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Putrik P, Grobler L, Lalor A, Ramsay H, Gorelik A, Karnon J, Parker D, Morgan M, Buchbinder R, O'Connor D. Models for delivery and co-ordination of primary or secondary health care (or both) to older adults living in aged care facilities. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2024; 3:CD013880. [PMID: 38426600 PMCID: PMC10905654 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013880.pub2] [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: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of older people is increasing worldwide and public expenditure on residential aged care facilities (ACFs) is expected to at least double, and possibly triple, by 2050. Co-ordinated and timely care in residential ACFs that reduces unnecessary hospital transfers may improve residents' health outcomes and increase satisfaction with care among ACF residents, their families and staff. These benefits may outweigh the resources needed to sustain the changes in care delivery and potentially lead to cost savings. Our systematic review comprehensively and systematically presents the available evidence of the effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness of alternative models of providing health care to ACF residents. OBJECTIVES Main objective To assess the effectiveness and safety of alternative models of delivering primary or secondary health care (or both) to older adults living in ACFs. Secondary objective To assess the cost-effectiveness of the alternative models. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, five other databases and two trials registers (WHO ICTRP, ClinicalTrials.gov) on 26 October 2022, together with reference checking, citation searching and contact with study authors to identify additional studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included individual and cluster-randomised trials, and cost/cost-effectiveness data collected alongside eligible effectiveness studies. Eligible study participants included older people who reside in an ACF as their place of permanent abode and healthcare professionals delivering or co-ordinating the delivery of healthcare at ACFs. Eligible interventions focused on either ways of delivering primary or secondary health care (or both) or ways of co-ordinating the delivery of this care. Eligible comparators included usual care or another model of care. Primary outcomes were emergency department visits, unplanned hospital admissions and adverse effects (defined as infections, falls and pressure ulcers). Secondary outcomes included adherence to clinical guideline-recommended care, health-related quality of life of residents, mortality, resource use, access to primary or specialist healthcare services, any hospital admissions, length of hospital stay, satisfaction with the health care by residents and their families, work-related satisfaction and work-related stress of ACF staff. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently selected studies for inclusion, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias and certainty of evidence using GRADE. The primary comparison was any alternative model of care versus usual care. MAIN RESULTS We included 40 randomised trials (21,787 participants; three studies only reported number of beds) in this review. Included trials evaluated alternative models of care aimed at either all residents of the ACF (i.e. no specific health condition; 11 studies), ACF residents with mental health conditions or behavioural problems (12 studies), ACF residents with a specific condition (e.g. residents with pressure ulcers, 13 studies) or residents requiring a specific type of care (e.g. residents after hospital discharge, four studies). Most alternative models of care focused on 'co-ordination of care' (n = 31). Three alternative models of care focused on 'who provides care' and two focused on 'where care is provided' (i.e. care provided within ACF versus outside of ACF). Four models focused on the use of information and communication technology. Usual care, the comparator in all studies, was highly heterogeneous across studies and, in most cases, was poorly reported. Most of the included trials were susceptible to some form of bias; in particular, performance (89%), reporting (66%) and detection (42%) bias. Compared to usual care, alternative models of care may make little or no difference to the proportion of residents with at least one emergency department visit (risk ratio (RR) 1.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84 to 1.20; 7 trials, 1276 participants; low-certainty evidence), but may reduce the proportion of residents with at least one unplanned hospital admission (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.99, I2 = 53%; 8 trials, 1263 participants; low-certainty evidence). We are uncertain of the effect of alternative models of care on adverse events (proportion of residents with a fall: RR 1.15, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.60, I² = 74%; 3 trials, 1061 participants; very low-certainty evidence) and adherence to guideline-recommended care (proportion of residents receiving adequate antidepressant medication: RR 5.29, 95% CI 1.08 to 26.00; 1 study, 65 participants) as the certainty of the evidence is very low. Compared to usual care, alternative models of care may have little or no effect on the health-related quality of life of ACF residents (MD -0.016, 95% CI -0.036 to 0.004; I² = 23%; 12 studies, 4016 participants; low-certainty evidence) and probably make little or no difference to the number of deaths in residents of ACFs (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.16, 24 trials, 3881 participants, moderate-certainty evidence). We did not pool the cost-effectiveness or cost data as the specific costs associated with the various alternative models of care were incomparable, both across models of care as well as across settings. Based on the findings of five economic evaluations (all interventions focused on co-ordination of care), we are uncertain of the cost-effectiveness of alternative models of care compared to usual care as the certainty of the evidence is very low. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Compared to usual care, alternative models of care may make little or no difference to the number of emergency department visits but may reduce unplanned hospital admissions. We are uncertain of the effect of alternative care models on adverse events (i.e. falls, pressure ulcers, infections) and adherence to guidelines compared to usual care, as the certainty of the evidence is very low. Alternative models of care may have little or no effect on health-related quality of life and probably have no effect on mortality of ACF residents compared to usual care. Importantly, we are uncertain of the cost-effectiveness of alternative models of care due to the limited, disparate data available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polina Putrik
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Liesl Grobler
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Aislinn Lalor
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Helen Ramsay
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alexandra Gorelik
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jonathan Karnon
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Deborah Parker
- Faculty of Health, The University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mark Morgan
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Rachelle Buchbinder
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Denise O'Connor
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Tong G, Li F, Chen X, Hirani SP, Newman SP, Wang W, Harhay MO. A Bayesian Approach for Estimating the Survivor Average Causal Effect When Outcomes Are Truncated by Death in Cluster-Randomized Trials. Am J Epidemiol 2023; 192:1006-1015. [PMID: 36799630 PMCID: PMC10236525 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwad038] [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: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Many studies encounter clustering due to multicenter enrollment and nonmortality outcomes, such as quality of life, that are truncated due to death-that is, missing not at random and nonignorable. Traditional missing-data methods and target causal estimands are suboptimal for statistical inference in the presence of these combined issues, which are especially common in multicenter studies and cluster-randomized trials (CRTs) carried out among the elderly or seriously ill. Using principal stratification, we developed a Bayesian estimator that jointly identifies the always-survivor principal stratum in a clustered/hierarchical data setting and estimates the average treatment effect among them (i.e., the survivor average causal effect (SACE)). In simulations, we observed low bias and good coverage with our method. In a motivating CRT, the SACE and the estimate from complete-case analysis differed in magnitude, but both were small, and neither was incompatible with a null effect. However, the SACE estimate has a clear causal interpretation. The option to assess the rigorously defined SACE estimand in studies with informative truncation and clustering can provide additional insight into an important subset of study participants. Based on the simulation study and CRT reanalysis, we provide practical recommendations for using the SACE in CRTs and software code to support future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyu Tong
- Correspondence to Dr. Guangyu Tong, Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, 135 College Street, New Haven, CT 06510 (e-mail: )
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Le Bras A, Zarca K, Mimouni M, Durand-Zaleski I. Implementing Technologies: Assessment of Telemedicine Experiments in the Paris Region: Reasons for Success or Failure of the Evaluations and of the Deployment of the Projects. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3031. [PMID: 36833723 PMCID: PMC9962222 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telemedicine is increasingly viewed as a tool to provide a wide range of health services. This article presents policy lessons drawn from the evaluation of telemedicine experiments conducted in the Paris region. METHODS We used a mixed method design to study telemedicine projects commissioned by the Paris Regional Health Agency between 2013 and 2017. We combined data analysis of the telemedicine projects, review of the protocols, and interviews with stakeholders. RESULTS We identified the following reasons for disappointing outcomes: the outcome measure was requested too early during the experiments because payers required information for budgetary decisions; and the learning curve, technical problems, diversion of use, insufficient number of inclusions, and a lack of adherence prevented the demonstration of successful outcomes of the projects. CONCLUSION The evaluation of telemedicine should be undertaken after sufficient uptake to ensure barriers to implementation are overcome, and to obtain the sample size necessary for statistical power and reduce the average cost for one telemedicine request. Randomized controlled trials should be encouraged with appropriate funding and the follow-up period should be extended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Le Bras
- Hôtel Dieu Hospital, URC Eco Ile-de-France (AP-HP), Unité de Recherche Clinique en Économie de la Santé, 1 Place du Parvis Notre Dame, 75004 Paris, France
| | - Kevin Zarca
- Hôtel Dieu Hospital, URC Eco Ile-de-France (AP-HP), Unité de Recherche Clinique en Économie de la Santé, 1 Place du Parvis Notre Dame, 75004 Paris, France
- Department of Public Health, Henri Mondor-Albert Chenevier Hospitals (AP-HP), 94000 Créteil, France
| | - Maroua Mimouni
- Hôtel Dieu Hospital, URC Eco Ile-de-France (AP-HP), Unité de Recherche Clinique en Économie de la Santé, 1 Place du Parvis Notre Dame, 75004 Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Durand-Zaleski
- Hôtel Dieu Hospital, URC Eco Ile-de-France (AP-HP), Unité de Recherche Clinique en Économie de la Santé, 1 Place du Parvis Notre Dame, 75004 Paris, France
- Department of Public Health, Henri Mondor-Albert Chenevier Hospitals (AP-HP), 94000 Créteil, France
- Faculty of Medicine, University Paris-Est, 75000 Créteil, France
- CRESS UMR 1153, 75004 Paris, France
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Janjua S, Carter D, Threapleton CJ, Prigmore S, Disler RT. Telehealth interventions: remote monitoring and consultations for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 7:CD013196. [PMID: 34693988 PMCID: PMC8543678 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013196.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, including bronchitis and emphysema) is a chronic condition causing shortness of breath, cough, and exacerbations leading to poor health outcomes. Face-to-face visits with health professionals can be hindered by severity of COPD or frailty, and by people living at a distance from their healthcare provider and having limited access to services. Telehealth technologies aimed at providing health care remotely through monitoring and consultations could help to improve health outcomes of people with COPD. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of telehealth interventions that allow remote monitoring and consultation and multi-component interventions for reducing exacerbations and improving quality of life, while reducing dyspnoea symptoms, hospital service utilisation, and death among people with COPD. SEARCH METHODS We identified studies from the Cochrane Airways Trials Register. Additional sources searched included the US National Institutes of Health Ongoing Trials Register, the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and the IEEEX Xplore Digital Library. The latest search was conducted in April 2020. We used the GRADE approach to judge the certainty of evidence for outcomes. SELECTION CRITERIA Eligible randomised controlled trials (RCTs) included adults with diagnosed COPD. Asthma, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, and other respiratory conditions were excluded. Interventions included remote monitoring or consultation plus usual care, remote monitoring or consultation alone, and mult-component interventions from all care settings. Quality of life scales included St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and the COPD Assessment Test (CAT). The dyspnoea symptom scale used was the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire Self-Administered Standardized Scale (CRQ-SAS). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures. We assessed confidence in the evidence for each primary outcome using the GRADE method. Primary outcomes were exacerbations, quality of life, dyspnoea symptoms, hospital service utilisation, and mortality; a secondary outcome consisted of adverse events. MAIN RESULTS We included 29 studies in the review (5654 participants; male proportion 36% to 96%; female proportion 4% to 61%). Most remote monitoring interventions required participants to transfer measurements using a remote device and later health professional review (asynchronous). Only five interventions transferred data and allowed review by health professionals in real time (synchronous). Studies were at high risk of bias due to lack of blinding, and certainty of evidence ranged from moderate to very low. We found no evidence on comparison of remote consultations with or without usual care. Remote monitoring plus usual care (8 studies, 1033 participants) Very uncertain evidence suggests that remote monitoring plus usual care may have little to no effect on the number of people experiencing exacerbations at 26 weeks or 52 weeks. There may be little to no difference in effect on quality of life (SGRQ) at 26 weeks (very low to low certainty) or on hospitalisation (all-cause or COPD-related; very low certainty). COPD-related hospital re-admissions are probably reduced at 26 weeks (hazard ratio 0.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.19 to 0.93; 106 participants; moderate certainty). There may be little to no difference in deaths between intervention and usual care (very low certainty). We found no evidence for dyspnoea symptoms or adverse events. Remote monitoring alone (10 studies, 2456 participants) Very uncertain evidence suggests that remote monitoring may result in little to no effect on the number of people experiencing exacerbations at 41 weeks (odds ratio 1.02, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.55). There may be little to no effect on quality of life (SGRQ total at 17 weeks, or CAT at 38 and 52 weeks; very low certainty). There may be little to no effect on dyspnoea symptoms on the CRQ-SAS at 26 weeks (low certainty). There may be no difference in effects on the number of people admitted to hospital (very low certainty) or on deaths (very low certainty). We found no evidence for adverse events. Multi-component interventions with remote monitoring or consultation component (11 studies, 2165 participants) Very uncertain evidence suggests that multi-component interventions may have little to no effect on the number of people experiencing exacerbations at 52 weeks. Quality of life at 13 weeks may improve as seen in SGRQ total score (mean difference -9.70, 95% CI -18.32 to -1.08; 38 participants; low certainty) but not at 26 or 52 weeks (very low certainty). COPD assessment test (CAT) scores may improve at a mean of 38 weeks, but evidence is very uncertain and interventions are varied. There may be little to no effect on the number of people admitted to hospital at 33 weeks (low certainty). Multi-component interventions are likely to result in fewer people re-admitted to hospital at a mean of 39 weeks (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.81; 344 participants, 3 studies; moderate certainty). There may be little to no difference in death at a mean of 40 weeks (very low certainty). There may be little to no effect on people experiencing adverse events (very low certainty). We found no evidence for dyspnoea symptoms. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Remote monitoring plus usual care provided asynchronously may not be beneficial overall compared to usual care alone. Some benefit is seen in reduction of COPD-related hospital re-admissions, but moderate-certainty evidence is based on one study. We have not found any evidence for dyspnoea symptoms nor harms, and there is no difference in fatalities when remote monitoring is provided in addition to usual care. Remote monitoring interventions alone are no better than usual care overall for health outcomes. Multi-component interventions with asynchronous remote monitoring are no better than usual care but may provide short-term benefit for quality of life and may result in fewer re-admissions to hospital for any cause. We are uncertain whether remote monitoring is responsible for the positive impact on re-admissions, and we are unable to discern the long-term benefits of receiving remote monitoring as part of patient care. Owing to paucity of evidence, it is unclear which COPD severity subgroups would benefit from telehealth interventions. Given there is no evidence of harm, telehealth interventions may be beneficial as an additional health resource depending on individual needs based on professional assessment. Larger studies can determine long-term effects of these interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadia Janjua
- Cochrane Airways, Population Health Research Institute, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Samantha Prigmore
- Respiratory Medicine, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Rebecca T Disler
