein LE, Burian BK, Galvez JA, Lockman JL, Polaner D, Barnett NR, Keane MJ, Manikappa S, Gleich S, Greenberg RS, Vincent A, Oswald SL, Starks R, Licata S. Development and Usability Testing of the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia Pedi Crisis Mobile Application. Anesth Analg 2019; 129:1635-1644. [PMID: 31743185 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000003935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
When life-threatening, critical events occur in the operating room, the fast-paced, high-distraction atmosphere often leaves little time to think or deliberate about management options. Success depends on applying a team approach to quickly implement well-rehearsed, systematic, evidence-based assessment and treatment protocols. Mobile devices offer resources for readily accessible, easily updatable information that can be invaluable during perioperative critical events. We developed a mobile device version of the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia 26 Pediatric Crisis paper checklists-the Pedi Crisis 2.0 application-as a resource to support clinician responses to pediatric perioperative life-threatening critical events. Human factors expertise and principles were applied to maximize usability, such as by clustering information into themes that clinicians utilize when accessing cognitive aids during critical events. The electronic environment allowed us to feature optional diagnostic support, optimized navigation, weight-based dosing, critical institution-specific phone numbers pertinent to emergency response, and accessibility for those who want larger font sizes. The design and functionality of the application were optimized for clinician use in real time during actual critical events, and it can also be used for self-study or review. Beta usability testing of the application was conducted with a convenience sample of clinicians at 9 institutions in 2 countries and showed that participants were able to find information quickly and as expected. In addition, clinicians rated the application as slightly above "excellent" overall on an established measure, the Systems Usability Scale, which is a 10-item, widely used and validated Likert scale created to assess usability for a variety of situations. The application can be downloaded, at no cost, for iOS devices from the Apple App Store and for Android devices from the Google Play Store. The processes and principles used in its development are readily applicable to the development of future mobile and electronic applications for the field of anesthesiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Clebone
- From the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Kim M Strupp
- Department of Anesthesiology, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Gina Whitney
- Department of Anesthesiology, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | | | | | - James Fehr
- Departments of Anesthesiology
- Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis Children's Hospital, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Myron Yaster
- Department of Anesthesiology, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Laura E Schleelein
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Barbara K Burian
- United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
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19
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Rudd KE, Puttkammer N, Antilla J, Richards J, Heffron M, Tolentino H, Jacobs DJ, KatjiuanJo P, Prybylski D, Shepard M, Kumalija JC, Katuma HL, Leon BK, Mgonja NG, Santas XM. Building workforce capacity for effective use of health information systems: Evaluation of a blended eLearning course in Namibia and Tanzania. Int J Med Inform 2019; 131:103945. [PMID: 31561193 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2019.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electronic health information systems (HIS) are critical components of national health systems, and have been identified as a key element in the development and strengthening of health systems globally. Novel approaches are needed to effectively and efficiently train health care workers on the use of HIS. One such approach is the use of digital eLearning programs, either alone or blended with face-to-face learning activities. METHODS We developed a novel blended eLearning course based on an in-person HIS training package previously developed by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We then conducted a pilot implementation of the eLearning course in Namibia and Tanzania. RESULTS The blended eLearning pilot program enrolled 131 people, 72 (55%) from Namibia and 59 (45%) from Tanzania. The majority of enrollees were female (n = 88, 67%) and were nurses (n = 66, 50%). Of the 131 people who participated in the in-person orientation, 95 (73%) completed some or all of the eLearning modules. Across all three modules, the mean score on the post-test was significantly greater than on the pre-test (p < 0.001). When comparing results from previous in-person workshops and the blended eLearning course, we found that participants experienced strong learning gains in both, although learning gains were somewhat greater in the in-person course. Blended eLearning course participants reported good to very good satisfaction with the overall content of the course and with the eLearning modules (3.5 and 3.6 out of 5-point Likert scale). We estimate that the total cost per participant is 2.2-3.4 times greater for the in-person course (estimated cost USD $980) than for the blended eLearning course (estimated cost USD $287-$437). CONCLUSION A blended eLearning course is an effective method with which to train healthcare workers in the basic features of HIS, and the cost is up to 3.4 times less expensive than for an in-person course with similar content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina E Rudd
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nancy Puttkammer
- International Training and Education Center for Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Jennifer Antilla
- International Training and Education Center for Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Janise Richards
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Matthew Heffron
- International Training and Education Center for Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Herman Tolentino
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Daniel J Jacobs
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Dimitri Prybylski
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mark Shepard
- International Training and Education Center for Health - Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - John Claud Kumalija
- Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | | | - Beatus K Leon
- International Training and Education Center for Health - Tanzania, Dar es Salam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Neema Gabriel Mgonja
- International Training and Education Center for Health - Tanzania, Dar es Salam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Xenophon M Santas
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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20
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Hansen WB, Scheier LM. Specialized Smartphone Intervention Apps: Review of 2014 to 2018 NIH Funded Grants. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2019; 7:e14655. [PMID: 31359866 PMCID: PMC6690163 DOI: 10.2196/14655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The widespread adoption of smartphones provides researchers with expanded opportunities for developing, testing and implementing interventions. National Institutes of Health (NIH) funds competitive, investigator-initiated grant applications. Funded grants represent the state of the science and therefore are expected to anticipate the progression of research in the near future. Objective The objective of this paper is to provide an analysis of the kinds of smartphone-based intervention apps funded in NIH research grants during the five-year period between 2014 and 2018. Methods We queried NIH Reporter to identify candidate funded grants that addressed mHealth and the use of smartphones. From 1524 potential grants, we identified 397 that met the requisites of including an intervention app. Each grant’s abstract was analyzed to understand the focus of intervention. The year of funding, type of activity (eg, R01, R34, and so on) and funding were noted. Results We identified 13 categories of strategies employed in funded smartphone intervention apps. Most grants included either one (35.0%) or two (39.0%) intervention approaches. These included artificial intelligence (57 apps), bionic adaptation (33 apps), cognitive and behavioral therapies (68 apps), contingency management (24 apps), education and information (85 apps), enhanced motivation (50 apps), facilitating, reminding and referring (60 apps), gaming and gamification (52 apps), mindfulness training (18 apps), monitoring and feedback (192 apps), norm setting (7 apps), skills training (85 apps) and social support and social networking (59 apps). The most frequently observed grant types included Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants (40.8%) and Research Project Grants (R01s) (26.2%). The number of grants funded increased through the five-year period from 60 in 2014 to 112 in 2018. Conclusions Smartphone intervention apps are increasingly competitive for NIH funding. They reflect a wide diversity of approaches that have significant potential for use in applied settings.
