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Vacchi L, Zirone E, Strina V, Cavaletti G, Ferrarese C. Mobile Applications to Support Multiple Sclerosis Communities: The Post-COVID-19 Scenario. Telemed J E Health 2024; 30:e1615-e1628. [PMID: 38452336 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The increase in the use of mobile apps since the COVID-19 pandemic, even among people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) and health care providers (HCPs), has enabled access to reliable information, symptoms monitoring and management, and social connections. The pandemic has undoubtedly contributed to the acceleration of the "digital revolution." But how far has it progressed for the MS communities? Methods: Italian Google Play and App Store were queried, selecting MS-specific apps in English or Italian language and usable by a wide public. Results: Fifty-four (n = 54) MS-specific apps were identified; most were PwMS-oriented (83%), free of charge (94%), and in English language (76%). The 45 PwMS-oriented apps focused on increasing MS knowledge (71%), tracking symptoms (33%), and promoting networking with peers or HCPs (38%). The 13 HCPs-oriented tools addressed education and updates on MS (62%), disease assessment and management (54%), and research (15%). Google Search tool was also queried to find non-MS-specific apps to fulfill some unmet domains (as sleep, pain, sexual or mental health). Twenty-four additional apps were listed to provide a valuable contribution. Conclusion: The "digital revolution" led to increasingly customized tools for PwMS, especially as m-health or social-networking apps. However, apps to support other specific MS-relevant domains, appealing HCPs-oriented apps, and specific mobile tools for MS caregivers are still lacking. The absence of data assessing the usability and quality of MS apps in ecologically contexts leads to not reliable conclusions about potential benefits. A strong dialogue between MS communities and the digital industry is encouraged to fill this gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Vacchi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Milan Center for Neuroscience-NeuroMI, Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Zirone
- Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Neurophysiopathology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Veronica Strina
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Guido Cavaletti
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Milan Center for Neuroscience-NeuroMI, Milan, Italy
- Department of Neurology, San Gerardo Hospital, ASST Monza, Monza, Italy
| | - Carlo Ferrarese
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Milan Center for Neuroscience-NeuroMI, Milan, Italy
- Department of Neurology, San Gerardo Hospital, ASST Monza, Monza, Italy
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Ekdahl A, Söderberg S, Holmström Rising M. The Experiences of Close Relatives to Women with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Stages III or IV: A Qualitative Study. NURSING REPORTS 2023; 13:982-989. [PMID: 37489408 PMCID: PMC10366874 DOI: 10.3390/nursrep13030086] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease stage III or IV is a progressive and incurable disease. The hallmark of the disease is breathlessness, and it is graded into four different stages, from mild to severe. Living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease impacts almost every aspect of everyday life for an affected person. As the illness progresses to stages III and IV, the need for support from close relatives increases. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of close relatives of women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease stage III or IV and it used qualitative content analysis of individual, semi-structured interviews. Close relatives (n = 9) were interviewed about their experience of being close to a woman with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease stage III or IV. They experienced stress and uncertainty in an unpredictable everyday life. Close relatives supported the women both practically and emotionally and they called for tailored information about the illness, considering it as an essential tool for support. The results highlighted that healthy close relatives had difficulty in understanding the experience of living with chronic obstructive pulmonary, as they take the simple fact of breathing for granted most of the time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Ekdahl
- Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, SE-852 33 Sundsvall, Sweden
| | - Siv Söderberg
- Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, SE-852 33 Sundsvall, Sweden
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Gruiskens JRJH, van Hoef L, Theunissen M, Courtens AM, van den Beuken-van Everdingen MHJ, Gidding-Slok AHM, van Schayck OCP. The Psychosocial Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Chronic Care Patients. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2023; 24:426-433.e2. [PMID: 36781063 PMCID: PMC9841072 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2023.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound and pervasive impact on psychosocial health and disrupted care systems world-wide. Our research aims to assess the psychosocial impact of the pandemic and related changes in chronic care provision on patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure. DESIGN A qualitative survey using semi-structured interviews was held among patients with COPD and heart failure. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Using randomized sampling, 23 patients with COPD, heart failure, or both were recruited to participate in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were held by phone or videocall. The survey was held during the summer of 2021, when strict national containment strategies were widely implemented but gradually loosened and vaccination was ongoing. METHODS Inductive coding using Gioia's approach was used to analyze the data in Atlas.Ti 9.1 software. Using an iterative approach, the data were synthesized in a data structure and data table, which was analyzed using an interpretative approach. RESULTS We found 3 aggregate dimensions in which the COVID-19 pandemic has a negative impact on psychosocial health of patients with chronic disease: (1) perceived vulnerability to disease, (2) influence of health policy, and (3) a mismatch of supply and demand of health care. In these dimensions, the impact of the COVID-19 crisis was found to have a negative impact on psychosocial well-being, compounded by national strategies to contain the pandemic and a disruption of chronic care for patients. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Health care providers should be aware of a multidimensional nature of psychosocial distress for chronic disease patients due to the COVID-19 crisis. Future practice and health policy could be improved by increasing awareness among health care providers, promote regular attention for psychosocial well-being of patients, provision of clear information related to the pandemic, and strategies to secure continuity of care. Results of this study might be further explored in larger studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen R J H Gruiskens