- Department of Rural Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Silsand L, Severinsen GH, Berntsen G. Preservation of Person-Centered Care Through Videoconferencing for Patient Follow-up During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Case Study of a Multidisciplinary Care Team. JMIR Form Res 2021; 5:e25220. [PMID: 33646965 PMCID: PMC7939056 DOI: 10.2196/25220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Patient-Centered Team (PACT) focuses on the transitional phase between hospital and primary care for older patients in Northern Norway with complex and long-term needs. PACT emphasizes a person-centered care approach whereby the sharing of power and the patient’s response to “What matters to you?” drive care decisions. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, videoconferencing was the only option for assessing, planning, coordinating, and performing treatment and care. Objective The aim of this study is to report the experience of the PACT multidisciplinary health care team in shifting rapidly from face-to-face care to using videoconferencing for clinical and collaborative services during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explores how PACT managed to maintain person-centered care under these conditions. Methods This case study takes a qualitative approach based on four semistructured focus group interviews carried out in May and June 2020 with 19 PACT members and leaders. Results The case study illustrates that videoconferencing is a good solution for many persons with complex and long-term needs and generates new opportunities for interaction between patients and health care personnel. Persons with complex and long-term needs are a heterogeneous group, and for many patients with reduced cognitive capacity or hearing and vision impairment, the use of videoconferencing was challenging and required support from relatives or health care personnel. The study shows that using videoconferencing offered an opportunity to use health care personnel more efficiently, reduce travelling time for patients, and improve the information exchange between health care levels. This suggests that the integration of videoconferencing contributed to the preservation of the person-centered focus on care during the COVID-19 pandemic. There was an overall agreement in PACT that face-to-face care needed to be at the core of the person-centered care approach; the main use of videoconferencing was to support follow-up and coordination. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic and the rapid adoption of digital care have generated a unique opportunity to continue developing a health service to both preserve and improve the person-centered care approach for persons with complex and long-term needs. This creates demand for overall agreements, including guidelines and procedures for how and when to use videoconferencing to supplement face-to-face treatment and care. Implementing videoconferencing in clinical practice generates a need for systematic training and familiarization with the equipment and technology as well as for an extensive support organization. Videoconferencing can then contribute to better preparing health care services for future scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Line Silsand
- Norwegian Centre for E-health Research, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Gro Berntsen
- Norwegian Centre for E-health Research, Tromsø, Norway.,Institute of Community Medicine, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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Gathercole R, Bradley R, Harper E, Davies L, Pank L, Lam N, Davies A, Talbot E, Hooper E, Winson R, Scutt B, Montano VO, Nunn S, Lavelle G, Lariviere M, Hirani S, Brini S, Bateman A, Bentham P, Burns A, Dunk B, Forsyth K, Fox C, Henderson C, Knapp M, Leroi I, Newman S, O'Brien J, Poland F, Woolham J, Gray R, Howard R. Assistive technology and telecare to maintain independent living at home for people with dementia: the ATTILA RCT. Health Technol Assess 2021; 25:1-156. [PMID: 33755548 DOI: 10.3310/hta25190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assistive technology and telecare have been promoted to manage the risks associated with independent living for people with dementia, but there is limited evidence of their effectiveness. OBJECTIVES This trial aimed to establish whether or not assistive technology and telecare assessments and interventions extend the time that people with dementia can continue to live independently at home and whether or not they are cost-effective. Caregiver burden, the quality of life of caregivers and of people with dementia and whether or not assistive technology and telecare reduce safety risks were also investigated. DESIGN This was a pragmatic, randomised controlled trial. Blinding was not undertaken as it was not feasible to do so. All consenting participants were included in an intention-to-treat analysis. SETTING This trial was set in 12 councils in England with adult social services responsibilities. PARTICIPANTS Participants were people with dementia living in the community who had an identified need that might benefit from assistive technology and telecare. INTERVENTIONS Participants were randomly assigned to receive either assistive technology and telecare recommended by a health or social care professional to meet their assessed needs (a full assistive technology and telecare package) or a pendant alarm, non-monitored smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and a key safe (a basic assistive technology and telecare package). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcomes were time to admission to care and cost-effectiveness. Secondary outcomes assessed caregivers using the 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory 6-item scale and the Zarit Burden Interview. RESULTS Of 495 participants, 248 were randomised to receive full assistive technology and telecare and 247 received the limited control. Comparing the assistive technology and telecare group with the control group, the hazard ratio for institutionalisation was 0.76 (95% confidence interval 0.58 to 1.01; p = 0.054). After adjusting for an imbalance in the baseline activities of daily living score between trial arms, the hazard ratio was 0.84 (95% confidence interval 0.63 to 1.12; p = 0.20). At 104 weeks, there were no significant differences between groups in health and social care resource use costs (intervention group - control group difference: mean -£909, 95% confidence interval -£5336 to £3345) or in societal costs (intervention group - control group difference: mean -£3545; 95% confidence interval -£13,914 to £6581). At 104 weeks, based on quality-adjusted life-years derived from the participant-rated EuroQol-5 Dimensions questionnaire, the intervention group had 0.105 (95% confidence interval -0.204 to -0.007) fewer quality-adjusted life-years than the control group. The number of quality-adjusted life-years derived from the proxy-rated EuroQol-5 Dimensions questionnaire did not differ between groups. Caregiver outcomes did not differ between groups over 24 weeks. LIMITATIONS Compliance with the assigned trial arm was variable, as was the quality of assistive technology and telecare needs assessments. Attrition from assessments led to data loss additional to that attributable to care home admission and censoring events. CONCLUSIONS A full package of assistive technology and telecare did not increase the length of time that participants with dementia remained in the community, and nor did it decrease caregiver burden, depression or anxiety, relative to a basic package of assistive technology and telecare. Use of the full assistive technology and telecare package did not increase participants' health and social care or societal costs. Quality-adjusted life-years based on participants' EuroQol-5 Dimensions questionnaire responses were reduced in the intervention group compared with the control group; groups did not differ in the number of quality-adjusted life-years based on the proxy-rated EuroQol-5 Dimensions questionnaire. FUTURE WORK Future work could examine whether or not improved assessment that is more personalised to an individual is beneficial. TRIAL REGISTRATION Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN86537017. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 25, No. 19. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosie Bradley
- Medical Research Council Population Health Research Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Emma Harper
- Medical Research Council Population Health Research Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Lucy Davies
- Medical Research Council Population Health Research Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Lynn Pank
- Medical Research Council Population Health Research Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Natalie Lam
- Medical Research Council Population Health Research Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Anna Davies
- School of Health Sciences, City, University of London, London, UK.,Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Emma Talbot
- Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, Stowmarket, UK
| | - Emma Hooper
- Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, Preston, UK.,Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Rachel Winson
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Bethany Scutt
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Samantha Nunn
- Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Grace Lavelle
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Matthew Lariviere
- Centre for International Research on Care, Labour and Equalities, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Stefano Brini
- School of Health Sciences, City, University of London, London, UK
| | - Andrew Bateman
- School of Health and Social Care, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
| | - Peter Bentham
- Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Alistair Burns
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Barbara Dunk
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Kirsty Forsyth
- School of Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Chris Fox
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Catherine Henderson
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Martin Knapp
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Iracema Leroi
- Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Stanton Newman
- School of Health Sciences, City, University of London, London, UK
| | - John O'Brien
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Fiona Poland
- School of Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - John Woolham
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health & Social Care Workforce Research Unit, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Richard Gray
- Medical Research Council Population Health Research Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Robert Howard
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
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Wang Y, Srikanth V, Snowdon DA, Ellmers S, Beare R, Moran C, Richardson D, Lotz P, Andrew NE. Quantifying the economic benefit of the personal alarm and emergency response system in Australia: a cost analysis of the reduction in ambulance attendances. AUST HEALTH REV 2021; 45:51-58. [DOI: 10.1071/ah19254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
ObjectivesMePACS is a triage and support-based personal alarm emergency response system designed to assist older and/or disabled people to live safely in their homes. The aim of this study was to estimate avoidable ambulance attendances and transports to emergency departments and quantify the cost savings attributed to MePACS compared with a comparison cohort without a personal alarm system.
MethodsAlarm activation and demographic data for clients registered in the program from June 2016 to May 2017 and funded through the Personal Alert Victoria program were extracted from routinely collected MePACS electronic data. Information on alarm use, event outcomes and ambulance attendances was extracted. Using published Ambulance Victoria data, a comparison cohort was simulated to model the experience of a similar cohort without access to a personal alarm system who experienced a health emergency and called Australia’s emergency call service number. The incremental management cost, incorporating the operation cost of MePACS and ambulance fees, was calculated to compare the potential cost savings of MePACS with the comparison cohort.
ResultsAmong 18421 eligible clients, there were 7856 emergency alarm activations due to falls or medical events from 4275 clients (79.5% female; 81.1% aged >75 years; 91.8% living alone). MePACS resulted in approximately one-third of ambulance attendances being avoided. Potential annual cost savings of A$1414732.8 (A$76.8 per person per year; 95% confidence interval A$60.0–93.6 per person per year; P<0.001) were attributed to avoidable ambulance utilisations for 18421 MePACS clients.
ConclusionTriage-based personal alarm systems, such as MePACS, provide a cost-saving strategy because of fewer ambulance attendances and transports to emergency departments for older and/or disabled people living in the community.
What is known about the topic?Personal alarm systems, either a safety alarm, a panic alarm or a medical alarm, have been widely used to support older people and at-risk groups to live independently. The health effects of personal alarm systems are well documented. There is limited information published on the potential economic benefits of these interventions.
What does this paper add?We identified the potential economic benefits associated with the MePACS triage-based personal alarm system operating within Victoria, Australia. Personal alarm systems that are triage based and use the support of family members and carers may provide financial benefits not provided by alarm systems that do not provide this type of service.
What are the implications for practitioners?The management of older people and at-risk groups living alone is a health care priority. Alternative models to calling emergency services, such as triage-based personal emergency response systems, may provide a low-cost, effective approach.
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Davies A, Brini S, Hirani S, Gathercole R, Forsyth K, Henderson C, Bradley R, Davies L, Dunk B, Harper E, Lam N, Pank L, Leroi I, Woolham J, Fox C, O'Brien J, Bateman A, Poland F, Bentham P, Burns A, Gray R, Knapp M, Talbot E, Hooper E, Winson R, Scutt B, Ordonez V, Nunn S, Lavelle G, Howard R, Newman S. The impact of assistive technology on burden and psychological well-being in informal caregivers of people with dementia (ATTILA Study). ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (NEW YORK, N. Y.) 2020; 6:e12064. [PMID: 33043107 PMCID: PMC7539670 DOI: 10.1002/trc2.12064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Assistive technology and telecare (ATT) may alleviate psychological burden in informal caregivers of people with dementia. This study assessed the impact of ATT on informal caregivers' burden and psychological well-being. METHODS Individuals with dementia and their informal caregivers were recruited to a randomized-controlled trial assessing effectiveness of ATT. Caregivers were allocated to two groups according to their cared-for person's randomization to a full or basic package of ATT and were assessed on caregiver burden, state anxiety, and depression. Caregivers' data from three assessments over 6 months of the trial were analyzed. RESULTS No significant between- or within-group differences at any time point on caregivers' burden, anxiety, and depression levels were found. DISCUSSION Full ATT for people with dementia did not impact caregivers' psychological outcomes compared to basic ATT. The length of follow up was restricted to 6 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Davies
- School of Health SciencesCityUniversity of LondonLondonUK
| | - Stefano Brini
- School of Health SciencesCityUniversity of LondonLondonUK
| | | | | | - Kirsty Forsyth
- School of Health SciencesQueen Margaret UniversityEdinburghUK
| | | | | | | | - Barbara Dunk
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | | | | | - Lynn Pank
- Medical Research Council Population Health Research UnitOxford UniversityOxfordUK
| | - Iracema Leroi
- Global Brain Health InstituteTrinity College DublinDublin 2Ireland
| | - John Woolham
- Social Care Workforce Research UnitKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Chris Fox
- School of MedicineHealth Policy and PracticeUniversity of East AngliaNorwichNorfolkUK
| | - John O'Brien
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Andrew Bateman
- Oliver Zangwill Centre for Neuropsychological RehabilitationPrincess of Wales HospitalElyUK
| | - Fiona Poland
- School of Allied Health ProfessionalsUniversity of East AngliaNorwichNorfolkUK
| | | | - Alistar Burns
- Global Brain Health InstituteTrinity College DublinDublin 2Ireland
| | | | - Martin Knapp
- Department of Old Age PsychiatryInstitute of PsychiatryLondonUK
| | - Emma Talbot
- Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation TrustSuffolkUK
| | - Emma Hooper
- Lancashire Care NHS Foundation TrustPrestonUK
| | - Rachel Winson
- Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS TrustOliver Zangwill CentreElyUK
| | - Bethany Scutt
- Department of Old Age PsychiatryInstitute of PsychiatryLondonUK
| | - Victoria Ordonez
- Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS TrustOliver Zangwill CentreElyUK
| | - Samantha Nunn
- Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS TrustOliver Zangwill CentreElyUK
| | - Grace Lavelle
- Department of Old Age PsychiatryInstitute of PsychiatryLondonUK
| | - Robert Howard
- Division of PsychiatryUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- Policy and Evaluation CentreLondon School of Economics and Political ScienceLondonUK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation TrustWarneford HospitalHeadingtonOxfordUK
- Centre for Clinical Brain SciencesUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Stanton Newman
- School of Health SciencesCityUniversity of LondonLondonUK
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9
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Allaert FA, Legrand L, Abdoul Carime N, Quantin C. Will applications on smartphones allow a generalization of telemedicine? BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2020; 20:30. [PMID: 32046699 PMCID: PMC7014733 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-020-1036-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Telemedicine is one of the healthcare sectors that has developed the most in recent years. Currently, telemedicine is mostly used for patients who have difficulty attending medical consultations because of where they live (teleconsultation) or for specialist referrals when no specialist of a given discipline is locally available (telexpertise). However, the use of specific equipment (with dedicated cameras, screens, and computers) and the need for institutional infrastructure made the deployment and use of these systems expensive and rigid. Although many telemedicine systems have been tested, most have not generally gone beyond local projects. Our hypothesis is that the use of smartphones will allow health care providers to overcome some of the limitations that we have exposed, thus allowing the generalization of telemedicine. Main body This paper addresses the problem of telemedicine applications, the market of which is growing fast. Their development may completely transform the organization of healthcare systems, change the way patients are managed and revolutionize prevention. This new organization should facilitate the lives of both patients and doctors. In this paper, we examine why telemedicine has failed for years to take its rightful place in many European healthcare systems although there was a real need. By developing the example of France, this article analyses the reasons most commonly put forth: the administrative and legal difficulties, and the lack of funding. We argue that the real reason telemedicine struggled to find its place was because the technology was not close enough to the patient. Conclusion Finally, we explain how the development of smartphones and their current ubiquitousness should allow the generalization of telemedicine in France and on a global scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- F A Allaert
- Chaire d'évaluation Médicale des Allégations de Santé BSB et groupe CEN, Dijon, France.,Service de Biostatistiques et d'Information Médicale (DIM), CHRU Dijon; Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-21000, Dijon, France
| | - L Legrand
- Service de Biostatistiques et d'Information Médicale (DIM), CHRU Dijon; Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-21000, Dijon, France.,Laboratoire ImViA, EA 7535, UFR des Sciences de Santé, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - N Abdoul Carime
- Service de Biostatistiques et d'Information Médicale (DIM), CHRU Dijon; Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-21000, Dijon, France
| | - C Quantin
- Service de Biostatistiques et d'Information Médicale (DIM), CHRU Dijon; Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-21000, Dijon, France. .,Laboratoire ImViA, EA 7535, UFR des Sciences de Santé, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France. .,INSERM Clinical Investigation Center, clinical epidemiology/ clinical trials unit, CIC 1432 Dijon University Hospital, Dijon, France. .,Biostatistics, Biomathematics, Pharmacoepidemiology and Infectious Diseases (B2PHI), INSERM, UVSQ, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, France. .,Service de Biostatistique et d'Informatique Médicale - BP 77908, CHU de Dijon, CEDEX, 21079, Dijon, France.