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21
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J Limaye R, Ballard Sara A, Ahmed N, Ohkbuo S, Deka S, Mickish Gross C, Arnold R. Enhancing the Knowledge and Behaviors of Fieldworkers to Promote Family Planning and Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health in Bangladesh Through a Digital Health Training Package: Results From a Pilot Study. INTERNATIONAL QUARTERLY OF COMMUNITY HEALTH EDUCATION 2019; 40:143-149. [PMID: 31274369 DOI: 10.1177/0272684x19861866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Community health workers, also known as fieldworkers (FWs), are frontline health-care providers in Bangladesh, where unmet need in family planning outcomes related to maternal and child health are high. A digital health intervention provided netbook computers to Bangladeshi FWs with eLearning courses and an eToolkit, which included material on family planning, maternal, newborn, and child health topics to enhance FWs’ knowledge and skills. To understand how the intervention affected FW’s knowledge and counseling behavior, this pre-poststudy measured FWs’ knowledge related to family planning, maternal, newborn, child health, and counseling on family topics before and after the pilot. Bivariate analyses were used to determine changes in FW knowledge, and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine changes in behavior, comparing knowledge and behaviors prepilot to postpilot. Comparing mean knowledge scores after and before the pilot, the difference in mean scores was significant ( p < .05) related to knowledge of benefits of birth spacing (1.26) and benefits of a small family (1.3) and related to maternal health, anemia prevention (0.95), and recommended number of antenatal care visits (0.13). Regarding newborn and child health, the difference in mean scores was significantly ( p < .05) related to knowledge of proper attachment for breastfeeding (3.56) and signs of adequate breast milk supply (1.08). Postintervention, FWs were significantly more likely to counsel couples on all available contraceptive options (adjusted odds ratio: 4.64; 95% CI [3.16, 6.83]) and birth spacing benefits (adjusted odds ratio: 4.54; 95% CI [3.17, 6.50]). Digital health training approaches can improve FWs’ knowledge and counseling skills within an international context, specifically in low-resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupali J Limaye
- Johns Hopkins University Center for Communication Programs, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anne Ballard Sara
- Johns Hopkins University Center for Communication Programs, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Naheed Ahmed
- Johns Hopkins University Center for Communication Programs, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Saori Ohkbuo
- Johns Hopkins University Center for Communication Programs, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sidhartha Deka
- American International Health Alliance, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Rebecca Arnold
- Johns Hopkins University Center for Communication Programs, Baltimore, MD, USA
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22
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Bring-your-own-device in medical schools and healthcare facilities: A review of the literature. Int J Med Inform 2018; 119:94-102. [PMID: 30342692 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2018.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enabling personal mobile device use through a bring-your-own device (BYOD) policy can potentially save significant costs for medical schools and healthcare facilities, as they would not always have to acquire facility-owned devices. The BYOD policy is also perceived as a driver for balancing user needs for convenience with institutional needs for security. However, there seems to be a paucity in the literature on BYOD policy development, policy evaluation, and evaluation of mobile device implementation projects. OBJECTIVE This review explored the literature to identify BYOD policy components (issues, interventions, and guidelines) that could potentially inform BYOD policy development and implementation in medical schools and healthcare facilities. METHODS A literature search on PubMed, Web of Science, and Ebscohost (Academic Search Premier, ERIC, CINAHL, and MEDLINE) was conducted using the following search terms and their synonyms: healthcare facilities, mobile devices, BYOD, privacy and confidentiality, and health records. We developed a review matrix to capture the main aspects of each article and coded the matrix for emerging themes. The database and hand search yielded 1 594 articles, 14 of which were deemed as meeting the inclusion criteria. RESULTS Several themes emerging from the analysis include: device management, data security, medical applications, information technology, education and/or curriculum, policy, and guidelines. The guidelines theme seems to provide a direction for BYOD policy development and implementation while the policy theme seems to be the comprehensive solution that synergizes BYOD implementation. CONCLUSION Rather than an approach of 'chasing' issues with interventions, a more feasible approach towards achieving a safe mobile device use environment is through the development of comprehensive BYOD policies that would balance users' need for convenience with organizational security and patient privacy. The paucity in peer-reviewed literature calls for robust research that uses socio-technical approaches to development and evaluation of BYOD policies in medical schools and healthcare facilities.
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Huh J, Koola J, Contreras A, Castillo AK, Ruiz M, Tedone KG, Yakuta M, Schiaffino MK. Consumer Health Informatics Adoption among Underserved Populations: Thinking beyond the Digital Divide. Yearb Med Inform 2018; 27:146-155. [PMID: 30157518 PMCID: PMC6115231 DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1641217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives:
Underserved populations can benefit from consumer health informatics (CHI) that promotes self-management at a lower cost. However, prior literature suggested that the digital divide and low motivation constituted barriers to CHI adoption. Despite increased Internet use, underserved populations continue to show slow CHI uptake. The aim of the paper is to revisit barriers and facilitators that may impact CHI adoption among underserved populations.
Methods:
We surveyed the past five years of literature. We searched PubMed for articles published between 2012 and 2017 that describe empirical evaluations involving CHI use by underserved populations. We abstracted and summarized data about facilitators and barriers impacting CHI adoption.
Results:
From 645 search results, after abstract and full-text screening, 13 publications met the inclusion criteria of identifying barriers to and facilitators of underserved populations' CHI adoption. Contrary to earlier literature, the studies suggested that the motivation to improve health literacy and adopt technology was high among studied populations. Beyond the digital divide, barriers included: low health and computer literacy, challenges in accepting the presented information, poor usability, and unclear content. Factors associated with increased use were: user needs for information, user-access mediated by a proxy person, and early user engagement in system design.
