1
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Lee M, Lin X, Chai JZQ, Lee ES, Smith H, Tudor Car L. Smartphone apps for point-of-care information summaries: systematic assessment of the quality and content. BMJ Evid Based Med 2023; 28:320-327. [PMID: 36922021 DOI: 10.1136/bmjebm-2022-112146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinicians need easy access to evidence-based information to inform their clinical practice. Point-of-care information summaries are increasingly available in the form of smartphone apps. However, the quality of information from the apps is questionable as there is currently no regulation on the content of the medical apps. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to systematically assess the quality and content of the medical apps providing point-of-care information summaries that were available in two major app stores. We evaluated apps designed specifically for healthcare professionals and assessed their content development, editorial policy, coverage of medical conditions and trustworthiness. METHODS We conducted a systematic assessment of medical apps providing point-of-care information summaries available in Google Play and Apple app stores. Apps launched or updated since January 2020 were identified through a systematic search using 42matters. Apps meeting the inclusion criteria were downloaded and assessed. The data extraction and app assessment were done in parallel and independently by at least two reviewers. Apps were evaluated against the adapted criteria: (1) general characteristics, (2) content presentation of the summaries, (3) editorial quality, (4) evidence-based methodology, (5) coverage (volume) of the medical conditions, (6) usability of apps and (7) trustworthiness of the app based on HONcode principles. HONcode principles are guidelines used to inform users about the credibility and reliability of health information online. The results were reported as a narrative review. RESULTS Eight medical apps met the inclusion criteria and were systematically appraised. Based on our evaluation criteria, UpToDate supported 16 languages, and all other apps were English. Bullet points and brief paragraphs were used in all apps, and only DynaMed and Micromedex and Pathway-medical knowledge provided a formal grading system for the strength of recommendations for all the medical conditions in their apps. All the other apps either lacked a formal grading system altogether or offered one for some of the medical conditions. About 30% of the editorial quality assessment and 47.5% of the evidence-based methodology assessment were unclear or missing. UpToDate contained the most point-of-care evidence-based documents with >10 500 documents. All apps except 5-Minute Clinical Consult and DynaMed and Micromedex were available for offline access. Only Medscape complied with the HONcode principles. CONCLUSIONS Future apps should report a more detailed evidence-based methodology, be accessible for offline use and support search in more than one language. There should be clearer information provided in future apps regarding the declaration of authorship and conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricette Lee
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Xiaowen Lin
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Joanne Zhi Qi Chai
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Eng Sing Lee
- Family Medicine and Primary Care, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Helen Smith
- Family Medicine and Primary Care, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Lorainne Tudor Car
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
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2
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Sumra M, Asghar S, Khan KS, Fernández-Luna JM, Huete JF, Bueno-Cavanillas A. Smartphone Apps for Domestic Violence Prevention: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5246. [PMID: 37047862 PMCID: PMC10094623 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20075246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Smartphone applications or apps are increasingly being produced to help with protection against the risk of domestic violence. There is a need to formally evaluate their features. OBJECTIVE This study systematically reviewed app-based interventions for domestic violence prevention, which will be helpful for app developers. METHODS We overviewed all apps concerning domestic violence awareness and prevention without language restrictions, collating information about features and limitations. We conducted searches in Google, the Google Play Store, and the App Store (iOS) covering a 10-year time period (2012-2022). We collected data related to the apps from the developers' descriptions, peer reviewed research articles, critical reviews in blogs, news articles, and other online sources. RESULTS The search identified 621 potentially relevant apps of which 136 were selected for review. There were five app categories: emergency assistance (n = 61, 44.9%), avoidance (n = 29, 21.3%), informative (n = 29, 21.3%), legal information (n = 10, 7.4%), and self-assessment (n = 7, 5.1%). Over half the apps (n = 97, 71%) were released in 2020-22. Around a half were from north-east America (n = 63, 46.3%). Where emergency alerts existed, they required triggering by the potential victim. There was no automation. Content analysis showed 20 apps with unique features, including geo-fences, accelerometer-based alert, shake-based alert, functionality under low resources, alert auto-cancellation, anonymous communication, and data encryption. None of the apps deployed artificial intelligence to assist the potential victims. CONCLUSIONS Apps currently have many limitations. Future apps should focus on automation, making better use of artificial intelligence deploying multimedia (voice, video, image capture, text and sentiment analysis), speech recognition, and pitch detection to aid in live analysis of the situation and for accurately generating emergency alerts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehreen Sumra
- Department of Computer Science, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad 45550, Pakistan