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10
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Chambers D, Cantrell A, Booth A. Implementation of interventions to reduce preventable hospital admissions for cardiovascular or respiratory conditions: an evidence map and realist synthesis. HEALTH SERVICES AND DELIVERY RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.3310/hsdr08020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundIn 2012, a series of systematic reviews summarised the evidence regarding interventions to reduce preventable hospital admissions. Although intervention effects were dependent on context, the reviews revealed a consistent picture of reduction across different interventions targeting cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. The research reported here sought to provide an in-depth understanding of how interventions that have been shown to reduce admissions for these conditions may work, with a view to supporting their effective implementation in practice.ObjectivesTo map the available evidence on interventions used in the UK NHS to reduce preventable admissions for cardiovascular and respiratory conditions and to conduct a realist synthesis of implementation evidence related to these interventions.MethodsFor the mapping review, six databases were searched for studies published between 2010 and October 2017. Studies were included if they were conducted in the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand; recruited adults with a cardiovascular or respiratory condition; and evaluated or described an intervention that could reduce preventable admissions or re-admissions. A descriptive summary of key characteristics of the included studies was produced. The studies included in the mapping review helped to inform the sampling frame for the subsequent realist synthesis. The wider evidence base was also engaged through supplementary searching. Data extraction forms were developed using appropriate frameworks (an implementation framework, an intervention template and a realist logic template). Following identification of initial programme theories (from the theoretical literature, empirical studies and insights from the patient and public involvement group), the review team extracted data into evidence tables. Programme theories were examined against the individual intervention types and collectively as a set. The resultant hypotheses functioned as synthesised statements around which an explanatory narrative referenced to the underpinning evidence base was developed. Additional searches for mid-range and overarching theories were carried out using Google Scholar (Google Inc., Mountain View, CA, USA).ResultsA total of 569 publications were included in the mapping review. The largest group originated from the USA. The included studies from the UK showed a similar distribution to that of the map as a whole, but there was evidence of some country-specific features, such as the prominence of studies of telehealth. In the realist synthesis, it was found that interventions with strong evidence of effectiveness overall had not necessarily demonstrated effectiveness in UK settings. This could be a barrier to using these interventions in the NHS. Facilitation of the implementation of interventions was often not reported or inadequately reported. Many of the interventions were diverse in the ways in which they were delivered. There was also considerable overlap in the content of interventions. The role of specialist nurses was highlighted in several studies. The five programme theories identified were supported to varying degrees by empirical literature, but all provided valuable insights.LimitationsThe research was conducted by a small team; time and resources limited the team’s ability to consult with a full range of stakeholders.ConclusionsOverall, implementation appears to be favoured by support for self-management by patients and their families/carers, support for services that signpost patients to consider alternatives to seeing their general practitioner when appropriate, recognition of possible reasons why patients seek admission, support for health-care professionals to diagnose and refer patients appropriately and support for workforce roles that promote continuity of care and co-ordination between services.Future workResearch should focus on understanding discrepancies between national and international evidence and the transferability of findings between different contexts; the design and evaluation of implementation strategies informed by theories about how the intervention being implemented might work; and qualitative research on decision-making around hospital referrals and admissions.FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duncan Chambers
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Anna Cantrell
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Andrew Booth
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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11
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Mold F, Hendy J, Lai YL, de Lusignan S. Electronic Consultation in Primary Care Between Providers and Patients: Systematic Review. JMIR Med Inform 2019; 7:e13042. [PMID: 31793888 PMCID: PMC6918214 DOI: 10.2196/13042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Governments and health care providers are keen to find innovative ways to deliver care more efficiently. Interest in electronic consultation (e-consultation) has grown, but the evidence of benefit is uncertain. Objective This study aimed to assess the evidence of delivering e-consultation using secure email and messaging or video links in primary care. Methods A systematic review was conducted on the use and application of e-consultations in primary care. We searched 7 international databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, EconLit, and Web of Science; 1999-2017), identifying 52 relevant studies. Papers were screened against a detailed inclusion and exclusion criteria. Independent dual data extraction was conducted and assessed for quality. The resulting evidence was synthesized using thematic analysis. Results This review included 57 studies from a range of countries, mainly the United States (n=30) and the United Kingdom (n=13). There were disparities in uptake and utilization toward more use by younger, employed adults. Patient responses to e-consultation were mixed. Patients reported satisfaction with services and improved self-care, communication, and engagement with clinicians. Evidence for the acceptability and ease of use was strong, especially for those with long-term conditions and patients located in remote regions. However, patients were concerned about the privacy and security of their data. For primary health care staff, e-consultation delivers challenges around time management, having the correct technological infrastructure, whether it offers a comparable standard of clinical quality, and whether it improves health outcomes. Conclusions E-consultations may improve aspects of care delivery, but the small scale of many of the studies and low adoption rates leave unanswered questions about usage, quality, cost, and sustainability. We need to improve e-consultation implementation, demonstrate how e-consultations will not increase disparities in access, provide better reassurance to patients about privacy, and incorporate e-consultation as part of a manageable clinical workflow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freda Mold
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Jane Hendy
- Brunel Business School, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
| | - Yi-Ling Lai
- Faculty of Business and Law, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Simon de Lusignan
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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12
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Torbjørnsen A, Småstuen MC, Jenum AK, Årsand E, Ribu L. The Service User Technology Acceptability Questionnaire: Psychometric Evaluation of the Norwegian Version. JMIR Hum Factors 2018; 5:e10255. [PMID: 30578191 PMCID: PMC6324518 DOI: 10.2196/10255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background When developing a mobile health app, users’ perception of the technology should preferably be evaluated. However, few standardized and validated questionnaires measuring acceptability are available. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the validity of the Norwegian version of the Service User Technology Acceptability Questionnaire (SUTAQ). Methods Persons with type 2 diabetes randomized to the intervention groups of the RENEWING HEALTH study used a diabetes diary app. At the one-year follow-up, participants in the intervention groups (n=75) completed the self-reported instrument SUTAQ to measure the acceptability of the equipment. We conducted confirmatory factor analysis for evaluating the fit of the original five-factor structure of the SUTAQ. Results We confirmed only 2 of the original 5 factors of the SUTAQ, perceived benefit and care personnel concerns. Conclusions The original five-factor structure of the SUTAQ was not confirmed in the Norwegian study, indicating that more research is needed to tailor the questionnaire to better reflect the Norwegian setting. However, a small sample size prevented us from drawing firm conclusions about the translated questionnaire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Torbjørnsen
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway.,General Practice Research Unit, Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Milada C Småstuen
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Karen Jenum
- General Practice Research Unit, Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eirik Årsand
- Norwegian Centre for E-health Research, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Lis Ribu
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
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13
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Jensen CM, Overgaard S, Wiil UK, Smith AC, Clemensen J. Bridging the gap: A user-driven study on new ways to support self-care and empowerment for patients with hip fracture. SAGE Open Med 2018; 6:2050312118799121. [PMID: 30210796 PMCID: PMC6130081 DOI: 10.1177/2050312118799121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives In future healthcare systems, individuals are expected to be more involved in managing their health and preventing illness. A previous study of patient empowerment on a hip fracture pathway uncovered a gap between what the healthcare system provided and patients' needs and wishes. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a user-driven approach and a participatory design could provide a solution that would bridge this gap. Methods Four workshops and a laboratory test were conducted with healthcare professionals to co-create a final prototype. This was performed in iterative processes through continuous interviews and face-to-face evaluation with patients, together with field studies in patients' homes, to maintain relevance to end-users, that is, patients and healthcare professionals. The data were analysed according to the plan, act, observe and reflect methodology of iterative processes in participatory design. Results Our results contribute to a key research area within patient involvement. By using participatory design, patients and healthcare professionals gained a mutual understanding and collaborated to create a technological solution that would encompass needs and wishes. Patient empowerment also involved giving healthcare professionals a means of empowerment, by providing them with a platform to support patient education. We found that one solution to bridging the aforementioned gap could be an app, including a range of educational features that would accommodate different learning styles. Conclusion In developing a technological solution, user involvement in a participatory design ensures usability and inclusion of the requested functionalities. This can help bridge the gap between what the healthcare system provided and patients' needs and wishes and support patients' individual empowerment needs and self-care capacity. Together with the tools and techniques, the setting in which PD unfolds should be thoughtfully planned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Myhre Jensen
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Centre for Innovative Medical Technology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Soren Overgaard
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Uffe Kock Wiil
- Centre for Innovative Medical Technology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,The Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Anthony C Smith
- Centre for Innovative Medical Technology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Centre for Online Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jane Clemensen
- Centre for Innovative Medical Technology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Hans Christian Andersen Children's Hospital, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
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14
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Gokalp H, de Folter J, Verma V, Fursse J, Jones R, Clarke M. Integrated Telehealth and Telecare for Monitoring Frail Elderly with Chronic Disease. Telemed J E Health 2018; 24:940-957. [PMID: 30129884 PMCID: PMC6299847 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2017.0322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective:To investigate the potential of an integrated care system that acquires vital clinical signs and habits data to support independent living for elderly people with chronic disease. Materials and Methods:We developed an IEEE 11073 standards-based telemonitoring platform for monitoring vital signs and activity data of elderly living alone in their home. The platform has important features for monitoring the elderly: unobtrusive, simple, elderly-friendly, plug and play interoperable, and self-integration of sensors. Thirty-six (36) patients in a primary care practice in the United Kingdom (mean [standard deviation] age, 82 [10] years) with congestive heart failure (CHF) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were provided with clinical sensors to measure the vital signs for their disease (blood pressure [BP] and weight for CHF, and oxygen saturation for COPD) and one passive infrared (PIR) motion sensor and/or a chair/bed sensor were installed in a patient's home to obtain their activity data. The patients were asked to take one measurement each day of their vital signs in the morning before breakfast. All data were automatically transmitted wirelessly to the remote server and displayed on a clinical portal for clinicians to monitor each patient. An alert algorithm detected outliers in the data and indicated alerts on the portal. Patient data have been analyzed retrospectively following hospital admission, emergency room visit or death, to determine whether the data could predict the event. Results:Data of patients who were monitored for a long period and had interventions were analyzed to identify useful parameters and develop algorithms to define alert rules. Twenty of the 36 participants had a clinical referral during the time of monitoring; 16 of them received some type of intervention. The most common reason for intervention was due to low oxygen levels for patients with COPD and high BP levels for CHF. Activity data were found to contain information on the well-being of patients, in particular for those with COPD. During exacerbation the activity level from PIR sensors increased slightly, and there was a decrease in bed occupancy. One subject with CHF who felt unwell spent most of the day in the bedroom. Conclusions:Our results suggest that integrated care monitoring technologies have a potential for providing improved care and can have positive impact on well-being of the elderly by enabling timely intervention. Long-term BP and pulse oximetry data could indicate exacerbation and lead to effective intervention; physical activity data provided important information on the well-being of patients. However, there remains a need for better understanding of long-term variations in vital signs and activity data to establish intervention protocols for improved disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hulya Gokalp
- Computer Science Department, Brunel University, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
| | - Joost de Folter
- Computer Science Department, Brunel University, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
| | - Vivek Verma
- Computer Science Department, Brunel University, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
| | - Joanna Fursse
- Chorleywood Health Centre, Chorleywood, United Kingdom
| | - Russell Jones
- Chorleywood Health Centre, Chorleywood, United Kingdom
| | - Malcolm Clarke
- Computer Science Department, Brunel University, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
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15
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Grustam AS, Severens JL, De Massari D, Buyukkaramikli N, Koymans R, Vrijhoef HJM. Cost-Effectiveness Analysis in Telehealth: A Comparison between Home Telemonitoring, Nurse Telephone Support, and Usual Care in Chronic Heart Failure Management. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2018; 21:772-782. [PMID: 30005749 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2017.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2016] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the cost effectiveness of home telemonitoring (HTM) and nurse telephone support (NTS) compared with usual care (UC) in the management of patients with chronic heart failure, from a third-party payer's perspective. METHODS We developed a Markov model with a 20-year time horizon to analyze the cost effectiveness using the original study (Trans-European Network-Home-Care Management System) and various data sources. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the decision uncertainty in our model. RESULTS In the original scenario (which concerned the cost inputs at the time of the original study), HTM and NTS interventions yielded a difference in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained compared with UC: 2.93 and 3.07, respectively, versus 1.91. An incremental net monetary benefit analysis showed €7,697 and €13,589 in HTM and NTS versus UC at a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of €20,000, and €69,100 and €83,100 at a WTP threshold of €80,000, respectively. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were €12,479 for HTM versus UC and €8,270 for NTS versus UC. The current scenario (including telenurse cost inputs in NTS) yielded results that were slightly different from those for the original scenario, when comparing all New York Heart Association (NYHA) classes of severity. NTS dominated HTM, compared with UC, in all NYHA classes except NYHA IV. CONCLUSIONS This modeling study demonstrated that HTM and NTS are viable solutions to support patients with chronic heart failure. NTS is cost-effective in comparison with UC at a WTP of €9000/QALY or higher. Like NTS, HTM improves the survival of patients in all NYHA classes and is cost-effective in comparison with UC at a WTP of €14,000/QALY or higher.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrija S Grustam
- Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Professional Health Solutions and Services Department, Philips Research Europe, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Johan L Severens
- Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniele De Massari
- Chronic Disease Management Department, Philips Research Europe, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Nasuh Buyukkaramikli
- Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ron Koymans
- Professional Health Solutions and Services Department, Philips Research Europe, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Hubertus J M Vrijhoef
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Patient and Care, Maastricht UMC, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
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16
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Wearable Sensors Integrated with Internet of Things for Advancing eHealth Care. SENSORS 2018; 18:s18061851. [PMID: 29882790 PMCID: PMC6022128 DOI: 10.3390/s18061851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Health and sociological indicators alert that life expectancy is increasing, hence so are the years that patients have to live with chronic diseases and co-morbidities. With the advancement in ICT, new tools and paradigms are been explored to provide effective and efficient health care. Telemedicine and health sensors stand as indispensable tools for promoting patient engagement, self-management of diseases and assist doctors to remotely follow up patients. In this paper, we evaluate a rapid prototyping solution for information merging based on five health sensors and two low-cost ubiquitous computing components: Arduino and Raspberry Pi. Our study, which is entirely described with the purpose of reproducibility, aimed to evaluate the extent to which portable technologies are capable of integrating wearable sensors by comparing two deployment scenarios: Raspberry Pi 3 and Personal Computer. The integration is implemented using a choreography engine to transmit data from sensors to a display unit using web services and a simple communication protocol with two modes of data retrieval. Performance of the two set-ups is compared by means of the latency in the wearable data transmission and data loss. PC has a delay of 0.051 ± 0.0035 s (max = 0.2504 s), whereas the Raspberry Pi yields a delay of 0.0175 ± 0.149 s (max = 0.294 s) for N = 300. Our analysis confirms that portable devices ( p < < 0 . 01 ) are suitable to support the transmission and analysis of biometric signals into scalable telemedicine systems.
