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Johnson E, Ismond K, Hyde A, Ezekowitz J, Wright G, Spiers J, Spence J, Thompson S, McNeely ML, Zheng Y, Round J, Tymchuk S, Lee-Baggley D, Isley S, Corrick S, Minckler H, Tandon P. eMPower: An online Mind-body wellness Program for adults living with chronic health conditions: A three-armed randomized controlled trial protocol. Contemp Clin Trials 2024; 145:107642. [PMID: 39079613 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2024.107642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Symptoms of depression and anxiety are prevalent among adults with chronic health conditions, contributing to reduced quality of life, morbidity, and mortality. Mind-body wellness interventions (i.e. psychology programming, mindful movement, breathwork, meditation) may impact mental health symptoms, with online delivery offering access and scalability. Whether online mind-body wellness interventions are effective in improving patient outcomes across a broad range of chronic conditions remains uncertain. METHODS This three-armed, pragmatic, randomized controlled trial will use a nested mixed methods approach to assess the effectiveness of an online mind-body wellness intervention (eMPower), offered at two levels of personnel support, on symptoms of anxiety and depression in adults with chronic health conditions. Inclusion criteria require a self-reported chronic condition and access to an internet-connected device. Eligible participants will be randomized 1:1:1 to [1] waitlist control; [2] eMPower; [3] eMPower + weekly 1-to-1 check-in. The primary analysis will compare the Hospital and Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) total score between eMPower + weekly 1-to-1 check-in versus controls, with secondary and exploratory outcomes including HADS subscales, health-related quality of life, fatigue, program engagement, and frailty. CONCLUSION With online intervention delivery, a range of outcomes, mixed method evaluation, and automated intervention tracking, findings are anticipated to enhance our understanding of how individuals living with chronic health conditions engage with and are impacted by online mind-body wellness programming. Six hundred and fifty-six participants have been enrolled as of April 5, 2024, and 598 patients have completed 12-week follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Johnson
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Division of Gastroenterology (Liver Unit), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Kathleen Ismond
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Division of Gastroenterology (Liver Unit), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Ashley Hyde
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Justin Ezekowitz
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Division of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Gail Wright
- Canadian Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Society, 4936 Yonge St, North York, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Jude Spiers
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - John Spence
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Stephanie Thompson
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Division of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Margaret L McNeely
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Yinggan Zheng
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Division of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Jeff Round
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Sarah Tymchuk
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Psychiatry University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Dayna Lee-Baggley
- Department of Family Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
| | - Serena Isley
- Division of Gastroenterology (Liver Unit), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Shaina Corrick
- Division of Gastroenterology (Liver Unit), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Holly Minckler
- Division of Gastroenterology (Liver Unit), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Puneeta Tandon
- Division of Gastroenterology (Liver Unit), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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Haderlein TP, Zeliadt SB, Kloehn AT, Lott BD, Toyama J, Resnick A, Elwy AR, Der-Martirosian C, Taylor SL. Are Virtual Complementary and Integrative Therapies as Effective as In-Person Therapies? Examining Patient-Reported Outcomes Among Veterans with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain. Telemed J E Health 2024. [PMID: 39258762 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2024.0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Virtual complementary and integrative health (CIH) therapy availability increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, but little is known about effectiveness. We examined the perceived effectiveness of in-person and virtual CIH therapies for patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain who recently started using CIH therapies. Methods: The sample included