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Dang TH, Wickramasinghe N, Forkan ARM, Jayaraman PP, Burbury K, O'Callaghan C, Whitechurch A, Schofield P. Co-Design, Development, and Evaluation of a Mobile Solution to Improve Medication Adherence in Cancer: Design Science Research Approach. JMIR Cancer 2024; 10:e46979. [PMID: 38569178 PMCID: PMC11024750 DOI: 10.2196/46979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medication nonadherence negatively impacts the health outcomes of people with cancer as well as health care costs. Digital technologies present opportunities to address this health issue. However, there is limited evidence on how to develop digital interventions that meet the needs of people with cancer, are perceived as useful, and are potentially effective in improving medication adherence. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to co-design, develop, and preliminarily evaluate an innovative mobile health solution called Safety and Adherence to Medication and Self-Care Advice in Oncology (SAMSON) to improve medication adherence among people with cancer. METHODS Using the 4 cycles and 6 processes of design science research methodology, we co-designed and developed a medication adherence solution for people with cancer. First, we conducted a literature review on medication adherence in cancer and a systematic review of current interventions to address this issue. Behavioral science research was used to conceptualize the design features of SAMSON. Second, we conducted 2 design phases: prototype design and final feature design. Last, we conducted a mixed methods study on patients with hematological cancer over 6 weeks to evaluate the mobile solution. RESULTS The developed mobile solution, consisting of a mobile app, a web portal, and a cloud-based database, includes 5 modules: medication reminder and acknowledgment, symptom assessment and management, reinforcement, patient profile, and reporting. The quantitative study (n=30) showed that SAMSON was easy to use (21/27, 78%). The app was engaging (18/27, 67%), informative, increased user interactions, and well organized (19/27, 70%). Most of the participants (21/27, 78%) commented that SAMSON's activities could help to improve their adherence to cancer treatments, and more than half of them (17/27, 63%) would recommend the app to their peers. The qualitative study (n=25) revealed that SAMSON was perceived as helpful in terms of reminding, supporting, and informing patients. Possible barriers to using SAMSON include the app glitches and users' technical inexperience. Further needs to refine the solution were also identified. Technical improvements and design enhancements will be incorporated into the subsequent iteration. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the successful application of behavioral science research and design science research methodology to design and develop a mobile solution for patients with cancer to be more adherent. The study also highlights the importance of applying rigorous methodologies in developing effective and patient-centered digital intervention solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thu Ha Dang
- Department of Psychological Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
- Digital Cancer Care Innovation, Department of Health Services Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- Digital Health Cooperative Research Centre, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nilmini Wickramasinghe
- Department of Health and Bio Statistics, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
- Epworth Healthcare, Melbourne, Australia
- Optus Chair Digital Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
- Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Abdur Rahim Mohammad Forkan
- Digital Innovation Lab, Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, School Software and Electrical Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Australia
| | - Prem Prakash Jayaraman
- Factory of the Future and Digital Innovation Lab, School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kate Burbury
- Digital and Healthcare Innovation, Peter McCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Clare O'Callaghan
- Caritas Christi and Psychosocial Cancer Care, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ashley Whitechurch
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre & Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Penelope Schofield
- Department of Psychological Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
- Digital Cancer Care Innovation, Department of Health Services Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Williamson G, Carr E, Fear NT, Dymond S, King K, Simms A, Goodwin L, Murphy D, Leightley D. Digital Therapeutic Intervention for Women in the UK Armed Forces Who Consume Alcohol at a Hazardous or Harmful Level: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e51531. [PMID: 38113103 PMCID: PMC10762616 DOI: 10.2196/51531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol misuse is common in the United Kingdom Armed Forces (UKAF), with prevalence significantly higher than in the general population. To date, digital health initiatives to support alcohol misuse have focused on male individuals, who represent approximately 89% of the UKAF. However, female veterans drink disproportionally more than female members of the public. OBJECTIVE This 2-arm participant-blinded (single-blinded) confirmatory randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to assess the efficacy of a brief alcohol intervention (DrinksRation) in reducing weekly self-reported alcohol consumption between baseline and a 3-month follow-up (day 84) among women who have served in the UKAF. METHODS In this 2-arm single-blinded RCT, a smartphone app that includes interactive user-focused features tailored toward the needs of female veterans and designed to enhance participants' motivations to reduce the amount of alcohol they consume is compared with the UK Chief Medical Officer guidance on alcohol consumption. The trial will be conducted among women who have served at least 1 day of paid service in the UKAF. Recruitment, consent, and data collection will be carried out automatically through the DrinksRation app or the BeAlcoholSmart platform. The primary outcome is change in self-reported weekly alcohol consumption between baseline (day 0) and the 3-month follow-up (day 84) measured using the Timeline Follow Back for alcohol consumption. The secondary outcome is the change in the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test score measured at baseline and 3-month follow-up between the control and intervention groups. The process evaluation measures include (1) app use and (2) usability ratings as measured by the mHealth App Usability Questionnaire. RESULTS RCT recruitment will begin in January 2024 and last for 5 months. We aim to complete all data collection, including interviews, by May 2024. CONCLUSIONS This study will assess whether a smartphone app tailored to the needs of women who have served in the UKAF is efficacious in reducing self-reported alcohol consumption. If successful, the digital therapeutics platform could be used not only to support women who have served in the UKAF but also for other conditions and disorders. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05970484; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05970484. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/51531.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Williamson
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ewan Carr
- Biostatistics & Health Informatics, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola T Fear
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- Academic Department of Military Health, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Dymond
- School of Psychology, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychology, Reykjavík University, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Kate King
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- Academic Department of Military General Practice, Defence Medical Services, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Amos Simms
- Academic Department of Military Health, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Goodwin
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Dominic Murphy
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- Combat Stress, Leatherhead, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Leightley
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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Williamson C, Rona RJ, Simms A, Fear NT, Goodwin L, Murphy D, Leightley D. Recruiting Military Veterans into Alcohol Misuse Research: The Role of Social Media and Facebook Advertising. Telemed J E Health 2023; 29:93-101. [PMID: 35544055 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2021.0587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The use of digital technology within health care service delivery, monitoring, and research is becoming progressively popular, particularly given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Mobile health (m-health) apps, one form of digital technology, are increasingly being used to promote positive health related behavior change. Therefore, it is important to conduct research to understand the efficacy of m-health apps. The process of participant recruitment is an essential component in producing strong research evidence, along with ensuring an adequately powered sample to conduct meaningful analyses and draw robust conclusions. Methods: In this work we outline and reflect on the strategies used to recruit help-seeking military veterans into an intervention study, which aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an app (Drinks:Ration) to modify behavior in alcohol misusers. Recruitment strategies included through (1) partner organizations and (2) social media and Facebook advertising (ads). Results: Facebook ads were live for a period of 88 days and were viewed by a total audience of 29,416 people. In total 168 military veterans were recruited across all recruitment strategies, meaning that Drinks:Ration exceeded its recruitment targets. Half of the sample (n = 84) were recruited through social media, including Facebook ads. Conclusions: The current article highlighted that targeted Facebook ads were an efficient strategy to recruit military veterans into a digital intervention trial aiming to reduce alcohol consumption because they reduced the amount of time and resources required to contact a large number of potentially eligible individuals for our study. This article acts as a starting point for other researchers to evaluate their recruitment pathways for recruiting military veterans into alcohol misuse research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Williamson
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Roberto J Rona
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amos Simms
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,British Army, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola T Fear
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Academic Department of Military Mental Health, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Goodwin
- Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Dominic Murphy
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Combat Stress, Tyrwhitt House, Leatherhead, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Leightley
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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Butryn ML, Hagerman CJ, Crane NT, Ehmann MM, Forman EM, Milliron BJ, Simone NL. A Proof-of-Concept Pilot Test of a Behavioral Intervention to Improve Adherence to Dietary Recommendations for Cancer Prevention. Cancer Control 2023; 30:10732748231214122. [PMID: 37950612 PMCID: PMC10640808 DOI: 10.1177/10732748231214122] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Prevention programs that can help adults improve the quality of their diets to reduce cancer risk are needed. This Phase IIa study prospectively tested a mHealth intervention designed to improve adherence to dietary quality guidelines for cancer prevention. METHODS All participants (N = 62) received nutrition education and a self-regulation skills curriculum, with a primary target of changing grocery shopping behavior. Using a randomized, factorial design, the study varied whether each of the following 4 components were added to the 20-week intervention: (1) location-triggered app messaging, delivered when individuals arrived at grocery stores, (2) reflections on benefits of change, delivered with extra coaching time and tailored app messages, (3) coach monitoring, in which food purchases were digitally monitored by a coach, and (4) involvement of a household member in the intervention. RESULTS Benchmarks were successfully met for recruitment, retention, and treatment acceptability. Across conditions, there were significant reductions in highly processed food intake (P < .001, η2 = .48), red and processed meat intake (P < .001, η2 = .20), and sugar-sweetened beverage intake (P = .008, η2 = .13) from pre-to post-treatment. Analyses examining whether each intervention component influenced change across time found that participants who received coach monitoring increased their intake of fruits, vegetables, and fiber, whereas those with no coach monitoring had less improvement (P = .01, η2 = .14). The improvement in red and processed meat was stronger among participants with household support ON, at a marginally significant level, than those with household support OFF (P = .056, η2 = .07). CONCLUSION This study showed feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary signals of efficacy of a remotely delivered intervention to facilitate adherence to dietary guidelines for cancer prevention and that coach monitoring and household support may be especially effective strategies. A fully powered clinical trial is warranted to test an optimized version of the intervention that includes nutrition education, self-regulation skills training, coach monitoring, and household member involvement. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04947150.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan L. Butryn