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17
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Lupiáñez-Villanueva F, Anastasiadou D, Codagnone C, Nuño-Solinís R, Garcia-Zapirain Soto MB. Electronic Health Use in the European Union and the Effect of Multimorbidity: Cross-Sectional Survey. J Med Internet Res 2018; 20:e165. [PMID: 29724702 PMCID: PMC5958287 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.7299] [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: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Multimorbidity is becoming increasingly common and is a leading challenge currently faced by societies with aging populations. The presence of multimorbidity requires patients to coordinate, understand, and use the information obtained from different health care professionals, while simultaneously striving to distinguish the symptoms of different diseases and self-manage their sometimes conflicting health problems. Electronic health (eHealth) tools provide a means to disseminate health information and education for both patients and health professionals and hold promise for more efficient and cost-effective care processes. Objective The aim of this study was to analyze the use of eHealth tools, taking into account the citizens’ sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and above all, the presence of multimorbidity. Methods Cross-sectional and exploratory research was conducted using online survey data from July 2011 to August 2011. Participants included a total of 14,000 citizens from 14 European countries aged 16 to 74 years, who had used an eHealth tool in the past 3 months. The variables studied were sociodemographic variables of the participants, the questionnaire items assessing the frequency of using eHealth tools, the degree of morbidity, and the eHealth adoption gradient. Chi-square tests were conducted to examine the relationship between the sociodemographic and clinical variables of participants and the group the participants were assigned to according to their frequency of eHealth use (eHealth user group). A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) allowed for assessing the differences in the eHealth adoption gradient average between different groups of individuals according to their morbidity level. A two-way between-groups ANOVA was performed to explore the effects of multimorbidity and age group on the eHealth adoption gradient. Results According to the eHealth adoption gradient, most participants (68.15%, 9541/14,000) were labeled as rare users, with the majority of them (55.1%, 508/921) being in the age range of 25 to 54 years, with upper secondary education (50.3%, 464/921), currently employed (49.3%, 454/921), and living in medium-sized cities (40.7%, 375/921). Results of the one-way ANOVA showed that the number of health problems significantly affected the use of eHealth tools (F2,13996=11.584; P<.001). The two-way ANOVA demonstrated that there was a statistically significant interaction between the effects of age and number of health problems on the eHealth adoption gradient (F4,11991=7.936; P<.001). Conclusions The eHealth adoption gradient has proven to be a reliable way to measure different aspects of eHealth use. Multimorbidity is associated with a more intense use of eHealth, with younger Internet users using new technologies for health purposes more frequently than older groups with the same level of morbidity. These findings suggest the need to consider different strategies aimed at making eHealth tools more sensitive to the characteristics of older populations to reduce digital disadvantages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dimitra Anastasiadou
- Estudís de Ciencies de la Informació i la Comunicació, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristiano Codagnone
- Estudís de Ciencies de la Informació i la Comunicació, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain.,Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Maria Begona Garcia-Zapirain Soto
- eVIDA Research Group, Facultad de Ingeniería, University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain.,Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Deusto, Bilbao, Spain
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Martín-Lesende I, Orruño E, Mateos M, Recalde E, Asua J, Reviriego E, Bayón JC. Telemonitoring in-home complex chronic patients from primary care in routine clinical practice: Impact on healthcare resources use. Eur J Gen Pract 2018; 23:135-142. [PMID: 28446045 PMCID: PMC5965896 DOI: 10.1080/13814788.2017.1306516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Recent evidence indicates that home telemonitoring of chronic patients reduces the use of healthcare resources. However, further studies exploring this issue are needed in primary care. Objectives: To assess the impact of a primary care-based home telemonitoring intervention for highly unstable chronic patients on the use of healthcare resources. Methods: A one-year follow-up before and after exploratory study, without control group, was conducted. Housebound patients with heart failure or chronic lung disease, with recurrent hospital admissions, were included. The intervention consisted of patient’s self-measurements and responses to a health status questionnaire, sent daily from smartphones to a web-platform (aided by an alert system) reviewed by healthcare professionals. The primary outcome measure was the number of hospital admissions occurring 12 months before and after the intervention. Secondary outcomes were length of hospital stay and number of emergency department attendances. Primary care nurses were mainly in charge of the telemonitoring process and were assisted by the general practitioners when required. Results: For the 28 patients who completed the follow-up (out of 42 included, 13 patients died and 1 discontinued the intervention), a significant reduction in hospitalizations, from 2.6 admissions/patient in the previous year (standard deviation, SD: 1.6) to 1.1 (SD: 1.5) during the one-year telemonitoring follow-up (P <0.001), and emergency department attendances, from 4.2 (SD: 2.6) to 2.1 (SD: 2.6) (P <0.001) was observed. The length of hospital stay was reduced non-significantly from 11.4 to 7.9 days. Conclusion: In this small exploratory study, the primary care-based telemonitoring intervention seemed to have a positive impact decreasing the number of hospital admissions and emergency department attendances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iñaki Martín-Lesende
- a San Ignacio General Practice, Basque Health Service-Osakidetza , Bilbao-Basurto Integrated Healthcare Organization (IHO) , Bizkaia , Spain
| | - Estibalitz Orruño
- b Basque Office for Health Technology Assessment (OSTEBA) , Ministry for Health, Basque Government , Vitoria-Gasteiz , Araba , Spain
| | - Maider Mateos
- b Basque Office for Health Technology Assessment (OSTEBA) , Ministry for Health, Basque Government , Vitoria-Gasteiz , Araba , Spain
| | - Elizabete Recalde
- c Santutxu-Solokoetxe General Practice, Basque Health Service-Osakidetza , Bilbao Basurto IHO , Bizkaia , Spain
| | - José Asua
- b Basque Office for Health Technology Assessment (OSTEBA) , Ministry for Health, Basque Government , Vitoria-Gasteiz , Araba , Spain
| | - Eva Reviriego
- b Basque Office for Health Technology Assessment (OSTEBA) , Ministry for Health, Basque Government , Vitoria-Gasteiz , Araba , Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Bayón
- b Basque Office for Health Technology Assessment (OSTEBA) , Ministry for Health, Basque Government , Vitoria-Gasteiz , Araba , Spain
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Celler B, Argha A, Varnfield M, Jayasena R. Patient Adherence to Scheduled Vital Sign Measurements During Home Telemonitoring: Analysis of the Intervention Arm in a Before and After Trial. JMIR Med Inform 2018; 6:e15. [PMID: 29631991 PMCID: PMC5913569 DOI: 10.2196/medinform.9200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 12/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a home telemonitoring trial, patient adherence with scheduled vital signs measurements is an important aspect that has not been thoroughly studied and for which data in the literature are limited. Levels of adherence have been reported as varying from approximately 40% to 90%, and in most cases, the adherence rate usually dropped off steadily over time. This drop is more evident in the first few weeks or months after the start. Higher adherence rates have been reported for simple types of monitoring and for shorter periods of intervention. If patients do not follow the intended procedure, poorer results than expected may be achieved. Hence, analyzing factors that can influence patient adherence is of great importance. OBJECTIVE The goal of the research was to present findings on patient adherence with scheduled vital signs measurements in the recently completed Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) national trial of home telemonitoring of patients (mean age 70.5 years, SD 9.3 years) with chronic conditions (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease, hypertensive diseases, congestive heart failure, diabetes, or asthma) carried out at 5 locations along the east coast of Australia. We investigated the ability of chronically ill patients to carry out a daily schedule of vital signs measurements as part of a chronic disease management care plan over periods exceeding 6 months (302 days, SD 135 days) and explored different levels of adherence for different measurements as a function of age, gender, and supervisory models. METHODS In this study, 113 patients forming the test arm of a Before and After Control Intervention (BACI) home telemonitoring trial were analyzed. Patients were required to monitor on a daily basis a range of vital signs determined by their chronic condition and comorbidities. Vital signs included noninvasive blood pressure, pulse oximetry, spirometry, electrocardiogram (ECG), blood glucose level, body temperature, and body weight. Adherence was calculated as the number of days during which at least 1 measurement was taken over all days where measurements were scheduled. Different levels of adherence for different measurements, as a function of age, gender, and supervisory models, were analyzed using linear regression and analysis of covariance for a period of 1 year after the intervention. RESULTS Patients were monitored on average for 302 (SD 135) days, although some continued beyond 12 months. The overall adherence rate for all measurements was 64.1% (range 59.4% to 68.8%). The adherence rates of patients monitored in hospital settings relative to those monitored in community settings were significantly higher for spirometry (69.3%, range 60.4% to 78.2%, versus 41.0%, range 33.1% to 49.0%, P<.001), body weight (64.5%, range 55.7% to 73.2%, versus 40.5%, range 32.3% to 48.7%, P<.001), and body temperature (66.8%, range 59.7% to 73.9%, versus 55.2%, range 48.4% to 61.9%, P=.03). Adherence with blood glucose measurements (58.1%, range 46.7% to 69.5%, versus 50.2%, range 42.8% to 57.6%, P=.24) was not significantly different overall. Adherence rates for blood pressure (68.5%, range 62.7% to 74.2%, versus 59.7%, range 52.1% to 67.3%, P=.04), ECG (65.6%, range 59.7% to 71.5%, versus 56.5%, range 48.7% to 64.4%, P=.047), and pulse oximetry (67.0%, range 61.4% to 72.7%, versus 56.4%, range 48.6% to 64.1%, P=.02) were significantly higher in males relative to female subjects. No statistical differences were observed between rates of adherence for the younger patient group (70 years and younger) and older patient group (older than 70 years). CONCLUSIONS Patients with chronic conditions enrolled in the home telemonitoring trial were able to record their vital signs at home at least once every 2 days over prolonged periods of time. Male patients maintained a higher adherence than female patients over time, and patients supervised by hospital-based care coordinators reported higher levels of adherence with their measurement schedule relative to patients supervised in community settings. This was most noticeable for spirometry. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12613000635763; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=364030&isReview=true (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6xPOU3DpR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Branko Celler
- Biomedical Systems Research Laboratory, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Health and Biosecurity Business Unit, eHealth Research Program, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ahmadreza Argha
- Biomedical Systems Research Laboratory, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Marlien Varnfield
- Health and Biosecurity Business Unit, eHealth Research Program, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Rajiv Jayasena
- Health and Biosecurity Business Unit, eHealth Research Program, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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20
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Chrysanthaki T, Hendy J, Barlow J. Stimulating whole system redesign: Lessons from an organizational analysis of the Whole System Demonstrator programme. J Health Serv Res Policy 2018; 18:47-55. [PMID: 27552779 DOI: 10.1177/1355819612474249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Whole system integration of health and social care has been positioned as key to improving care, increasing efficiency and controlling costs. However, evidence for the benefits of whole system integration is scarce. Drawing on organizational theory, this study uses the implementation of remote care services, viewed as an enabler for whole system working, to explore the reality of achieving this policy objective. METHODS Qualitative, longitudinal data were collected across nine UK sites adopting remote care over three years. Three sites formed the Department of Health's Whole Systems Demonstrator (WSD) programme for remote care. In addition, the implementation of remote care was explored in six other sites unconstrained by the randomized control trial procedures of the WSD programme. The methods were ethnographic (including 235 hours of observations and 184 interviews). Participants were health and social care staff and Government policy makers. RESULTS Remote care did not lead to system redesign; however, local 'ownership' of new services did lead to more collaborative practices across the care system. Lack of integration was an enduring and endemic challenge across all sites, relating to differences in statutory responsibilities, absence of shared budgets and hybrid organizational roles, differences in work practices and organizational philosophies, and ambiguity around what 'whole system working' actually entailed. CONCLUSIONS Policy initiatives like the WSD programme provide opportunities to phase in collaborative practices and create an awareness of the need for joint working. However, the progress observed suggests that the concept of whole system redesign around remote care is currently unrealistic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theopisti Chrysanthaki
- Research Associate, Healthcare Management Group, Imperial College, Business School, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Jane Hendy
- Senior Lecturer in Health Care Management, Department of Health Care Management and Policy, University of Surrey, UK
| | - James Barlow
- Professor of Technology and Innovation Management, Imperial College Business School, Imperial College, London, UK
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21
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Celler B, Varnfield M, Nepal S, Sparks R, Li J, Jayasena R. Impact of At-Home Telemonitoring on Health Services Expenditure and Hospital Admissions in Patients With Chronic Conditions: Before and After Control Intervention Analysis. JMIR Med Inform 2017; 5:e29. [PMID: 28887294 PMCID: PMC5610354 DOI: 10.2196/medinform.7308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telemonitoring is becoming increasingly important for the management of patients with chronic conditions, especially in countries with large distances such as Australia. However, despite large national investments in health information technology, little policy work has been undertaken in Australia in deploying telehealth in the home as a solution to the increasing demands and costs of managing chronic disease. OBJECTIVE The objective of this trial was to evaluate the impact of introducing at-home telemonitoring to patients living with chronic conditions on health care expenditure, number of admissions to hospital, and length of stay (LOS). METHODS A before and after control intervention analysis model was adopted whereby at each location patients were selected from a list of eligible patients living with a range of chronic conditions. Each test patient was case matched with at least one control patient. Test patients were supplied with a telehealth vital signs monitor and were remotely managed by a trained clinical care coordinator, while control patients continued to receive usual care. A total of 100 test patients and 137 control patients were analyzed. Primary health care benefits provided to Australian patients were investigated for the trial cohort. Time series data were analyzed using linear regression and analysis of covariance for a period of 3 years before the intervention and 1 year after. RESULTS There were no significant differences between test and control patients at baseline. Test patients were monitored for an average of 276 days with 75% of patients monitored for more than 6 months. Test patients 1 year after the start of their intervention showed a 46.3% reduction in rate of predicted medical expenditure, a 25.5% reduction in the rate of predicted pharmaceutical expenditure, a 53.2% reduction in the rate of predicted unscheduled admission to hospital, a 67.9% reduction in the predicted rate of LOS when admitted to hospital, and a reduction in mortality of between 41.3% and 44.5% relative to control patients. Control patients did not demonstrate any significant change in their predicted trajectory for any of the above variables. CONCLUSIONS At-home telemonitoring of chronically ill patients showed a statistically robust positive impact increasing over time on health care expenditure, number of admissions to hospital, and LOS as well as a reduction in mortality. TRIAL REGISTRATION Retrospectively registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ACTRN12613000635763; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=364030 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6sxqjkJHW).