Conclusions:
While the digital divide remains a barrier, newer studies show that high motivation for CHI use exists. However, simply gaining access to technology is not sufficient to improve adoption unless CHI technology is tailored to address user needs. Future interventions should consider building larger empirical evidence on identifying CHI barriers and facilitators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jina Huh
- Michigan State University, MI, USA
| | - Jejo Koola
- University of California San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Alejandro Contreras
- Institute for Behavioral and Community Health, San Diego State University, CA, USA
| | - Alanah Kp Castillo
- Institute for Behavioral and Community Health, San Diego State University, CA, USA
| | - Melissa Ruiz
- Institute for Behavioral and Community Health, San Diego State University, CA, USA
| | - Keely G Tedone
- Institute for Behavioral and Community Health, San Diego State University, CA, USA
| | - Melissa Yakuta
- Institute for Behavioral and Community Health, San Diego State University, CA, USA
| | - Melody K Schiaffino
- Institute for Behavioral and Community Health, San Diego State University, CA, USA
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24
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From HIV prevention to non-communicable disease health promotion efforts in sub-Saharan Africa: A Narrative Review. AIDS 2018; 32 Suppl 1:S63-S73. [PMID: 29952792 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000001879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To synthesize published literature on noncommunicable disease (NCD) behavior change communication (BCC) interventions in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) among persons living with HIV (PLHIV) and in the general population to inform efforts to adopt similar HIV and NCD BCC intervention activities. METHODS We conducted a literature review of NCD BCC interventions and included 20 SSA-based studies. Inclusion criteria entailed describing a BCC intervention targeting any four priority NCDs (cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cervical cancer, and depression) or both HIV and any of the NCDs. The RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework was used to assess potential public health impact of these studies. We also solicited expert opinions from 10 key informants on the topic of HIV/NCD health promotion in five SSA countries. RESULTS The BCC interventions reviewed targeted multiple parts of the HIV and NCD continuum at both individual and community levels. Various strategies (i.e. health education, social marketing, motivational interviewing, mobile health, and peer support) were employed. However, few studies addressed more than one dimension of the RE-AIM framework. Opinions solicited from the key informants supported the feasibility of integrating HIV and NCD BCC interventions in SSA potentially improving access, service provision and service demand, especially for marginalized and vulnerable populations. CONCLUSION Although HIV/NCD integration can improve effectiveness of preventive services at individual and community levels, potential public health impact of such approaches remain unknown as reach, adoptability, and sustainability of both integrated and nonintegrated NCD BCC approaches published to date have not been well characterized.
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Nimkar S, Gilles EE. Improving Global Health With Smartphone Technology. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF E-HEALTH AND MEDICAL COMMUNICATIONS 2018. [DOI: 10.4018/ijehmc.2018070101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The widespread use of smartphones makes them a popular platform for healthcare applications. This article reveals the global trends and overarching goals of mHealth initiatives that seek to enhance healthcare quality, increase access to health services, and improve global health communication. Three main themes emerged from this study: a) the impact of mHealth on international public health, b) overcoming mhealth barriers, and c) emerging mHealth technologies. The costs of developing mHealth apps and handling related data security concerns are the key barriers which need to be addressed to successfully implement global mHealth campaigns. Future directions of mHealth research are discussed, including the integration of new technologies, development of innovative healthcare systems, and overall improvement of global healthcare.
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Abstract
We aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of depression using mobile based mental health Global Action Programme Intervention guide (mhGAP-IG) in remote health care settings where most priority mental health problems are managed by non-mental health specialists and evaluate the feasibility of the application. Adult patients were recruited from four rural public health facilities in Kenya using systematic random sampling and screened for depression. There were no missing items since the application prevented saving of data unless all the items were answered. The prevalence of depression was 25% with suicidal behavior being the most significant comorbid problem. Older age, personal and a family history of a mental disorder were significantly correlated with depression. Exploring the use of health-related mobile applications in identification of priority mental health problems is useful notably in low-resource settings; and also forms a basis for prevention of mental disorders and intervention at acute stages.
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Kameda-Smith MM, Iorio-Morin C, Winkler-Schwartz A, Ahmed US, Bergeron D, Bigder M, Dakson A, Elliott CA, Guha D, Lavergne P, Makarenko S, Taccone MS, Tso M, Wang B, Fortin D. Smartphone Usage Patterns by Canadian Neurosurgery Residents: A National Cross-Sectional Survey. World Neurosurg 2017; 111:e465-e470. [PMID: 29277596 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2017.12.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smartphones and their apps are used ubiquitously in medical practice. However, in some cases their use can be at odds with current patient data safety regulations such as Canada's Personal Health Information Protection Act of 2004. To assess current practices and inform mobile application development, we sought to better understand mobile device usage patterns among Canadian neurosurgery residents. METHODS Through the Canadian Neurosurgery Research Collaborative, an online survey characterizing smartphone ownership and usage patterns was developed and sent to all Canadian neurosurgery resident in April of 2016. Questionnaires were collected and completed surveys analyzed. RESULTS Of 146 eligible residents, 76 returned completed surveys (52% response rate). Of these 99% of respondents owned a smartphone, with 79% running on Apple's iOS. Four general mobile uses were identified: 1) communication between members of the medical team, 2) decision support, 3) medical reference, and 4) documentation through medical photography. Communication and photography were areas where the most obvious breaches in the Canadian Personal Health Information Protection Act were noted, with 89% of respondents taking pictures of patients' radiologic studies and 75% exchanging them with Short Message System. Hospital policies had no impact on user behaviors. CONCLUSIONS Smartphones are used daily by most neurosurgery residents. Identified usage patterns are associated with perceived gains in efficacy and challenges in privacy and data reliability. We believe creating and improving workflows that address these usage patterns has a greater potential to improve privacy than changing policies and enforcing regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Uzair S Ahmed
- Division of Neurosurgery, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - David Bergeron
- Division of Neurosurgery, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Mark Bigder
- Division of Neurosurgery, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Ayoub Dakson
- Division of Neurosurgery, University of Dalhousie, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Cameron A Elliott
- Division of Neurosurgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Daipayan Guha
- Division of Neurosurgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Pascal Lavergne
- Division of Neurosurgery, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Serge Makarenko
- Division of Neurosurgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Michael Tso
- Division of Neurosurgery, Calgary University, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Bill Wang
- Division of Neurosurgery, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - David Fortin
- Division of Neurosurgery, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
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Petrucci AM, Chand M, Wexner SD. Social Media: Changing the Paradigm for Surgical Education. Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2017; 30:244-251. [PMID: 28924397 DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1604252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The role of social media (SoMe) in surgical education is emerging as a tool that augments and complements traditional learning. As SoMe usage has steadily increased in our personal and professional lives, it is no surprise that it has permeated into surgical education. Different SoMe sites offer distinct platforms from which knowledge can be transmitted, while catering to various learning styles. The purpose of this review is to outline the various SoMe platforms and their use in surgical education. Moreover, it will discuss their effectiveness in teaching and learning surgical knowledge and skills as well as other potential roles SoMe has to offer to improve surgical education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M Petrucci