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Center for Weight, Eating, and Lifestyle Science, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Charlotte J. Hagerman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Center for Weight, Eating, and Lifestyle Science, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nicole T. Crane
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Center for Weight, Eating, and Lifestyle Science, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marny M. Ehmann
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Center for Weight, Eating, and Lifestyle Science, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Evan M. Forman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Center for Weight, Eating, and Lifestyle Science, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Brandy-Joe Milliron
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nicole L. Simone
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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5
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Leightley D, Williamson C, Rona RJ, Carr E, Shearer J, Davis JP, Simms A, Fear NT, Goodwin L, Murphy D. Evaluating the Efficacy of the Drinks:Ration Mobile App to Reduce Alcohol Consumption in a Help-Seeking Military Veteran Population: Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2022; 10:e38991. [PMID: 35724966 PMCID: PMC9254042 DOI: 10.2196/38991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol misuse is higher in the UK armed forces (AF) than in the general population. Research demonstrates that alcohol misuse persists after an individual leaves service, and this is notably the case for those who are seeking help for a mental health difficulty. Despite this, there is no work on testing a mobile alcohol reduction intervention that is personalized to support the UK AF. OBJECTIVE To address this gap, we investigated the efficacy of a 28-day brief alcohol intervention delivered via a mobile app in reducing weekly self-reported alcohol consumption among UK veterans seeking help for mental health difficulties. METHODS We performed a 2-arm participant-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT). We compared a mobile app that included interactive features designed to enhance participants' motivation and personalized messaging (intervention arm) with a version that provided government guidance on alcohol consumption only (control arm). Adults were eligible if they had served in the UK AF, were currently receiving or had received clinical support for mental health symptoms, and consumed 14 units (approximately 112 g of ethanol) or more of alcohol per week. Participants received the intervention or the control mobile app (1:1 ratio). The primary outcome was a change in self-reported weekly alcohol consumption between baseline and day 84 assessed using the validated Timeline Follow Back for Alcohol Consumption (TLFB) (prior 7 days), with a secondary outcome exploring self-reported change in the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) score. RESULTS Between October 2020 and April 2021, 2708 individuals were invited to take part, of which 2531 (93.5%) did not respond, 54 (2%) were ineligible, and 123 (4.5%) responded and were randomly allocated (62, 50.4%, intervention; 61, 49.6%, control). At day 84, 41 (66.1%) participants in the intervention arm and 37 (60.7%) in the control arm completed the primary outcome assessment. Between baseline and day 84, weekly alcohol consumption reduced by -10.5 (95% CI -19.5 to -1.5) units in the control arm and -28.2 (95% CI -36.9 to -19.5) units in the intervention arm (P=.003, Cohen d=0.35). We also found a significant reduction in the AUDIT score of -3.9 (95% CI -6.2 to -1.6) in the intervention arm (Cohen d=0.48). Our primary and secondary effects did not persist over the longer term (day 168). Two adverse events were detected during the trial. CONCLUSIONS This study examined the efficacy of a fully automated 28-day brief alcohol intervention delivered via a mobile app in a help-seeking sample of UK veterans with hazardous alcohol consumption. We found that participants receiving Drinks:Ration reduced their alcohol consumption more than participants receiving guidance only (at day 84). In the short term, we found Drinks:Ration is efficacious in reducing alcohol consumption in help-seeking veterans. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04494594; https://tinyurl.com/34em6n9f. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/19720.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Leightley
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte Williamson
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Roberto J Rona
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ewan Carr
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - James Shearer
- King's Health Economics, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jordan P Davis
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Amos Simms
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,British Army, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola T Fear
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Academic Department of Military Mental Health, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Goodwin
- Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Dominic Murphy
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Combat Stress, Leatherhead, United Kingdom
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6
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Williamson C, White K, Rona RJ, Simms A, Fear NT, Goodwin L, Murphy D, Leightley D. Smartphone-based alcohol interventions: A systematic review on the role of notifications in changing behaviors toward alcohol. Subst Abus 2022; 43:1231-1244. [PMID: 35670777 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2022.2074595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Background: Smartphone-based interventions are increasingly being used to facilitate positive behavior change, including reducing alcohol consumption. However, less is known about the effects of notifications to support this change, including intervention engagement and adherence. The aim of this review was to assess the role of notifications in smartphone-based interventions designed to support, manage, or reduce alcohol consumption. Methods: Five electronic databases were searched to identify studies meeting inclusion criteria: (1) studies using a smartphone-based alcohol intervention, (2) the intervention used notifications, and (3) published between 1st January 2007 and 30th April 2021 in English. PROSPERO was searched to identify any completed, ongoing, or planned systematic reviews and meta-analyses of relevance. The reference lists of all included studies were searched. Results: Overall, 14 papers were identified, reporting on 10 different interventions. The strength of the evidence regarding the role and utility of notifications in changing behavior toward alcohol of the reviewed interventions was inconclusive. Only one study drew distinct conclusions about the relationships between notifications and app engagement, and notifications and behavior change. Conclusions: Although there are many smartphone-based interventions to support alcohol reduction, this review highlights a lack of evidence to support the use of notifications (such as push notifications, alerts, prompts, and nudges) used within smartphone interventions for alcohol management aiming to promote positive behavior change. Included studies were limited due to small sample sizes and insufficient follow-up. Evidence for the benefits of smartphone-based alcohol interventions remains promising, but the efficacy of using notifications, especially personalized notifications, within these interventions remain unproven.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katie White
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Roberto J Rona
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Amos Simms
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, King's College London, London, UK
- British Army, London, UK
| | - Nicola T Fear
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, UK
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Laura Goodwin
- Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Dominic Murphy
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, UK
- Combat Stress, Tyrwhitt House, Leatherhead, UK
| | - Daniel Leightley
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, UK
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7
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Landoll RR, Vargas SE, Samardzic KB, Clark MF, Guastaferro K. The preparation phase in the multiphase optimization strategy (MOST): a systematic review and introduction of a reporting checklist. Transl Behav Med 2021; 12:291-303. [PMID: 34850214 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibab146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Multicomponent behavioral interventions developed using the multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) framework offer important advantages over alternative intervention development models by focusing on outcomes within constraints relevant for effective dissemination. MOST consists of three phases: preparation, optimization, and evaluation. The preparation phase is critical to establishing the foundation for the optimization and evaluation phases; thus, detailed reporting is critical to enhancing rigor and reproducibility. A systematic review of published research using the MOST framework was conducted. A structured framework was used to describe and summarize the use of MOST terminology (i.e., preparation phase and optimization objective) and the presentation of preparation work, the conceptual model, and the optimization. Fifty-eight articles were reviewed and the majority focused on either describing the methodology or presenting results of an optimization trial (n = 38, 66%). Although almost all articles identified intervention components (96%), there was considerable variability in the degree to which authors fully described other elements of MOST. In particular, there was less consistency in use of MOST terminology. Reporting on the MOST preparation phase is varied, and there is a need for increased focus on explicit articulation of key design elements and rationale of the preparation phase. The proposed checklist for reporting MOST studies would significantly advance the use of this emerging methodology and improve implementation and dissemination of MOST. Accurate reporting is essential to reproducibility and rigor of scientific trials as it ensures future research fully understands not only the methodology, but the rationale for intervention and optimization decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan R Landoll
- Department of Family Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences School of Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sara E Vargas
- Center for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Kristen B Samardzic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Madison F Clark
- Department of Family Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences School of Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kate Guastaferro
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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8