| | - Sohail Asghar
- Department of Computer Science, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad 45550, Pakistan
| | - Khalid S. Khan
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Juan M. Fernández-Luna
- Department of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Juan F. Huete
- Department of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Aurora Bueno-Cavanillas
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
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3
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Fu HNC, Wyman JF, Peden-McAlpine CJ, Draucker CB, Schleyer T, Adam TJ. App Design Features Important for Diabetes Self-management as Determined by the Self-Determination Theory on Motivation: Content Analysis of Survey Responses From Adults Requiring Insulin Therapy. JMIR Diabetes 2023; 8:e38592. [PMID: 36826987 PMCID: PMC10007004 DOI: 10.2196/38592] [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: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Using a diabetes app can improve glycemic control; however, the use of diabetes apps is low, possibly due to design issues that affect patient motivation. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to describes how adults with diabetes requiring insulin perceive diabetes apps based on 3 key psychological needs (competence, autonomy, and connectivity) described by the Self-Determination Theory (SDT) on motivation. METHODS This was a qualitative analysis of data collected during a crossover randomized laboratory trial (N=92) testing 2 diabetes apps. Data sources included (1) observations during app testing and (2) survey responses on desired app features. Guided by the SDT, coding categories included app functions that could address psychological needs for motivation in self-management: competence, autonomy, and connectivity. RESULTS Patients described design features that addressed needs for competence, autonomy, and connectivity. To promote competence, electronic data recording and analysis should help patients track and understand blood glucose (BG) results necessary for planning behavior changes. To promote autonomy, BG trend analysis should empower patients to set safe and practical personalized behavioral goals based on time and the day of the week. To promote connectivity, app email or messaging function could share data reports and communicate with others on self-management advice. Additional themes that emerged are the top general app designs to promote positive user experience: patient-friendly; automatic features of data upload; voice recognition to eliminate typing data; alert or reminder on self-management activities; and app interactivity of a sound, message, or emoji change in response to keeping or not keeping BG in the target range. CONCLUSIONS The application of the SDT was useful in identifying motivational app designs that address the psychological needs of competence, autonomy, and connectivity. User-centered design concepts, such as being patient-friendly, differ from the SDT because patients need a positive user experience (ie, a technology need). Patients want engaging diabetes apps that go beyond data input and output. Apps should be easy to use, provide personalized analysis reports, be interactive to affirm positive behaviors, facilitate data sharing, and support patient-clinician communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen N C Fu
- Center for Biomedical Informatics, Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Richard M Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Jean F Wyman
- School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | | | | | - Titus Schleyer
- Center for Biomedical Informatics, Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Terrence J Adam
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Care & Health Systems, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Institute of Health Informatics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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4
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Ali Sherazi B, Laeer S, Krutisch S, Dabidian A, Schlottau S, Obarcanin E. Functions of mHealth Diabetes Apps That Enable the Provision of Pharmaceutical Care: Criteria Development and Evaluation of Popular Apps. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:64. [PMID: 36612402 PMCID: PMC9819585 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Personal digital health apps for managing diabetes should include functions that enable the provision of pharmaceutical care services and allow within-app communication with pharmacists and other healthcare providers, thereby improving patient outcomes. The primary aim of this study was to assess the functions of diabetes apps that were relevant to providing pharmaceutical care services (i.e., medication management, adherence, non-pharmacological management, interoperability, and communication). Sixteen criteria related to pharmaceutical care were developed and then used to assess ten popular diabetes apps. The highest numbers of pharmaceutical care criteria were met by the apps Diabetes:M and mySugr (11 criteria); Contour™Diabetes, Dario Health, and OneTouch Reveal® (ten); and DiabetesConnect and ESYSTA (nine); followed by Glucose Buddy (eight), meala (seven), and lumind (three). The most prevalent functions were related to promoting adherence and non-pharmacological management, but most criteria relevant to medication management were lacking. Five apps allowed within-app communication between patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs); however, no app included communication with pharmacists. High-quality diabetes apps are powerful tools to support pharmaceutical care and remotely monitor diabetes patients. Improvements are needed as they often lack many medication management functions, including within-app communication with HCPs (especially pharmacists). To maximize diabetes app use and improve outcomes, app developers should consider including pharmacists alongside other healthcare providers when customizing app designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bushra Ali Sherazi