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, Florida
| | - Manish Chand
- University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Steven D Wexner
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, Florida
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McHenry MS, Fischer LJ, Chun Y, Vreeman RC. A systematic review of portable electronic technology for health education in resource-limited settings. Glob Health Promot 2017; 26:70-81. [PMID: 28832243 DOI: 10.1177/1757975917715035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review of the literature of how portable electronic technologies with offline functionality are perceived and used to provide health education in resource-limited settings. METHODS Three reviewers evaluated articles and performed a bibliography search to identify studies describing health education delivered by portable electronic device with offline functionality in low- or middle-income countries. Data extracted included: study population; study design and type of analysis; type of technology used; method of use; setting of technology use; impact on caregivers, patients, or overall health outcomes; and reported limitations. RESULTS Searches yielded 5514 unique titles. Out of 75 critically reviewed full-text articles, 10 met inclusion criteria. Study locations included Botswana, Peru, Kenya, Thailand, Nigeria, India, Ghana, and Tanzania. Topics addressed included: development of healthcare worker training modules, clinical decision support tools, patient education tools, perceptions and usability of portable electronic technology, and comparisons of technologies and/or mobile applications. Studies primarily looked at the assessment of developed educational modules on trainee health knowledge, perceptions and usability of technology, and comparisons of technologies. Overall, studies reported positive results for portable electronic device-based health education, frequently reporting increased provider/patient knowledge, improved patient outcomes in both quality of care and management, increased provider comfort level with technology, and an environment characterized by increased levels of technology-based, informal learning situations. Negative assessments included high investment costs, lack of technical support, and fear of device theft. CONCLUSIONS While the research is limited, portable electronic educational resources present promising avenues to increase access to effective health education in resource-limited settings, contingent on the development of culturally adapted and functional materials to be used on such devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan S McHenry
- 1. Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,2. Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Lydia J Fischer
- 1. Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,2. Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Yeona Chun
- 1. Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Rachel C Vreeman
- 1. Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,2. Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya.,3. Moi University, College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Department of Child Health and Paediatrics, Eldoret, Kenya
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Krishnasamy C, Ong SY, Yock Y, Lim I, Rees R, Car J. Factors influencing the implementation, adoption, use, sustainability and scalability of mLearning for medical and nursing education: a systematic review protocol. Syst Rev 2016; 5:178. [PMID: 27756442 PMCID: PMC5069977 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-016-0354-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND mLearning is increasingly presented as an attractive novel educational strategy for medical and nursing education. Yet, evidence base for its effectiveness or factors which influence use, success, implementation or adoption are not clear. We aim to synthesise findings from qualitative studies to provide insight into the factors (barriers and facilitators) influencing adoption, implementation and use of mobile devices for learning in medical and nursing education. The review also aims to identify factors or actions which are considered to optimise the experience and satisfaction of educators and learners in using mobile technologies for medical and nursing education and to identify strategies for improving mLearning interventions for medical and nursing education. METHODS A systematic search will be conducted across a range of databases for studies describing or evaluating the experiences, barriers, facilitators and factors pertaining to the use of mLearning for medical and nursing education. The framework synthesis approach will be used to organise and bring different components of the results together. The confidence in the qualitative review findings will be assessed using the CERQual approach. DISCUSSION This study will contribute to the planning and design of effective mLearning and the development of mLearning guidelines for medical and nursing education. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42016035411.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charmaine Krishnasamy
- HOMER, Education Development Office, National Healthcare Group, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 7 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Annex 2 (Level 3, West Wing), Singapore, 308440, Singapore
| | - Sik Yin Ong
- HOMER, Education Development Office, National Healthcare Group, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 7 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Annex 2 (Level 3, West Wing), Singapore, 308440, Singapore
| | - Yvonne Yock
- HOMER, Education Development Office, National Healthcare Group, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 7 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Annex 2 (Level 3, West Wing), Singapore, 308440, Singapore
| | - Issac Lim
- HOMER, Education Development Office, National Healthcare Group, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 7 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Annex 2 (Level 3, West Wing), Singapore, 308440, Singapore
| | - Rebecca Rees
- Evidence for Policy and Practice Information and Co-ordinating Centre (EPPI-Centre), Social Science Research Unit, Department of Social Science, UCL Institute of Education, University College London, 18 Woburn Square, London, WC1H0NR, UK
| | - Josip Car
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 3 Fusionopolis Link, #06-13, Nexus@One-North, South Tower, Singapore, 138543, Singapore. .,Global eHealth Unit, Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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Chou WY, Tien PT, Lin FY, Chiu PC. Application of visually based, computerised diagnostic decision support system in dermatological medical education: a pilot study. Postgrad Med J 2016; 93:256-259. [PMID: 27591194 DOI: 10.1136/postgradmedj-2016-134328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical education has shifted from memory-based practice to evidence-based decisions. The question arises: how can we ensure that all students get correct and systematic information? Visually based, computerised diagnostic decision support system (VCDDSS, VisualDx) may just fit our needs. A pilot study was conducted to investigate its role in medical education and clinical practice. METHODS This was a prospective study, including one consultant dermatologist, 51 medical students and 13 dermatology residents, conducted in the dermatology teaching clinic at China Medical University Hospital from 30 December 2014 to 21 April 2015. Clinical diagnoses of 13 patients were made before and after using VCDDSS. Questionnaires were filled out at the end. The consultant dermatologist's diagnosis was defined as the standard answer; the Sign test was used to analyse diagnostic accuracy and the Fisher exact test to analyse questionnaires. RESULTS There was an 18.75% increase in diagnostic accuracy after use of VCDDSS (62.5-81.25%; p value <0.01). Significant associations were found in diagnostic assistance in terms of user factors such as accessibility, interface satisfaction, quality of imaging, textual description, and a Chinese language interface option (p value<0.01). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that VCDDSS increases diagnostic accuracy by 18.75%, which means we can avoid possible misdiagnosis, provide better treatment, and avoid waste of medical resources. The user satisfaction is high. We expect wider application of this kind of decision support system in clinical practice, medical education, residency training, and patient education in the future. Further large-scale studies should be planned to confirm its application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Yi Chou
- Department of Dermatology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Peng-Tai Tien
- China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Ophthalmology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Fang-Yu Lin
