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Velloza J, Ndimande‐Khoza N, Mills L, Concepcion T, Gumede S, Chauke H, Verhey R, Chibanda D, Hosek S, Weiner BJ, Celum C, Delany‐Moretlwe S. Integrating a mental health intervention into PrEP services for South African young women: a human-centred implementation research approach to intervention development. J Int AIDS Soc 2024; 27 Suppl 1:e26274. [PMID: 38965973 PMCID: PMC11224591 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26274] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) who may benefit from HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) face high levels of common mental disorders (e.g. depression, anxiety). Common mental disorders can reduce PrEP adherence and increase HIV risk, yet mental health interventions have not been well-integrated into PrEP delivery. METHODS We conducted a four-phase human-centred design process, from December 2020 to April 2022, to understand mental health challenges among AGYW in Johannesburg, South Africa and barriers to integrated mental health and PrEP services. In the "Discover" phase, we conducted in-depth interviews with AGYW and key informants (KIs) in Johannesburg. We conducted a rapid qualitative analysis, informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), to identify facilitators and barriers of integrated mental health and PrEP services and mapped barriers to potential implementation strategies. In the "Design" and "Build" phases, we conducted stakeholder workshops to iteratively adapt an evidence-based mental health intervention, the Friendship Bench, and refine implementation strategies for South African PrEP delivery settings. In the "Test" phase, we piloted our adapted Friendship Bench package. RESULTS Interviews with 70 Discover phase participants (48 AGYW, 22 KIs) revealed the importance of integrated mental health and PrEP services for South African AGYW. Interviewees described barriers and implementation strategies for mental health and PrEP services around the CFIR domains: intervention characteristics (e.g. challenges with AGYW "opening up"); outer Johannesburg setting (e.g. community stigma); inner clinic setting (e.g. judgemental healthcare providers); characteristics of counsellors (e.g. training gaps); and the implementation process (e.g. need for demand creation). The Design and Build workshops included 13 AGYW and 15 KIs. Implementation barriers related to the quality and accessibility of public-sector clinic services, lay counsellor training, and community education and demand creation activities were prioritized. This led to 12 key Friendship Bench adaptations and the specification of 10 implementation strategies that were acceptable and feasible in initial pilot testing with three AGYW. CONCLUSIONS Using a human-centred approach, we identified determinants and potential solutions for integrating mental health interventions within PrEP services for South African AGYW. This design process centred stakeholders' perspectives, enabling rapid development of an adapted Friendship Bench intervention implementation package.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Velloza
- Department of Epidemiology & BiostatisticsUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Lisa Mills
- Wits RHIUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Tessa Concepcion
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Sanele Gumede
- Wits RHIUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Hlukelo Chauke
- Wits RHIUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | | | | | - Sybil Hosek
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Illinois ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Bryan J. Weiner
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Connie Celum
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of MedicineUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
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Diaz-Martinez J, Kallus L, Levine HM, Lavernia F, Pierre AJ, Mancilla J, Barthe A, Duran C, Kotzker W, Wagner E, Hospital MM. Community-Engaged Research (CEnR) to Address Gaps in Chronic Kidney Disease Education among Underserved Latines-The CARE Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:7026. [PMID: 37947582 PMCID: PMC10649949 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20217026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Ensuring equitable chronic kidney disease (CKD) education for Latine patients with low health literacy and low English proficiency stands as a critical challenge, and the "Caridad Awareness and Education" (CARE) initiative represents our ongoing effort to address this imperative issue. In collaboration with twenty-three patients living with CKD, diabetes and/or hypertension and twelve trained Community Health Workers (CHWs) from diverse Latine subgroups, we conducted a research initiative funded by the National Kidney Foundation. Our primary objective was to co-design and test culturally tailored patient education materials (PEMs) for underserved Latine adults at risk for or diagnosed with CKD. We effectively integrated Community-Engaged Research (CEnR) principles with a Human-Centered Design (HCD) approach to create a range of CKD-PEM prototypes in Spanish. Patient preferences for printed educational materials were clear. They favored printed materials that incorporated visual content with concise text over digital, email, texts, or online resources and personalized phone outreach and the involvement of CHWs. Additionally, patients identified their unwavering commitment to their families as a forceful motivator for caring for their kidney health. Currently, a culturally and linguistically tailored CKD flipchart for one-on-one education, led by CHWs, is undergoing a pilot testing phase involving a sample of one hundred Latine patients at risk for or diagnosed with CKD. This innovative approach signifies a commitment to amplifying the insights and expertise of the Latine community afflicted by kidney health disparities, effectively embracing a CEnR to forge meaningful and impactful CKD-PEMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Diaz-Martinez
- Research Center in a Minority Institution, Florida International University (FIU-RCMI), Miami, FL 33199, USA; (E.W.); (M.M.H.)
