1
|
Dilhani WNS, Mitchell S, Dale J, Toor K, Javaid M, MacArtney JI. A mixed-methods systematic review investigating the use of digital health interventions to provide palliative and end-of-life care for patients in low- and middle-income countries. Palliat Care Soc Pract 2024; 18:26323524241236965. [PMID: 38617095 PMCID: PMC11010586 DOI: 10.1177/26323524241236965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The need for palliative care is rising globally with 76% of those who are in need living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Digital health interventions (DHIs) have been identified as a means of making palliative care more widely accessible. This review summarizes the range and characteristics of DHIs used to deliver palliative care in LMICs and sought to identify factors that influence their implementation and utilization. Objectives This review aims to summarize the range and characteristics of DHIs used to deliver palliative care in LMICs and identify factors that influence their implementation and utilization. Design Mixed-method systematic review incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data. Data sources and methods All studies focusing on DHIs for patients who need palliative care (adults/children) and their caregivers (patient and caregiver centred) in LMICs and published in English were identified through a systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL databases. Data synthesis and analysis were carried out following the convergent integrated approach based on the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for mixed-methods systematic reviews. Results Fifteen studies were included (three qualitative, four mixed-methods and eight quantitative studies). Telemedicine/mHealth was the most reported DHI utilized in LMICs in delivering palliative care. Patients and caregivers benefited from using DHIs in many ways including increased access to care with reduced discomfort, travel time and risk of health care-associated infections. Health care providers also reported that using DHI such as telemedicine enables them to provide care in a more effective and efficient way. Four factors were identified as the main barriers to implementation: resource constraints; literacy, training and skills; governance, operational and communication issues and technical issues. Conclusion DHIs, such as telemedicine, have the potential to enhance accessibility to palliative care in LMICs, particularly in rural areas. Comprehensive strategies for their use are required to address the identified barriers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Mitchell
- Division of Primary Care, Palliative Care and Public Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Jeremy Dale
- Unit of Academic Primary Care, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Kavanbir Toor
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Mikail Javaid
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - John I. MacArtney
- Unit of Academic Primary Care, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Medical School Building, Coventry, West Midlands CV4 7AL, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Salako O, Enyi A, Miesfeldt S, Kabukye JK, Ngoma M, Namisango E, LeBaron V, Sisimayi C, Ebenso B, Lorenz KA, Wang Y, Ryan Wolf J, van den Hurk C, Allsop M. Remote Symptom Monitoring to Enhance the Delivery of Palliative Cancer Care in Low-Resource Settings: Emerging Approaches from Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:7190. [PMID: 38131741 PMCID: PMC10743024 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20247190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
This paper brings together researchers, clinicians, technology developers and digital innovators to outline current applications of remote symptom monitoring being developed for palliative cancer care delivery in Africa. We outline three remote symptom monitoring approaches from three countries, highlighting their models of delivery and intended outcomes, and draw on their experiences of implementation to guide further developments and evaluations of this approach for palliative cancer care in the region. Through highlighting these experiences and priority areas for future research, we hope to steer efforts to develop and optimise remote symptom monitoring for palliative cancer care in Africa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Omolola Salako
- Radiation Biology, Radiotherapy and Radiodiagnosis (RBRR) Digital Health Hub, College of Medicine, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos 102215, Nigeria;
| | | | - Susan Miesfeldt
- Medical Oncology, Maine Medical Center, MaineHealth Cancer Care Center, Scarborough, ME 04106, USA;
| | - Johnblack K. Kabukye
- Uganda Cancer Institute, Upper Mulago Hill Road, Kampala P.O. Box 3935, Uganda;
- Swedish Program for ICT in Developing Regions (SPIDER), Department of Computer and Systems Sciences (DSV), Stockholm University, 164 55 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mamsau Ngoma
- Ocean Road Cancer Institute, Dar es Salaam P.O. Box 3592, Tanzania;
| | - Eve Namisango
- African Palliative Care Association, Kampala P.O. Box 72518, Uganda;
| | - Virginia LeBaron
- School of Nursing, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA;
| | - Chenjerai Sisimayi
- Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa;
| | - Bassey Ebenso
- School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9LU, UK;
| | - Karl A. Lorenz
- Ci2i, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA;