- Department of Statistics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Pin-Chi Chiu
- Department of Dermatology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Information needs of Botswana health care workers and perceptions of wikipedia. Int J Med Inform 2016; 95:8-16. [PMID: 27697235 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2016.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Revised: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the UN Human Rights Council's recognition on the subject in 2011, the right to access the Internet and information is now considered one of the most basic human rights of global citizens [1,2]. Despite this, an information gap between developed and resource-limited countries remains, and there is scant research on actual information needs of workers themselves. The Republic of Botswana represents a fertile ground to address existing gaps in research, policy, and practice, due to its demonstrated gap in access to information and specialists among rural health care workers (HCWs), burgeoning mHealth capacity, and a timely offer from Orange Telecommunications to access Wikipedia for free on mobile platforms for Botswana subscribers. OBJECTIVES In this study, we sought to identify clinical information needs of HCWs of Botswana and their perception of Wikipedia as a clinical tool. METHODS Twenty-eight facilitated focus groups, consisting of 113 HCWs of various cadres based at district hospitals, clinics, and health posts around Botswana, were employed. Transcription and thematic analysis were performed for those groups. RESULTS Access to the Internet is limited at most facilities. Most HCWs placed high importance upon using Botswana Ministry of Health (MoH) resources for obtaining credible clinical information. However, the clinical applicability of these materials was limited due to discrepancies amongst sources, potentially outdated information, and poor optimization for time-sensitive circumstances. As a result, HCWs faced challenges, such as loss of patient trust and compromises in patient care. Potential solutions posed by HCWs to address these issues included: multifaceted improvements in Internet infrastructure, access to up-to-date information, transfer of knowledge from MoH to HCW, and improving content and applicability of currently available information. Topics of clinical information needs were broad and encompassed: HIV, TB (Tuberculosis), OB/GYN (Obstetrics and Gynecology), and Pediatrics. HCW attitudes towards Wikipedia were variable; some trusted Wikipedia as a reliable point of care information resource whereas others thought that its use should be restricted and monitored by the MoH. CONCLUSIONS There is a demonstrated need for accessible, reliable, and up-to-date information to aid clinical practice in Botswana. Attitudes towards Wikipedia as an open information resource tool are at best, split. Therefore, future studies are necessary to determine the accuracy, currency, and relevancy of Wikipedia articles on the health topics identified by health care workers as areas of information need. More broadly speaking, future efforts should be dedicated to configure a quality-controlled, readily accessible mobile platform based clinical information application tool fitting for Botswana.
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Jamal A, Temsah MH, Khan SA, Al-Eyadhy A, Koppel C, Chiang MF. Mobile Phone Use Among Medical Residents: A Cross-Sectional Multicenter Survey in Saudi Arabia. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2016; 4:e61. [PMID: 27197618 PMCID: PMC4891571 DOI: 10.2196/mhealth.4904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Revised: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mobile phones have great potential for medical education, as they allow health care providers and students to access resources efficiently at the precise time at the point-of-care to help in informed decision making. Objective The objective of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of mobile phone usage among medical residents and to explore their attitudes, perceptions, and the challenges they experience when using mobile phones in academic and clinical practice. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted on all 133 residents in 17 different specialties across two large academic hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Web-based validated questionnaire measured mobile phone platform preferences, and their uses in general and medical practice. The perception of confidentiality and safety impact of using mobile phones for communication and accessing patient’s data was also explored, alongside challenges of use and how residents learn to use their mobile phone. Results With a response rate of 101/133 (75.9%) and mean age of 27.8 (SD 3.0) years, we found that 100/101 (99.0%) of participants were mobile phone users with mean duration of use of 5.12 (SD 2.4) years, and a range from 1 to 12 years. There was no significant difference in use between male and female respondents. A negative linear correlation was found between age and use duration (P=.004). The most common operating system used by participants was the iOS platform (55/101, 54.5%), with English the most commonly used language to operate residents’ mobile phones (96/100, 96.0%) despite their native language being Arabic. For communication outside medical practice, chatting applications such as WhatsApp matched phone calls as most commonly used tools (each 88/101, 87.1%). These were also the primary tools for medical communication, but used at a lower rate (each 65/101, 64.4%). In medical practice, drug (83/101, 82.2%) and medical (80/101, 79.2%) references and medical calculation applications (61/101, 60.4%) were the most commonly used. Short battery life (48/92, 52%) was the most common technical difficulty, and distraction at least on a weekly basis (54/92, 58%) was the most likely side effect of using a mobile phone in medical practice. Practically, all participants agreed with the idea of integrating medical staff mobile phones with the hospital information system. Most residents described themselves as self-learners, while half learned from peers, and a quarter learned from the Internet. Only 7/101 (6.9%) had received formal training on the medical use of mobile phones. Over half of residents thought it was safe to discuss patients over their personal, nonencrypted email. Conclusions Mobile phone use among medical residents has become almost universal in academic and clinical settings. Thus, academic and health care institutions should support proper utilization of these devices in medical training and point-of-care decision making, while continuing to protect patient confidentiality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr Jamal
- College of Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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The role of tablets in accessing information throughout undergraduate medical education in Botswana. Int J Med Inform 2016; 88:71-7. [PMID: 26878765 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2016.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Revised: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mobile learning (mLearning) uses wireless networks and mobile devices to expand physician trainees' and healthcare providers' access to and exchange of medical information. Opportunities to increase implementation and expand use of mobile devices to support health care information access and delivery in Africa are vast, but the rapid growth of mLearning has caused project implementation to outpace objective measurement of impact. This study makes a contribution to the existing body of literature regarding mLearning implementation in Africa through its focus on the use of smart devices (tablets) in undergraduate medical education and medical students' perceptions of the effects on their learning environment. MATERIALS AND METHODS The population of this prospective mixed-methods study consisted of 82 undergraduate medical students (45 third year and 37 fourth year) at the University of Botswana Faculty of Medicine. They received tablets in the earliest phase of the mLearning project implementation (between November 2012 and January 2013), when they were in the third and fourth year of their medical training. Usage of the tablets was assessed both quantitatively and qualitatively, through both application usage tracking and focus groups. RESULTS Based on application usage data and coding and analysis of focus group discussions, undergraduate medical students indicated that tablets were useful in their medical education, allowing them continual access to information and opportunities for communication. Participants noted that the primary barrier to use of tablets was the lack of mobile cellular Internet beyond the Wi-Fi zones at the training sites. Moreover, participants offered suggestions for improvements to the implementation process. CONCLUSIONS Even in resource-limited settings where Internet access can be unreliable and intermittent, the adoption of tablets can have benefits to medical education by providing consistent access to extensive and current medical information resources. This study highlights the value of clinical resources with offline functionality, with or without consistent access to the Internet. There is also the potential for optimizing the use of tablets through improved training and technical support.