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Noorbergen TJ, Adam MTP, Teubner T, Collins CE. Using Co-design in Mobile Health System Development: A Qualitative Study With Experts in Co-design and Mobile Health System Development. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2021; 9:e27896. [PMID: 34757323 PMCID: PMC8663505 DOI: 10.2196/27896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The proliferation of mobile devices has enabled new ways of delivering health services through mobile health systems. Researchers and practitioners emphasize that the design of such systems is a complex endeavor with various pitfalls, including limited stakeholder involvement in design processes and the lack of integration into existing system landscapes. Co-design is an approach used to address these pitfalls. By recognizing users as experts of their own experience, co-design directly involves users in the design process and provides them an active role in knowledge development, idea generation, and concept development. OBJECTIVE Despite the existence of a rich body of literature on co-design methodologies, limited research exists to guide the co-design of mobile health (mHealth) systems. This study aims to contextualize an existing co-design framework for mHealth applications and construct guidelines to address common challenges of co-designing mHealth systems. METHODS Tapping into the knowledge and experience of experts in co-design and mHealth systems development, we conducted an exploratory qualitative study consisting of 16 semistructured interviews. Thereby, a constructivist ontological position was adopted while acknowledging the socially constructed nature of reality in mHealth system development. Purposive sampling across web-based platforms (eg, Google Scholar and ResearchGate) and publications by authors with co-design experience in mHealth were used to recruit co-design method experts (n=8) and mHealth system developers (n=8). Data were analyzed using thematic analysis along with our objectives of contextualizing the co-design framework and constructing guidelines for applying co-design to mHealth systems development. RESULTS The contextualized framework captures important considerations of the mHealth context, including dedicated prototyping and implementation phases, and an emphasis on immersion in real-world contexts. In addition, 7 guidelines were constructed that directly pertain to mHealth: understanding stakeholder vulnerabilities and diversity, health behavior change, co-design facilitators, immersion in the mHealth ecosystem, postdesign advocates, health-specific evaluation criteria, and usage data and contextual research to understand impact. CONCLUSIONS System designers encounter unique challenges when engaging in mHealth systems development. The contextualized co-design framework and constructed guidelines have the potential to serve as a shared frame of reference to guide the co-design of mHealth systems and facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration at the nexus of information technology and health research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler J Noorbergen
- School of Information and Physical Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Marc T P Adam
- School of Information and Physical Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | | | - Clare E Collins
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, Australia.,School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine, and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
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9
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Turnbull S, Lucas PJ, Hay AD, Cabral C. Digital Health Interventions for People With Type 2 Diabetes to Develop Self-Care Expertise, Adapt to Identity Changes, and Influence Other's Perception: Qualitative Study. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e21328. [PMID: 33346733 PMCID: PMC7781797 DOI: 10.2196/21328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A diagnosis of type 2 diabetes (T2D) results in widespread changes to a person's life and can be experienced as an assault on their sense of self. The resources available to an individual influence how the individual adapts to their diabetic identity and subsequently engages in self-care. Digital interventions can be viewed as a resource that people can draw on to adapt to the diagnosis. However, there is an indication that people from disadvantaged groups find digital health technologies more challenging to access and use, which may increase health inequalities. OBJECTIVE This study aims to gain insights into how and why people with T2D use digital self-care technology and how experiences vary between individuals and social groups. METHODS A purposive sample of people who had used a digital intervention to help them self-care for their T2D were recruited for the study. Semistructured interviews were conducted, and data were analyzed thematically. RESULTS A diverse sample of 21 participants were interviewed. Participants used digital interventions to help them to understand and feel more in control of their bodies. Digital interventions were used by participants to project their chosen identity to others. Participants selected technology that allowed them to confirm and enact their preferred positive identities, both by avoiding stigma and by becoming experts in their disease or treatment. Participants preferred using digital interventions that helped them conceal their diabetes, including by buying discrete blood glucose monitors. Some participants used technology to increase their sense of power in their interaction with clinicians, whereas others used technology to demonstrate their goodness. CONCLUSIONS The technology that people with T2D have access to shapes the way they are able to understand and control their bodies and support preferred social identities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Turnbull
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Patricia J Lucas
- School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Alastair D Hay
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Christie Cabral
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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10
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File D, Bőthe B, Kapitány-Fövény M, Demetrovics Z. Efficacy of a complex smartphone application for reducing hazardous alcohol consumption: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial with analysis of in-app user behavior in relation to outcome. Int J Methods Psychiatr Res 2020; 29:1-10. [PMID: 32896955 PMCID: PMC7723194 DOI: 10.1002/mpr.1848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The efficacy of alcohol reduction applications is variable, and the underlying factors are largely unknown. The aim of this study is threefold: evaluate the relationship between user engagement and intervention efficacy, investigate the efficacy of the different functions applied, and investigate the efficacy of the intervention application compared to control groups. METHODS A randomized controlled trial will be conducted to determine the efficacy of a newly developed smartphone application compared to the controls in reducing alcohol consumption at a 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 days follow-up. Hazardous drinkers, aged 18 years or older, will be recruited through web articles and will be randomized (blinded to their allocation), to receive one of the two versions of the application (educational or control application) for 30 days, or will be allocated to a wait-list control group. Function usage times will be recorded on a single-user level to determine the association between application usage and efficacy. RESULTS Data collection will be completed by July 2020, and follow-up will be completed by January 2021. CONCLUSIONS The evaluation of intervention efficacy as a function of user behavior will hopefully contribute to the science of developing more efficient alcohol intervention applications in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domonkos File
- Institute of Psychology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Beáta Bőthe
- Institute of Psychology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.,Département de Psychologie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Máté Kapitány-Fövény
- Department of Addiction, Semmelweis University Faculty of Health Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.,Drug Outpatient Centre, Nyírő Gyula National Institute of Psychiatry and Addictions, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Demetrovics
- Institute of Psychology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
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11
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Leightley D, Rona RJ, Shearer J, Williamson C, Gunasinghe C, Simms A, Fear NT, Goodwin L, Murphy D. Evaluating the Efficacy of a Mobile App (Drinks:Ration) and Personalized Text and Push Messaging to Reduce Alcohol Consumption in a Veteran Population: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2020; 9:e19720. [PMID: 33006569 PMCID: PMC7568221 DOI: 10.2196/19720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Alcohol misuse is higher in the UK Armed Forces than in the general population. Previous research has shown that interventions delivered via smartphones are efficacious in promoting self-monitoring of alcohol use, have utility in reducing alcohol consumption, and have a broad reach. Objective This single-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to assess the efficacy of a 28-day brief alcohol intervention delivered via a smartphone app (Drinks:Ration) in reducing weekly self-reported alcohol consumption between baseline and 3-month follow-up among veterans who drink at a hazardous or harmful level and receive or have received support for mental health symptoms in a clinical setting. Methods In this two-arm, single-blinded RCT, a smartphone app that includes interactive features designed to enhance participants’ motivation and personalized messaging is compared with a smartphone app that provides only government guidance on alcohol consumption. The trial will be conducted in a veteran population that has sought help through Combat Stress, a UK veteran’s mental health charity. Recruitment, consent, and data collection will be carried out automatically through the Drinks:Ration platform. The primary outcome is the change in self-reported weekly alcohol consumption between baseline (day 0) and 3-month follow-up (day 84) as measured using the Time-Line Follow back for Alcohol Consumption. Secondary outcome measures include (1) change in the baseline to 3-month follow-up (day 84) Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test score and (2) change in the baseline to 3-month follow-up (day 84) World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF score to assess the quality of adjusted life years. Process evaluation measures include (1) app use and (2) usability ratings as measured by the mHealth App Usability Questionnaire. The primary and secondary outcomes will also be reassessed at the 6-month follow-up (day 168) to assess the longer-term benefits of the intervention, which will be reported as a secondary outcome. Results The study will begin recruitment in October 2020 and is expected to require 12 months to complete. The study results will be published in 2022. Conclusions This study assesses whether a smartphone app is efficacious in reducing self-reported alcohol consumption in a veteran population that has sought help through Combat Stress using personalized messaging and interactive features. This innovative approach, if successful, may provide a means to deliver a low-cost health promotion program that has the potential to reach large groups, in particular those who are geographically dispersed, such as military personnel. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04494594; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04494594 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/19720
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Leightley
- King's College London, King's Centre for Military Health Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Roberto J Rona
- King's College London, King's Centre for Military Health Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - James Shearer
- King's College London, King's Health Economics, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Cerisse Gunasinghe
- King's College London, Department of Psychological Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amos Simms
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,British Army, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola T Fear
- King's College London, King's Centre for Military Health Research, London, United Kingdom.,Academic Department of Military Mental Health, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Goodwin
- University of Liverpool, Department of Psychological Sciences, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Dominic Murphy