- Primary Care and Population Health, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Yan Wang
- School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA;
| | - Julie Ryan Wolf
- Departments of Dermatology and Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA;
| | - Corina van den Hurk
- R&D Department, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation, 3501 DB Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Matthew Allsop
- School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9LU, UK;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Amos V, LeBaron V, Chuong T, Elmore CE, Hamal PK, Paudel BD, Steen A, Chapagain S. Co-constructing collaboration: An evidence-based approach to advance and evaluate equitable global public health research partnerships. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002481. [PMID: 37871002 PMCID: PMC10593218 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Equitable global health partnerships are essential to promote innovative research and strengthen research capacity to address critical public health challenges, but how to optimally evaluate such collaborations is unclear. This was a sequential, multi-method study that utilized an electronic survey informed by the literature followed by semi-structured interviews to comprehensively evaluate the experience of participating in a global research-capacity building collaboration between Nepal and U.S. clinicians and investigators. De-identified quantitative survey were analyzed to calculate descriptive and summary statistics, along with crosstabs of each variable by group. Groups were defined based on country-of-origin and Chi Square statistics calculated to assess for statistically significant differences (p<0.05) between groups. Interviews were analyzed using a descriptive qualitative approach to develop an overall thematic map. 22 survey responses (52.4% response rate) were analyzed; 13 (59.1%) from Nepal, 9 (40.9%) from the U.S. Eight participants (4 Nepal; 4 U.S.) were interviewed. Over the course of the project, all participants reported gaining experience and confidence with research. The majority of participants "strongly agreed" there was a shared understanding of goals, priorities and strategies (Nepal, 58.3%, n = 7; U.S., 88.9%, n = 8;) and that power was shared equally (Nepal, 58.3%, n = 7; U.S., 55.6%, n = 5). The over-arching theme that emerged from the interviews was the importance of 'establishing community' which participants discussed within the broader context of COVID-19. Overall, team members reported strong bi-directional benefit and a greater emphasis on perceived benefits versus challenges. Our survey tool and interview guide, designed to holistically evaluate the impact of a global partnership across various levels of the Social Ecological Model, with particular attention to power dynamics and equity, can be adapted and used by others engaged in similar research capacity collaborations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Amos
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Virginia LeBaron
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Tuyet Chuong
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Catherine E. Elmore
- University of Utah College of Nursing, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Pawan Kumar Hamal
- National Academy of Medical Sciences, National Trauma Center, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Bishnu D. Paudel
- National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS) Bir Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Amber Steen
- University of Virginia, Center for Global Health Equity, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Sandhya Chapagain
- National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS) Bir Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ghaben SJ, Mat Ludin AF, Mohamad Ali N, Beng Gan K, Singh DKA. A framework for design and usability testing of telerehabilitation system for adults with chronic diseases: A panoramic scoping review. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231191014. [PMID: 37599901 PMCID: PMC10437210 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231191014] [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: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This scoping review aimed to identify the design and usability testing of a telerehabilitation (TR) system, and its characteristics and functionalities that are best-suited for rehabilitating adults with chronic diseases. Methods Searches were conducted in PubMed, EBSCO, Web of Science, and Cochrane library for studies published between January 2017 and December 2022. We followed the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines and the framework by Arksey and O'Malley. Screening was undertaken by two reviewers, and data extraction was undertaken by the first author. Then, the data were further reviewed and discussed thoroughly with the team members. Results A total of 31 results were identified, with the core criteria of developing and testing a telerehabilitation system, including a mobile app for cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory disorders. All developed systems resulted from multidisciplinary teams and employed mixed-methods research. We proposed the "input-process-output" framework that identified phases of both system design and usability testing. Through system design, we reported the use of user-centered design, iterative design, users' needs and characteristics, theory underpinning development, and