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Eze E, Gleasure R, Heavin C. Reviewing mHealth in Developing Countries: A Stakeholder Perspective. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procs.2016.09.276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Chipps J, Pimmer C, Brysiewicz P, Walters F, Linxen S, Ndebele T, Gröhbiel U. Using mobile phones and social media to facilitate education and support for rural-based midwives in South Africa. Curationis 2015; 38:1500. [PMID: 26842093 PMCID: PMC6091672 DOI: 10.4102/curationis.v38i2.1500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2015] [Revised: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Empirical studies show the value of mobile phones as effective educational tools to support learning in the nursing profession, predominantly in high income countries. PROBLEM STATEMENT The rapidly increasing prevalence of mobile phone technology in Africa nourishes hopes that these tools could be equally effective in lowly resourced contexts, specifically in efforts to achieve the health-related Millennium Development goals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perception and use of mobile phones as educational and professional tools by nurses in lowly resourced settings. METHODOLOGY A quantitative survey using self-administered questionnaires was conducted of rural advanced midwives. RESULTS Fifty-six nurses (49.6%) from the 113 rural-based midwives attending an advanced midwifery training programme at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, filled in a questionnaire. The results showed that, whilst nurses regarded their technology competences as low and although they received very little official support from their educational and professional institutions, the majority frequently used mobile functions and applications to support their work and learning processes. They perceived mobile devices with their voice, text, and email functions as important tools for the educational and professional activities of searching for information and engaging with facilitators and peers from work and study contexts. To a lesser extent, the use of social networks, such as WhatsApp and Facebook, were also reported. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION It is concluded that educational institutions should support the appropriate use of mobile phones more systematically; particularly in relation to the development of mobile network literacy skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Chipps
- School of Nursing, University of the Western Cape, South Africa and Sydney Nursing School, University of Sydney.
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Rey JM, Omigbodun OO. International dissemination of evidence-based practice, open access and the IACAPAP textbook of child and adolescent mental health. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2015; 9:51. [PMID: 26557872 PMCID: PMC4640354 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-015-0084-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Dramatic changes have occurred in both publishing and teaching in the last 20 years stemming from the digital and Internet revolutions. Such changes are likely to grow exponentially in the near future aided by the trend to open access publishing. This revolution has challenged traditional publishing and teaching methods that-largely but not exclusively due to cost-are particularly relevant to professionals in low and middle income countries. The digital medium and the Internet offer boundless opportunities for teaching and training to people in disadvantaged regions. This article describes the development of the IACAPAP eTextbook of child and adolescent mental health, its use, accessibility, and potential impact on the international dissemination of evidence-based practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M. Rey
- Notre Dame School of Medicine Sydney, Sydney, Australia ,Discipline of Psychiatry, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney Medical School, Sydney, Australia
| | - Olayinka Olusola Omigbodun
- College of Medicine, University of Ibadan and Consultant in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Bullock A, Webb K. Technology in postgraduate medical education: a dynamic influence on learning? Postgrad Med J 2015; 91:646-50. [PMID: 26341127 PMCID: PMC4680197 DOI: 10.1136/postgradmedj-2014-132809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The influence of technology in medical workplace learning is explored by focusing on three uses: m-learning (notably apps), simulation and social media. Smartphones with point-of-care tools (such as textbooks, drug guides and medical calculators) can support workplace learning and doctors' decision-making. Simulations can help develop technical skills and team interactions, and 'in situ' simulations improve the match between the virtual and the real. Social media (wikis, blogs, networking, YouTube) heralds a more participatory and collaborative approach to knowledge development. These uses of technology are related to Kolb's learning cycle and Eraut's intentions of informal learning. Contentions and controversies with these technologies exist. There is a problem with the terminology commonly adopted to describe the use of technology to enhance learning. Using learning technology in the workplace changes the interaction with others and raises issues of professionalism and etiquette. Lack of regulation makes assessment of app quality a challenge. Distraction and dependency are charges levelled at smartphone use in the workplace and these need further research. Unless addressed, these and other challenges will impede the benefits that technology may bring to postgraduate medical education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Bullock
- Cardiff University School of Social Sciences, Cardiff, UK
| | - Katie Webb
- Cardiff University School of Social Sciences, Cardiff, UK
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Gagnon MP, Ngangue P, Payne-Gagnon J, Desmartis M. m-Health adoption by healthcare professionals: a systematic review. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2015; 23:212-20. [PMID: 26078410 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocv052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 275] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize current knowledge of the factors influencing healthcare professional adoption of mobile health (m-health) applications. METHODS Covering a period from 2000 to 2014, we conducted a systematic literature search on four electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsychInfo). We also consulted references from included studies. We included studies if they reported the perceptions of healthcare professionals regarding barriers and facilitators to m-health utilization, if they were published in English, Spanish, or French and if they presented an empirical study design (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods). Two authors independently assessed study quality and performed content analysis using a validated extraction grid with pre-established categorization of barriers and facilitators. RESULTS The search strategy led to a total of 4223 potentially relevant papers, of which 33 met the inclusion criteria. Main perceived adoption factors to m-health at the individual, organizational, and contextual levels were the following: perceived usefulness and ease of use, design and technical concerns, cost, time, privacy and security issues, familiarity with the technology, risk-benefit assessment, and interaction with others (colleagues, patients, and management). CONCLUSION This systematic review provides a set of key elements making it possible to understand the challenges and opportunities for m-health utilization by healthcare providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Pierre Gagnon
- Faculty of Nursing, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada Public Health and Practice-Changing Research, CHU de Québec Research Center, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Patrice Ngangue
- Faculty of Nursing, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada Public Health and Practice-Changing Research, CHU de Québec Research Center, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Julie Payne-Gagnon
- Public Health and Practice-Changing Research, CHU de Québec Research Center, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Marie Desmartis
- Public Health and Practice-Changing Research, CHU de Québec Research Center, Quebec City, Canada
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Coates SJ, Kvedar J, Granstein RD. Teledermatology: from historical perspective to emerging techniques of the modern era: part I: History, rationale, and current practice. J Am Acad Dermatol 2015; 72:563-74; quiz 575-6. [PMID: 25773407 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2014.07.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2014] [Revised: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 07/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Telemedicine is the use of telecommunications technology to support health care at a distance. Technological advances have progressively increased the ability of clinicians to care for diverse patient populations in need of skin expertise. Dermatology relies on visual cues that are easily captured by imaging technologies, making it ideally suited for this care model. Moreover, there is a shortage of medical dermatologists in the United States, where skin disorders account for 1 in 8 primary care visits and specialists tend to congregate in urban areas. Even in regions where dermatologic expertise is readily accessible, teledermatology may serve as an alternative that streamlines health care delivery by triaging chief complaints and reducing unnecessary in-person visits. In addition, many patients in the developing world have no access to dermatologic expertise, rendering it possible for teledermatologists to make a significant contribution to patient health outcomes. Teledermatology also affords educational benefits to primary care providers and dermatologists, and enables patients to play a more active role in the health care process by promoting direct communication with dermatologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Coates
- Department of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Joseph Kvedar
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Richard D Granstein
- Department of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York.