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Heinrich Heine University, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical and Allied Health Sciences, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Stephanie Laeer
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Heinrich Heine University, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Armin Dabidian
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Heinrich Heine University, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sabina Schlottau
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Heinrich Heine University, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Emina Obarcanin
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Heinrich Heine University, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Pharmacy, National University Singapore, 18 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117559, Singapore
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5
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Lindholm Olinder A, DeAbreu M, Greene S, Haugstvedt A, Lange K, Majaliwa ES, Pais V, Pelicand J, Town M, Mahmud FH. ISPAD Clinical Practice Consensus Guidelines 2022: Diabetes education in children and adolescents. Pediatr Diabetes 2022; 23:1229-1242. [PMID: 36120721 PMCID: PMC10107631 DOI: 10.1111/pedi.13418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lindholm Olinder
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Sachs' Children and Youths Hospital, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sverige
| | - Matthew DeAbreu
- Parent and Advocate of Child with Type One Diabetes, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Anne Haugstvedt
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
| | - Karin Lange
- Medical Psychology Unit, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Edna S Majaliwa
- Department of Paediatrics and child health, Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.,Departement of peadiatrics and child health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Vanita Pais
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julie Pelicand
- Pediatric Diabetology Unit, San Camilo Hospital, Medicine School, Universidad de Valparaiso, San Felipe, Chile.,Childhood, Adolescence & Diabetes, Toulouse Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - Marissa Town
- Children with Diabetes and Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Stanford University, California, USA
| | - Farid H Mahmud
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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6
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Parmar P, Ryu J, Pandya S, Sedoc J, Agarwal S. Health-focused conversational agents in person-centered care: a review of apps. NPJ Digit Med 2022; 5:21. [PMID: 35177772 PMCID: PMC8854396 DOI: 10.1038/s41746-022-00560-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Health-focused apps with chatbots ("healthbots") have a critical role in addressing gaps in quality healthcare. There is limited evidence on how such healthbots are developed and applied in practice. Our review of healthbots aims to classify types of healthbots, contexts of use, and their natural language processing capabilities. Eligible apps were those that were health-related, had an embedded text-based conversational agent, available in English, and were available for free download through the Google Play or Apple iOS store. Apps were identified using 42Matters software, a mobile app search engine. Apps were assessed using an evaluation framework addressing chatbot characteristics and natural language processing features. The review suggests uptake across 33 low- and high-income countries. Most healthbots are patient-facing, available on a mobile interface and provide a range of functions including health education and counselling support, assessment of symptoms, and assistance with tasks such as scheduling. Most of the 78 apps reviewed focus on primary care and mental health, only 6 (7.59%) had a theoretical underpinning, and 10 (12.35%) complied with health information privacy regulations. Our assessment indicated that only a few apps use machine learning and natural language processing approaches, despite such marketing claims. Most apps allowed for a finite-state input, where the dialogue is led by the system and follows a predetermined algorithm. Healthbots are potentially transformative in centering care around the user; however, they are in a nascent state of development and require further research on development, automation and adoption for a population-level health impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pritika Parmar
- The Johns Hopkins University Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jina Ryu
- The Johns Hopkins University Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shivani Pandya
- Department of International Health, The Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - João Sedoc
- Department of Technology, Operations and Statistics, New York University Stern School of Business, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Smisha Agarwal
- Department of International Health, The Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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7
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McClung HL, Raynor HA, Volpe SL, Dwyer JT, Papoutsakis C. A Primer for the Evaluation and Integration of Dietary Intake and Physical Activity Digital Measurement Tools into Nutrition and Dietetics Practice. J Acad Nutr Diet 2022; 122:207-218. [PMID: 33863675 PMCID: PMC8593109 DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2021.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Holly L McClung
- US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA
| | - Hollie A Raynor
- Department of Nutrition with the University of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville, TN
| | - Stella L Volpe
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Johanna T Dwyer
- Frances Stern Nutrition Center, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Constantina Papoutsakis
- Nutrition and Dietetics Data Science Center, Research International and Scientific Affairs with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Chicago, IL.