Veterans (n = 1,091) with chronic musculoskeletal pain, identified in the Veterans Health Administration's electronic health record based on initiation of CIH therapy use, who responded to VA's Patient Complementary and Integrative Health Therapy Experience Survey during March, 2021, to August, 2022. Using multivariable models with self-guided virtual (apps or videos) delivery as the reference, we compared patient-reported outcomes (pain, mental health, fatigue, and general well-being) associated with any yoga, Tai Chi/Qigong, or meditation use delivered: (1) only in-person, (2) only virtually with a live provider, (3) only virtually self-guided, (4) virtually self-guided + virtually provider-guided, or (5) hybrid in-person + virtual (self-or provider-guided). Results: Under 10% of Veterans reported only in-person use; 54% used only virtual formats and 36% a hybrid of in-person and virtual. Forty-one percent reported improvement in general well-being, 40.6% in mental health, 37.1% in pain, and 22.7% in fatigue. Compared with Veterans using only self-guided virtual CIH therapies, Veterans using only in-person therapies were more likely to report improvement in fatigue (odds ratio [OR]: 1.8, confidence interval [CI]: 1.1-3.1) and general well-being (OR: 1.7, CI: 1.0-2.6). Conclusions: Many patients perceived health improvements from CIH therapies, with in-person users reporting more improvement in fatigue and well-being than those using virtual sessions and similar improvements in pain and mental health for in-person and hybrid users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taona P Haderlein
- VHA HSR&D Center for the Study of Health Care Innovation, Implementation, and Policy, Greater Los Angeles VA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Veterans Emergency Management Evaluation Center, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, North Hills, California, USA
| | - Steven B Zeliadt
- VA Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Alexander T Kloehn
- VA Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Briana D Lott
- VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, West Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Joy Toyama
- VHA HSR&D Center for the Study of Health Care Innovation, Implementation, and Policy, Greater Los Angeles VA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Adam Resnick
- VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, West Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - A Rani Elwy
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Edith Bourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Claudia Der-Martirosian
- VHA HSR&D Center for the Study of Health Care Innovation, Implementation, and Policy, Greater Los Angeles VA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Veterans Emergency Management Evaluation Center, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, North Hills, California, USA
| | - Stephanie L Taylor
- VHA HSR&D Center for the Study of Health Care Innovation, Implementation, and Policy, Greater Los Angeles VA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Medicine and Department of Health Policy and Management, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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3
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Chopin SM, Zaur AJ, Fountain C, Claros Nunez A, Sheerin CM. Feasibility of a Virtual Adaptation of a Yoga Intervention for Veterans with Chronic Pain and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE 2024. [PMID: 39253832 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2024.0512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Purpose/Objective: This study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of a yoga intervention for veterans with comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain (CP) that was adapted for virtual implementation. Research Method/Design: This pilot feasibility study at a large, mid-Atlantic Veteran's Affairs (VA) Medical Center with veterans with both PTSD and CP examined the adaptation of an eight-session virtual yoga group intervention. Participants (n = 18, 11 completers) were primarily male (82.4%), African American (76.5%), with no prior yoga experience (70.6%). A measure of client satisfaction was administered at completion and attendance rates were examined. Self-reported symptom measures were also assessed. Results: There were no instances of injuries or other adverse effects related to the study. This study yielded a 39% attrition rate, consistent with in-person yoga interventions. Mean number of sessions attended was 5.53 (SD = 1.73). Participants rated overall satisfaction as high (M = 28.09; SD = 3.96; potential range 8-32). Conclusions/Implications: This study provides initial data on the acceptability of a virtual yoga intervention for veterans with comorbid PTSD and CP, with attrition and satisfaction rates in line with prior in-person iterations. Implications of virtual adaption and considerations for future efforts will be discussed. This study was not preregistered but has been registered subsequently on ClinicalTrials.gov [CTR #: NCT06123065].