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Haffey F, Brady RRW, Maxwell S. Smartphone apps to support hospital prescribing and pharmacology education: a review of current provision. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2015; 77:31-8. [PMID: 23488599 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.12112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2012] [Accepted: 03/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Junior doctors write the majority of hospital prescriptions but many indicate they feel underprepared to assume this responsibility and around 10% of prescriptions contain errors. Medical smartphone apps are now widely used in clinical practice and present an opportunity to provide support to inexperienced prescribers. This study assesses the contemporary range of smartphone apps with prescribing or related content. Six smartphone app stores were searched for apps aimed at the healthcare professional with drug, pharmacology or prescribing content. Three hundred and six apps were identified. 34% appeared to be for use within the clinical environment in order to aid prescribing, 14% out with the clinical setting and 51% of apps were deemed appropriate for both clinical and non-clinical use. Apps with drug reference material, such as textbooks, manuals or medical apps with drug information were the commonest apps found (51%), followed by apps offering drug or infusion rate dose calculation (26%). 68% of apps charged for download, with a mean price of £14.25 per app and a range of £0.62-101.90. A diverse range of pharmacology-themed apps are available and there is further potential for the development of contemporary apps to improve prescribing performance. Personalized app stores may help universities/healthcare organizations offer high quality apps to students to aid in pharmacology education. Users of prescribing apps must be aware of the lack of information regarding the medical expertise of app developers. This will enable them to make informed choices about the use of such apps in their clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faye Haffey
- Department of Neonatal Medicine, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Hall CS, Fottrell E, Wilkinson S, Byass P. Assessing the impact of mHealth interventions in low- and middle-income countries--what has been shown to work? Glob Health Action 2014; 7:25606. [PMID: 25361730 PMCID: PMC4216389 DOI: 10.3402/gha.v7.25606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 230] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Revised: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 10/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low-cost mobile devices, such as mobile phones, tablets, and personal digital assistants, which can access voice and data services, have revolutionised access to information and communication technology worldwide. These devices have a major impact on many aspects of people's lives, from business and education to health. This paper reviews the current evidence on the specific impacts of mobile technologies on tangible health outcomes (mHealth) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), from the perspectives of various stakeholders. DESIGN Comprehensive literature searches were undertaken using key medical subject heading search terms on PubMed, Google Scholar, and grey literature sources. Analysis of 676 publications retrieved from the search was undertaken based on key inclusion criteria, resulting in a set of 76 papers for detailed review. The impacts of mHealth interventions reported in these papers were categorised into common mHealth applications. RESULTS There is a growing evidence base for the efficacy of mHealth interventions in LMICs, particularly in improving treatment adherence, appointment compliance, data gathering, and developing support networks for health workers. However, the quantity and quality of the evidence is still limited in many respects. CONCLUSIONS Over all application areas, there remains a need to take small pilot studies to full scale, enabling more rigorous experimental and quasi-experimental studies to be undertaken in order to strengthen the evidence base.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles S Hall
- UCL Medical School, London, UK; UCL Institute for Global Health, London, UK
| | - Edward Fottrell
- UCL Institute for Global Health, London, UK; Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå Centre for Global Health Research, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden;
| | | | - Peter Byass
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå Centre for Global Health Research, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; Medical Research Council/Wits University Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Zaki M, Drazin D. Smartphone use in neurosurgery? APP-solutely! Surg Neurol Int 2014; 5:113. [PMID: 25101208 PMCID: PMC4123261 DOI: 10.4103/2152-7806.137534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2013] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: A number of smartphone medical apps have recently emerged that may be helpful for the neurosurgical patient, practitioner, and trainee. This study aims to review the current neurosurgery-focused apps available for the iPhone, iPad, and Android platforms as of December 2013. Methods: Two of the most popular smartphone app stores (Apple Store and Android Google Play Store) were surveyed for neurosurgery-focused apps in December 2013. Search results were categorized based on their description page. Data were collected on price, rating, app release date, target audience, and medical professional involvement in app design. A review of the top apps in each category was performed. Results: The search resulted in 111 unique apps, divided into these 7 categories: 16 (14%) clinical tools, 17 (15%) conference adjunct, 27 (24%) education, 18 (16%) literature, 15 (14%) marketing, 10 (9%) patient information, and 8 (7%) reference. The average cost of paid apps was $23.06 (range: $0.99-89.99). Out of the 111 apps, 71 (64%) were free, 48 (43%) had reviews, and 14 (13%) had more than 10 reviews. Seventy-three (66%) apps showed evidence of medical professional involvement. The number of apps being released every year has been increasing since 2009. Conclusions: There are a number of neurosurgery-themed apps available to all audiences. There was a lack of patient information apps for nonspinal procedures. Most apps did not have enough reviews to evaluate their quality. There was also a lack of oversight to validate the accuracy of medical information provided in these apps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Zaki
- UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Doniel Drazin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, West Hollywood, USA
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Lackey M, Swogger S, McGraw KA. Building capacity in a health sciences library to support global health projects. J Med Libr Assoc 2014; 102:92-5. [PMID: 24860264 DOI: 10.3163/1536-5050.102.2.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper describes how a large, academic health sciences library built capacity for supporting global health at its university and discusses related outcomes. Lean budgets require prioritization and organizational strategy. A committee, with leadership responsibilities assigned to one librarian, guided strategic planning and the pursuit of collaborative, global health outreach activities. A website features case studies and videos of user stories to promote how library partnerships successfully contributed to global health projects. Collaborative partnerships were formed through outreach activities and from follow-up to reference questions. The committee and a librarian's dedicated time established the library's commitment to help the university carry out its ambitious global agenda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mellanye Lackey
- , Director of Global Engagement and Public Health Liaison; , Collections Development Librarian; , Assistant Department Head for User Services; Health Sciences Library, 335 South Columbia Street, CB# 7585, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7585
| | - Susan Swogger
- , Director of Global Engagement and Public Health Liaison; , Collections Development Librarian; , Assistant Department Head for User Services; Health Sciences Library, 335 South Columbia Street, CB# 7585, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7585