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8
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Jia W, Zhang P, Zhu D, Duolikun N, Li H, Bao Y, Li X. Evaluation of an mHealth-enabled hierarchical diabetes management intervention in primary care in China (ROADMAP): A cluster randomized trial. PLoS Med 2021; 18:e1003754. [PMID: 34547030 PMCID: PMC8454951 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glycemic control remains suboptimal in developing countries due to critical system deficiencies. An innovative mobile health (mHealth)-enabled hierarchical diabetes management intervention was introduced and evaluated in China with the purpose of achieving better control of type 2 diabetes in primary care. METHODS AND FINDINGS A community-based cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted among registered patients with type 2 diabetes in primary care from June 2017 to July 2019. A total of 19,601 participants were recruited from 864 communities (clusters) across 25 provinces in China, and 19,546 completed baseline assessment. Moreover, 576 communities (13,037 participants) were centrally randomized to the intervention and 288 communities (6,509 participants) to usual care. The intervention was centered on a tiered care team-delivered mHealth-mediated service package, initiated by monthly blood glucose monitoring at each structured clinic visit. Capacity building and quarterly performance review strategies upheld the quality of delivered primary care. The primary outcome was control of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c; <7.0%), assessed at baseline and 12 months. The secondary outcomes include the individual/combined control rates of blood glucose, blood pressure (BP), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C); changes in levels of HbA1c, BP, LDL-C, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and body weight; and episodes of hypoglycemia. Data were analyzed using intention-to-treat (ITT) generalized estimating equation (GEE) models, accounting for clustering and baseline values of the analyzed outcomes. After 1-year follow-up, 17,554 participants (89.8%) completed the end-of-study (EOS) assessment, with 45.1% of them from economically developed areas, 49.9% from urban areas, 60.5 (standard deviation [SD] 8.4) years of age, 41.2% male, 6.0 years of median diabetes duration, HbA1c level of 7.87% (SD 1.92%), and 37.3% with HbA1c <7.0% at baseline. Compared with usual care, the intervention led to an absolute improvement in the HbA1c control rate of 7.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.0% to 10.0%) and a relative improvement of 18.6% (relative risk [RR] 1.186, 95% CI 1.105 to 1.267) and an absolute improvement in the composite ABC control (HbA1c <7.0%, BP <140/80 mm Hg, and LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L) rate of 1.9% (95% CI 0.5 to 3.5) and a relative improvement of 21.8% (RR 1.218, 95% CI 1.062 to 1.395). No difference was found on hypoglycemia episode and weight gain between groups. Study limitations include noncentralized laboratory tests except for HbA1c, and caution should be exercised when extrapolating the findings to patients not registered in primary care system. CONCLUSIONS The mHealth-enabled hierarchical diabetes management intervention effectively improved diabetes control in primary care and has the potential to be transferred to other chronic conditions management in similar contexts. TRIAL REGISTRATION Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) IOC-17011325.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiping Jia
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Clinical Center for Diabetes, Shanghai Key Clinical Center for Metabolic Disease, Shanghai, China
- Chinese Diabetes Society, Beijing, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Puhong Zhang
- The George Institute for Global Health at Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
- Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Dalong Zhu
- Chinese Diabetes Society, Beijing, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Drum Tower Hospital affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Nadila Duolikun
- The George Institute for Global Health at Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital affiliated to School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuqian Bao
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Clinical Center for Diabetes, Shanghai Key Clinical Center for Metabolic Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Xian Li
- The George Institute for Global Health at Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
- Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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9
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Islam SMS, Mishra V, Siddiqui MU, Moses JC, Adibi S, Nguyen L, Wickramasinghe N. Smartphone Apps for Diabetes Medication Adherence: A Systematic Review (Preprint). JMIR Diabetes 2021; 7:e33264. [PMID: 35727613 PMCID: PMC9257622 DOI: 10.2196/33264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sheikh Mohammed Shariful Islam
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Vinaytosh Mishra
- College of Healthcare Management and Economics, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Muhammad Umer Siddiqui
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | - Sasan Adibi
- School of Information Technology, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
| | - Lemai Nguyen
- School of Information Technology, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
| | - Nilmini Wickramasinghe
- Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
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10
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Corbett CF, Combs EM, Chandarana PS, Stringfellow I, Worthy K, Nguyen T, Wright PJ, O'Kane JM. Medication Adherence Reminder System for Virtual Home Assistants: Mixed Methods Evaluation Study. JMIR Form Res 2021; 5:e27327. [PMID: 34255669 PMCID: PMC8317037 DOI: 10.2196/27327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Medication nonadherence is a global public health challenge that results in suboptimal health outcomes and increases health care costs. Forgetting to take medicines is one of the most common reasons for unintentional medication nonadherence. Research findings indicate that voice-activated virtual home assistants, such as Amazon Echo and Google Home devices, may be useful in promoting medication adherence. Objective This study aims to create a medication adherence app (skill), MedBuddy, for Amazon Echo devices and measure the use, usability, and usefulness of this medication-taking reminder skill. Methods A single-group, mixed methods, cohort feasibility study was conducted with women who took oral contraceptives (N=25). Participants were undergraduate students (age: mean 21.8 years, SD 6.2) at an urban university in the Southeast United States. Participants were given an Amazon Echo Dot with MedBuddy—a new medication reminder skill for Echo devices created by our team—attached to their study account, which they used for 60 days. Participants