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Affiliation(s)
- Branko Celler
- Biomedical Systems Research Laboratory, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Marlien Varnfield
- Health and Biosecurity Business Unit, eHealth Research Program, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Herston QLD, Australia
| | - Surya Nepal
- Data 61, Software and Computational Systems Program, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Marsfield, NSW, Australia
| | - Ross Sparks
- Health and Biosecurity Business Unit, eHealth Research Program, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Jane Li
- Health and Biosecurity Business Unit, eHealth Research Unit, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Marsfield, NSW, Australia
| | - Rajiv Jayasena
- Health and Biosecurity Business Unit, eHealth Research Program, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Hirani SP, Rixon L, Cartwright M, Beynon M, Newman SP. The Effect of Telehealth on Quality of Life and Psychological Outcomes Over a 12-Month Period in a Diabetes Cohort Within the Whole Systems Demonstrator Cluster Randomized Trial. JMIR Diabetes 2017; 2:e18. [PMID: 30291060 PMCID: PMC6238866 DOI: 10.2196/diabetes.7128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Revised: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Much is written about the promise of telehealth and there is great enthusiasm about its potential. However, many studies of telehealth do not meet orthodox quality standards and there are few studies examining quality of life in diabetes as an outcome. OBJECTIVE To assess the impact of home-based telehealth (remote monitoring of physiological, symptom and self-care behavior data for long-term conditions) on generic and disease-specific health-related quality of life, anxiety, and depressive symptoms over 12 months in patients with diabetes. Remote monitoring provides the potential to improve quality of life, through the reassurance it provides patients. METHODS The study focused on participant-reported outcomes of patients with diabetes within the Whole Systems Demonstrator (WSD) Telehealth Questionnaire Study, nested within a pragmatic cluster-randomized trial of telehealth (the WSD Telehealth Trial), held across 3 regions of England. Telehealth was compared with usual-care, with general practice as the unit of randomization. Participant-reported outcome measures (Short-Form 12, EuroQual-5D, Diabetes Health Profile scales, Brief State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale) were collected at baseline, short-term (4 months) and long-term (12months) follow-ups. Intention-to-treat analyses testing treatment effectiveness, were conducted using multilevel models controlling for practice clustering and a range of covariates. Analyses assumed participants received their allocated treatment and were conducted for participants who completed the baseline plus at least one follow-up assessment (n=317). RESULTS Primary analyses showed differences between telehealth and usual care were small and only reached significance for 1 scale (diabetes health profile-disinhibited eating, P=.006). The magnitude of differences between trial arms did not reach the trial-defined minimal clinically important difference of 0.3 standard deviations for most outcomes. Effect sizes (Hedge's g) ranged from 0.015 to 0.143 for Generic quality of life (QoL) measures and 0.018 to 0.394 for disease specific measures. CONCLUSIONS Second generation home-based telehealth as implemented in the WSD evaluation was not effective in the subsample of people with diabetes. Overall, telehealth did not improve or have a deleterious effect quality of life or psychological outcomes for patients with diabetes over a 12-month period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashivadan P Hirani
- Centre for Health Services Research, School of Health Sciences, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lorna Rixon
- Centre for Health Services Research, School of Health Sciences, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Cartwright
- Centre for Health Services Research, School of Health Sciences, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle Beynon
- Centre for Health Services Research, School of Health Sciences, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stanton P Newman
- Centre for Health Services Research, School of Health Sciences, University of London, London, United Kingdom
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Langbecker D, Caffery LJ, Gillespie N, Smith AC. Using survey methods in telehealth research: A practical guide. J Telemed Telecare 2017; 23:770-779. [DOI: 10.1177/1357633x17721814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Surveys are a common method for assessing patient and clinician perceptions, attitudes and outcomes of telehealth. However, inadequacies in both the conduct and reporting of survey studies are common in telehealth research. This article provides clinicians and researchers with practical guidance on the appropriate selection, use and reporting of survey tools for telehealth research. We identify common survey outcomes and instruments used in telehealth research, and methods to assess the validity and psychometric properties of survey tools. Enhancing the quality and reporting of telehealth research is important to improve our understanding of which telehealth-supported models of care improve outcomes and for which patient groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danette Langbecker
- Centre for Online Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Liam J Caffery
- Centre for Online Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Nicole Gillespie
- UQ Business School, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Anthony C Smith
- Centre for Online Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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24
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Lilholt PH, Witt Udsen F, Ehlers L, Hejlesen OK. Telehealthcare for patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: effects on health-related quality of life: results from the Danish 'TeleCare North' cluster-randomised trial. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e014587. [PMID: 28490555 PMCID: PMC5623392 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Revised: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of telehealthcare compared with usual practice in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). DESIGN A cluster-randomised trial with 26 municipal districts that were randomly assigned either to an intervention group whose members received telehealthcare in addition to usual practice or to a control group whose members received usual practice only (13 districts in each arm). SETTING Twenty-six municipal districts in the North Denmark Region of Denmark. PARTICIPANTS Patients who fulfilled the Global Initiative for COPD guidelines and one of the following criteria: COPD Assessment Test score ≥10; or Medical Research Dyspnoea Council Scale ≥3; or Modified Medical Research Dyspnoea Council Scale ≥2; or ≥2 exacerbations during the past 12 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) assessed by the physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores of the Short Form 36-Item Health Survey, Version 2. Data were collected at baseline and at 12 month follow-up and analysed according to the intention-to-treat principle with complete cases, n=574 (258 interventions; 316 controls) and imputed data, n=1225 (578 interventions, 647 controls) using multilevel modelling. RESULTS In the intention-to-treat analysis (n=1225), the raw mean difference in PCS from baseline to 12 month follow-up was -2.6 (SD 12.4) in the telehealthcare group and -2.8 (SD 11.9) in the usual practice group. The raw mean difference in MCS scores in the same period was -4.7 (SD 16.5) and -5.3 (SD 15.5) for telehealthcare and usual practice, respectively. The adjusted mean difference in PCS and MCS between groups at 12 months was 0.1 (95% CI -1.4 to 1.7) and 0.4 (95% CI -1.7 to 2.4), respectively. CONCLUSIONS The overall sample and all subgroups demonstrated no statistically significant differences in HRQoL between telehealthcare and usual practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT01984840; Results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Flemming Witt Udsen
- Danish Center for Healthcare Improvements, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Lars Ehlers
- Danish Centre for Healthcare Improvements, Faculty of Social Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg Øst, Denmark
| | - Ole K Hejlesen
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg Øst, Denmark
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Salisbury C, O’Cathain A, Thomas C, Edwards L, Montgomery AA, Hollinghurst S, Large S, Nicholl J, Pope C, Rogers A, Lewis G, Fahey T, Yardley L, Brownsell S, Dixon P, Drabble S, Esmonde L, Foster A, Garner K, Gaunt D, Horspool K, Man MS, Rowsell A, Segar J. An evidence-based approach to the use of telehealth in long-term health conditions: development of an intervention and evaluation through pragmatic randomised controlled trials in patients with depression or raised cardiovascular risk. PROGRAMME GRANTS FOR APPLIED RESEARCH 2017. [DOI: 10.3310/pgfar05010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BackgroundHealth services internationally are exploring the potential of telehealth to support the management of the growing number of people with long-term conditions (LTCs).AimTo develop, implement and evaluate new care programmes for patients with LTCs, focusing on two common LTCs as exemplars: depression or high cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.MethodsDevelopmentWe synthesised quantitative and qualitative evidence on the effectiveness of telehealth for LTCs, conducted a qualitative study based on interviews with patients and staff and undertook a postal survey to explore which patients are interested in different forms of telehealth. Based on these studies we developed a conceptual model [TElehealth in CHronic disease (TECH) model] as a framework for the development and evaluation of the Healthlines Service for patients with LTCs.ImplementationThe Healthlines Service consisted of regular telephone calls to participants from health information advisors, supporting them to make behaviour change and to use tailored online resources. Advisors sought to optimise participants’ medication and to improve adherence.EvaluationThe Healthlines Service was evaluated with linked pragmatic randomised controlled trials comparing the Healthlines Service plus usual care with usual care alone, with nested process and economic evaluations. Participants were adults with depression or raised CVD risk recruited from 43 general practices in three areas of England. The primary outcome was response to treatment and the secondary outcomes included anxiety (depression trial), individual risk factors (CVD risk trial), self-management skills, medication adherence, perceptions of support, access to health care and satisfaction with treatment.Trial resultsDepression trialIn total, 609 participants were randomised and the retention rate was 86%. Response to treatment [Patient Health Questionnaire 9-items (PHQ-9) reduction of ≥ 5 points and score of < 10 after 4 months] was higher in the intervention group (27%, 68/255) than in the control group (19%, 50/270) [odds ratio 1.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1 to 2.5;p = 0.02]. Anxiety also improved. Intervention participants reported better access to health support, greater satisfaction with treatment and small improvements in self-management, but not improved medication adherence.CVD risk trialIn total, 641 participants were randomised and the retention rate was 91%. Response to treatment (maintenance of/reduction in QRISK®2 score after 12 months) was higher in the intervention group (50%, 148/295) than in the control group (43%, 124/291), which does not exclude a null effect (odds ratio 1.3, 95% CI 1.0 to 1.9;p = 0.08). The intervention was associated with small improvements in blood pressure and weight, but not smoking or cholesterol. Intervention participants were more likely to adhere to medication, reported better access to health support and greater satisfaction with treatment, but few improvements in self-management.The Healthlines Service was likely to be cost-effective for CVD risk, particularly if the benefits are sustained, but not for depression. The intervention was implemented largely as planned, although initial delays and later disruption to delivery because of the closure of NHS Direct may have adversely affected participant engagement.ConclusionThe Healthlines Service, designed using an evidence-based conceptual model, provided modest health benefits and participants valued the better access to care and extra support provided. This service was cost-effective for CVD risk but not depression. These findings of small benefits at extra cost are consistent with previous pragmatic research on the implementation of comprehensive telehealth programmes for LTCs.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials ISRCTN14172341 (depression trial) and ISRCTN27508731 (CVD risk trial).FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Programme Grants for Applied Research programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Salisbury
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Alicia O’Cathain
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Clare Thomas
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Louisa Edwards
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Alan A Montgomery
- Nottingham Clinical Trials Unit, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Sandra Hollinghurst
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Jon Nicholl
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Catherine Pope
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Anne Rogers
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Glyn Lewis
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Tom Fahey
- HRB Centre for Primary Care Research, Department of General Practice, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lucy Yardley
- Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Simon Brownsell
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Padraig Dixon
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Sarah Drabble
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Lisa Esmonde
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Alexis Foster
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Katy Garner
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Daisy Gaunt
- Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Kim Horspool
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Mei-See Man
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Alison Rowsell
- Centre for Applications of Health Psychology, School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Julia Segar
- Centre for Primary Care, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Abstract
ABSTRACTDespite reported benefits of Telecare use for older adults, uptake of Telecare in the United Kingdom remains relatively low. Non-users of Telecare are an under-researched group in the Telecare field. We conducted 22 qualitative individual semi-structured interviews to explore the views and opinions of current non-users of Telecare regarding barriers and facilitators to its use, and explored considerations which may precede their decision to accept, or reject, Telecare. Framework analysis identified a number of themes which influence the outcome and timing of this decision, including peace of mind (for the individual and their family), the strength and composition of an individual's support network, the impact of changing personal and health circumstances, and lack of communication about Telecare (e.g.advertising). A cost–benefit decision process appears to take place for the potential user, whereby the benefit of peace of mind is weighed against perceived ‘costs’ of using Telecare. Telecare is often perceived as a last resort rather than a preventative measure. A number of barriers to Telecare use need to be addressed if individuals are to make fully informed decisions regarding their Telecare use, and to begin using Telecare at a time when it could provide them with optimal benefit. Although the study was set in England, the findings may be relevant for other countries where Telecare is used.