| | - Kathleen A McGraw
- , Director of Global Engagement and Public Health Liaison; , Collections Development Librarian; , Assistant Department Head for User Services; Health Sciences Library, 335 South Columbia Street, CB# 7585, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7585
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Rung A, Warnke F, Mattheos N. Investigating the use of smartphones for learning purposes by Australian dental students. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2014; 2:e20. [PMID: 25099261 PMCID: PMC4114424 DOI: 10.2196/mhealth.3120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2013] [Revised: 03/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mobile Internet devices and smartphones have at present a significant potential as learning tools and the development of educational interventions based on smartphones have attracted increasing attention. Objective The objective of this study was to obtain a deeper insight in the nature of students’ use of smartphones, as well as their attitudes towards educational use of mobile devices in order to design successful teaching interventions. Method A questionnaire was designed, aiming to investigate the actual daily habitual use, as well as the attitudes of dental students towards smartphones for their university education purposes. The survey was used to collect data from 232 dental students. Results Of the 232 respondents, 204 (87.9%) owned a smartphone, and 191 (82.3%) had access to third generation (3G) mobile carriers. The most popular devices were the iPhone and Android. Most of the respondents had intermediate smartphone skills and used smartphones for a number of learning activities. Only 75/232 (32.3%) had specific educational applications installed, while 148/232 (63.7%) used smartphones to access to social media and found it valuable for their education (P<.05). Students accessing social media with their smartphones also showed significantly more advanced skills with smartphones than those who did not (P<.05). There was no significant association between age group, gender, origin, and smartphone skills. There was positive correlation between smartphone skills and students' attitudes toward improving access to learning material (r=.43, P<.05), helping to learn more independently (r=.44, P<.05), and use of smartphones by teaching staff (r=.45, P<.05). Conclusion The results in this study suggest that students use smartphones and social media for their education even though this technology has not been formally included in the curriculum. This might present an opportunity for educators to design educational methods, activities, and material that are suitable for smartphones and allow students to use this technology, thereby accommodating students’ current diverse learning approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Rung
- Griffith University, School of Dentistry, Gold Coast, Australia
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Aranda-Jan CB, Mohutsiwa-Dibe N, Loukanova S. Systematic review on what works, what does not work and why of implementation of mobile health (mHealth) projects in Africa. BMC Public Health 2014; 14:188. [PMID: 24555733 PMCID: PMC3942265 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 317] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2013] [Accepted: 02/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Access to mobile phone technology has rapidly expanded in developing countries. In Africa, mHealth is a relatively new concept and questions arise regarding reliability of the technology used for health outcomes. This review documents strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of mHealth projects in Africa. METHODS A systematic review of peer-reviewed literature on mHealth projects in Africa, between 2003 and 2013, was carried out using PubMed and OvidSP. Data was synthesized using a SWOT analysis methodology. Results were grouped to assess specific aspects of project implementation in terms of sustainability and mid/long-term results, integration to the health system, management process, scale-up and replication, and legal issues, regulations and standards. RESULTS Forty-four studies on mHealth projects in Africa were included and classified as: "patient follow-up and medication adherence" (n = 19), "staff training, support and motivation" (n = 2), "staff evaluation, monitoring and guidelines compliance" (n = 4), "drug supply-chain and stock management" (n = 2), "patient education and awareness" (n = 1), "disease surveillance and intervention monitoring" (n = 4), "data collection/transfer and reporting" (n = 10) and "overview of mHealth projects" (n = 2). In general, mHealth projects demonstrate positive health-related outcomes and their success is based on the accessibility, acceptance and low-cost of the technology, effective adaptation to local contexts, strong stakeholder collaboration, and government involvement. Threats such as dependency on funding, unclear healthcare system responsibilities, unreliable infrastructure and lack of evidence on cost-effectiveness challenge their implementation. mHealth projects can potentially be scaled-up to help tackle problems faced by healthcare systems like poor management of drug stocks, weak surveillance and reporting systems or lack of resources. CONCLUSIONS mHealth in Africa is an innovative approach to delivering health services. In this fast-growing technological field, research opportunities include assessing implications of scaling-up mHealth projects, evaluating cost-effectiveness and impacts on the overall health system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara B Aranda-Jan
- Department of Engineering, Institute for Manufacturing, 17 Charles Babbage Road, Cambridge CB3 0FS, United Kingdom
| | - Neo Mohutsiwa-Dibe
- Institute of Public Health, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Svetla Loukanova
- Institute of Public Health, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Mobile medical and health apps: state of the art, concerns, regulatory control and certification. Online J Public Health Inform 2014; 5:229. [PMID: 24683442 PMCID: PMC3959919 DOI: 10.5210/ojphi.v5i3.4814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 229] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper examines the state of the art in mobile clinical and health-related apps. A 2012
estimate puts the number of health-related apps at no fewer than 40,000, as healthcare professionals
and consumers continue to express concerns about the quality of many apps, calling for some form of
app regulatory control or certification to be put in place. We describe the range of apps on offer
as of 2013, and then present a brief survey of evaluation studies of medical and health-related apps
that have been conducted to date, covering a range of clinical disciplines and topics. Our survey
includes studies that highlighted risks, negative issues and worrying deficiencies in existing apps.
We discuss the concept of ‘apps as a medical device’ and the relevant regulatory
controls that apply in USA and Europe, offering examples of apps that have been formally approved
using these mechanisms. We describe the online Health Apps Library run by the National Health
Service in England and the calls for a vetted medical and health app store. We discuss the
ingredients for successful apps beyond the rather narrow definition of ‘apps as a medical
device’. These ingredients cover app content quality, usability, the need to match apps to
consumers’ general and health literacy levels, device connectivity standards (for apps that
connect to glucometers, blood pressure monitors, etc.), as well as app security and user privacy.
‘Happtique Health App Certification Program’ (HACP), a voluntary app certification
scheme, successfully captures most of these desiderata, but is solely focused on apps targeting the
US market. HACP, while very welcome, is in ways reminiscent of the early days of the Web, when many
“similar” quality benchmarking tools and codes of conduct for information publishers
were proposed to appraise and rate online medical and health information. It is probably impossible
to rate and police every app on offer today, much like in those early days of the Web, when people
quickly realised the same regarding informational Web pages. The best first line of defence was, is,
and will always be to educate consumers regarding the potentially harmful content of (some)
apps.
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