- King's College London, King's Centre for Military Health Research, London, United Kingdom.,Combat Stress, Leatherhead, United Kingdom
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12
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Bell L, Garnett C, Qian T, Perski O, Potts HWW, Williamson E. Notifications to Improve Engagement With an Alcohol Reduction App: Protocol for a Micro-Randomized Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2020; 9:e18690. [PMID: 32763878 PMCID: PMC7442945 DOI: 10.2196/18690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drink Less is a behavior change app that aims to help users in the general adult population reduce hazardous and harmful alcohol consumption. The app includes a daily push notification, delivered at 11 am, asking users to "Please complete your mood and drinking diaries." Previous analysis of Drink Less engagement data suggests the current notification strongly influences how users engage with the app in the subsequent hour. To exploit a potential increase of vulnerability of excess drinking and opportunity to engage with the app in the evenings, we changed the delivery time from 11 am to 8 pm. We now aim to further optimise the content and sequence of notifications, testing 30 new evidence-informed notifications targeting the user's perceived usefulness of the app. OBJECTIVE The primary objective is to assess whether sending a notification at 8 pm increases behavioral engagement (opening the app) in the subsequent hour. Secondary objectives include comparing the effect of the new bank of messages with the standard message and effect moderation over time. We also aim to more generally understand the role notifications have on the overall duration, depth, and frequency of engagement with Drink Less over the first 30 days after download. METHODS This is a protocol for a micro-randomized trial with two additional parallel arms. Inclusion criteria are Drink Less users who (1) consent to participate in the trial; (2) self-report a baseline Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test score of 8 or above; (3) reside in the United Kingdom; (4) age ≥18 years and; (5) report interest in drinking less alcohol. In the micro-randomized trial, participants will be randomized daily at 8 pm to receive no notification, a notification with text from the new message bank, or the standard message. The primary outcome is the time-varying, binary outcome of "Did the user open the app in the hour from 8 pm to 9 pm?". The primary analysis will estimate the marginal relative risk for the notifications using an estimator developed for micro-randomized trials with binary outcomes. Participants randomized to the parallel arms will receive no notifications (Secondary Arm A), or the standard notification delivered daily at 11 am (Secondary Arm B) over 30 days, allowing the comparison of overall engagement between different notification delivery strategies. RESULTS Approval was granted by the University College of London's Departmental Research Ethics Committee (CEHP/2016/556) on October 11, 2019, and The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Interventions Research Ethics Committee (17929) on November 27, 2019. Recruitment began on January 2, 2020, and is ongoing. CONCLUSIONS Understanding how push notifications may impact engagement with a behavior change app can lead to further improvements in engagement, and ultimately help users reduce their alcohol consumption. This understanding may also be generalizable to other apps that target a variety of behavior changes. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/18690.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Bell
- Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Garnett
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tianchen Qian
- Department of Statistics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Olga Perski
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Henry W W Potts
- Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Health Data Research UK, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth Williamson
- Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Health Data Research UK, London, United Kingdom
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13
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Bertucci F, Le Corroller-Soriano AG, Monneur A, Fluzin S, Viens P, Maraninchi D, Goncalves A. [E-health and "Cancer outside the hospital walls", Big Data and artificial intelligence]. Bull Cancer 2019; 107:102-112. [PMID: 31543271 DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2019.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 06/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
To heal otherwise in oncology has become an imperative of Public Health and an economic imperative in France. Patients can therefore receive live most of their care outside of hospital with more ambulatory care. This ambulatory shift will benefit from the digital revolution and the development of digital health or e-health. Cancer research will also benefit with Big Data and artificial intelligence, which gather and analyze a huge amount of data. In this synthesis, we describe the different e-health tools and their potential impacts in oncology, at the levels of education and information of patients and caregivers, prevention, screening and diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, and research. A few randomized studies have already demonstrated clinical benefits. Large Big Data projects such as ConSoRe and Health Data Hub have been launched in France. We also discuss the issues and limitations of "cancer outside the hospital walls and e-health" from the point of view of patients, health care professionals, health facilities and government. This new organization will have to provide remote support "outside the walls" with care and follow-up of quality, continuous and prolonged in total safety and equity. Ongoing and future randomized clinical trials will need to definitively demonstrate areas of interest, advantages and drawbacks not only for patients, but also for caregivers, health facilities and governments.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Bertucci
- Institut Paoli-Calmettes, département d'oncologie médicale, 13009 Marseille, France; Aix-Marseille université, Centre de recherche en cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm U1068-CNRS U7258, 13009 Marseille, France.
| | - Anne-Gaëlle Le Corroller-Soriano
- Aix-Marseille université, SESSTIM, Sciences économiques & sociales de la santé & traitement de l'information médicale, Inserm UMR912, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Audrey Monneur
- Institut Paoli-Calmettes, département d'oncologie médicale, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Sylvain Fluzin
- Institut Paoli-Calmettes, direction du système d'information et de l'organisation, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Patrice Viens
- Institut Paoli-Calmettes, département d'oncologie médicale, 13009 Marseille, France; Aix-Marseille université, Centre de recherche en cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm U1068-CNRS U7258, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Dominique Maraninchi
- Institut Paoli-Calmettes, département d'oncologie médicale, 13009 Marseille, France; Aix-Marseille université, Centre de recherche en cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm U1068-CNRS U7258, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Anthony Goncalves
- Institut Paoli-Calmettes, département d'oncologie médicale, 13009 Marseille, France; Aix-Marseille université, Centre de recherche en cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm U1068-CNRS U7258, 13009 Marseille, France
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14
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Tombor I, Beard E, Brown J, Shahab L, Michie S, West R. Randomized factorial experiment of components of the SmokeFree Baby smartphone application to aid smoking cessation in pregnancy. Transl Behav Med 2019; 9:583-593. [PMID: 30011020 PMCID: PMC6629841 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/iby073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Smartphone applications (apps) might be able to reach pregnant smokers who do not engage with face-to-face support. However, we do not know how far pregnant smokers will engage with smoking cessation apps or what components are likely to be effective. This study aimed to assess pregnant smokers' engagement with the SmokeFree Baby app (v1) and to assess the short-term efficacy of selected components ("modules") for smoking abstinence. Positive outcomes would provide a basis for further development and evaluation. SmokeFree Baby was developed drawing on behavior change theories and relevant evidence. Pregnant smokers (18+) who were interested in quitting and set a quit date were recruited. Following multiphase optimization development principles, participants (N = 565) were randomly allocated to one of 32 (2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2) experimental groups in a full factorial design to evaluate five modules (each in minimal and full version: identity, health information, stress management, face-to-face support, and behavioral substitution). Measures of engagement included duration and frequency of engagement with the app. Smoking abstinence was measured by self-reported number of smoke-free days up to 4 weeks from the quit date. Participants engaged with the app for a mean of 4.5 days (SD = 8.5) and logged in a mean of 2.9 times (SD = 3.1). Main effects of the modules on the number of smoke-free days were not statistically significant (identity: p = .782, health information: p = .905, stress management: p = .103, face-to-face support: p = .397, behavioral substitution: p = .945). Despite systematic development and usability testing, engagement with SmokeFree Baby (v1) was low and the app did not appear to increase smoking abstinence during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ildiko Tombor
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, UK
| | - Emma Beard
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, UK
| | - Jamie Brown
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, UK
| | - Lion Shahab
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, UK
| | - Susan Michie
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, UK
| | - Robert West
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, UK
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15
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Puddephatt JA, Leightley D, Palmer L, Jones N, Mahmoodi T, Drummond C, Rona RJ, Fear NT, Field M, Goodwin L. A Qualitative Evaluation of the Acceptability of a Tailored Smartphone Alcohol Intervention for a Military Population: Information About Drinking for Ex-Serving Personnel (InDEx) App. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2019; 7:e12267. [PMID: 31127726 PMCID: PMC6555114 DOI: 10.2196/12267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Alcohol consumption in the UK Armed Forces is higher than in the general population, and this pattern continues after leaving the service. Smartphone apps may be useful to increase ex-serving personnel’s awareness of their alcohol consumption, support self-monitoring, and prompt a change in behavior. Objective The study aimed to explore the acceptability of Information about Drinking in Ex-serving personnel (InDEx), a tailored smartphone app, combined with personalized short message service (SMS) text messaging designed to target ex-serving personnel who meet the criteria for hazardous alcohol use. Methods The InDEx intervention included 4 key modules: (1) assessment and normative feedback, (2) self-monitoring and feedback, (3) goal setting and review, and (4) personalized SMS text messaging. A semistructured telephone interview study was conducted with ex-serving personnel after using the app for a 28-day period. Interviews were used to explore the acceptability of app modules and its functionality and the perceived changes in participant’s drinking. Interview transcripts were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Results Overall, 94% (29/31) participants who used InDEx agreed to take part in a telephone interview. Overall, 4 themes were identified: Credibility, Meeting their needs, Simplicity, and Helpful for ex-serving personnel. The importance of credibility, functionality, and meeting the individual needs of ex-serving personnel was emphasized. Acceptability and engagement with specific modules of the app and text messages were influenced by the following: (1) if they felt it provided credible information, (2) whether the content was appropriately personalized to them, (3) the ease of use, and (4) beliefs about their own drinking behaviors. Participants recommended that the app would be most suitable for personnel about to leave the Armed Forces. Conclusions InDEx was an acceptable smartphone app for ex-serving personnel for monitoring alcohol consumption and in providing meaningful feedback to the individual. Pages that met the participant’s interests and provided real time personalized, credible feedback on their drinking and text messages tailored to participant’s interactions with the app were particularly favored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo-Anne Puddephatt