- Robert Stempel College of Public Health and School of Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Laura Kallus
- Caridad Center, Boynton Beach, FL 33472, USA; (L.K.); (F.L.); (A.J.P.); (J.M.); (A.B.)
| | | | - Frank Lavernia
- Caridad Center, Boynton Beach, FL 33472, USA; (L.K.); (F.L.); (A.J.P.); (J.M.); (A.B.)
| | - Aydevis Jean Pierre
- Caridad Center, Boynton Beach, FL 33472, USA; (L.K.); (F.L.); (A.J.P.); (J.M.); (A.B.)
| | - Jessica Mancilla
- Caridad Center, Boynton Beach, FL 33472, USA; (L.K.); (F.L.); (A.J.P.); (J.M.); (A.B.)
| | - Ale Barthe
- Caridad Center, Boynton Beach, FL 33472, USA; (L.K.); (F.L.); (A.J.P.); (J.M.); (A.B.)
| | - Carlos Duran
- Florida Kidney Physicians, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA; (C.D.); (W.K.)
| | - Wayne Kotzker
- Florida Kidney Physicians, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA; (C.D.); (W.K.)
| | - Eric Wagner
- Research Center in a Minority Institution, Florida International University (FIU-RCMI), Miami, FL 33199, USA; (E.W.); (M.M.H.)
- Robert Stempel College of Public Health and School of Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Michelle M. Hospital
- Research Center in a Minority Institution, Florida International University (FIU-RCMI), Miami, FL 33199, USA; (E.W.); (M.M.H.)
- Robert Stempel College of Public Health and School of Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
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Gresh A, Batchelder A, Glass N, Mambulasa J, Kapito E, MacDonald A, Ngutwa N, Plesko C, Chirwa E, Patil CL. Adapting group care to the postpartum period using a human-centered design approach in Malawi. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:1098. [PMID: 37838673 PMCID: PMC10576327 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10036-2] [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: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Responsive and resilient strategies to reduce high rates of maternal and infant mortality and clinician shortages are needed in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Malawi has some of the highest maternal and infant mortality rates globally. Group healthcare is a service delivery model that integrates these strategies. Although primarily implemented during the prenatal period, its potential for improving both maternal and infant health outcomes during the postpartum period has not been realized. The purpose of this study was to adapt and co-design the prototype for an evidence-based group care model for the postpartum period using a human-centered design approach with key stakeholders in Malawi. METHODS We completed steps of a framework guiding the use of human-centered design: 1) define the problem and assemble a team; 2) gather information through evidence and inspiration; 3) synthesize; and 4) intervention design: guiding principles and ideation. Qualitative methods were used to complete steps 2-4. In-depth interviews (n = 24), and incubator sessions (n = 6) that employed free listing, pile sorting and ranking were completed with key stakeholders. Data analysis consisted of content analysis of interviews and framework analysis for incubator sessions to produce the integrated group postpartum and well-child care model prototype. The fifth step is detailed in a separate paper. RESULTS All stakeholders reported a desire to participate in and offer group care in the postpartum period. Stakeholders worked collaboratively to co-create the prototype that included a curriculum of health promotion topics and interactive activities and the service delivery structure. Health promotion topic priorities were hygiene, breastfeeding, family planning, nutrition, and mental health. The recommended schedule included 6 sessions corresponding with the child vaccination schedule over the 12-month postpartum period. CONCLUSIONS Using a human-centered design approach to adapt an evidence-based group care model in an LMIC, specifically Malawi, is feasible and acceptable to key stakeholders and resulted in a prototype curriculum and practical strategies for clinic implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Gresh
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, 525 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA.
