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Bouzo V, Plourde H, Beckenstein H, Cohen TR. Evaluation of the Diet Tracking Smartphone Application Keenoa ™: A Qualitative Analysis. CAN J DIET PRACT RES 2021; 83:25-29. [PMID: 34582258 DOI: 10.3148/cjdpr-2021-022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Keenoa™ is a novel Canadian diet application (app) currently used by Canadian dietitians to collect diet-related data from clients. The goal of this study was to evaluate Keenoa™ based on user feedback and compare it to a conventional pen and paper method. One hundred and two participants were recruited and randomly assigned to record their diets using this application for 3 nonconsecutive days. Following this, participants were invited to complete an online "exit" survey. Seventy-two subjects responded, with 50 completing an open-ended question asking for general feedback about the app. Data were reviewed and 3 main themes emerged: strengths, challenges, and future recommendations. Strengths associated with the app consisted of picture recognition software, the additional commentary feature, and the overall pleasant data collection process. Challenges that were identified included inconsistencies with the barcode scanning features, the limited food database, time to enter food details, and software issues. Future recommendations included using a larger food database, pairing dietary intake with physical activity monitoring, and having accessible nutritional data. Despite these limitations, participants preferred using mobile apps to record diet compared with traditional written food diaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Bouzo
- School of Human Nutrition, McGill University, Montreal, QC
| | - Hugues Plourde
- School of Human Nutrition, McGill University, Montreal, QC
| | | | - Tamara R Cohen
- PERFORM Centre, Concordia University, Montreal, QC.,Faculty of Land and Food Systems, Food, Nutrition and Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
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Koopman RJ, Canfield SM, Belden JL, Wegier P, Shaffer VA, Valentine KD, Jain A, Steege LM, Patil SJ, Popescu M, LeFevre ML. Home blood pressure data visualization for the management of hypertension: designing for patient and physician information needs. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2020; 20:195. [PMID: 32811489 PMCID: PMC7432548 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-020-01194-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Nearly half of US adults with diagnosed hypertension have uncontrolled blood pressure. Clinical inertia may contribute, including patient-physician uncertainty about how variability in blood pressures impacts overall control. Better information display may support clinician-patient hypertension decision making through reduced cognitive load and improved situational awareness. Methods A multidisciplinary team employed iterative user-centered design to create a blood pressure visualization EHR prototype that included patient-generated blood pressure data. An attitude and behavior survey and 10 focus groups with patients (N = 16) and physicians (N = 24) guided iterative design and confirmation phases. Thematic analysis of qualitative data yielded insights into patient and physician needs for hypertension management. Results Most patients indicated measuring home blood pressure, only half share data with physicians. When receiving home blood pressure data, 88% of physicians indicated entering gestalt averages as text into clinical notes. Qualitative findings suggest that including a data visualization that included home blood pressures brought this valued data into physician workflow and decision-making processes. Data visualization helps both patients and physicians to have a fuller understanding of the blood pressure ‘story’ and ultimately promotes the activated engaged patient and prepared proactive physician central to the Chronic Care Model. Both patients and physicians expressed concerns about workflow for entering and using home blood pressure data for clinical care. Conclusions Our user-centered design process with physicians and patients produced a well-received blood pressure visualization prototype that includes home blood pressures and addresses patient-physician information needs. Next steps include evaluating a recent EHR visualization implementation, designing annotation functions aligned with users’ needs, and addressing additional stakeholders’ needs (nurses, care managers, caregivers). This significant innovation has potential to improve quality of care for hypertension through better patient-physician understanding of control and goals. It also has the potential to enable remote monitoring of patient blood pressure, a newly reimbursed activity, and is a strong addition to telehealth efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richelle J Koopman
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA.