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzzette M Chopin
- Mental Health Service Line, Central Virginia VA Health Care System, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Angela J Zaur
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Caitlin Fountain
- Mental Health Service Line, Central Virginia VA Health Care System, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Alexis Claros Nunez
- Mental Health Service Line, Central Virginia VA Health Care System, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Christina M Sheerin
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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McHugh MC, Fowler CA, Philbin S, Schneider T, Ballistrea LM, Klanchar SA, Smith BM, Benzinger RC, French DD, Saenger MS, Haun JN. Qualitative Evaluation Informs the Implementation of a Telehealth Program to Manage Chronic Pain. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024; 25:104493. [PMID: 38336029 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2024.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
In response to the opioid epidemic and high rates of chronic pain among the veteran population, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs implemented the TelePain-Empower Veterans Program (EVP), a nonpharmacological pain management program for veterans. Delivered virtually, TelePain-EVP incorporates integrated health components (Whole Health, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindful Movement) through interdisciplinary personalized coaching. The objective of this quality improvement project was to evaluate the implementation of TelePain-EVP to identify determinants to implementation, benefits and challenges to participation, and recommendations for future direction. We used a qualitative descriptive design to conduct semistructured telephone interviews with TelePain-EVP leaders (n = 3), staff (n = 10), and veterans (n = 22). The interview guides aligned with the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Thematic content analysis organized and characterized findings. Several CFIR domains emerged as determinants relevant to program implementation, including innovation (eg, design); individuals (eg, deliverers, recipients); inner (eg, communications) and outer settings (eg, local conditions); and implementation process (eg, reflecting and evaluating). Identified determinants included facilitators (eg, virtual delivery) and barriers (eg, staff shortages). Participants reported improvements in pain management coping skills, interpersonal relationships, and sense of community, but no self-reported reductions in pain or medication use. Program improvement recommendations included using centralized staff to address vacancies, collecting electronic data, offering structured training, and providing course materials to veteran participants. Qualitative data can inform the sustained implementation of TelePain-EVP and other similar telehealth pain management programs. These descriptive data should be triangulated with quantitative data to objectively assess participant TelePain-EVP outcomes and associated participant characteristics. PERSPECTIVE: A qualitative evaluation of a telehealth program to manage chronic pain, guided by the CFIR framework, identified determinants of program implementation. Additionally, participants reported improvements in pain management coping skills, interpersonal relationships, and sense of community, but no self-reported reductions in pain or medication use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan C McHugh
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, Department of Veterans Affairs, Hines, Illinois; Center for Health Services and Outcomes Research, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Christopher A Fowler
- Research and Development Service, James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, Florida; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Sarah Philbin
- Center for Health Services and Outcomes Research, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Tali Schneider
- Research and Development Service, James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, Florida
| | - Lisa M Ballistrea
- Research and Development Service, James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, Florida
| | - S Angelina Klanchar
- Research and Development Service, James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, Florida
| | - Bridget M Smith
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, Department of Veterans Affairs, Hines, Illinois
| | - Rachel C Benzinger
- Research and Development Service, James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, Florida
| | - Dustin D French
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, Department of Veterans Affairs, Hines, Illinois; Center for Health Services and Outcomes Research, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois; Departments of Ophthalmology and Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Michael S Saenger
- Anesthesia Service Line, Atlanta Veterans Administration Health Care System, Decatur, Georgia; Division of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jolie N Haun
- Research and Development Service, James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, Florida; Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
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5
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Wu J, Bolton RE, Anwar C, Bokhour BG, Khanna A, Mullur RS, Taylor SL, Hyde J. Modifying Whole Health Services for Successful Telehealth Delivery: Lessons from Veterans Health Administration's Rapid Transition During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE 2023; 29:792-804. [PMID: 37668607 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2023.0106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is shifting care from a disease-oriented to health-creating approach that aims to provide whole person care. This Whole Health (WH) system combines person-centered care with delivery of WH services (e.g., health coaching, well-being education and skill-building classes, and evidence-based complementary and integrative health therapies), alongside conventional medical services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, WH services were modified for delivery through telehealth (teleWH). This article characterizes modifications to WH services made to maintain continuity during the transition to telehealth formats. Materials and methods: We conducted semistructured qualitative interviews with a purposive sample of 51 providers delivering teleWH services at 10 VHA medical centers. We examined WH service modifications as well as facilitators and barriers to those modifications using rapid coding and directed content analysis. Results: Modifications