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Institute of Life and Human Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Leightley
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Palmer
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Norman Jones
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Toktam Mahmoodi
- Department of Informatics, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Colin Drummond
- Addictions Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Roberto J Rona
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola T Fear
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Academic Department of Military Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matt Field
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Goodwin
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Institute of Life and Human Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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16
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Bendtsen M, McCambridge J. Reducing Alcohol Consumption Among Risky Drinkers in the General Population of Sweden Using an Interactive Mobile Health Intervention: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2019; 8:e13119. [PMID: 30998221 PMCID: PMC6495288 DOI: 10.2196/13119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Harmful use of alcohol continues to be a leading contributor to premature deaths globally. Not only does harmful drinking have consequences for the individuals consuming at increased levels, but it may also result in a range of negative consequences for their family members and friends. Interventions delivered via mobile phones (mobile health [mHealth] interventions) could potentially support risky drinkers seeking help to reduce their alcohol consumption. Objective This protocol describes a randomized controlled trial that aims to validly estimate the effect of a novel mHealth intervention targeting risky drinkers in the general population of Sweden. Nested within the trial are 3 substudies that focus on methodological and user satisfaction research questions. Methods A 2-arm parallel group randomized controlled trial will be employed to estimate the effect of the novel intervention. Participants will be recruited through Web advertisements and social media. The inclusion criteria are as follows: 18 years or older, ownership of a mobile phone, and being classified as a risky drinker according to Swedish guidelines. Participants allocated to the intervention group will receive a novel mHealth intervention. The intervention consists of weekly screening, personalized feedback on current consumption, functions allowing for planning of future consumption, as well as a series of messages delivered throughout the week. Participants allocated to the control group will receive a short message regarding negative consequences of alcohol consumption and a hyperlink that offers more information. Following 2 and 4 months after randomization, both groups will be asked to complete follow-up questionnaires (2-month interval being primary). Primary outcomes are weekly alcohol consumption and heavy episodic drinking. Participants in the control group will be given access to the novel intervention after completing the 4-month follow-up. The trial includes 3 substudies: We will explore whether the mode of presenting information before participants giving informed consent affects participation rates and recall of trial parameters, investigate if the content of the short message received by the control group affects study outcomes and requests for more information, and explore user satisfaction with the intervention and reactions of the control group. Results Participant recruitment is planned to begin in April 2019 and to last for a maximum of 24 months. The first dataset will be available approximately 2 months after the final participant has been recruited, and the final dataset will be available approximately 2 months later. No participants had been recruited at the time of submitting this protocol. Conclusions If found effective, the intervention has the potential to reduce negative consequences of alcohol consumption for individuals. The technology has been designed to have potential for extensive reach among those who may benefit. Trial Registration ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN48317451; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN48317451 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/779tKLsu3) International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/13119
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Bendtsen
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Jim McCambridge
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, United Kingdom
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17
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Vergani L, Marton G, Pizzoli SFM, Monzani D, Mazzocco K, Pravettoni G. Training Cognitive Functions Using Mobile Apps in Breast Cancer Patients: Systematic Review. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2019; 7:e10855. [PMID: 30888326 PMCID: PMC6444278 DOI: 10.2196/10855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Breast cancer is an invalidating disease and its treatment can bring serious side effects that have a physical and psychological impact. Specifically, cancer treatment generally has a strong impact on cognitive function. In recent years, new technologies and eHealth have had a growing influence on health care and innovative mobile apps can be useful tools to deliver cognitive exercise in the patient’s home. Objective This systematic review gives an overview of the state-of-the-art mobile apps aimed at training cognitive functions to better understand whether these apps could be useful tools to counteract cognitive impairment in breast cancer patients. Methods We searched in a systematic way all the full-text articles from the PubMed and Embase databases. Results We found eleven studies using mobile apps to deliver cognitive training. They included a total of 819 participants. App and study characteristics are presented and discussed, including cognitive domains trained (attention, problem solving, memory, cognitive control, executive function, visuospatial function, and language). None of the apps were specifically developed for breast cancer patients. They were generally developed for a specific clinical population. Only 2 apps deal with more than 1 cognitive domain, and only 3 studies focus on the efficacy of the app training intervention. Conclusions These results highlight the lack of empirical evidence on the efficacy of currently available apps to train cognitive function. Cognitive domains are not well defined across studies. It is noteworthy that no apps are specifically developed for cancer patients, and their applicability to breast cancer should not be taken for granted. Future studies should test the feasibility, usability, and effectiveness of available cognitive training apps in women with breast cancer. Due to the complexity and multidimensionality of cognitive difficulties in this cancer population, it may be useful to design, develop, and implement an ad hoc app targeting cognitive impairment in breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Vergani
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico), Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Marton
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico), Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Francesca Maria Pizzoli
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico), Milan, Italy
| | - Dario Monzani
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico), Milan, Italy
| | - Ketti Mazzocco
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico), Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pravettoni
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico), Milan, Italy
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18
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Garnett C, Crane D, West R, Brown J, Michie S. The development of Drink Less: an alcohol reduction smartphone app for excessive drinkers. Transl Behav Med 2019; 9:296-307. [PMID: 29733406 PMCID: PMC6417151 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/iby043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive alcohol consumption poses a serious problem for public health. Digital behavior change interventions have the potential to help users reduce their drinking. In accordance with Open Science principles, this paper describes the development of a smartphone app to help individuals who drink excessively to reduce their alcohol consumption. Following the UK Medical Research Council's guidance and the Multiphase Optimization Strategy, development consisted of two phases: (i) selection of intervention components and (ii) design and development work to implement the chosen components into modules to be evaluated further for inclusion in the app. Phase 1 involved a scoping literature review, expert consensus study and content analysis of existing alcohol apps. Findings were integrated within a broad model of behavior change (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behavior). Phase 2 involved a highly iterative process and used the "Person-Based" approach to promote engagement. From Phase 1, five intervention components were selected: (i) Normative Feedback, (ii) Cognitive Bias Re-training, (iii) Self-monitoring and Feedback, (iv) Action Planning, and (v) Identity Change. Phase 2 indicated that each of these components presented different challenges for implementation as app modules; all required multiple iterations and design changes to arrive at versions that would be suitable for inclusion in a subsequent evaluation study. The development of the Drink Less app involved a thorough process of component identification with a scoping literature review, expert consensus, and review of other apps. Translation of the components into app modules required a highly iterative process involving user testing and design modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Garnett
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, UCL, London, UK
| | - David Crane
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, UCL, London, UK
| | - Robert West
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, UCL, London, UK
| | - Jamie Brown
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, UCL, London, UK
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, UCL, London, UK
| | - Susan Michie
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, UCL, London, UK
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Outpatient Cancer Care Delivery in the Context of E-Oncology: A French Perspective on "Cancer outside the Hospital Walls". Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11020219. [PMID: 30769858 PMCID: PMC6406853 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11020219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 01/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
In oncology, the treatment of patients outside of hospitals has become imperative due to an increasing number of patients who are older and live longer, along with issues such as medical desertification, oncologist hyperspecialization, and difficulties in financing mounting health expenditures. Treatments have become less "invasive", with greater precision and efficiency. Patients can therefore receive most of their care outside of hospitals. The development of e-health can address these new imperatives. In this letter, we describe the different e-health tools and their potential clinical impacts in oncology, as already reported at every level of care, including education, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. A few randomized studies have yet demonstrated the clinical benefit. We also comment on issues and limits of "cancer outside the hospital walls" from the point of view of patients, health care professionals, health facilities, and public authorities. Care providers in hospitals and communities will have to adapt to these changes within well-coordinated networks in order to better meet patient expectations regarding increasing education and personalizing management. Ultimately, controlled studies should aim to definitively demonstrate areas of interest, benefits, and incentives, for not only patients, but also caregivers (formal and informal) and health care providers, health care facilities, and the nation.