| | - Anne Batchelder
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, 525 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
| | - Nancy Glass
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, 525 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
| | - Janet Mambulasa
- Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Private Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi
| | - Esnath Kapito
- Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Private Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi
| | - Amy MacDonald
- Pomelo Care, Hillsborough, North Carolina, USA
- Group Care Global, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nellie Ngutwa
- Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Private Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi
| | - Cori Plesko
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, 525 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
| | - Ellen Chirwa
- Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Private Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi
| | - Crystal L Patil
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, 400 N. Ingalls, Suite 3320, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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Naanyu V, Njuguna B, Koros H, Andesia J, Kamano J, Mercer T, Bloomfield G, Pastakia S, Vedanthan R, Akwanalo C. Community engagement to inform development of strategies to improve referral for hypertension: perspectives of patients, providers and local community members in western Kenya. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:854. [PMID: 37568172 PMCID: PMC10422762 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09847-0] [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: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension is the leading cause of death and disability. Clinical care for patients with hypertension in Kenya leverages referral networks to provide basic and specialized healthcare services. However, referrals are characterized by non-adherence and delays in completion. An integrated health information technology (HIT) and peer-based support strategy to improve adherence to referrals and blood pressure control was proposed. A formative assessment gathered perspectives on barriers to referral completion and garnered thoughts on the proposed intervention. METHODS We conducted a qualitative study in Kitale, Webuye, Kocholya, Turbo, Mosoriot and Burnt Forest areas of Western Kenya. We utilized the PRECEDE-PROCEED framework to understand the behavioral, environmental and ecological factors that would influence uptake and success of our intervention. We conducted four mabaraza (customary heterogenous community assemblies), eighteen key informant interviews, and twelve focus group discussions among clinicians, patients and community members. The data obtained was audio recorded alongside field note taking. Audio recordings were transcribed and translated for onward coding and thematic analysis using NVivo 12. RESULTS Specific supply-side and demand-side barriers influenced completion of referral for hypertension. Key demand-side barriers included lack of money for care and inadequate referral knowledge. On the supply-side, long distance to health facilities, low availability of services, unaffordable services, and poor referral management were reported. All participants felt that the proposed strategies could improve delivery of care and expressed much enthusiasm for them. Participants appreciated benefits of the peer component, saying it would motivate positive patient behavior, and provide health education, psychosocial support, and assistance in navigating care. The HIT component was seen as reducing paper work, easing communication between providers, and facilitating tracking of patient information. Participants also shared concerns that could influence implementation of the two strategies including consent, confidentiality, and reduction in patient-provider interaction. CONCLUSIONS Appreciation of local realities and patients' experiences is critical to development and implementation of sustainable strategies to improve effectiveness of hypertension referral networks. Incorporating concerns from patients, health care workers, and local leaders facilitates adaptation of interventions to respond to real needs. This approach is ethical and also allows research teams to harness benefits of participatory community-involved research. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03543787, Registered June 1, 2018. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03543787.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violet Naanyu
- Department of Sociology Psychology and Anthropology, School of Arts and Social Sciences, Moi University, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Benson Njuguna
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy & Practice, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Hillary Koros
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Josephine Andesia
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jemima Kamano
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Moi University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Tim Mercer
- Department of Population Health & Department of Medicine, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, USA
| | - Gerald Bloomfield
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine &, Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, USA
| | - Sonak Pastakia
- Department of Pharmacy Practice & Center for Health Equity & Innovation, Purdue University College of Pharmacy, West Lafayette, USA
| | - Rajesh Vedanthan
- Department of Population Health & Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, USA