were driven by (1) preparing for teleWH service delivery and (2) improving teleWH service delivery. To prepare for teleWH services, modifications were prompted by access, readiness, and setting and resources. Modifications to improve the delivery of teleWH services were motivated by engagement, community-building, safety, and content for a teleWH environment. One-on-one teleWH services required the fewest modifications, while more significant modifications were needed for well-being, skill-building, and movement-based groups, and reconfiguration of manual therapies. Discussion: Findings highlighted the need for modifications to ensure that teleWH services are accessible and safe and support interpersonal relationships between patients and providers, as well as in group-based classes. Successfully delivering teleWH services requires proactive preparation that considers access, readiness, and the availability of resources to engage in teleWH services. Tailoring strategies and considering the unique needs of different teleWH services are critical. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed teleWH service implementation, utilization, and sustainment. The challenges faced and modifications made during this transition provide lessons learned for other health care systems as they attempt to implement teleWH services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliet Wu
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA
| | - Rendelle E Bolton
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA
- The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Chitra Anwar
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA
| | - Barbara G Bokhour
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA
- Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Aishwarya Khanna
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Rashmi S Mullur
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Center for the Study of Health Care Innovation, Implementation & Policy (CSHIIP), Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Integrative Medicine Collaborative, University of California Los Angeles Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Stephanie L Taylor
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Center for the Study of Health Care Innovation, Implementation & Policy (CSHIIP), Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Justeen Hyde
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Kligler B, Khung M, Schult T, Whitehead A. What We Have Learned About the Implementation of Whole Health in the Veterans Administration. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE 2023; 29:774-780. [PMID: 36445191 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2022.0753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
As we have advanced the concept of Whole Health (WH) in the Veterans Administration over the past 10 years, we have had the unique advantage of working in a health care system in which a wide range of WH services-ranging from acupuncture to coaching to yoga and Tai Chi to nutrition classes to peer-facilitated empowerment and skill-building groups-are fully covered by the system as part of standard medical benefits. This has given us the opportunity to evaluate both the process and the outcomes of offering this type of Whole Person care on a system-wide scale. This article will review some of the lessons learned from that ongoing evaluation process in the areas of integration of complementary/integrative health approaches as well as health coaching and peer-led groups, WH education, employee well-being, cost impacts, and whole-system transformation. This is not a systematic review, as we will touch on numerous questions and lessons learned rather than dive deeply into the literature seeking the answer to one narrower question. Hopefully the narrative review approach taken here will stimulate further discussion in the field regarding what we are learning and what we can continue to learn from this large scale innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Kligler
- Office of Patient Centered Care and Cultural Transformation, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maureen Khung
- Office of Patient Centered Care and Cultural Transformation, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Tamara Schult
- Office of Patient Centered Care and Cultural Transformation, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Alison Whitehead
- Office of Patient Centered Care and Cultural Transformation, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC, USA
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Hoffmann S, Beissner J, Hieber R, Jacoby J, Engler T, Walter CB. Demand-oriented design of telemedical services in gynecologic oncology. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:1168. [PMID: 37891588 PMCID: PMC10604842 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10176-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The medical field is in the midst of a massive expansion in telemedical services. However, it is not possible to say to what extent telemedical offerings can be designed to meet needs in the German healthcare system. This study provides insights into demand-oriented care using telemedical services for gynecological patients. METHODS A total of 262 patients who received systemic therapy for gynecological oncology were surveyed anonymously using a questionnaire regarding their acceptance of telemedicine from February 2021 to April 2021. RESULTS Insufficient computer skills were associated with less acceptance of telemedicine treatment by gynecological oncology patients and presented a barrier. However, the patient's level of education was not related to the level of acceptance. Long travel distances from medical facilities and some types of patient occupations significantly increased the acceptance of telemedicine services. A high level of education, on the other hand, was not associated with the approval of telemedical approaches. Long journeys and work commitments increased the acceptance of telemedical visits. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study show that the factors investigated have an influence on the acceptance of telemedical offerings by patients. Barriers such as insufficient computer skills must be taken into account when implementing telemedicine services. Telemedicine can provide physical and economic relief for patients if telemedical planning is tailored to their needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sascha Hoffmann
- Department of Women's Health, University Women's Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstr. 7, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Julia Beissner
- Department of Women's Health, University Women's Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstr. 7, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rebekka Hieber