the expert panel in 64%, 75%, 86%, 82%, and 71% of the studies, respectively. We recorded the application of moderated usability testing, unmoderated testing (1), and unmoderated testing (2) in 74%, 63%, and 15% of the studies, respectively. The identified design and testing activities produced a matured system, a high-fidelity prototype, and a released system in 81.5%, 15%, and 3.5%, respectively. Conclusion This review provides a framework for TR system design and testing for a wide range of chronic diseases that require prolonged management through remote monitoring using a mobile app. The identified "input-process-output" framework highlights the inputs, design, development, and improvement as components of the system design. It also identifies the "moderated-unmoderated" model for conducting usability testing. This review illustrates characteristics and functionalities of the TR systems and healthcare professional roles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suad J Ghaben
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Physiotherapy Programme & Center for Healthy Ageing & Wellness, (H-CARE), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al Azhar University, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Arimi Fitri Mat Ludin
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Biomedical Science Programme & Center for Healthy Ageing and Wellness (H=CARE), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nazlena Mohamad Ali
- Institute of Visual Informatics (IVI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Kok Beng Gan
- Department of Electrical, Electronic and Systems Engineering, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Devinder Kaur Ajit Singh
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Physiotherapy Programme & Center for Healthy Ageing & Wellness, (H-CARE), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Elmore CE, Acharya SC, Dulal S, Enneking-Norton F, Hamal PK, Kattel R, Maurer MA, Paudel D, Paudel BD, Shilpakar R, Shrestha DS, Thapa U, Wilson DT, LeBaron V. Building a 'Virtual Library': continuing a global collaboration to strengthen research capacity within Nepal and other low- and middle-income countries. Glob Health Action 2022; 15:2112415. [PMID: 36200469 PMCID: PMC9553149 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2022.2112415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
To fill the gap in health research capacity-building efforts, we created the ‘Virtual Library’ (VL) – a web-based repository of context-relevant resources for health researchers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This paper describes the participatory process used to systematically develop the VL, and describes how our interprofessional team – representing both an LMIC (Nepal) and a high-income country (HIC) (USA, US) – engaged in shared meaning-making. A team of researchers and clinicians representing a range of subdisciplines from Nepal and the US created a replicable search strategy and standardized Resource Screening Guide (RSG) to systematically assess resources to be included within the VL. Descriptive methods were used to summarize findings from the RSG and lessons learned from the collaborative process. Collectively, 14 team members reviewed 564 potential resources (mean = 40, SD = 22.7). Mean RSG score was 7.02/10 (SD = 2). More than 76% of resources met each of the four quality criteria (relevant; reputable, accessible; understandable). Within the published VL, 298 resources were included, organized by 15 topics and 45 sub-topics. Of these, 223 resources were evaluated by the RSG; 75 were identified by team member expertise. The collaborative process involved regular meetings, iterative document revisions, and peer review. Resource quality was better than expected, perhaps because best practices/principles related to health research are universally relevant, regardless of context. While the RSG was essential to systematize our search and ensure reproducibility, team member expertise was valuable. Pairing team members during peer-review led to bi-directional knowledge sharing and was particularly successful. This work reflects a highly collaborative global partnership and offers a model for future health research capacity-building efforts. We invite engagement with the Virtual Library <https://lmicresearch.org> as one supportive pillar of infrastructure to develop individual and institutional research capacity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine E Elmore
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Soniya Dulal
- Department of Internal Medicine, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | | | - Pawan Kumar Hamal
- National Academy of Medical Sciences, National Trauma Center, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Regina Kattel
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Nepal Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Patan, Nepal
| | - Martha A Maurer
- University of Wisconsin - Madison School of Pharmacy, Sonderegger Research Center, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Damodar Paudel
- Department of Medicine, Nepal Police Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | - Ramila Shilpakar
- Department of Medical Oncology, Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital, Bhaktapur, Nepal
| | | | - Usha Thapa
- B.P. Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital, Bharatpur, Nepal
| | - Daniel T Wilson
- Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Virginia LeBaron