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Gyamfi J, Iwelunmor J, Patel S, Irazola V, Aifah A, Rakhra A, Butler M, Vedanthan R, Hoang GN, Nyambura M, Nguyen H, Nguyen C, Asante KP, Nyame S, Adjei K, Amoah J, Apusiga K, Adjei KGA, Ramierz-Zea M, Hernandez D, Fort M, Sharma H, Jarhyan P, Peprah E, Ogedegbe G. Implementation outcomes and strategies for delivering evidence-based hypertension interventions in lower-middle-income countries: Evidence from a multi-country consortium for hypertension control. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286204. [PMID: 37228144 PMCID: PMC10212179 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Guidance on contextually tailored implementation strategies for the prevention, treatment, and control of hypertension is limited in lower-middle income countries (Lower-MIC). To address this limitation, we compiled implementation strategies and accompanying outcomes of evidence-based hypertension interventions currently being implemented in five Lower-MIC. The Global Research on Implementation and Translation Science (GRIT) Coordinating Center (CC) (GRIT-CC) engaged its global network sites at Ghana, Guatemala, India, Kenya, and Vietnam. Purposively sampled implementation science experts completed an electronic survey assessing implementation outcomes, in addition to implementation strategies used in their ongoing hypertension interventions from among 73 strategies within the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC). Experts rated the strategies based on highest priority to their interventions. We analyzed the data by sorting implementation strategies utilized by sites into one of the nine domains in ERIC and summarized the data using frequencies, proportions, and means. Seventeen implementation experts (52.9% men) participated in the exercise. Of Proctor's implementation outcomes identified across sites, all outcomes except for appropriateness were broadly assessed by three or more countries. Overall, 59 out of 73 (81%) strategies were being utilized in the five countries. The highest priority implementation strategies utilized across all five countries focused on evaluative and iterative strategies (e.g., identification of context specific barriers and facilitators) to delivery of patient- and community-level interventions, while the lowest priority was use of financial and infrastructure change strategies. More capacity building strategies (developing stakeholder interrelationships, training and educating stakeholders, and supporting clinicians) were incorporated into interventions implemented in India and Vietnam than Ghana, Kenya, and Guatemala. Although robust implementation strategies are being used in Lower -MICs, there is minimum use of financial and infrastructure change strategies. Our study contributes to the growing literature that demonstrates the use of Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) implementation strategies to deliver evidence-based hypertension interventions in Lower-MICs and will inform future cross-country data harmonization activities in resource-constrained settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce Gyamfi
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Juliet Iwelunmor
- Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Shivani Patel
- Department of Global Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Vilma Irazola
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Angela Aifah
- Section for Global Health, Institute for Excellence in Health Equity, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Ashlin Rakhra
- Section for Global Health, Institute for Excellence in Health Equity, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Mark Butler
- Center for Personalized Health, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Rajesh Vedanthan
- Section for Global Health, Institute for Excellence in Health Equity, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Giang Nguyen Hoang
- Health Strategy and Policy Institute, Vietnam Ministry of Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - Hoa Nguyen
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worchester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Cuc Nguyen
- Health Strategy and Policy Institute, Vietnam Ministry of Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | | | - Kwame Adjei
- Kintampo Health Research Centre, Kintampo, Ghana
| | - John Amoah
- Kintampo Health Research Centre, Kintampo, Ghana
| | - Kingsley Apusiga
- Department of Physiology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Manuel Ramierz-Zea
- Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), Guatemala City, Guatemala, United States of America
| | - Diego Hernandez
- Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), Guatemala City, Guatemala, United States of America
| | - Meredith Fort
- Department of Health Systems, Management & Policy, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | | | | | - Emmanuel Peprah
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Gbenga Ogedegbe
- Section for Global Health, Institute for Excellence in Health Equity, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
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Desai A, O'Neal L, Reinis K, Chang P, Brown C, Stefanowicz M, Kuang A, Agrawal D, Bhavnani D, Mercer T. Development, implementation, and feasibility of site-specific hepatitis C virus treatment workflows for treating vulnerable, high-risk populations: protocol of the Erase Hep C study - a prospective single-arm intervention trial. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2023; 9:78. [PMID: 37158965 PMCID: PMC10165844 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-023-01311-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the leading indication for liver transplantation and liver-related mortality. The development of direct-acting antivirals (DAA) and a simplified treatment algorithm with a > 97% cure rate should make global elimination of HCV an achievable goal. Yet, vulnerable populations with high rates of HCV still have limited access to treatment. By designing locally contextualized site-specific HCV treatment workflows, we aim to cure HCV in vulnerable, high-risk populations, including people experiencing homelessness (PEH) and people who inject drugs (PWID), in Austin, TX, USA. METHODS Our implementation science study will utilize a qualitative and design thinking approach to characterize patient and systemic barriers and facilitators to HCV treatment in vulnerable, high-risk populations seeking care across seven diverse primary care clinics serving PEHs and PWIDs. Qualitative interviews guided by the Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM) framework will identify barriers and facilitators by leveraging knowledge and experience from both clinic staff and patients. Data synthesized using thematic analysis and design thinking will feed into workshops with clinic stakeholders for idea generation to design site-specific HCV treatment workflows. Providers will be trained on the use of a simplified HCV treatment algorithm with DAAs and clinic staff on the new site-specific HCV treatment workflows. These workflows will be implemented by the seven diverse primary care clinics serving vulnerable, high-risk populations. Implementation and clinical outcomes will be measured using data collected through interviews with staff as well as through medical chart review. DISCUSSION Our study provides a model of how to contextualize and implement site-specific HCV treatment workflows targeting vulnerable, high-risk populations in other geographic locations. This model can be adopted for future implementation research programs aiming to develop and implement site-specific treatment workflows for vulnerable, high-risk populations and in primary care clinical settings for other disease states beyond just HCV. TRIAL REGISTRATION Registered on ClinicalTrials.gov on July, 14, 2022. Identifier: NCT05460130 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Anmol Desai
- Department of Population Health, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, USA
| | - Lauren O'Neal
- The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, USA
| | - Kia Reinis
- Department of Population Health, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, USA
| | - Patrick Chang
- Department of Population Health, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, USA
| | - Cristal Brown
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, USA
- CommUnityCare Health Centers, Austin, USA
| | - Michael Stefanowicz
- Department of Population Health, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, USA
- CommUnityCare Health Centers, Austin, USA
| | - Audrey Kuang
- Department of Population Health, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, USA
- CommUnityCare Health Centers, Austin, USA
| | - Deepak Agrawal
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, USA
| | - Darlene Bhavnani
- Department of Population Health, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, USA
| | - Tim Mercer
- Department of Population Health, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, USA.
- CommUnityCare Health Centers, Austin, USA.
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ProHealth eCoach: user-centered design and development of an eCoach app to promote healthy lifestyle with personalized activity recommendations. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1120. [PMID: 36057715 PMCID: PMC9440769 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08441-0] [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] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Regular physical activity (PA), healthy habits, and an appropriate diet are recommended guidelines to maintain a healthy lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle can help to avoid chronic diseases and long-term illnesses. A monitoring and automatic personalized lifestyle recommendation system (i.e., automatic electronic coach or eCoach) with considering clinical and ethical guidelines, individual health status, condition, and preferences may successfully help participants to follow recommendations to maintain a healthy lifestyle. As a prerequisite for the prototype design of such a helpful eCoach system, it is essential to involve the end-users and subject-matter experts throughout the iterative design process. Methods We used an iterative user-centered design (UCD) approach to understend context of use and to collect qualitative data to develop a roadmap for self-management with eCoaching. We involved researchers, non-technical and technical, health professionals, subject-matter experts, and potential end-users in design process. We designed and developed the eCoach prototype in two stages, adopting different phases of the iterative design process. In design workshop 1, we focused on identifying end-users, understanding the user’s context, specifying user requirements, designing and developing an initial low-fidelity eCoach prototype. In design workshop 2, we focused on maturing the low-fidelity solution design and development for the visualization of continuous and discrete data, artificial intelligence (AI)-based interval forecasting, personalized recommendations, and activity goals. Results The iterative design process helped to develop a working prototype of eCoach system that meets end-user’s requirements and expectations towards an effective recommendation visualization, considering diversity in culture, quality of life, and human values. The design provides an early version of the solution, consisting of wearable technology, a mobile app following the “Google Material Design” guidelines, and web content for self-monitoring, goal setting, and lifestyle recommendations in an engaging manner between the eCoach app and end-users. Conclusions The adopted iterative design process brings in a design focus on the user and their needs at each phase. Throughout the design process, users have been involved at the heart of the design to create a working research prototype to improve the fit between technology, end-user, and researchers. Furthermore, we performed a technological readiness study of ProHealth eCoach against standard levels set by European Union (EU). Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-08441-0.
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