- Department of Women's Health, University Women's Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstr. 7, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Johann Jacoby
- Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Applied Biometry, University of Tübingen, Silcherstr. 5, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tobias Engler
- Department of Women's Health, University Women's Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstr. 7, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christina Barbara Walter
- Department of Women's Health, University Women's Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstr. 7, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
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Haun JN, Venkatachalam HH, Fowler CA, Alman AC, Ballistrea LM, Schneider T, Benzinger RC, Melillo C, Alexander NB, Klanchar SA, Lapcevic W, French DD. Mobile and Web-Based Partnered Intervention to Improve Remote Access to Pain and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Management: Recruitment and Attrition in a Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e49678. [PMID: 37788078 PMCID: PMC10582813 DOI: 10.2196/49678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing access to nonpharmacological interventions to manage pain and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is essential for veterans. Complementary and integrative health (CIH) interventions can help individuals manage symptom burden with enhanced accessibility via remotely delivered health care. Mission Reconnect (MR) is a partnered, self-directed intervention that remotely teaches CIH skills. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this paper is to describe the recruitment, onboarding phase, and attrition of a fully remote randomized controlled trial (RCT) assessing the efficacy of a self-directed mobile and web-based intervention for veterans with comorbid chronic pain and PTSD and their partners. METHODS A total of 364 veteran-partner dyads were recruited to participate in a mixed methods multisite waitlist control RCT. Qualitative attrition interviews were conducted with 10 veterans with chronic pain and PTSD, and their self-elected partners (eg, spouse) who consented but did not begin the program. RESULTS At the point of completing onboarding and being randomized to the 2 treatment arms, of the 364 recruited dyads, 97 (26.6%) failed to complete onboarding activities. Reported reasons for failure to complete onboarding include loss of self-elected partner buy-in (n=8, 8%), difficulties with using remote data collection methods and interventions (n=30, 31%), and adverse health experiences unrelated to study activities (n=23, 24%). Enrolled veterans presented at baseline with significant PTSD symptom burden and moderate-to-severe pain severity, and represented a geographically and demographically diverse population. Attrition interviews (n=10) indicated that misunderstanding MR including the intent of the intervention or mistaking the surveys as the actual intervention was a reason for not completing the MR registration process. Another barrier to MR registration was that interviewees described the mailed study information and registration packets as too confusing and excessive. Competing personal circumstances including health concerns that required attention interfered with MR registration. Common reasons for attrition following successful MR registration included partner withdrawal, adverse health issues, and technological challenges relating to the MR and electronic data collection platform (Qualtrics). Participant recommendations for reducing attrition included switching to digital forms to reduce participant burden and increasing human interaction throughout the registration and baseline data collection processes. CONCLUSIONS Challenges, solutions, and lessons learned for study recruitment and intervention delivery inform best practices of delivering remote self-directed CIH interventions when addressing the unique needs of this medically complex population. Successful recruitment and enrollment of veterans with chronic pain and PTSD, and their partners, to remote CIH programs and research studies requires future examination of demographic and symptom-associated access barriers. Accommodating the unique needs of this medically complex population is essential for improving the effectiveness of CIH programs. Disseminating lessons learned and improving access to remotely delivered research studies and CIH programs is paramount in the post-COVID-19 climate. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03593772; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03593772.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolie N Haun
- James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Research Service, Tampa, FL, United States
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | | | - Christopher A Fowler
- James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Research Service, Tampa, FL, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Amy C Alman
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Lisa M Ballistrea
- James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Research Service, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Tali Schneider
- James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Research Service, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Rachel C Benzinger
- James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Research Service, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Christine Melillo
- James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Research Service, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Neil B Alexander
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - S Angelina Klanchar
- James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Research Service, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - William Lapcevic
- James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Research Service, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Dustin D French
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL, United States
- Center for Health Services and Outcomes Research, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