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Maeder A, Poultney N, Morgan G, Lippiatt R. Patient Compliance in Home-Based Self-Care Telehealth Projects. J Telemed Telecare 2016; 21:439-42. [PMID: 26556057 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x15612382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This paper presents the findings of a literature review on patient compliance in home-based self-care telehealth monitoring situations, intended to establish a knowledge base for this aspect which is often neglected alongside more conventional clinical, economic and service evaluations. A systematic search strategy led to 72 peer-reviewed published scientific papers being selected as most relevant to the topic, 58 of which appeared in the last 10 years. Patient conditions in which most evidence for compliance was found were blood pressure, heart failure and stroke, diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other respiratory diseases. In general, good compliance at the start of a study was found to drop off over time, most rapidly in the period immediately after the start. Success factors identified in the study included the extent of patient health education, telehealth system implementation style, user training and competence in system usage, active human support from the healthcare provider and maintaining strong participant motivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Maeder
- School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics, Western Sydney University, Australia
| | - Nathan Poultney
- School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics, Western Sydney University, Australia
| | - Gary Morgan
- Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Australia; One in Four Lives and MPT Innovation Group, Australia
| | - Robert Lippiatt
- Self Care Alliance and Southern Pacific Consulting Group, Australia
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Rasmussen OW, Lauszus FF, Loekke M. Telemedicine compared with standard care in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized trial in an outpatient clinic. J Telemed Telecare 2016; 22:363-8. [DOI: 10.1177/1357633x15608984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Good metabolic control is important in type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve quality of life, work ability and life expectancy, and the use of telemedicine has proved efficient as an add-on to the usual treatment. However, few studies in type 2 diabetes patients have directly compared telemedicine with conventional outpatient treatment, and we wanted to evaluate whether telemedicine, compared with standard care, provides equivalent clinical outcomes. Methods Forty patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus allocated from October 2011–July 2012 were randomized to either treatment at home by video conferences only or standard outpatient treatment. Primary outcomes were HbA1c and blood glucose levels and secondary outcomes were 24-hour blood pressure, cholesterol levels and albuminuria. The video-telephone was a broadband solution installed and serviced by the Danish Telephone Company (TDC). Results The improvements in the two treatments, given as changes in percentage of telemedicine vs standard, showed significant differences in HbA1c (−15 vs −11%), mean blood glucose (−18 vs −13%) and in cholesterol (−7 vs −6%). No differences in LDL (−4 vs −6%), weight (−1 vs 2%), diastolic diurnal blood pressure (−1 vs −7%), and systolic diurnal blood pressure (0 vs −1%) were found. Nine consultations were missed in the standard outpatient group and none in the telemedicine group. Conclusions In the direct comparison of home video consultations vs standard outpatient treatment in type 2 diabetes mellitus, telemedicine was a safe and available option with favourable outcomes after six months treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - FF Lauszus
- Gynecological Department, Herning Hospital, Denmark
| | - M Loekke
- Medical Department, Kolding Hospital, Denmark
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Assessment of Patients' Perception of Telemedicine Services Using the Service User Technology Acceptability Questionnaire. Int J Integr Care 2016; 16:13. [PMID: 27616968 PMCID: PMC5015543 DOI: 10.5334/ijic.2219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The purpose of this paper is to assess if similar
telemedicine services integrated in the management of different chronic diseases
are acceptable and well perceived by patients or if there are any negative
perceptions. Theory and methods: Participants suffering from different chronic
diseases were enrolled in Veneto Region and gathered into clusters. Each cluster
received a similar telemedicine service equipped with different disease-specific
measuring devices. Participants were patients with diabetes (n = 163), chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (n = 180), congestive heart failure (n = 140) and
Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices (n = 1635). The Service User Technology
Acceptability Questionnaire (SUTAQ) was initially translated, culturally adapted
and pretested and subsequently used to assess patients’ perception of
telemedicine. Data were collected after 3 months and after 12 months from the
beginning of the intervention. Data for patients with implantable devices was
collected only at 12 months. Results: Results at 12 months for all clusters are similar and
assessed a positive perception of telemedicine. The SUTAQ results for clusters 2
(diabetes), 5 (COPD) and 7 (CHF) after 3 months of intervention were confirmed
after 12 months. Conclusions: Telemedicine was perceived as a viable addition to
usual care. A positive perception for telemedicine services isn’t a
transitory effect, but extends over the course of time.
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Hirani SP, Rixon L, Beynon M, Cartwright M, Cleanthous S, Selva A, Sanders C, Newman SP. Quantifying beliefs regarding telehealth: Development of the Whole Systems Demonstrator Service User Technology Acceptability Questionnaire. J Telemed Telecare 2016; 23:460-469. [DOI: 10.1177/1357633x16649531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Telehealth (TH) is a potential solution to the increased incidence of chronic illness in an ageing population. The extent to which older people and users with chronic conditions accept and adhere to using assistive technologies is a potential barrier to mainstreaming the service. This study reports the development and validation of the Whole Systems Demonstrator (WSD) Service User Technology Acceptability Questionnaire (SUTAQ). Methods Questionnaires measuring the acceptability of TH, quality of life, well-being and psychological processes were completed by 478 users of TH. The 22 acceptability items were subject to principal components analysis (PCA) to determine sub-scales. Scale scores, relationships between scales and other patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and group differences on scales were utilised to check the reliability and validity of the measure. Results PCAs of SUTAQ items produced six TH acceptability scales: enhanced care, increased accessibility, privacy and discomfort, care personnel concerns, kit as substitution and satisfaction. Significant correlations within these beliefs and between these scales and additional PROMs were coherent, and the SUTAQ sub-scales were able to predict those more likely to refuse TH. Discussion The SUTAQ is an instrument that can be used to measure user beliefs about the acceptability of TH, and has the ability to discriminate between groups and predict individual differences in beliefs and behaviour. Measuring acceptability beliefs of TH users can provide valuable information to direct and target provision of services to increase uptake and maintain use of TH.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lorna Rixon
- Centre for Health Services Research, City University London, UK
| | - Michelle Beynon
- Centre for Health Services Research, City University London, UK
| | | | | | - Abi Selva
- Centre for Health Services Research, City University London, UK
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Rojahn K, Laplante S, Sloand J, Main C, Ibrahim A, Wild J, Sturt N, Areteou T, Johnson KI. Remote Monitoring of Chronic Diseases: A Landscape Assessment of Policies in Four European Countries. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155738. [PMID: 27195764 PMCID: PMC4873167 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Remote monitoring (RM) is defined as the surveillance of device-transmitted outpatient data. RM is expected to enable better management of chronic diseases. The objective of this research was to identify public policies concerning RM in four European countries. METHODS Searches of the medical literature, the Internet, and Ministry of Health websites for the United Kingdom (UK), Germany, Italy, and Spain were performed in order to identify RM policies for chronic diseases, including end stage renal disease (ESRD), chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD), diabetes, heart failure, and hypertension. Searches were first performed in Q1 2014 and updated in Q4 2015. In addition, in depth interviews were conducted with payers/policymakers in each country. Information was obtained on existing policies, disease areas and RM services covered and level of reimbursement, other incentives such as quality indicators, past/current assessments of RM technologies, diseases perceived to benefit most from RM, and concerns about RM. RESULTS Policies on RM and/or telemedicine were identified in all four countries. Pilot projects (mostly in diabetes, COPD, and/or heart failure) existed or were planned in most countries. Perceived value of RM was moderate to high, with the highest rating given for heart failure. Interviewees expressed concerns about sharing of medical information, and the need for capital investment. Patients recently discharged from hospital, and patients living remotely, or with serious and/or complicated diseases, were believed to be the most likely to benefit from RM. Formal reimbursement is scarce, but more commonly available for patients with heart failure. CONCLUSIONS In the four European countries surveyed, RM has attracted considerable interest for its potential to increase the efficiency of healthcare for chronic diseases. Although rare at this moment, incentives to use RM technology are likely to increase in the near future as the body of evidence of clinical and/or economic benefit grows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Rojahn
- Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, IL, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Suzanne Laplante
- Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, IL, United States of America
| | - James Sloand
- Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, IL, United States of America
| | - Claire Main
- Baxter Healthcare Ltd, Compton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Janet Wild
- Baxter Healthcare Ltd, Compton, United Kingdom
| | - Nicky Sturt
- Baxter Healthcare Ltd, Compton, United Kingdom
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Raine R, Fitzpatrick R, Barratt H, Bevan G, Black N, Boaden R, Bower P, Campbell M, Denis JL, Devers K, Dixon-Woods M, Fallowfield L, Forder J, Foy R, Freemantle N, Fulop NJ, Gibbons E, Gillies C, Goulding L, Grieve R, Grimshaw J, Howarth E, Lilford RJ, McDonald R, Moore G, Moore L, Newhouse R, O’Cathain A, Or Z, Papoutsi C, Prady S, Rycroft-Malone J, Sekhon J, Turner S, Watson SI, Zwarenstein M. Challenges, solutions and future directions in the evaluation of service innovations in health care and public health. HEALTH SERVICES AND DELIVERY RESEARCH 2016. [DOI: 10.3310/hsdr04160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
HeadlineEvaluating service innovations in health care and public health requires flexibility, collaboration and pragmatism; this collection identifies robust, innovative and mixed methods to inform such evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalind Raine
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ray Fitzpatrick
- Health Services Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Helen Barratt
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) North Thames, Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, London, UK
| | - Gywn Bevan
- Department of Management, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Nick Black
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ruth Boaden
- Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) Greater Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Peter Bower
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) School for Primary Care Research, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Marion Campbell
- Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Jean-Louis Denis
- Canada Research Chair in Governance and Transformation of Health Organizations and Systems, École Nationale d’Administration Publique, Ville de Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Kelly Devers
- Health Policy Centre, Urban Institute, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Mary Dixon-Woods
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Lesley Fallowfield
- Sussex Health Outcomes Research and Education in Cancer (SHORE-C), University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Julien Forder
- School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Robbie Foy
- Academic Unit of Primary Care, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Nick Freemantle
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Naomi J Fulop
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth Gibbons
- Health Services Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Clare Gillies
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) East Midlands and NIHR Research Design Service East Midlands, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Lucy Goulding
- King’s Improvement Science, Centre for Implementation Science, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Richard Grieve
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jeremy Grimshaw
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Emma Howarth
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) East of England, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Ruth McDonald
- Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Graham Moore
- School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Laurence Moore
- Medical Research Council (MRC)/Chief Scientist Office (CSO) Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Robin Newhouse
- Indiana University School of Nursing, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Alicia O’Cathain
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Zeynep Or
- Institut de Recherche et Documentation en Économie de la Santé, Paris, France
| | - Chrysanthi Papoutsi
- Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) Northwest London, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Jasjeet Sekhon
- Department of Political Science and Statistics, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Simon Turner
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Merrick Zwarenstein
- Centre for Studies in Family Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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Cook EJ, Randhawa G, Sharp C, Ali N, Guppy A, Barton G, Bateman A, Crawford-White J. Exploring the factors that influence the decision to adopt and engage with an integrated assistive telehealth and telecare service in Cambridgeshire, UK: a nested qualitative study of patient 'users' and 'non-users'. BMC Health Serv Res 2016; 16:137. [PMID: 27095102 PMCID: PMC4837551 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-016-1379-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is a political drive in the UK to use assistive technologies such as telehealth and telecare as an innovative and efficient approach to healthcare delivery. However, the success of implementation of such services remains dependent on the ability to engage the wider population to adopt these services. It has been widely acknowledged that low acceptance of technology, forms a key barrier to adoption although findings been mixed. Further, it remains unclear what, if any barriers exist between patients and how these compare to those who have declined or withdrawn from using these technologies. This research aims to address this gap focusing on the UK based Cambridgeshire Community Services Assistive Telehealth and Telecare service, an integrated model of telehealth and telecare. Methods Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted between 1st February 2014 and 1st December 2014, to explore the views and experiences of ‘users’ and ‘non-users’ using this service. ‘Users’ were defined as patients who used the service (N = 28) with ‘non-users’ defined as either referred patients who had declined the service before allocation (N = 3) or had withdrawn after using the ATT service (N = 9). Data were analysed using the Framework Method. Results This study revealed that there are a range of barriers and facilitators that impact on the decision to adopt and continue to engage with this type of service. Having a positive attitude and a perceived need that could be met by the ATT equipment were influential factors in the decision to adopt and engage in using the service. Engagement of the service centred on ‘usability’, ‘usefulness of equipment’, and ‘threat to identity and independence’. Conclusions The paper described the influential role of referrers in decision-making and the need to engage with such agencies on a strategic level. The findings also revealed that reassurance from the onset was paramount to continued engagement, particularly in older patients who appeared to have more negative feelings towards technology. In addition, there is a clear need for continued product development and innovation to not only increase usability and functionality of equipment but also to motivate other sections of the population who could benefit from such services. Uncovering these factors has important policy implications in how services can improve access and patient support through the application of assistive technology which could in turn reduce unnecessary cost and burden on overstretched health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica J Cook
- Department of Psychology, University of Bedfordshire, Park Square, Luton, UK.
| | - Gurch Randhawa
- Institute for Health Research, University of Bedfordshire, Putteridge Bury, Hitchin Road, Luton, UK
| | - Chloe Sharp
- Institute for Health Research, University of Bedfordshire, Putteridge Bury, Hitchin Road, Luton, UK
| | - Nasreen Ali
- Institute for Health Research, University of Bedfordshire, Putteridge Bury, Hitchin Road, Luton, UK
| | - Andy Guppy
- Department of Psychology, University of Bedfordshire, Park Square, Luton, UK
| | - Garry Barton
- Norwich Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Chancellor's Drive, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Andrew Bateman
- Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust, Saint Ives, PE27 4LG, UK
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Effect of Named, Accountable GPs on Continuity of Care: Protocol for a Regression Discontinuity Study of a National Policy Change. Int J Integr Care 2016; 16:6. [PMID: 27616950 PMCID: PMC5015538 DOI: 10.5334/ijic.2450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Increasing continuity of care has been identified as a
strategy to improve patient outcomes, but previous studies of integrated care
have tended to focus on pilot areas, which limit their generalisability and the
ability to determine in which contexts integrated care was most successful. Objective: This study protocol describes a quantitative evaluation
of a reform in England that introduced named, accountable general practitioners
for all National Health Service (NHS) patients aged 75 years or over. The
national contract for general practice services required that named general
practitioners offer longitudinal continuity of care within the general practice
and be accountable for coordinating care to meet the patient’s healthcare
needs. Methods: This study will apply a regression discontinuity design to
pseudonymised electronic medical records from a sample of general practices in
England. We will compare outcomes for patients aged just below and above the age
of 75 to estimate the effect of named general practitioners and relate these
estimated treatment effects to the characteristics of general practices.