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Garnett C, Michie S, West R, Brown J. Updating the evidence on the effectiveness of the alcohol reduction app, Drink Less: using Bayes factors to analyse trial datasets supplemented with extended recruitment. F1000Res 2019; 8:114. [PMID: 31354942 PMCID: PMC6635983 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.17952.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: A factorial experiment evaluating the Drink Less app found no clear evidence for main effects of enhanced versus minimal versions of five components but some evidence for an interaction effect. Bayes factors (BFs) showed the data to be insensitive. This study examined the use of BFs to update the evidence with further recruitment. Methods: A between-subject factorial experiment evaluated the main and two-way interaction effects of enhanced versus minimal version of five components of Drink Less. Participants were excessive drinkers, aged 18+, and living in the UK. After the required sample size was reached (n=672), additional data were collected for five months. Outcome measures were change in past week alcohol consumption and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score at one-month follow-up, amongst responders only (those who completed the questionnaire). BFs (with a half-normal distribution) were calculated (BF<0.33 indicate evidence for null hypothesis; 0.33
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Garnett
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Susan Michie
- Department of Clinical, Education and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Robert West
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jamie Brown
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, UK
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21
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Garnett C, Michie S, West R, Brown J. Updating the evidence on the effectiveness of the alcohol reduction app, Drink Less: using Bayes factors to analyse trial datasets supplemented with extended recruitment. F1000Res 2019; 8:114. [PMID: 31354942 PMCID: PMC6635983 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.17952.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: A factorial experiment evaluating the Drink Less app found no clear evidence for main effects of enhanced versus minimal versions of five components but some evidence for an interaction effect. Bayes factors (BFs) showed the data to be insensitive. This study examined the use of BFs to update the evidence with further recruitment. Methods: A between-subject factorial experiment evaluated the main and two-way interaction effects of enhanced versus minimal version of five components of Drink Less. Participants were excessive drinkers, aged 18+, and living in the UK. After the required sample size was reached (n=672), additional data were collected for five months. Outcome measures were change in past week alcohol consumption and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score at one-month follow-up, amongst responders only. BFs (with a half-normal distribution) were calculated for those for which we had outcome data (BF<0.33 indicate evidence for null hypothesis; 0.33
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Garnett
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Susan Michie
- Department of Clinical, Education and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Robert West
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jamie Brown
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, UK
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22
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Garnett C, Perski O, Tombor I, West R, Michie S, Brown J. Predictors of Engagement, Response to Follow Up, and Extent of Alcohol Reduction in Users of a Smartphone App (Drink Less): Secondary Analysis of a Factorial Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2018; 6:e11175. [PMID: 30552081 PMCID: PMC6315249 DOI: 10.2196/11175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital interventions for alcohol can help achieve reductions in hazardous and harmful alcohol consumption. The Drink Less app was developed using evidence and theory, and a factorial randomized controlled trial (RCT) suggested that 4 of its intervention modules may assist with drinking reduction. However, low engagement is an important barrier to effectiveness, and low response to follow up is a challenge for intervention evaluation. Research is needed to understand what factors influence users' level of engagement, response to follow up, and extent of alcohol reduction. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate associations between user characteristics, engagement, response to follow up, and extent of alcohol reduction in an app-based intervention, Drink Less. METHODS This study involved a secondary data analysis of a factorial RCT of the Drink Less app. Participants (N=672) were aged 18 years or older, lived in the United Kingdom, and had an Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test score >7 (indicative of excessive drinking). Sociodemographic and drinking characteristics were assessed at baseline. Engagement was assessed in the first month of use (number of sessions, time on app, number of days used, and percentage of available screens viewed). Response to follow up and extent of alcohol reduction (change in past week consumption) were measured after 1 month. Associations were assessed using unadjusted and adjusted linear or logistic regression models. RESULTS Age (all unstandardized regression coefficients [B] >.02, all P<.001) and post-16 educational qualifications (all B>.18, all P<.03) were positively associated with all engagement outcomes. Age (odds ratio [OR] 1.04, P<.001), educational qualifications (OR 2.11, P<.001), and female gender (OR 1.58, P=.02) were positively associated with response to follow up. Engagement outcomes predicted response to follow up (all OR>1.02, all P<.001) but not the extent of alcohol reduction (all -.14.07). Baseline drinking characteristics were the only variables associated with the extent of alcohol reduction among those followed up (all B>.49, all P<.001). CONCLUSIONS Users of the alcohol reduction app, Drink Less, who were older and had post-16 educational qualifications engaged more and were more likely to respond at 1-month follow up. Higher baseline alcohol consumption predicted a greater extent of alcohol reduction among those followed up but did not predict engagement or response to follow up. Engagement was associated with response to follow up but was not associated with the extent of alcohol reduction, which suggests that the Drink Less app does not have a dose-response effect. TRIAL REGISTRATION International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number ISRCTN40104069; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN40104069 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/746HqygIV).
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Garnett
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Olga Perski
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Clinical, Education and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ildiko Tombor
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robert West
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Susan Michie
- Department of Clinical, Education and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jamie Brown
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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23
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Edwards EA, Caton H, Lumsden J, Rivas C, Steed L, Pirunsarn Y, Jumbe S, Newby C, Shenvi A, Mazumdar S, Smith JQ, Greenhill D, Griffiths CJ, Walton RT. Creating a Theoretically Grounded, Gamified Health App: Lessons From Developing the Cigbreak Smoking Cessation Mobile Phone Game. JMIR Serious Games 2018; 6:e10252. [PMID: 30497994 PMCID: PMC6293248 DOI: 10.2196/10252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gaming techniques are increasingly recognized as effective methods for changing behavior and increasing user engagement with mobile phone apps. The rapid uptake of mobile phone games provides an unprecedented opportunity to reach large numbers of people and to influence a wide range of health-related behaviors. However, digital interventions are still nascent in the field of health care, and optimum gamified methods of achieving health behavior change are still being investigated. There is currently a lack of worked methodologies that app developers and health care professionals can follow to facilitate theoretically informed design of gamified health apps. Objective This study aimed to present a series of steps undertaken during the development of Cigbreak, a gamified smoking cessation health app. Methods A systematic and iterative approach was adopted by (1) forming an expert multidisciplinary design team, (2) defining the problem and establishing user preferences, (3) incorporating the evidence base, (4) integrating gamification, (5) adding behavior change techniques, (6) forming a logic model, and (7) user testing. A total of 10 focus groups were conducted with 73 smokers. Results Users found the app an engaging and motivating way to gain smoking cessation advice and a helpful distraction from smoking; 84% (62/73) of smokers said they would play again and recommend it to a friend. Conclusions A dedicated gamified app to promote smoking cessation has the potential to modify smoking behavior and to deliver effective smoking cessation advice. Iterative, collaborative development using evidence-based behavior change techniques and gamification may help to make the game engaging and potentially effective. Gamified health apps developed in this way may have the potential to provide effective and low-cost health interventions in a wide range of clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Edwards
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, Blizard Institute, Bart's and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.,Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research, Bart's and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hope Caton
- Faculty of Science, Engineering Computing, Kingston University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jim Lumsden
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom.,School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Carol Rivas
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, Blizard Institute, Bart's and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.,Social Science Research Unit, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Liz Steed
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, Blizard Institute, Bart's and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.,Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research, Bart's and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yutthana Pirunsarn
- Faculty of Science, Engineering Computing, Kingston University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sandra Jumbe
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, Blizard Institute, Bart's and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.,Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research, Bart's and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Newby
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, Blizard Institute, Bart's and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.,Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research, Bart's and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Aditi Shenvi
- Centre for Complexity Science, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Samaresh Mazumdar
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, Blizard Institute, Bart's and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.,Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research, Bart's and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jim Q Smith
- Department of Statistics, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Darrel Greenhill
- Faculty of Science, Engineering Computing, Kingston University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chris J Griffiths
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, Blizard Institute, Bart's and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.,Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research, Bart's and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robert T Walton
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, Blizard Institute, Bart's and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.,Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research, Bart's and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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24
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Leightley D, Puddephatt JA, Jones N, Mahmoodi T, Chui Z, Field M, Drummond C, Rona RJ, Fear NT, Goodwin L. A Smartphone App and Personalized Text Messaging Framework (InDEx) to Monitor and Reduce Alcohol Use in Ex-Serving Personnel: Development and Feasibility Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2018; 6:e10074. [PMID: 30206054 PMCID: PMC6231744 DOI: 10.2196/10074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-reported alcohol misuse remains high in armed forces personnel even after they have left service. More than 50% of ex-serving personnel meet the criteria for hazardous alcohol use; however, many fail to acknowledge that they have a problem. Previous research indicates that interventions delivered via smartphone apps are suitable in promoting self-monitoring of alcohol use, have a broad reach, and may be more cost-effective than other types of brief interventions. There is currently no such intervention specifically designed for the armed forces. OBJECTIVE This study sought to describe the development of a tailored smartphone app and personalized text messaging (short message service, SMS) framework and to test the usability and feasibility (measured and reported as user engagement) of this app in a hard-to-engage ex-serving population. METHODS App development used Agile methodology (an incremental, iterative approach used in software development) and was informed by behavior change theory, participant feedback, and focus groups. Participants were recruited between May 2017 and June 2017 from an existing United Kingdom longitudinal military health and well-being cohort study, prescreened for eligibility, and directed to download either Android or iOS versions of the "Information about Drinking for Ex-serving personnel" (InDEx) app. Through the app, participants were asked to record alcohol consumption, complete a range of self-report measures, and set goals using implementation intentions (if-then plans). Alongside the app, participants received daily automated personalized text messages (SMS) corresponding to specific behavior change techniques with content informed by the health action process approach with the intended purpose of promoting the use of the drinks diary, suggesting alternative behaviors, and providing feedback on goals setting. RESULTS Invitations to take part in the study were sent to ex-serving personnel, 22.6% (31/137) of whom accepted and downloaded the app. Participants opened the InDEx app a median of 15.0 (interquartile range [IQR] 8.5-19.0) times during the 4 week period (28 days), received an average of 36.1 (SD 3.2) text messages (SMS), consumed alcohol on a median of 13.0 (IQR 11.0-15.0) days, and consumed a median of 5.6 (IQR 3.3-11.8) units per drinking day in the first week, which decreased to 4.7 (IQR 2.0-6.9) units by the last week and remained active for 4.0 (IQR 3.0-4.0) weeks. CONCLUSIONS Personnel engaged and used the app regularly as demonstrated by the number of initializations, interactions, and time spent using InDEx. Future research is needed to evaluate the engagement with and efficacy of InDEx for the reduction of alcohol consumption and binge drinking in an armed forces population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Leightley
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jo-Anne Puddephatt
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Norman Jones
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Toktam Mahmoodi
- Department of Informatics, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Zoe Chui
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matt Field
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies, Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Colin Drummond
- Addictions Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Roberto J Rona
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola T Fear
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Academic Department of Military Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Goodwin
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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25
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Leightley D, Puddephatt JA, Goodwin L, Rona R, Fear NT. InDEx: Open Source iOS and Android Software for Self-Reporting and Monitoring of Alcohol Consumption. JOURNAL OF OPEN RESEARCH SOFTWARE 2018; 6:13. [PMID: 29795769 PMCID: PMC5961935 DOI: 10.5334/jors.207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
InDEx is a software package for reporting and monitoring alcohol consumption via a smartphone application. Consumption of alcohol is self-reported by the user, and the app provides a visual representation of drinking behaviour and offers feedback on consumption levels compared to the general population. InDEx is intended as an exemplar app, operating as a standalone smartphone application and is highly customisable for a variety of research domains. InDEx is written in JavaScript, using IONIC framework which is cross-platform and is available under the liberal GNU General Public License (v3). The software is available from GitHub (https://github.com/DrDanL/index-app-public).