| | - Shannon M Canfield
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Jeffery L Belden
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Pete Wegier
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Victoria A Shaffer
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - K D Valentine
- Health Decision Sciences Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Akshay Jain
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Linsey M Steege
- School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sonal J Patil
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Mihail Popescu
- Department of Health Management & Informatics, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Michael L LeFevre
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA
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Ghelani DP, Moran LJ, Johnson C, Mousa A, Naderpoor N. Mobile Apps for Weight Management: A Review of the Latest Evidence to Inform Practice. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:412. [PMID: 32670197 PMCID: PMC7326765 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, mobile technology has emerged as a potentially useful platform to facilitate weight management and tackle the current obesity epidemic. Clinicians are being more frequently asked to give advice about the usefulness of mobile apps and many individuals have already integrated apps into their attempts to manage weight. Hence, it is imperative for clinicians involved in weight management to be aware of the latest developments and knowledge about available mobile apps and their usefulness in this field. A number of newly published studies have demonstrated promising results of mobile-based interventions for weight management across different populations, but the extent of their effectiveness remains widely debated. This narrative literature review synthesizes the latest evidence, primarily from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), regarding the clinical use of mobile applications for weight management, as well as highlight key limitations associated with their use and directions for future research and practice. Overall, evidence suggests that mobile applications may be useful as low-intensity approaches or adjuncts to conventional weight management strategies. However, there is insufficient evidence to support their use as stand-alone intensive approaches to weight management. Further research is needed to clarify the extent of utility of these applications, as well as the measures required to maximize their potential both as stand-alone approaches and adjuncts to more intensive programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drishti P. Ghelani
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Lisa J. Moran
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Cameron Johnson
- Diabetes and Vascular Medicine Unit, Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Aya Mousa
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Negar Naderpoor
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Diabetes and Vascular Medicine Unit, Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Negar Naderpoor
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Dounavi K, Tsoumani O. Mobile Health Applications in Weight Management: A Systematic Literature Review. Am J Prev Med 2019; 56:894-903. [PMID: 31003801 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2018.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Weight management is an effective strategy for controlling chronic disease and maintaining physical health, and research on this topic has risen dramatically over the past four decades. The present systematic literature review aimed to identify existing evidence on the efficacy of mobile health technology in facilitating weight management behaviors, such as healthy food consumption and physical activity. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION A systematic search was conducted in Ovid MEDLINE and Ovid PsycINFO databases with the aim to identify studies published in peer-reviewed journal articles between 2012 and 2017. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS A total of 39 studies were analyzed in spring 2018 and are presented here in terms of participant characteristics, effective technology components, additional treatments, impact on health-related behaviors, and treatment efficacy. Indicators of study quality and social validity are also provided. CONCLUSIONS Mobile health apps are widely considered as satisfactory, easy to use, and helpful in the pursuit of weight loss goals by patients. The potential of mobile health apps in facilitating weight loss lies in their ability to increase treatment adherence through strategies such as self-monitoring. These findings indicate that satisfactory treatment adherence and consequent weight loss and maintenance are achieved in the presence of high levels of engagement with a mobile health app. The research quality assessment of RCTs reveals a great need for following international standards both when conducting and reporting research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Dounavi
- School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
| | - Olga Tsoumani
- Imec-SMIT, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Yoshida Y, Boren SA, Soares J, Popescu M, Nielson SD, Koopman RJ, Kennedy DR, Simoes EJ. Effect of Health Information Technologies on Cardiovascular Risk Factors among Patients with Diabetes. Curr Diab Rep 2019; 19:28. [PMID: 31030289 PMCID: PMC6486904 DOI: 10.1007/s11892-019-1152-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To identify a common effect of health information technologies (HIT) on the management of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) across randomized control trials (RCT). RECENT FINDINGS CVD is the most frequent cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with diabetes. HIT are effective in reducing HbA1c; however, their effect on cardiovascular risk factor management for patients with T2D has not been evaluated. We identified 21 eligible studies (23 estimates) with measurement of SBP, 20 (22 estimates) of DBP, 14 (17 estimates) of HDL, 14 (17 estimates) of LDL, 15 (18 estimates) of triglycerides, and 10 (12 estimates) of weight across databases. We found significant reductions in SBP, DBP, LDL, and TG, and a significant improvement in HDL associated with HIT. As adjuvants to standard diabetic treatment, HIT can be effective tools for improving CVD risk factors among patients with T2D, especially in those whose CVD risk factors are not at goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Yoshida
- 0000 0001 2162 3504grid.134936.aDepartment of Health Management and Informatics, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia, CE707 CS&E Bldg., One Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO 65212 USA
- 0000 0001 2162 3504grid.134936.aMissouri Cancer Registry and Research Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO USA
| | - Suzanne A. Boren
- 0000 0001 2162 3504grid.134936.aDepartment of Health Management and Informatics, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia, CE707 CS&E Bldg., One Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO 65212 USA
| | - Jesus Soares
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Prion and Public Health Office, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Mihail Popescu
- 0000 0001 2162 3504grid.134936.aDepartment of Health Management and Informatics, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia, CE707 CS&E Bldg., One Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO 65212 USA