Outcomes will include a metric relating to continuity of care, namely the Usual
Provider of Care Index, and numbers of general practitioner contacts, referrals
to specialist care and diagnostic tests. Discussion: The study illustrates an approach to evaluate national
changes aimed at more integrated care using electronic records, which will
complement in-depth examination in pilot sites.
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35
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Steventon A, Ariti C, Fisher E, Bardsley M. Effect of telehealth on hospital utilisation and mortality in routine clinical practice: a matched control cohort study in an early adopter site. BMJ Open 2016; 6:e009221. [PMID: 26842270 PMCID: PMC4746461 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-009221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of a home-based telehealth intervention on the use of secondary healthcare and mortality. DESIGN Observational study of a mainstream telehealth service, using person-level administrative data. Time to event analysis (Cox regression) was performed comparing telehealth patients with controls who were matched using a machine-learning algorithm. SETTING A predominantly rural region of England (North Yorkshire). PARTICIPANTS 716 telehealth patients were recruited from community, general practice and specialist acute care, between June 2010 and March 2013. Patients had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure or diabetes, and a history of associated inpatient admission. Patients were matched 1:1 to control patients, also selected from North Yorkshire, with respect to demographics, diagnoses of health conditions, previous hospital use and predictive risk score. INTERVENTIONS Telehealth involved the remote exchange of medical data between patients and healthcare professionals as part of the ongoing management of the patient's health condition. Monitoring centre staff alerted healthcare professionals if the telemonitored data exceeded preset thresholds. Control patients received usual care, without telehealth. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Time to the first emergency (unplanned) hospital admission or death. Secondary metrics included time to death and time to first admission, outpatient attendance and emergency department visit. RESULTS Matched controls and telehealth patients were similar at baseline. Following enrolment, telehealth patients were more likely than matched controls to experience emergency admission or death (adjusted HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.56, p<0.001). They were also more likely to have outpatient attendances (adjusted HR=1.25, 1.11 to 1.40, p<0.001), but mortality rates were similar between groups. Sensitivity analyses showed that we were unlikely to have missed reductions in the likelihood of an emergency admission or death because of unobserved baseline differences between patient groups. CONCLUSIONS Telehealth was not associated with a reduction in secondary care utilisation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cono Ariti
- Data Analytics, The Health Foundation, London, UK
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36
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Bidmead E, Marshall A. A case study of stakeholder perceptions of patient held records: the Patients Know Best (PKB) solution. Digit Health 2016; 2:2055207616668431. [PMID: 29942567 PMCID: PMC6001208 DOI: 10.1177/2055207616668431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients Know Best (PKB) provides a patient portal with integrated, patient-controlled digital care records. Patient-controlled personal health records facilitate coordinated management of chronic disease through improved communications among, and about, patients across professional and organisational boundaries. An NHS foundation trust hospital has used PKB to support self-management in patients with inflammatory bowel disease; this paper presents a case study of usage. METHODS The stakeholder empowered adoption model provided a framework for consulting variously placed stakeholders. Qualitative interviews with clinical stakeholders and a patient survey. RESULTS Clinicians reported PKB to have enabled a new way of managing stable patients, this facilitated clinical and cost effective use of specialist nurses; improved two-way communications, and more optimal use of outpatient appointments and consultant time. The portal also facilitated a single, rationalised pathway for stable patients, enabling access to information and pro-active support. For patients, the system was a source of support when unwell and facilitated improved communication with specialists. Three main barriers to adoption were identified; these related to concerns over security, risk averse attitudes of users and problems with data integration. CONCLUSIONS Patient-controlled personal health records offer significant potential in supporting self-management. Digital connection to healthcare can help patients to understand their condition better and access appropriate, timely clinical advice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Bidmead
- Cumbrian Centre for Health Technologies
(CaCHeT), University of Cumbria, Carlisle, UK
| | - Alison Marshall
- Cumbrian Centre for Health Technologies
(CaCHeT), University of Cumbria, Lancaster, UK
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37
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Steventon A, Grieve R, Bardsley M. An Approach to Assess Generalizability in Comparative Effectiveness Research: A Case Study of the Whole Systems Demonstrator Cluster Randomized Trial Comparing Telehealth with Usual Care for Patients with Chronic Health Conditions. Med Decis Making 2015; 35:1023-36. [PMID: 25986472 PMCID: PMC4592957 DOI: 10.1177/0272989x15585131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Policy makers require estimates of comparative effectiveness that apply to the population of interest, but there has been little research on quantitative approaches to assess and extend the generalizability of randomized controlled trial (RCT)-based evaluations. We illustrate an approach using observational data. METHODS Our example is the Whole Systems Demonstrator (WSD) trial, in which 3230 adults with chronic conditions were assigned to receive telehealth or usual care. First, we used novel placebo tests to assess whether outcomes were similar between the RCT control group and a matched subset of nonparticipants who received usual care. We matched on 65 baseline variables obtained from the electronic medical record. Second, we conducted sensitivity analysis to consider whether the estimates of treatment effectiveness were robust to alternative assumptions about whether "usual care" is defined by the RCT control group or nonparticipants. Thus, we provided alternative estimates of comparative effectiveness by contrasting the outcomes of the RCT telehealth group and matched nonparticipants. RESULTS For some endpoints, such as the number of outpatient attendances, the placebo tests passed, and the effectiveness estimates were robust to the choice of comparison group. However, for other endpoints, such as emergency admissions, the placebo tests failed and the estimates of treatment effect differed markedly according to whether telehealth patients were compared with RCT controls or matched nonparticipants. CONCLUSIONS The proposed placebo tests indicate those cases when estimates from RCTs do not generalize to routine clinical practice and motivate complementary estimates of comparative effectiveness that use observational data. Future RCTs are recommended to incorporate these placebo tests and the accompanying sensitivity analyses to enhance their relevance to policy making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Steventon
- Adam Steventon, Health Foundation, 90 Long Acre, London WC2E 9RA; e-mail:
| | - Richard Grieve
- Health Foundation, London, UK (AS)
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London (AS, RG)
- Nuffield Trust, London (MB)
| | - Martin Bardsley
- Health Foundation, London, UK (AS)
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London (AS, RG)
- Nuffield Trust, London (MB)
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Inglis SC, Clark RA, Dierckx R, Prieto-Merino D, Cleland JGF. Structured telephone support or non-invasive telemonitoring for patients with heart failure. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015; 2015:CD007228. [PMID: 26517969 PMCID: PMC8482064 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd007228.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Specialised disease management programmes for heart failure aim to improve care, clinical outcomes and/or reduce healthcare utilisation. Since the last version of this review in 2010, several new trials of structured telephone support and non-invasive home telemonitoring have been published which have raised questions about their effectiveness. OBJECTIVES To review randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of structured telephone support or non-invasive home telemonitoring compared to standard practice for people with heart failure, in order to quantify the effects of these interventions over and above usual care. SEARCH METHODS We updated the searches of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE), Health Technology AsseFssment Database (HTA) on the Cochrane Library; MEDLINE (OVID), EMBASE (OVID), CINAHL (EBSCO), Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Conference Proceedings Citation Index- Science (CPCI-S) on Web of Science (Thomson Reuters), AMED, Proquest Theses and Dissertations, IEEE Xplore and TROVE in January 2015. We handsearched bibliographies of relevant studies and systematic reviews and abstract conference proceedings. We applied no language limits. SELECTION CRITERIA We included only peer-reviewed, published RCTs comparing structured telephone support or non-invasive home telemonitoring to usual care of people with chronic heart failure. The intervention or usual care could not include protocol-driven home visits or more intensive than usual (typically four to six weeks) clinic follow-up. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We present data as risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Primary outcomes included all-cause mortality, all-cause and heart failure-related hospitalisations, which we analysed using a fixed-effect model. Other outcomes included length of stay, health-related quality of life, heart failure knowledge and self care, acceptability and cost; we described and tabulated these. We performed meta-regression to assess homogeneity (the null hypothesis) in each subgroup analysis and to see if the effect of the intervention varied according to some quantitative variable (such as year of publication or median age). MAIN RESULTS We include 41 studies of either structured telephone support or non-invasive home telemonitoring for people with heart failure, of which 17 were new and 24 had been included in the previous Cochrane review. In the current review, 25 studies evaluated structured telephone support (eight new studies, plus one study previously included but classified as telemonitoring; total of 9332 participants), 18 evaluated telemonitoring (nine new studies; total of 3860 participants). Two of the included studies trialled both structured telephone support and telemonitoring compared to usual care, therefore 43 comparisons are evident.Non-invasive telemonitoring reduced all-cause mortality (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.94; participants = 3740; studies = 17; I² = 24%, GRADE: moderate-quality evidence) and heart failure-related hospitalisations (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.83; participants = 2148; studies = 8; I² = 20%, GRADE: moderate-quality evidence). Structured telephone support reduced all-cause mortality (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.98; participants = 9222; studies = 22; I² = 0%, GRADE: moderate-quality evidence) and heart failure-related hospitalisations (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.93; participants = 7030; studies = 16; I² = 27%, GRADE: moderate-quality evidence).Neither structured telephone support nor telemonitoring demonstrated effectiveness in reducing the risk of all-cause hospitalisations (structured telephone support: RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.00; participants = 7216; studies = 16; I² = 47%, GRADE: very low-quality evidence; non-invasive telemonitoring: RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.01; participants = 3332; studies = 13; I² = 71%, GRADE: very low-quality evidence).Seven structured telephone support studies reported length of stay, with one reporting a significant reduction in length of stay in hospital. Nine telemonitoring studies reported length of stay outcome, with one study reporting a significant reduction in the length of stay with the intervention. One telemonitoring study reported a large difference in the total number of hospitalisations for more than three days, but this was not an analysis of length of stay per hospitalisation. Nine of 11 structured telephone support studies and five of 11 telemonitoring studies reported significant improvements in health-related quality of life. Nine structured telephone support studies and six telemonitoring studies reported costs of the intervention or cost effectiveness. Three structured telephone support studies and one telemonitoring study reported a decrease in costs and two telemonitoring studies reported increases in cost, due both to the cost of the intervention and to increased medical management. Adherence was rated between 55.1% and 98.5% for those structured telephone support and telemonitoring studies which reported this outcome. Participant acceptance of the intervention was reported in the range of 76% to 97% for studies which evaluated this outcome. Seven of nine studies that measured these outcomes reported significant improvements in heart failure knowledge and self-care behaviours. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS For people with heart failure, structured telephone support and non-invasive home telemonitoring reduce the risk of all-cause mortality and heart failure-related hospitalisations; these interventions also demonstrated improvements in health-related quality of life and heart failure knowledge and self-care behaviours. Studies also demonstrated participant satisfaction with the majority of the interventions which assessed this outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally C Inglis
- Centre for Cardiovascular and Chronic Care, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Brunton L, Bower P, Sanders C. The Contradictions of Telehealth User Experience in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0139561. [PMID: 26465333 PMCID: PMC4605508 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0139561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE As the global burden of chronic disease rises, policy makers are showing a strong interest in adopting telehealth technologies for use in long term condition management, including COPD. However, there remain barriers to its implementation and sustained use. To date, there has been limited qualitative investigation into how users (both patients/carers and staff) perceive and experience the technology. We aimed to systematically review and synthesise the findings from qualitative studies that investigated user perspectives and experiences of telehealth in COPD management, in order to identify factors which may impact on uptake. METHOD Systematic review and meta-synthesis of published qualitative studies of user (patients, their carers and clinicians) experience of telehealth technologies for the management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. ASSIA, CINAHL, Embase, Medline, PsychInfo and Web of Knowledge databases were searched up to October 2014. Reference lists of included studies and reference lists of key papers were also searched. Quality appraisal was guided by an adapted version of the CASP qualitative appraisal tool. FINDINGS 705 references (after duplicates removed) were identified and 10 papers, relating to 7 studies were included in the review. Most authors of included studies had identified both positive and negative experiences of telehealth use in the management of COPD. Through a line of argument synthesis we were able to derive new insights from the data to identify three overarching themes that have the ability to either impede or promote positive user experience of telehealth in COPD: the influence on moral dilemmas of help seeking-(enables dependency or self-care); transforming interactions (increases risk or reassurance) and reconfiguration of 'work' practices (causes burden or empowerment). CONCLUSION Findings from this meta-synthesis have implications for the future design and implementation of telehealth services. Future research needs to include potential users at an earlier stage of telehealth/service development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Brunton
- NIHR School for Primary Care Research, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Bower
- NIHR Greater Manchester Primary Care Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Sanders
- NIHR School for Primary Care Research, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Experiences of front-line health professionals in the delivery of telehealth: a qualitative study. Br J Gen Pract 2015; 64:e401-7. [PMID: 24982492 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp14x680485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telehealth is an emerging field of clinical practice but current UK health policy has not taken account of the perceptions of front-line healthcare professionals expected to implement it. AIM To investigate telehealth care for people with long-term conditions from the perspective of the front-line health professional. DESIGN AND SETTING A qualitative study in three sites within the UK (Kent, Cornwall, and the London Borough of Newham) and embedded in the Whole Systems Demonstrator evaluation, a large cluster randomised controlled trial of telehealth and telecare for patients with long-term and complex conditions. METHOD Semi-structured qualitative interviews with 32 front-line health professionals (13 community matrons, 10 telehealth monitoring nurses and 9 GPs) involved in the delivery of telehealth. Data were analysed using a modified grounded theory approach. RESULTS Mixed views were expressed by front-line professionals, which seem to reflect their levels of engagement. It was broadly welcomed by nursing staff as long as it supplemented rather than substituted their role in traditional patient care. GPs held mixed views; some gave a cautious welcome but most saw telehealth as increasing their work burden and potentially undermining their professional autonomy. CONCLUSION Health care professionals will need to develop a shared understanding of patient self-management through telehealth. This may require a renegotiation of their roles and responsibilities.
