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Alhammad N, Alajlani M, Abd-Alrazaq A, Epiphaniou G, Arvanitis T. Patients' Perspectives on the Data Confidentiality, Privacy, and Security of mHealth Apps: Systematic Review. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e50715. [PMID: 38820572 PMCID: PMC11179037 DOI: 10.2196/50715] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mobile health (mHealth) apps have the potential to enhance health care service delivery. However, concerns regarding patients' confidentiality, privacy, and security consistently affect the adoption of mHealth apps. Despite this, no review has comprehensively summarized the findings of studies on this subject matter. OBJECTIVE This systematic review aims to investigate patients' perspectives and awareness of the confidentiality, privacy, and security of the data collected through mHealth apps. METHODS Using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted in 3 electronic databases: PubMed, Ovid, and ScienceDirect. All the retrieved articles were screened according to specific inclusion criteria to select relevant articles published between 2014 and 2022. RESULTS A total of 33 articles exploring mHealth patients' perspectives and awareness of data privacy, security, and confidentiality issues and the associated factors were included in this systematic review. Thematic analyses of the retrieved data led to the synthesis of 4 themes: concerns about data privacy, confidentiality, and security; awareness; facilitators and enablers; and associated factors. Patients showed discordant and concordant perspectives regarding data privacy, security, and confidentiality, as well as suggesting approaches to improve the use of mHealth apps (facilitators), such as protection of personal data, ensuring that health status or medical conditions are not mentioned, brief training or education on data security, and assuring data confidentiality and privacy. Similarly, awareness of the subject matter differed across the studies, suggesting the need to improve patients' awareness of data security and privacy. Older patients, those with a history of experiencing data breaches, and those belonging to the higher-income class were more likely to raise concerns about the data security and privacy of mHealth apps. These concerns were not frequent among patients with higher satisfaction levels and those who perceived the data type to be less sensitive. CONCLUSIONS Patients expressed diverse views on mHealth apps' privacy, security, and confidentiality, with some of the issues raised affecting technology use. These findings may assist mHealth app developers and other stakeholders in improving patients' awareness and adjusting current privacy and security features in mHealth apps to enhance their adoption and use. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42023456658; https://tinyurl.com/ytnjtmca.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasser Alhammad
- Institute of Digital Healthcare, WMG, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Health Informatics, Saudi Electronic University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohannad Alajlani
- Institute of Digital Healthcare, WMG, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Alaa Abd-Alrazaq
- AI Center for Precision Health, Weill Cornell Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Gregory Epiphaniou
- Institute of Digital Healthcare, WMG, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
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Al-Mahrouqi T, Al-Alawi K, Al-Sabahi F, Al-Harrasi A, Al-Sinawi H, Al-Balushi N, Al-Shekaili M, Al-Alawi M. Telephone-based telepsychiatry consultations: a qualitative exploration of psychiatrists' experiences in Oman. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e079033. [PMID: 38458801 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079033] [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] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The utilisation of tele-mental health services has the potential to address challenges in mental health services within the Eastern Mediterranean Region. However, the adoption of tele-mental health in Oman remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the experiences of psychiatrists with telephone consultations, offering valuable insights to advance the field of telepsychiatry. DESIGN This is a qualitative exploratory study. The analysis of the data involved the application of manifest content analysis. SETTING The semi-structured interviews were conducted with the psychiatrists at Al Masarra Hospital. PARTICIPANTS A total of 10 semi-structured interviews were conducted. RESULTS The study reveals that psychiatrists encounter communication challenges in telephone consultations, such as the absence of visual cues, confirming patient identity, conducting comprehensive assessments and effectively communicating with younger patients who may lack developed social skills or patients with specific health conditions. Infrastructure limitations, such as outdated medical records, lack of electronic prescriptions and limited availability of child/adolescent psychiatric medications, further restrict the effectiveness of telepsychiatry consultations. In contrast, telephone appointments offer convenience and flexibility for psychiatrists, allowing them to manage non-clinical responsibilities and provide focused consultations tailored to individual needs. In addition, it benefits patients by improving appointment adherence, diminishing stigma and financial savings compared with in-person consultations. CONCLUSIONS Tele-mental health has emerged as a promising avenue for enhancing mental healthcare services in Oman. Addressing psychiatrists' challenges is crucial to further developing and strengthening these services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fatema Al-Sabahi
- Internship Training Program, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