| | | | - Richelle J. Koopman
- 0000 0001 2162 3504grid.134936.aDepartment of Family and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO USA
| | - Diana R. Kennedy
- 0000 0001 2162 3504grid.134936.aDepartment of Health Management and Informatics, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia, CE707 CS&E Bldg., One Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO 65212 USA
| | - Eduardo J. Simoes
- 0000 0001 2162 3504grid.134936.aDepartment of Health Management and Informatics, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia, CE707 CS&E Bldg., One Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO 65212 USA
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Rönkkö K. An Activity Tracker and Its Accompanying App as a Motivator for Increased Exercise and Better Sleeping Habits for Youths in Need of Social Care: Field Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2018; 6:e193. [PMID: 30578186 PMCID: PMC6320395 DOI: 10.2196/mhealth.9286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The number of mobile self-tracking devices connected to the Web has exploded in today’s society. With these wearable activity trackers related to Web 2.0 apps and social media have come new ways of monitoring, measuring, representing, and sharing experiences of the human body. New opportunities related to health and new areas of implementation for professionals have appeared, and one identified area that can benefit from mobile health technologies is social work. Objective There are still only a small number of papers reporting the results from studying wearable activity trackers and accompanying apps in the context of agency-based social work. This study aimed to contribute to the identified shortage by presenting results from a research project framed by the following overarching question: What effects will the studied youths in need of social care experience in relation to exercise and sleep as the result of using a wearable activity tracker and its accompanying app? Methods A field study framed by action research was performed. The study concerned vulnerable youths living in a Swedish municipality’s care and accommodation home that tried out an activity tracker and its accompanying app. Results The results from the study confirm previously published research results reporting that instant graphical feedback, sharing information, and being part of a social community can have a positive impact on lifestyle changes. In addition, this study’s main results are that (1) the most important factor for positive health-related lifestyle changes was the establishment of personal long-term goals and (2) professional social workers found the studied technology to function as a valuable counseling tool, opening up avenues for lifestyle talks that otherwise were hard to undertake. Conclusions This study demonstrates how an activity tracker and its accompanying app can open up a topic for discussion regarding how vulnerable youths can achieve digital support for changing unhealthy lifestyle patterns, and it shows that the technology might be a valuable counseling tool for professionals in social work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari Rönkkö
- Department of Design, Faculty of Business, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden
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A Qualitative Evaluation of the eaTracker ® Mobile App. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10101462. [PMID: 30304766 PMCID: PMC6213652 DOI: 10.3390/nu10101462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: eaTracker® is Dietitians of Canada’s online nutrition/activity self-monitoring tool accessible via website and mobile app. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the eaTracker® mobile app based on user perspectives. Methods: One-on-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with adult eaTracker® mobile app users who had used the app for ≥ 1 week within the past 90 days. Participants (n = 26; 89% female, 73% 18–50 years) were recruited via email. Interview transcripts were coded using first level coding and pattern coding, where first level codes were grouped according to common themes. Results: Participants mentioned several positive aspects of the mobile app which included: (a) Dashboard displays; (b) backed by dietitians; (c) convenience and ease of use; (d) portion size entry; (e) inclusion of food and physical activity recording; and (f) ability to access more comprehensive information via the eaTracker® website. Challenges with the mobile app included: (a) Search feature; (b) limited food database; (c) differences in mobile app versus website; and (d) inability to customize dashboard displayed information. Suggestions were provided to enhance the app. Conclusion: This evaluation provides useful information to improve the eaTracker® mobile app and also for those looking to develop apps to facilitate positive nutrition/physical activity behavior change.
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Lieffers JR, Arocha JF, Grindrod K, Hanning RM. Experiences and Perceptions of Adults Accessing Publicly Available Nutrition Behavior-Change Mobile Apps for Weight Management. J Acad Nutr Diet 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2017.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Abstract
AbstractObjectiveIn 2011, Dietitians of Canada added ‘My Goals’ to its website-based nutrition/activity tracking program (eaTracker®,http://www.eaTracker.ca/); this feature allows users to choose ‘ready-made’ or ‘write-your-own’ goals and to self-report progress. The purpose of the present study was to document experiences and perceptions of goal setting and My Goals, and report users’ feedback on what is needed in future website-based goal setting/tracking tools.DesignOne-on-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with (i) My Goals users and (ii) dietitians providing a public information support service, EatRight Ontario (ERO).SettingMy Goals users from Ontario and Alberta, Canada were recruited via an eaTracker website pop-up box; ERO dietitians working in Ontario, Canada were recruited via ERO.SubjectsMy Goals users (n23; age 19–70 years; 91 % female;n5 from Alberta/n18 from Ontario) and ERO dietitians (n5).ResultsDietitians and users felt goal setting for nutrition (and activity) behaviour change was both a beneficial and a challenging process. Dietitians were concerned about users setting poor-quality goals and users felt it was difficult to stick to their goals. Both users and dietitians were enthusiastic about the My Goals concept, but felt the current feature had limitations that affected use. Dietitians and users provided suggestions to improve My Goals (e.g. more prominent presence of My Goals in eaTracker; assistance with goal setting; automated personalized feedback).ConclusionsDietitians and users shared similar perspectives on the My Goals feature and both felt goal use was challenging. Several suggestions were provided to enhance My Goals that are relevant to website-based goal setting/tracking tool design in general.
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Laplante L, Allard C, Rivard L, Khairy P. Weighing the evidence for weight loss as a therapeutic strategy for atrial fibrillation. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2016; 14:877-9. [DOI: 10.1080/14779072.2016.1199274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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