self-reported their baseline and poststudy medication adherence. MedBuddy use was objectively evaluated by tracking participants’ interactions with MedBuddy through Amazon Alexa. The usability and usefulness of MedBuddy were evaluated through a poststudy interview in which participants responded to both quantitative and qualitative questions. Results Participants’ interactions with MedBuddy, as tracked through Amazon Alexa, only occurred on half of the study days (mean 50.97, SD 29.5). At study end, participants reported missing their medication less in the past 1 and 6 months compared with baseline (χ21=0.9 and χ21=0.4, respectively; McNemar test: P<.001 for both). However, there was no significant difference in participants’ reported adherence to consistently taking medication within the same 2-hour time frame every day in the past 1 or 6 months at the end of the study compared with baseline (χ21=3.5 and χ21=0.4, respectively; McNemar test: P=.63 and P=.07, respectively). Overall feedback about usability was positive, and participants provided constructive feedback about the skill’s features that could be improved. Participants’ evaluation of MedBuddy’s usefulness was overwhelmingly positive—most (15/23, 65%) said that they would continue using MedBuddy as a medication reminder if provided with the opportunity and that they would recommend it to others. MedBuddy features that participants enjoyed were an external prompt separate from their phone, the ability to hear the reminder prompt from a separate room, multiple reminders, and verbal responses to prompts. Conclusions The findings of this feasibility study indicate that the MedBuddy medication reminder skill may be useful in promoting medication adherence. However, the skill could benefit from further usability enhancements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia F Corbett
- College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States.,Center for Advancing Chronic Care Outcomes through Research and Innovation, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Elizabeth M Combs
- College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States.,Center for Advancing Chronic Care Outcomes through Research and Innovation, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Peyton S Chandarana
- Center for Advancing Chronic Care Outcomes through Research and Innovation, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States.,College of Engineering and Computing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Isabel Stringfellow
- Center for Advancing Chronic Care Outcomes through Research and Innovation, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States.,Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States.,South Carolina Honors College, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Karen Worthy
- College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Thien Nguyen
- College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States.,Center for Advancing Chronic Care Outcomes through Research and Innovation, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Pamela J Wright
- College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States.,Center for Advancing Chronic Care Outcomes through Research and Innovation, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Jason M O'Kane
- Center for Advancing Chronic Care Outcomes through Research and Innovation, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States.,College of Engineering and Computing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
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11
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Aldughayfiq B, Sampalli S. A framework to lower the risk of medication prescribing and dispensing errors: A usability study of an NFC-based mobile application. Int J Med Inform 2021; 153:104509. [PMID: 34153901 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2021.104509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wrong medication and wrong dosage are major risks in the pharmaceutical industry, as many medication errors occur when dispensing medication. The dispensing process in its current form is limited in verifying the patient's identity before dispensing the medication. Furthermore, this process does not offer a robust method for providing accurate medication intake instructions. Therefore, we have developed a framework to accurately and securely overcome issues associated with transferring patient credentials and prescription information. The long-term goal of this research is to develop a framework to mitigate medication dispensing errors. One of the framework components is the mobile application that uses near-field communication (NFC) to transfer information. Therefore, in this paper, we designed a user study to assess the proposed NFC-based mobile application in terms of usefulness and ease of use compared with the traditional method of picking up a prescribed medication. METHODS We conducted a usability study with 21 participants to perform four tasks to simulate the process of picking up a prescribed medication using the proposed NFC application method and the traditional method of picking up medication. Then, we asked the participants to complete two post-questionnaires after using each method to evaluate the participants' experience of the process. Next, we asked the participants to complete an additional questionnaire about the usefulness of the NFC application method. Finally, we conducted semi-structured interviews with the participants to get more evidence to back up the questionnaire answers. RESULTS Our findings show that 91% of the participants believe using the NFC application method will improve patient safety during the medication pickup process. Nearly 97% of participants found the NFC application method easy to use. Our findings show that the participants scored lower when using the NFC application method compared with the traditional method when trying to identify the wrong medication after dispensing. In addition, 90% of the participants successfully identified the wrong medication when using the NFC application method, compared to only 38% when using the traditional method. Finally, the results show that the participants preferred using the NFC application method in terms of information availability, security, and privacy. CONCLUSIONS The study findings show that the proposed NFC application for managing patients' prescriptions and picking up medication might improve patient safety. The results show that the participants believe the NFC application will mitigate medication dispensing errors, at least from their end. The participants believe the application will provide a fast and accurate method of verifying dispensed medication from the patient end. Moreover, the application will help the patient to track their current prescription, which also helps them remember the medication intake instructions. Finally, the study indicates that the application will provide a secure, private, and accurate method to help verify the patient's identity, thus minimizing medication errors during the medication dispensing process.