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Rixon L, Hirani SP, Cartwright M, Beynon M, Doll H, Steventon A, Henderson C, Newman SP. A RCT of telehealth for COPD patient's quality of life: the whole system demonstrator evaluation. CLINICAL RESPIRATORY JOURNAL 2015; 11:459-469. [PMID: 26260325 DOI: 10.1111/crj.12359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Revised: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES Despite some concerns that the introduction of telehealth (TH) may lead to reductions in quality of life (QoL), lower mood and increased anxiety in response to using assistive technologies to reduce health care utilisation and manage long term conditions, this research focuses on the extent to which providing people with tools to monitor their condition can improve QoL. METHODS The Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) cohort of the Whole Systems Demonstrator Trial is a pragmatic General Practitioner (GP) clustered randomised controlled trial (RCT) evaluating TH in the UK from three regions in England. All patients at a participating GP practice were deemed eligible for inclusion in the study if they were diagnosed with COPD. RESULTS 447 participants completed baseline and either a short (4 months) or long term (12 months) follow-up. There was a trend of improved QoL and mood in the TH group at longer-term follow-up, but not short term follow-up. Emotional functioning (g = 0.280 95%CI, 0.051-0.510) and mastery reached (g = 2.979 95%CI, 0-0.46) significance at P < 0.05 (all Hedges g <0.3). CONCLUSIONS TH showed minimal benefit to QoL in COPD patients who were not preselected to be at increased risk of acute exacerbations. Benefits were more likely in disease specific measures at longer term follow-up. TH is a complex intervention and should be embedded in a service that is evidenced based. Outcome measures must be sensitive enough to detect changes in the target population for the specific intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorna Rixon
- Health Services Research, School of Health Sciences, City University, London
| | | | - Martin Cartwright
- Health Services Research, School of Health Sciences, City University, London
| | - Michelle Beynon
- Health Services Research, School of Health Sciences, City University, London
| | - Helen Doll
- ICON Patient Reported Outcomes, Seacourt Tower, Westway, Oxford, UK
| | - Adam Steventon
- Data Analytics, The Health Foundation, 90 Long Acre, London
| | - Catherine Henderson
- Personal Social Services Research Unit, London School of Economics and Political Science, Houghton St, London, UK
| | - Stanton P Newman
- Health Services Research, School of Health Sciences, City University, London
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Goode KM. Telehealth for heart failure management: patient empowered self-care or surveillance by the nanny state? Future Cardiol 2015; 10:175-8. [PMID: 24762244 DOI: 10.2217/fca.14.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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Understanding shortages of sufficient health care in rural areas. Health Policy 2014; 118:201-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2014.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Revised: 07/07/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Henderson C, Knapp M, Fernández JL, Beecham J, Hirani SP, Beynon M, Cartwright M, Rixon L, Doll H, Bower P, Steventon A, Rogers A, Fitzpatrick R, Barlow J, Bardsley M, Newman SP. Cost-effectiveness of telecare for people with social care needs: the Whole Systems Demonstrator cluster randomised trial. Age Ageing 2014; 43:794-800. [PMID: 24950690 PMCID: PMC4204660 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afu067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose of the study: to examine the costs and cost-effectiveness of ‘second-generation’ telecare, in addition to standard support and care that could include ‘first-generation’ forms of telecare, compared with standard support and care that could include ‘first-generation’ forms of telecare. Design and methods: a pragmatic cluster-randomised controlled trial with nested economic evaluation. A total of 2,600 people with social care needs participated in a trial of community-based telecare in three English local authority areas. In the Whole Systems Demonstrator Telecare Questionnaire Study, 550 participants were randomised to intervention and 639 to control. Participants who were offered the telecare intervention received a package of equipment and monitoring services for 12 months, additional to their standard health and social care services. The control group received usual health and social care. Primary outcome measure: incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. The analyses took a health and social care perspective. Results: cost per additional QALY was £297,000. Cost-effectiveness acceptability curves indicated that the probability of cost-effectiveness at a willingness-to-pay of £30,000 per QALY gained was only 16%. Sensitivity analyses combining variations in equipment price and support cost parameters yielded a cost-effectiveness ratio of £161,000 per QALY. Implications: while QALY gain in the intervention group was similar to that for controls, social and health services costs were higher. Second-generation telecare did not appear to be a cost-effective addition to usual care, assuming a commonly accepted willingness to pay for QALYs. Trial registration number: ISRCTN 43002091.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Henderson
- Personal Social Services Research Unit, London School of Economics and Political Science, Houghton St, London, UK
| | - Martin Knapp
- Personal Social Services Research Unit, London School of Economics and Political Science, Houghton St, London, UK
- King's College, London, UK
| | - José-Luis Fernández
- Personal Social Services Research Unit, London School of Economics and Political Science, Houghton St, London, UK
| | - Jennifer Beecham
- Personal Social Services Research Unit, London School of Economics and Political Science, Houghton St, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Peter Bower
- NIHR School for Primary Care Research, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Law LM, Wason JMS. Design of telehealth trials--introducing adaptive approaches. Int J Med Inform 2014; 83:870-80. [PMID: 25293533 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2014.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Revised: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 09/05/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The field of telehealth and telemedicine is expanding as the need to improve efficiency of health care becomes more pressing. The decision to implement a telehealth system is generally an expensive undertaking that impacts a large number of patients and other stakeholders. It is therefore extremely important that the decision is fully supported by accurate evaluation of telehealth interventions. OBJECTIVE Numerous reviews of telehealth have described the evidence base as inconsistent. In response they call for larger, more rigorously controlled trials, and trials which go beyond evaluation of clinical effectiveness alone. The aim of this paper is to discuss various ways in which evaluation of telehealth could be improved by the use of adaptive trial designs. RESULTS We discuss various adaptive design options, such as sample size reviews and changing the study hypothesis to address uncertain parameters, group sequential trials and multi-arm multi-stage trials to improve efficiency, and enrichment designs to maximise the chances of obtaining clear evidence about the telehealth intervention. CONCLUSION There is potential to address the flaws discussed in the telehealth literature through the adoption of adaptive approaches to trial design. Such designs could lead to improvements in efficiency, allow the evaluation of multiple telehealth interventions in a cost-effective way, or accurately assess a range of endpoints that are important in the overall success of a telehealth programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Law
- MRC Biostatistics Unit, Institute of Public Health, Forvie site, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0SR, United Kingdom.
| | - James M S Wason
- MRC Biostatistics Unit, Institute of Public Health, Forvie site, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0SR, United Kingdom
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Steventon A, Bardsley M, Doll H, Tuckey E, Newman SP. Effect of telehealth on glycaemic control: analysis of patients with type 2 diabetes in the Whole Systems Demonstrator cluster randomised trial. BMC Health Serv Res 2014; 14:334. [PMID: 25100190 PMCID: PMC4128403 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6963-14-334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 07/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Whole Systems Demonstrator was a large, pragmatic, cluster randomised trial that compared telehealth with usual care among 3,230 patients with long-term conditions in three areas of England. Telehealth involved the regular transmission of physiological information such as blood glucose to health professionals working remotely. We examined whether telehealth led to changes in glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) among the subset of patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS The general practice electronic medical record was used as the source of information on HbA1c. Effects on HbA1c were assessed using a repeated measures model that included all HbA1c readings recorded during the 12-month trial period, and adjusted for differences in HbA1c readings recorded before recruitment. Secondary analysis averaged multiple HbA1c readings recorded for each individual during the trial period. RESULTS 513 of the 3,230 participants were identified as having type 2 diabetes and thus were included in the study. Telehealth was associated with lower HbA1c than usual care during the trial period (difference 0.21% or 2.3 mmol/mol, 95% CI, 0.04% to 0.38%, p = 0.013). Among the 457 patients in the secondary analysis, mean HbA1c showed little change for controls following recruitment, but fell for intervention patients from 8.38% to 8.15% (68 to 66 mmol/mol). A higher proportion of intervention patients than controls had HbA1c below the 7.5% (58 mmol/mol) threshold that was targeted by general practices (30.4% vs. 38.0%). This difference, however, did not quite reach statistical significance (adjusted odds ratio 1.63, 95% CI, 0.99 to 2.68, p = 0.053). CONCLUSIONS Telehealth modestly improved glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes over 12 months. The scale of the improvements is consistent with previous meta-analyses, but was relatively modest and seems unlikely to produce significant patient benefit. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number Register ISRCTN43002091.
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Hirani SP, Beynon M, Cartwright M, Rixon L, Doll H, Henderson C, Bardsley M, Steventon A, Knapp M, Rogers A, Bower P, Sanders C, Fitzpatrick R, Hendy J, Newman SP. The effect of telecare on the quality of life and psychological well-being of elderly recipients of social care over a 12-month period: the Whole Systems Demonstrator cluster randomised trial. Age Ageing 2014; 43:334-41. [PMID: 24333802 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/aft185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND home-based telecare (TC) is utilised to manage risks of independent living and provide prompt emergency responses. This study examined the effect of TC on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), anxiety and depressive symptoms over 12 months in patients receiving social care. DESIGN a study of participant-reported outcomes [the Whole Systems Demonstrator (WSD) Telecare Questionnaire Study; baseline n = 1,189] was nested in a pragmatic cluster-randomised trial of TC (the WSD Telecare trial), held across three English Local Authorities. General practice (GP) was the unit of randomisation and TC was compared with usual care (UC). METHODS participant-reported outcome measures were collected at baseline, short-term (4 months) and long-term (12 months) follow-up, assessing generic HRQoL, anxiety and depressive symptoms. Primary intention-to-treat analyses tested treatment effectiveness and were conducted using multilevel models to control for GP clustering and covariates for participants who completed questionnaire measures at baseline assessment plus at least one other assessment (n = 873). RESULTS analyses found significant differences between TC and UC on Short Form-12 mental component scores (P < 0.05), with parameter estimates indicating being a member of the TC trial-arm increases mental component scores (UC-adjusted mean = 40.52; TC-adjusted mean = 43.69). Additional significant analyses revealed, time effects on EQ5D (decreasing over time) and depressive symptoms (increasing over time). CONCLUSIONS TC potentially contributes to the amelioration in the decline in users' mental HRQoL over a 12-month period. TC may not transform the lives of its users, but it may afford small relative benefits on some psychological and HRQOL outcomes relative to users who only receive UC. International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number Register: ISRCTN 43002091.
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Goode KM, Crundall-Goode A, Barrett DI. Measuring the effectiveness of home telemonitoring. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.12968/bjhc.2014.20.4.165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Goode
- Research Fellow, Faculty of Health & Social Care, University of Hull
| | | | - David I Barrett
- Nurse Lecturer, Faculty of Health & Social Care, University of Hull
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Roelofsen Y, Hendriks SH, Sieverink F, van Vugt M, van Hateren KJJ, Snoek FJ, de Wit M, Gans ROB, Groenier KH, van Gemert-Pijnen JEWC, Kleefstra N, Bilo HJG. Design of the e-Vita diabetes mellitus study: effects and use of an interactive online care platform in patients with type 2 diabetes (e-VitaDM-1/ZODIAC-40). BMC Endocr Disord 2014; 14:22. [PMID: 24593656 PMCID: PMC4016215 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6823-14-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Trial registration: NCT01570140. BACKGROUND Due to ongoing rise in need for care for people with chronic diseases and lagging increase in number of care providers, alternative forms of care provision and self-management support are needed. Empowering patients through an online care platform could help to improve patients' self-management and reduce the burden on the healthcare system. METHODS Access to laboratory results and educational modules on diabetes will be offered through a platform for subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated in primary care. Differences in socio-demographic and clinical characteristics between subjects expressing interest vs. disinterest to use the platform will be explored. Platform usage will be tracked and compared. Patient satisfaction and quality of life will be measured by validated questionnaires and economic analyses will be performed. DISCUSSION This study is designed to assess the feasibility of use of an online platform in routine primary healthcare for subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Netherlands, and to study effects of use of the platform on treatment satisfaction, quality of life and clinical parameters. Although providing access to a online platform is not a novel intervention, usage and effects have not yet been studied in this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Floor Sieverink
- Center for eHealth Research and Disease Management, Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Michael van Vugt
- Department of Medical Psychology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Frank J Snoek
- Department of Medical Psychology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maartje de Wit
- Department of Medical Psychology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rijk OB Gans
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Klaas H Groenier
- Diabetes Centre, Isala, Zwolle, The Netherlands
- Department of General Practice, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Julia EWC van Gemert-Pijnen
- Center for eHealth Research and Disease Management, Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Nanne Kleefstra
- Diabetes Centre, Isala, Zwolle, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Langerhans Medical Research Group, Zwolle, The, Netherlands
| | - Henk JG Bilo
- Diabetes Centre, Isala, Zwolle, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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