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Tajan N, Devès M, Potier R. Tele-psychotherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mini-review. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1060961. [PMID: 37476543 PMCID: PMC10354254 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1060961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed psychotherapy practices. Psychotherapy around the world has shifted from predominantly face-to-face settings to overwhelmingly online settings since the beginning of the pandemic. Many studies have been published on this topic, but there has been no review of the literature focused on the experience of psychotherapists. Our goal was to identify the challenging issues of teletherapy, including the efficiency of online consultations and the extent to which they are accepted by therapists and patients. A PubMed literature search using the [("Teletherapy" OR "Telebehavioral health" OR "telepsychotherapy") AND ("COVID-19")] search string retrieved 46 studies focused on mental health professionals, as detailed in a PRISMA flow diagram. Two reviewers independently screened the abstracts and excluded those that were outside the scope of the review. The selection of articles kept for review was discussed by all three authors. Overall, the review contributes to the description and evaluation of tele mental health services, including teletherapy, online counseling, digital mental health tools, and remote monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Tajan
- Laboratory of Psychopathology and Psychoanalysis, Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Maud Devès
- Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Centre de Recherche Psychanalyse Médecine et Société, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Rémy Potier
- Centre de Recherche en Psychopathologie et Psychologie Clinique, Institut de Psychologie, Université Lumière Lyon 2, Lyon, France
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Galvin E, Desselle S, Gavin B, Quigley E, Flear M, Kilbride K, McNicholas F, Cullinan S, Hayden J. Stakeholder perspectives and experiences of the implementation of remote mental health consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:623. [PMID: 37312119 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09529-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Remote mental health consultations were swiftly implemented across mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Research has begun to inform future design and delivery of telemental health services. Exploring the in-depth experiences of those involved is important to understand the complex, multi-level factors that influence the implementation of remote mental health consultations. The aim of this study was to explore stakeholder perspectives and experiences of the implementation of remote mental health consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted whereby semi-structured, individual interviews were undertaken with mental health providers, service users, and managers (n = 19) to acquire rich information. Interviews were conducted between November 2021 and July 2022. The interview guide was informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Data were analysed thematically using a deductive and inductive approach. RESULTS Six themes were identified. The advantages of remote mental health consultations were described, including convenience and increased accessibility to care. Providers and managers described varying levels of success with implementation, citing complexity and incompatibility with existing workflows as barriers to adoption. Providers' access to resources, guidance, and training were notable facilitators. Participants perceived remote mental health consultations to be satisfactory but not equivalent to in-person care in terms of quality. Views about the inferior quality of remote consultations stemmed from beliefs about the inhibited therapeutic relationship and a possible reduction in effectiveness compared to in-person care. Whilst a return to in-person services was mostly preferred, participants acknowledged a potential adjunct role for remote consultations in certain circumstances. CONCLUSIONS Remote mental health consultations were welcomed as a means to continue care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their swift and necessary adoption placed pressure on providers and organisations to adapt quickly, navigating challenges and adjusting to a new way of working. This implementation created changes to workflows and dynamics that disrupted the traditional method of mental health care delivery. Further consideration of the importance of the therapeutic relationship and fostering positive provider beliefs and feelings of competence are needed to ensure satisfactory and effective implementation of remote mental health consultations going forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emer Galvin
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.
| | | | - Blánaid Gavin
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | | | - Fiona McNicholas
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Children's Health Ireland, Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland
- Lucena Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), Rathgar, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Shane Cullinan
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John Hayden
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
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Kister K, Laskowski J, Dybała E, Makarewicz A. Are we ready for Telepsychiatry? Benefits and challenges of digital
psychotherapy. CURRENT PROBLEMS OF PSYCHIATRY 2023. [DOI: 10.12923/2353-8627/2023-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Telemedicine is one of the most modern and fastest-growing branches of medicine. The most common form is video consultation. We distinguish between synchronous and asynchronous telepsychiatry. This study aims to show the benefits of using telepsychiatry services, the challenges it poses to users, and to evaluate its use against traditional therapy.
Materials and methods: A review of literature from 1956-2023 in EMBASE, OpenKnowledge and PubMed databases was conducted. Keywords used were: telepsychiatry, teletherapy, and digital psychiatry. Ninety-eight articles were included.