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12
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Effects of a mobile health diabetes self-management program on HbA1C, self-management and patient satisfaction in adults with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial. JOURNAL OF HEALTH RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/jhr-02-2021-0126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to examine the effects of a three-month mobile health diabetes self-management program (MHDSMP) on glycemic control, diabetes self-management (DSM) behaviors and patient satisfaction in adults with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in Thailand.
Design/methodology/approach
This was a three-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial among 129 adults with uncontrolled T2DM who attended the medical outpatient department in a medical center. The participants were randomly assigned to the three study groups (n = 43 per group), including MHDSMP, telephone follow-up (TF) and usual care (UC). MHDSMP encompassed four components, including DSM engagement, DSM mobile application, motivational text messages and telephone coaching. Outcomes were evaluated at three-month end-of-study by using HbA1C and response to the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA) and the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8). Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA).
Findings
The findings revealed that at the end-of-study, HbA1C decreased from 7.80 to 7.17% (p < 0.001) in MHDSMP group, from 7.72 to 7.65% (p = 0.468) in TF group, and from 7.89 to 7.72% (p = 0.074) in UC group. Significantly higher SDSCA and CSQ-8 scores were also observed in MHDSMP compared to TF and UC groups (F = 12.283, F = 19.541, F = 8.552, p < 0.001, respectively).
Originality/value
This study demonstrated that MHDSMP adjunct with usual care is beneficial for patient outcomes in adults with uncontrolled T2DM in Thailand, compared to TF and UC groups.
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13
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Abstract
Gamified applications are regarded as useful for patients in facilitating daily self-care management and the personalization of health monitoring. This paper reports the development of a gamified application by considering a design that had previously been investigated and reported. Numerous game elements were installed in the application, which covered several tasks aimed at managing diabetes mellitus. The development process utilized the Rapid Application Development (RAD) methodology in terms of system requirements, user design, construction, and cutover; this paper refers to the user design and cutover processes. The developed application was tested through system testing and usability testing. The usability testing adopted the Software Usability Scale (SUS) to assess the usability of the application. Twenty participants were involved in the testing. The result showed that the gamified application is easy and practical to use for an individual with or without diabetes. All the provided functions worked as designed and planned, and the participants accepted their usability. Overall, this study offers a promising result that could lead to real-life implementation.
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14
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Barber-Gumbs T, Trolle Lagerros Y, Sena LM, Gittelsohn J, Chang LW, Zachary WW, Surkan PJ. Perspectives From Underserved African Americans and Their Health Care Providers on the Development of a Diabetes Self-Management Smartphone App: Qualitative Exploratory Study. JMIR Form Res 2021; 5:e18224. [PMID: 33635279 PMCID: PMC7954654 DOI: 10.2196/18224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) affects approximately 10% of the US population, disproportionately afflicting African Americans. Smartphone apps have emerged as promising tools to improve diabetes self-management, yet little is known about the use of this approach in low-income minority communities. Objective The goal of the study was to explore which features of an app were prioritized for people with T2DM in a low-income African American community. Methods Between February 2016 and May 2018, we conducted formative qualitative research with 78 participants to explore how a smartphone app could be used to improve diabetes self-management. Information was gathered on desired features, and app mock-ups were presented to receive comments and suggestions of improvements from smartphone users with prediabetes and T2DM, their friends and family members, and health care providers; data were collected from six interactive forums, one focus group, and 15 in-depth interviews. We carried out thematic data analysis using an inductive approach. Results All three types of participants reported that difficulty with accessing health care was a main problem and suggested that an app could help address this. Participants also indicated that an app could provide information for diabetes education and self-management. Other suggestions included that the app should allow people with T2DM to log and track diabetes care–related behaviors and receive feedback on their progress in a way that would increase engagement in self-management among persons with T2DM. Conclusions We identified educational and tracking smartphone features that can guide development of diabetes self-management apps for a low-income African American population. Considering those features in combination gives rise to opportunities for more advanced support, such as determining self-management recommendations based on data in users’ logs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tai Barber-Gumbs
- Program in Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ylva Trolle Lagerros
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Center for Obesity, Academic Specialist Center, Stockholm Health Services, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Laura M Sena
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Joel Gittelsohn
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Larry W Chang
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Wayne W Zachary
- Starship Health Technologies, LLC, Fort Washington, PA, United States
| | - Pamela J Surkan
- Social and Behavioral Interventions Program, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
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15