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
LeBaron VT, Horton BJ, Adhikari A, Chapagain S, Dhakal M, Gongal R, Kattel R, Koirala G, Kutcher A, Hass B, Maurer M, Munday D, Neupane B, Sharma K, Shilpakar R, Shrestha A, Shrestha S, Thapa U, Dillingham R, Paudel BD. A Global Collaboration to Develop and Pilot Test a Mobile Application to Improve Cancer Pain Management in Nepal. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2022; 3:910995. [PMID: 35965597 PMCID: PMC9366104 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2022.910995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionQuality palliative care, which prioritizes comfort and symptom control, can reduce global suffering from non-communicable diseases, such as cancer. To address this need, the Nepalese Association of Palliative Care (NAPCare) created pain management guidelines (PMG) to support healthcare providers in assessing and treating serious pain. The NAPCare PMG are grounded in World Health Organization best practices but adapted for the cultural and resource context of Nepal. Wider adoption of the NAPCare PMG has been limited due to distribution of the guidelines as paper booklets.MethodsBuilding on a long-standing partnership between clinicians and researchers in the US and Nepal, the NAPCare PMG mobile application (“app”) was collaboratively designed. Healthcare providers in Nepal were recruited to pilot test the app using patient case studies. Then, participants completed a Qualtrics survey to evaluate the app which included the System Usability Scale (SUS) and selected items from the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS). Descriptive and summary statistics were calculated and compared across institutions and roles. Regression analyses to explore relationships (α = 0.05) between selected demographic variables and SUS and MARS scores were also conducted.ResultsNinety eight healthcare providers (n = 98) pilot tested the NAPCare PMG app. Overall, across institutions and roles, the app received an SUS score of 76.0 (a score > 68 is considered above average) and a MARS score of 4.10 (on a scale of 1 = poor, 5 = excellent). 89.8% (n = 88) “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that the app will help them better manage cancer pain. Age, years of experience, and training in palliative care were significant in predicting SUS scores (p-values, 0.0124, 0.0371, and 0.0189, respectively); institution was significant in predicting MARS scores (p = 0.0030).ConclusionThe NAPCare PMG mobile app was well-received, and participants rated it highly on both the SUS and MARS. Regression analyses suggest end-user variables important to consider in designing and evaluating mobile apps in lower resourced settings. Our app design and pilot testing process illustrate the benefits of cross global collaborations to build research capacity and generate knowledge within the local context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Virginia T. LeBaron
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- *Correspondence: Virginia T. LeBaron
| | - Bethany J. Horton
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | | | - Sandhya Chapagain
- National Academy of Medical Sciences, Bir Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Manita Dhakal
- B.P. Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital, Bharatpur, Nepal
| | | | - Regina Kattel
- Nepal Cancer Hospital & Research Center, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | | | - Anna Kutcher
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Ben Hass
- Hass Software Consulting, Brooklyn, NY, United States
| | - Martha Maurer
- Sonderegger Research Center, University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Daniel Munday
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Bijay Neupane
- B.P. Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital, Bharatpur, Nepal
| | | | - Ramila Shilpakar
- National Academy of Medical Sciences, Bir Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Amuna Shrestha
- Nepal Cancer Hospital & Research Center, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Sudip Shrestha
- Nepal Cancer Hospital & Research Center, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Usha Thapa
- B.P. Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital, Bharatpur, Nepal
| | - Rebecca Dillingham
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- University of Virginia Center for Global Health Equity, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Bishnu D. Paudel
- National Academy of Medical Sciences, Bir Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
LeBaron V, Boukhechba M, Edwards J, Flickinger T, Ling D, Barnes LE. Exploring the use of wearable sensors and natural language processing technology to improve patient-clinician communication: Protocol for a feasibility study (Preprint). JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e37975. [PMID: 35594139 PMCID: PMC9166632 DOI: 10.2196/37975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Virginia LeBaron
- School of Nursing, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Mehdi Boukhechba
- School of Engineering & Applied Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - James Edwards
- School of Nursing, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Tabor Flickinger
- School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - David Ling
- School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Laura E Barnes
- School of Engineering & Applied Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| |
Collapse
|