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Shah AQ, Noronha N, Chin-See R, Hanna C, Kadri Z, Marwaha A, Rambharack N, Ng JY. The use and effects of telemedicine on complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine practices: a scoping review. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:275. [PMID: 37533042 PMCID: PMC10394941 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04100-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telemedicine includes the delivery of health-care services and sharing of health information across distances. Past research has found that telemedicine can play a role in enhancing complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine (CAIM) while allowing the maintenance of cultural values and ancestral knowledge. This scoping review synthesized evidence regarding the use of telemedicine in the context of CAIM. METHODS Following Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review framework, CINAHL, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, EMBASE and AMED databases were searched systematically. The CADTH website was also searched for grey literature. Eligible articles included a CAIM practice or therapy offered through telemedicine, with no restrictions placed on the type of telemedicine technology used. Inductive thematic analysis was conducted to synthesise common themes among the included studies. RESULTS Sixty-two articles were included in this synthesis. The following themes emerged: 1) the practitioner view of CAIM delivered through telemedicine, 2) the patient view of CAIM delivered through telemedicine, and 3) the technological impacts of telemedicine delivery of CAIM. CONCLUSIONS Studies have shown that telemedicine delivery of CAIM is feasible, acceptable, and results in positive health outcomes. Some barriers remain such as the presence of chronic illness and morbidity, inability to form strong patient-provider relationships relative to face-to-face approaches, and technological difficulties. Future intervention research should focus on reducing such barriers, as well as explore which patient population would realize the greatest benefit from CAIM delivered via telemedicine, and the impact of interventions on providers and caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimun Qadeer Shah
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Noella Noronha
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Robert Chin-See
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Christina Hanna
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Zeest Kadri
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Amn Marwaha
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Neetu Rambharack
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jeremy Y Ng
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
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Taylor SL, Gelman HM, DeFaccio R, Douglas J, Hawrilenko MJ, McGinty NK, Resnick A, Tomlanovich NC, Toyama J, Whitehead AM, Kligler B, Zeliadt SB. We Built it, But Did They Come: Veterans' Use of VA Healthcare System-Provided Complementary and Integrative Health Approaches. J Gen Intern Med 2023; 38:905-912. [PMID: 36451011 PMCID: PMC9713140 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-022-07889-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interest in complementary and integrative health (CIH) approaches, such as meditation, yoga, and acupuncture, continues to grow. The evidence of effectiveness for some CIH approaches has increased in the last decade, especially for pain, with many being recommended in varying degrees in national guidelines. To offer nonpharmacological health management options and meet patient demand, the nation's largest integrated healthcare system, the Veterans Health Administration (VA), greatly expanded their provision of CIH approaches recently. OBJECTIVE This paper addressed the questions of how many VA patients might use CIH approaches and chiropractic care if they were available at modest to no fee, and would patients with some health conditions or characteristics be more likely than others to use these therapies. DESIGN Using electronic medical records, we conducted a national, three-year, retrospective analysis of VA patients' use of eleven VA-covered therapies: chiropractic care, acupuncture, Battlefield Acupuncture, biofeedback, clinical hypnosis, guided imagery, massage therapy, meditation, Tai Chi/Qigong, and yoga. PARTICIPANTS We created a national cohort of veterans using VA healthcare from October 2016-September 2019. KEY RESULTS Veterans' use of these approaches increased 70% in three years. By 2019, use was 5.7% among all VA patients, but highest among patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain (13.9%), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD; 10.6%), depression (10.4%), anxiety (10.2%), or obesity (7.8%). The approach used varied by age and race/ethnicity, with women being uniformly more likely than men to use each approach. Patients having chronic musculoskeletal pain, obesity, anxiety, depression, or PTSD were more likely than others to use each of the approaches. CONCLUSIONS Veterans' use of some approaches rapidly grew recently and was robust, especially among patients most in need. This information might help shape federal/state health policy on the provision of evidence-based CIH approaches and guide other healthcare institutions considering providing them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L Taylor
- Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation and Policy, Health Services Research & Development, Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System, MC 151, 11301 Wilshire, Bldg. 206, 2nd Floor, Los Angeles, CA, 90073, USA.
- Department of Medicine and Department of Health Policy and Management, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Hannah M Gelman
- Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rian DeFaccio
- Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jamie Douglas
- Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Matthew J Hawrilenko
- Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nathan K McGinty
- Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Adam Resnick
- Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation and Policy, Health Services Research & Development, Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System, MC 151, 11301 Wilshire, Bldg. 206, 2nd Floor, Los Angeles, CA, 90073, USA
| | - Nathan C Tomlanovich
- Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Joy Toyama
- Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation and Policy, Health Services Research & Development, Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System, MC 151, 11301 Wilshire, Bldg. 206, 2nd Floor, Los Angeles, CA, 90073, USA
| | - Alison M Whitehead
- Integrative Health Coordinating Center, Office of Patient-Centered Care and Cultural Transformation, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Benjamin Kligler
- Integrative Health Coordinating Center, Office of Patient-Centered Care and Cultural Transformation, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Steven B Zeliadt
- Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Health Services, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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