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Aguillard K, Garson A. Patient Use of Cardiovascular Devices and Apps: Are We Getting Our Money's Worth? Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J 2021; 16:291-295. [PMID: 33500757 DOI: 10.14797/mdcj-16-4-291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolution of technology makes it likely that a large number of people will invest in and use health-related mobile applications and wearable devices. Yet the question remains: Do these technology-based interventions modify health behavior and improve health…and are we getting our money's worth? The vast majority of studies concerning health-related apps and wearable devices have small sample sizes and short time spans of 6 months or less, so it is not clear if these durations were determined by lack of consistent use over time. Furthermore, many of the most popular applications have not been subjected to randomized trials. Overall, the small demonstrated improvements in outcomes are often associated with professional involvement from clinicians, coaches, or diabetes educators provided in conjunction with use of mobile health (mHealth) platforms. This paper explores the use of mHealth technologies that address cardiovascular disease/prevention (eg, diabetes, diet, physical activity, and associated weight loss) and discusses the lack of adequate evidence to support even minimal patient investment in mobile applications or wearable devices at this time.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arthur Garson
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, HOUSTON, TEXAS
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16
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Gebrie D, Getnet D, Manyazewal T. Cardiovascular safety and efficacy of metformin-SGLT2i versus metformin-sulfonylureas in type 2 diabetes: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Sci Rep 2021; 11:137. [PMID: 33420333 PMCID: PMC7794474 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80603-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes is a serious threat to global health and among the top 10 causes of death, with nearly half a billion people living with it worldwide. Treating patients with diabetes tend to become more challenging due to the progressive nature of the disease. The role and benefits of combination therapies for the management of type 2 diabetes are well-documented, while the comparative safety and efficacy among the different combination options have not been elucidated. We aimed to systematically synthesize the evidence on the comparative cardiovascular safety and efficacy of combination therapy with metformin-sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors versus metformin-sulfonylureas in patients with type 2 diabetes. We searched MEDLINE-PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov up to 15 August 2019 without restriction in the year of publication. We included randomized controlled trials of patients with type 2 diabetes who were on metformin-sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors or metformin-sulphonylureas combination therapy at least for a year. The primary endpoints were all-cause mortality and serious adverse events, and the secondary endpoints were cardiovascular mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, hypoglycemia, and changes in glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), body weight, fasting plasma glucose, blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. We used a random-effects meta-analysis model to estimate mean differences for continuous outcomes and risk ratio for dichotomous outcomes. We followed PICOS description model for defining eligibility and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 guidelines for reporting results. Of 3,190 citations, we included nine trials involving 10,974 participants. The pooled analysis showed no significant difference in all-cause mortality (risk ration [RR] = 0.93, 95% CI [0.52, 1.67]), serious adverse events (RR = 0.96, 95% CI [0.79, 1.17]) and adverse events (RR = 1.00, 95% CI [0.99, 1.02]) between the two, but in hypoglycemia (RR = 0.13, 95% CI [0.10, 0.17], P < 0.001). Participants taking metformin-sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors showed a significantly greater reduction in HbA1c (mean difference [MD] = − 0.10%, 95% CI [− 0.17, − 0.03], body weight (MD = − 4.57 kg, 95% CI [− 4.74, − 4.39], systolic blood pressure (MD = − 4.77 mmHg, 95% CI [− 5.39, − 4.16]), diastolic blood pressure (MD = − 2.07 mmHg, 95% CI [− 2.74, − 1.40], and fasting plasma glucose (MD = − 0.55 mmol/L, 95% CI [− 0.69, − 0.41]), p < 0.001. Combination therapy of metformin and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors is a safe and efficacious alternative to combination therapy of metformin and sulphonylureas for patients with type 2 diabetes who are at risk of cardiovascular comorbidity. However, there remains a need for additional long-term randomized controlled trials as available studies are very limited and heterogeneous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desye Gebrie
- School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia. .,Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Desalegn Getnet
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Course and Research Team, Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Adigrat University, Adigrat, Ethiopia
| | - Tsegahun Manyazewal
- Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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17
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Shawahna R, Batta A, Asa'ad M, Jomaah M, Abdelhaq I. Exercise as a complementary medicine intervention in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review with narrative and qualitative synthesis of evidence. Diabetes Metab Syndr 2021; 15:273-286. [PMID: 33482523 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2021.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a rapidly growing public health issue. This systematic review aimed to narrate and qualitatively synthesize evidence and recommendations of physical activity/exercise for patients with T2DM. METHODS The databases Medline through Pubmed, Cochrane, and Scopus were systematically searched from inception to February 08, 2020 using MeSH terms related to "diabetes mellitus" and "physical activity/exercise". Studies were included if they reported on the roles of physical activity/exercise in managing patients with T2DM or effects of physical activity/exercise on glycemic control. Documents identified through the search were analyzed and evidence and recommendations were synthesized qualitatively. RESULTS Data were extracted from 16 original articles and 11 systematic reviews with meta-analyses. A qualitative summary of evidence included general items (n = 6) and recommendations for physical activity/exercise (n = 12). Physical activity/exercise can reduce incidence of T2DM, hyperinsulinemia, fasting plasma/blood glucose, HbA1c, body fats, cholesterol, blood pressure, heart rate, cardiovascular risk, and dosage of antidiabetic medications. Physical activity/exercise can improve sensitivity to insulin, muscle strength, oxygen consumption, aerobic capacity, and mental health of patients with T2DM. CONCLUSION Despite the increasing interest in incorporating physical activity/exercise in the management of T2DM and improving healthcare delivery, there are still limited clear instructions and guidelines for both the patient and the healthcare provider.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramzi Shawahna
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine; An-Najah BioSciences Unit, Centre for Poisons Control, Chemical and Biological Analyses, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine.