Discussion: Telepsychiatry is an opportunity for regions affected by medical staff shortages. It bypasses cultural barriers, the problem of traveling and reduces the cost of medical point-of-service. Telepsychiatry is an opportunity for patients who do not use psychiatrists due to discrimination in a conservative society. Groups that may find it challenging include the elderly, the blind, and the deaf. Creating a healthy therapeutic alliance through a screen can be impossible, making it difficult to achieve successful therapy. A barrier to developing telepsychiatry is the need for more guidelines for dealing with medical errors.
Conclusions: Telemedicine can help in accessing specialized care regardless of location. Telepsychiatry provides a safe and anonymous environment for patients reluctant to receive inpatient therapy. The effectiveness of online therapy is primarily debated. Telepsychiatry should be limited to follow-up consultations and well-known patients - it is a form of complementing the diagnosis and treatment process. The authors point to the need for developing specific guidelines for conducting teletherapy with particular attention to the problem of suicide.
Keywords: telepsychiatry, teletherapy, digital psychiatry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Kister
- I Departmentof Psychiatry, Psychoterapy and Early Intervention of Medical University in Lublin, Poland - Students Research Group
| | - Jakub Laskowski
- Department of Paediatrician Oncology, Transplantology and Haematology Medical University of Lublin, Poland - Students Research Group
| | | | - Agata Makarewicz
- I Department of Psychiatry, Psychoterapy and Early Intervention, Medical University of Lublin, Poland
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Doctor for Every Citizen: Telehealth Visits at Dubai Health Authority during COVID-19 Pandemic in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11030294. [PMID: 36766869 PMCID: PMC9914661 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11030294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital health significantly affects healthcare delivery. Moreover, empirical studies on the utilization of telehealth in Dubai are limited. Accordingly, this study examines the utilization of telehealth services in Dubai Health Authority (DHA) facilities and the factors associated with telehealth appointment completion and turnaround time. METHODS This cross-sectional study examines patients who used telehealth services in DHA from 2020 through 2021 using 241,822 records. A binary logistic regression model was constructed to investigate the association between appointment turnaround time as a dependent variable and patient and visit characteristics as independent variables. RESULTS Of the total scheduled telehealth visits, more than three-quarter (78.55%) were completed. Older patients, non-Emiratis, patients who had their visits in 2020, patients who had video visits, and those who sought family medicine as a specialty had a shorter turnaround time to receive their appointment. CONCLUSIONS This study identifies several characteristics associated with the turnaround time. Moreover, technological improvements focusing on specialties that can readily be addressed through telehealth and further research in this domain will improve service provision and support building an evidence-base in the government sector of the emirate of Dubai.
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Galvin E, Desselle S, Gavin B, Quigley E, Flear M, Kilbride K, McNicholas F, Cullinan S, Hayden J. Patient and provider perspectives of the implementation of remote consultations for community-dwelling people with mental health conditions: A systematic mixed studies review. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 156:668-678. [PMID: 36399859 PMCID: PMC9637462 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.10.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Remote, or tele-, consultations became a necessary form of mental healthcare provision during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the prevalence of mental health problems rises, they may have a role in future mental health services. We aimed to review the literature on patient and provider perspectives on factors influencing the implementation of remote consultations for community-dwelling people with mental health conditions. We searched five electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PsycINFO) for empirical research up to July 13th, 2022. Only studies of synchronous, interactive remote consultations conducted via video, phone, or live-messaging between patients and providers were included. Two reviewers independently assessed the quality of included studies using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. We integrated qualitative and quantitative data from 39 studies into a single mixed-methods synthesis. We mapped reported factors to the domains of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Acceptability was generally high among participants, despite concerns about the quality of care and the perceived impeded therapeutic relationship. A prominent facilitator was the increased accessibility and convenience of remote consultations, while lack of appropriate infrastructure and low patient comfort and competence were among the most prevalent barriers. This review highlights the importance of patient preferences and provider buy-in to the future of remote consultations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emer Galvin
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.
| | | | - Blánaid Gavin
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Etain Quigley
- National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Maynooth, Ireland.
| | - Mark Flear
- Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom.
| | | | | | - Shane Cullinan
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - John Hayden
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.
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