- Department of Family Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Liesbeth van Hoef
- Expertise Centre for Palliative Care, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Maurice Theunissen
- Expertise Centre for Palliative Care, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Annemie M Courtens
- Expertise Centre for Palliative Care, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Annerika H M Gidding-Slok
- Department of Family Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Onno C P van Schayck
- Department of Family Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Katsarou A, Intas G, Polydoropoulou E, Platis C, Pierrakos G. Investigating the Needs of Patients Suffering from Chronic Diseases: A Cross-Sectional Study. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1425:429-435. [PMID: 37581816 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-31986-0_41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic diseases represent a huge challenge for the health systems globally due to the rapidly increasing number of patients and their long-term need for healthcare. The purpose of this study was to investigate the needs of patients suffering from chronic diseases. METHODOLOGY This is a cross-sectional study. The study population consisted of 840 adults with chronic diseases. The data collection was done with an improvised needs survey questionnaire, which included 56 questions. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, v.25.0, statistical significance being considered at p < 0.05. RESULTS The main diseases of the patients were chronic renal failure (22.6%), multiple sclerosis (19%), cancer (19%), diabetes mellitus (7.1%), dementia (6%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (6%). The majority of patients (82.1%) were sick for more than 24 months. Patients seek information from health professionals (4.07 ± 1.4), feel tired (4.05 ± 1.4), have to share their feelings with other family members (4.01 ± 1.4), feel anxious about the future (3.94 ± 1.3), and feel out of control (3.80 ± 1.5). CONCLUSIONS Patients with chronic diseases suffer from numerous physical, mental, emotional, and cognitive problems. Paying attention to the unmet needs of patients could have beneficial effects on both patients and their caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - George Intas
- Department of Nursing, General Hospital of Nikea, Nikaia, Greece
| | | | | | - George Pierrakos
- Department of Business Administration and Director of Social Policy Division, Organization and Management of Primary Healthcare Services, Athens University of West Attica, Aigaleo, Greece
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van der Smissen D, Rietjens JAC, van Dulmen S, Drenthen T, Vrijaldenhoven-Haitsma FRMD, Wulp M, van der Heide A, Korfage IJ. The Web-Based Advance Care Planning Program "Explore Your Preferences for Treatment and Care": Development, Pilot Study, and Before-and-After Evaluation. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e38561. [PMID: 36459410 DOI: 10.2196/38561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Web-based advance care planning (ACP) programs may support patients in thinking about and discussing their preferences for future treatment and care. However, they are not widely available, and only a limited number of programs are evidence based. OBJECTIVE We aimed to develop and evaluate an evidence-based, interactive web-based ACP program that guides users through the process of thinking about, discussing, and recording of preferences for treatment and care. METHODS The program "Explore your preferences for treatment and care" was developed, pilot-tested on feasibility, and subsequently evaluated; engagement in ACP was assessed before program completion and 2 months after program completion using the ACP Engagement Survey (score 1-5) among 147 persons with chronic disease. Usability (score 0-100) and user satisfaction (score 1-5) were also assessed. RESULTS ACP engagement increased from 2.8 before program completion to 3.0 two months after program completion (P<.001); contemplation about ACP increased from 2.6 to 2.8 (P=.003), and readiness for ACP increased from 2.2 to 2.5 (P<.001). No changes were found for knowledge about ACP (3.0-3.2; P=.07) and self-efficacy for ACP (3.8-3.8; P=.25). The program was perceived as usable (mean 70, SD 13), attractive (mean 3.8, SD 0.7), and comprehensible (mean 4.2, SD 0.6). CONCLUSIONS We developed an evidence-based, interactive web-based ACP program in cocreation with patients, relatives, and health care professionals. Before-and-after evaluation showed that the program can support people in taking first steps in ACP and in reflecting on preferences for treatment and care, by guiding them through the process of ACP using a stepwise approach. Participants perceived the program as usable and understandable, and they were satisfied with the program and with the amount of information. Health care professionals may use the program as a tool to start ACP discussions with their patients. The program may increase awareness of ACP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris van der Smissen
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Judith A C Rietjens
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sandra van Dulmen
- Nivel (Netherlands institute for health services research), Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
| | - Ton Drenthen
- Dutch College of General Practitioners, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Agnes van der Heide
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ida J Korfage
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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