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Leightley
- King’s Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, GB
| | | | - Laura Goodwin
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, GB
| | - Roberto Rona
- King’s Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, GB
| | - Nicola T. Fear
- King’s Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, GB
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, GB
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26
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Crane D, Garnett C, Michie S, West R, Brown J. A smartphone app to reduce excessive alcohol consumption: Identifying the effectiveness of intervention components in a factorial randomised control trial. Sci Rep 2018; 8:4384. [PMID: 29531280 PMCID: PMC5847600 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22420-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Our aim was to evaluate intervention components of an alcohol reduction app: Drink Less. Excessive drinkers (AUDIT>=8) were recruited to test enhanced versus minimal (reduced functionality) versions of five app modules in a 25 factorial trial. Modules were: Self-monitoring and Feedback, Action Planning, Identity Change, Normative Feedback, and Cognitive Bias Re-training. Outcome measures were: change in weekly alcohol consumption (primary); full AUDIT score, app usage, app usability (secondary). Main effects and two-way interactions were assessed by ANOVA using intention-to-treat. A total of 672 study participants were included. There were no significant main effects of the intervention modules on change in weekly alcohol consumption or AUDIT score. There were two-way interactions between enhanced Normative Feedback and Cognitive Bias Re-training on weekly alcohol consumption (F = 4.68, p = 0.03) and between enhanced Self-monitoring and Feedback and Action Planning on AUDIT score (F = 5.82, p = 0.02). Enhanced Self-monitoring and Feedback was used significantly more often and rated significantly more positively for helpfulness, satisfaction and recommendation to others than the minimal version. To conclude, in an evaluation of the Drink Less smartphone application, the combination of enhanced Normative Feedback and Cognitive Bias Re-training and enhanced Self-monitoring and Feedback and Action Planning yielded improvements in alcohol-related outcomes after 4-weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Crane
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Claire Garnett
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Susan Michie
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Robert West
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jamie Brown
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, UK
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27
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Kaner EFS, Beyer FR, Garnett C, Crane D, Brown J, Muirhead C, Redmore J, O'Donnell A, Newham JJ, de Vocht F, Hickman M, Brown H, Maniatopoulos G, Michie S. Personalised digital interventions for reducing hazardous and harmful alcohol consumption in community-dwelling populations. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017; 9:CD011479. [PMID: 28944453 PMCID: PMC6483779 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011479.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excessive alcohol use contributes significantly to physical and psychological illness, injury and death, and a wide array of social harm in all age groups. A proven strategy for reducing excessive alcohol consumption levels is to offer a brief conversation-based intervention in primary care settings, but more recent technological innovations have enabled people to interact directly via computer, mobile device or smartphone with digital interventions designed to address problem alcohol consumption. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of digital interventions for reducing hazardous and harmful alcohol consumption, alcohol-related problems, or both, in people living in the community, specifically: (i) Are digital interventions more effective and cost-effective than no intervention (or minimal input) controls? (ii) Are digital interventions at least equally effective as face-to-face brief alcohol interventions? (iii) What are the effective component behaviour change techniques (BCTs) of such interventions and their mechanisms of action? (iv) What theories or models have been used in the development and/or evaluation of the intervention? Secondary objectives were (i) to assess whether outcomes differ between trials where the digital intervention targets participants attending health, social care, education or other community-based settings and those where it is offered remotely via the internet or mobile phone platforms; (ii) to specify interventions according to their mode of delivery (e.g. functionality features) and assess the impact of mode of delivery on outcomes. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ERIC, HTA and Web of Knowledge databases; ClinicalTrials.com and WHO ICTRP trials registers and relevant websites to April 2017. We also checked the reference lists of included trials and relevant systematic reviews. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effectiveness of digital interventions compared with no intervention or with face-to-face interventions for reducing hazardous or harmful alcohol consumption in people living in the community and reported a measure of alcohol consumption. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures expected by The Cochrane Collaboration. MAIN RESULTS We included 57 studies which randomised a total of 34,390 participants. The main sources of bias were from attrition and participant blinding (36% and 21% of studies respectively, high risk of bias). Forty one studies (42 comparisons, 19,241 participants) provided data for the primary meta-analysis, which demonstrated that participants using a digital intervention drank approximately 23 g alcohol weekly (95% CI 15 to 30) (about 3 UK units) less than participants who received no or minimal interventions at end of follow up (moderate-quality evidence).Fifteen studies (16 comparisons, 10,862 participants) demonstrated that participants who engaged with digital interventions had less than one drinking day per month fewer than no intervention controls (moderate-quality evidence), 15 studies (3587 participants) showed about one binge drinking session less per month in the intervention group compared to no intervention controls (moderate-quality evidence), and in 15 studies (9791 participants) intervention participants drank one unit per occasion less than no intervention control participants (moderate-quality evidence).Only five small studies (390 participants) compared digital and face-to-face interventions. There was no difference in alcohol consumption at end of follow up (MD 0.52 g/week, 95% CI -24.59 to 25.63; low-quality evidence). Thus, digital alcohol interventions produced broadly similar outcomes in these studies. No studies reported whether any adverse effects resulted from the interventions.A median of nine BCTs were used in experimental arms (range = 1 to 22). 'B' is an estimate of effect (MD in quantity of drinking, expressed in g/week) per unit increase in the BCT, and is a way to report whether individual BCTs are linked to the effect of the intervention. The BCTs of goal setting (B -43.94, 95% CI -78.59 to -9.30), problem solving (B -48.03, 95% CI -77.79 to -18.27), information about antecedents (B -74.20, 95% CI -117.72 to -30.68), behaviour substitution (B -123.71, 95% CI -184.63 to -62.80) and credible source (B -39.89, 95% CI -72.66 to -7.11) were significantly associated with reduced alcohol consumption in unadjusted models. In a multivariable model that included BCTs with B > 23 in the unadjusted model, the BCTs of behaviour substitution (B -95.12, 95% CI -162.90 to -27.34), problem solving (B -45.92, 95% CI -90.97 to -0.87), and credible source (B -32.09, 95% CI -60.64 to -3.55) were associated with reduced alcohol consumption.The most frequently mentioned theories or models in the included studies were Motivational Interviewing Theory (7/20), Transtheoretical Model (6/20) and Social Norms Theory (6/20). Over half of the interventions (n = 21, 51%) made no mention of theory. Only two studies used theory to select participants or tailor the intervention. There was no evidence of an association between reporting theory use and intervention effectiveness. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is moderate-quality evidence that digital interventions may lower alcohol consumption, with an average reduction of up to three (UK) standard drinks per week compared to control participants. Substantial heterogeneity and risk of performance and publication bias may mean the reduction was lower. Low-quality evidence from fewer studies suggested there may be little or no difference in impact on alcohol consumption between digital and face-to-face interventions.The BCTs of behaviour substitution, problem solving and credible source were associated with the effectiveness of digital interventions to reduce alcohol consumption and warrant further investigation in an experimental context.Reporting of theory use was very limited and often unclear when present. Over half of the interventions made no reference to any theories. Limited reporting of theory use was unrelated to heterogeneity in intervention effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen FS Kaner
- Newcastle UniversityInstitute of Health and SocietyRichardson RoadNewcastle upon TyneUKNE2 4AX
| | - Fiona R Beyer
- Newcastle UniversityInstitute of Health and SocietyRichardson RoadNewcastle upon TyneUKNE2 4AX
| | - Claire Garnett
- University College LondonResearch Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology1‐19 Torrington PlaceLondonUKWC1E 7HB
| | - David Crane
- University College LondonResearch Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology1‐19 Torrington PlaceLondonUKWC1E 7HB
| | - Jamie Brown
- University College LondonResearch Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology1‐19 Torrington PlaceLondonUKWC1E 7HB
| | - Colin Muirhead
- Newcastle UniversityInstitute of Health and SocietyRichardson RoadNewcastle upon TyneUKNE2 4AX
| | - James Redmore
- University of BristolPopulation Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School39 Whatley RoadBristolUKBS8 2PS
| | - Amy O'Donnell
- Newcastle UniversityInstitute of Health and SocietyRichardson RoadNewcastle upon TyneUKNE2 4AX
| | - James J Newham
- King's College LondonPrimary Care & Public Health SciencesAddison House, Guy's campusLondonUKSE1 1UL
| | - Frank de Vocht
- University of BristolSchool of Social and Community Medicine39 Whatley RoadBristolUKBS8 2PS
| | - Matthew Hickman
- University of BristolSchool of Social and Community Medicine39 Whatley RoadBristolUKBS8 2PS
| | - Heather Brown
- Newcastle UniversityInstitute of Health and SocietyRichardson RoadNewcastle upon TyneUKNE2 4AX
| | - Gregory Maniatopoulos
- Newcastle UniversityInstitute of Health and SocietyRichardson RoadNewcastle upon TyneUKNE2 4AX
| | - Susan Michie
- University College LondonResearch Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology1‐19 Torrington PlaceLondonUKWC1E 7HB
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Michie S, Yardley L, West R, Patrick K, Greaves F. Developing and Evaluating Digital Interventions to Promote Behavior Change in Health and Health Care: Recommendations Resulting From an International Workshop. J Med Internet Res 2017; 19:e232. [PMID: 28663162 PMCID: PMC5509948 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.7126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 436] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Devices and programs using digital technology to foster or support behavior change (digital interventions) are increasingly ubiquitous, being adopted for use in patient diagnosis and treatment, self-management of chronic diseases, and in primary prevention. They have been heralded as potentially revolutionizing the ways in which individuals can monitor and improve their health behaviors and health care by improving outcomes, reducing costs, and improving the patient experience. However, we are still mainly in the age of promise rather than delivery. Developing and evaluating these digital interventions presents new challenges and new versions of old challenges that require use of improved and perhaps entirely new methods for research and evaluation. This article discusses these challenges and provides recommendations aimed at accelerating the rate of progress in digital behavior intervention research and practice. Areas addressed include intervention development in a rapidly changing technological landscape, promoting user engagement, advancing the underpinning science and theory, evaluating effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, and addressing issues of regulatory, ethical, and information governance. This article is the result of a two-day international workshop on how to create, evaluate, and implement effective digital interventions in relation to health behaviors. It was held in London in September 2015 and was supported by the United Kingdom's Medical Research Council (MRC), the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), the Methodology Research Programme (PI Susan Michie), and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation of the United States (PI Kevin Patrick). Important recommendations to manage the rapid pace of change include considering using emerging techniques from data science, machine learning, and Bayesian approaches and learning from other disciplines including computer science and engineering. With regard to assessing and promoting engagement, a key conclusion was that sustained engagement is not always required and that for each intervention it is useful to establish what constitutes "effective engagement," that is, sufficient engagement to achieve the intended outcomes. The potential of digital interventions for testing and advancing theories of behavior change by generating ecologically valid, real-time objective data was recognized. Evaluations should include all phases of the development cycle, designed for generalizability, and consider new experimental designs to make the best use of rich data streams. Future health economics analyses need to recognize and model the complex and potentially far-reaching costs and benefits of digital interventions. In terms of governance, developers of digital behavior interventions should comply with existing regulatory frameworks, but with consideration for emerging standards around information governance, ethics, and interoperability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Michie
- Centre for Behaviour Change, Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Yardley
- Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Robert West
- Health Behaviour Research Centre, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Patrick
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, The Qualcomm Institute - Calit2, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
- The Center for Wireless and Population Health Systems, The Qualcomm Institute - Calit2, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Felix Greaves
- Public Health England, Skipton House, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Attwood S, Parke H, Larsen J, Morton KL. Using a mobile health application to reduce alcohol consumption: a mixed-methods evaluation of the drinkaware track & calculate units application. BMC Public Health 2017; 17:394. [PMID: 28511698 PMCID: PMC5434584 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-017-4358-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Smartphone applications (“apps”) offer promise as tools to help people monitor and reduce their alcohol consumption. To date, few evaluations of alcohol reduction apps exist, with even fewer considering apps already available to the public. The aim of this study was to evaluate an existing publically available app, designed by Drinkaware, a UK-based alcohol awareness charity. Methods We adopted a mixed-methods design, analysing routinely collected app usage data to explore user characteristics and patterns of usage. Following this, in-depth interviews were conducted with a sub-sample of app users to examine perceptions of acceptability, usability and perceived effectiveness, as well as to provide recommendations on how to improve the app. Results One hundred nineteen thousand seven hundred thirteen people downloaded and entered data into the app over a 13-month period. High attrition was observed after 1 week. Users who engaged with the app tended to be “high risk” drinkers and to report being motivated “to reduce drinking” at the point of first download. In those who consistently engaged with the app over time, self-reported alcohol consumption levels reduced, with most change occurring in the first week of usage. Our qualitative findings indicate satisfaction with the usability of the app, but mixed feedback was given regarding individual features. Users expressed conflicting views concerning the type of feedback and notifications that the app currently provides. A common preference was expressed for more personalised content. Conclusions The Drinkaware app is a useful tool to support behaviour change in individuals who are already motivated and committed to reducing their alcohol consumption. The Drinkaware app would benefit from greater personalisation and tailoring to promote longer term use. This evaluation provides insight into the usability and acceptability of various app features and contains a number of recommendations for improving user satisfaction and the potential effectiveness of apps designed to encourage reductions in alcohol consumption. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-017-4358-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Attwood
- Nuffield Health Research Group, Nuffield Health, London, UK.
| | | | | | - Katie L Morton
- Health and Well-being Services, School of Sport, Health and Applied Science, St. Mary's University, Twickenham, UK
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Perski O, Blandford A, Ubhi HK, West R, Michie S. Smokers' and drinkers' choice of smartphone applications and expectations of engagement: a think aloud and interview study. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2017; 17:25. [PMID: 28241759 PMCID: PMC5329928 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-017-0422-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Public health organisations such as the National Health Service in the United Kingdom and the National Institutes of Health in the United States provide access to online libraries of publicly endorsed smartphone applications (apps); however, there is little evidence that users rely on this guidance. Rather, one of the most common methods of finding new apps is to search an online store. As hundreds of smoking cessation and alcohol-related apps are currently available on the market, smokers and drinkers must actively choose which app to download prior to engaging with it. The influences on this choice are yet to be identified. This study aimed to investigate 1) design features that shape users' choice of smoking cessation or alcohol reduction apps, and 2) design features judged to be important for engagement. METHODS Adult smokers (n = 10) and drinkers (n = 10) interested in using an app to quit/cut down were asked to search an online store to identify and explore a smoking cessation or alcohol reduction app of their choice whilst thinking aloud. Semi-structured interview techniques were used to allow participants to elaborate on their statements. An interpretivist theoretical framework informed the analysis. Verbal reports were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS Participants chose apps based on their immediate look and feel, quality as judged by others' ratings and brand recognition ('social proof'), and titles judged to be realistic and relevant. Monitoring and feedback, goal setting, rewards and prompts were identified as important for engagement, fostering motivation and autonomy. Tailoring of content, a non-judgmental communication style, privacy and accuracy were viewed as important for engagement, fostering a sense of personal relevance and trust. Sharing progress on social media and the use of craving management techniques in social settings were judged not to be engaging because of concerns about others' negative reactions. CONCLUSIONS Choice of a smoking cessation or alcohol reduction app may be influenced by its immediate look and feel, 'social proof' and titles that appear realistic. Design features that enhance motivation, autonomy, personal relevance and credibility may be important for engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Perski
- Department of Clinical, Educational & Health Psychology, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Ann Blandford
- UCL Interaction Centre, University College London, 66-72 Gower Street, London, WC1E 6EA, UK
| | - Harveen Kaur Ubhi
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Cancer Research UK Health Behaviour Research Centre, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Robert West
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Cancer Research UK Health Behaviour Research Centre, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Susan Michie
- Department of Clinical, Educational & Health Psychology, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
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