| | - Ahmad Batta
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Mahmoud Asa'ad
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Marwan Jomaah
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Imad Abdelhaq
- Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Teachers' Training, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
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18
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Kernebeck S, Busse TS, Böttcher MD, Weitz J, Ehlers J, Bork U. Impact of mobile health and medical applications on clinical practice in gastroenterology. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:4182-4197. [PMID: 32848328 PMCID: PMC7422538 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i29.4182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mobile health apps (MHAs) and medical apps (MAs) are becoming increasingly popular as digital interventions in a wide range of health-related applications in almost all sectors of healthcare. The surge in demand for digital medical solutions has been accelerated by the need for new diagnostic and therapeutic methods in the current coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. This also applies to clinical practice in gastroenterology, which has, in many respects, undergone a recent digital transformation with numerous consequences that will impact patients and health care professionals in the near future. MHAs and MAs are considered to have great potential, especially for chronic diseases, as they can support the self-management of patients in many ways. Despite the great potential associated with the application of MHAs and MAs in gastroenterology and health care in general, there are numerous challenges to be met in the future, including both the ethical and legal aspects of applying this technology. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the current status of MHA and MA use in the field of gastroenterology, describe the future perspectives in this field and point out some of the challenges that need to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Kernebeck
- Didactics and Educational Research in Health Science, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten 58455, Germany
| | - Theresa S Busse
- Didactics and Educational Research in Health Science, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten 58455, Germany
| | - Maximilian D Böttcher
- Department of GI-, Thoracic- and Vascular Surgery, Dresden Technical University, University Hospital Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Jürgen Weitz
- Department of GI-, Thoracic- and Vascular Surgery, Dresden Technical University, University Hospital Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Jan Ehlers
- Didactics and Educational Research in Health Science, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten 58455, Germany
| | - Ulrich Bork
- Department of GI-, Thoracic- and Vascular Surgery, Dresden Technical University, University Hospital Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany
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19
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A new age intervention to support medication adherence. Res Social Adm Pharm 2020; 17:1204-1207. [PMID: 32811756 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2020.07.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Adherence to pharmacological treatments is a complex behaviour which is influenced by a number of factors throughout a person's medication use journey. No single intervention has yet been shown to effectively address non-adherence long term. Technology, which can support a multifaceted intervention targeted to the needs of a person, may present a feasible solution to optimise adherence. Technological interventions such as mobile applications (apps) have shown early promise, increasing medication adherence rates and providing health care practitioners with an opportunity to monitor and measure adherence. Some of their features include providing informational messages, saving prescription details and sending refill reminders. Their inability to address patient specific factors across the three phases of adherence (initiation, implementation and discontinuation) limit their usefulness in clinical practice. We propose recommendations to guide the design of digital interventions that can support adherence. Interventions should be individualised to address patient specific factors that affect adherence to medications; the features should support individuals across all three phases of adherence. Interventions must integrate within existing prescriber and dispensing software and interconnect all members of an individual's healthcare team. Finally, to ensure optimal outcomes for the individual, all digital interventions should inform the person about why adherence is necessary.
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20
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A systematic review into the assessment of medical apps: motivations, challenges, recommendations and methodological aspect. HEALTH AND TECHNOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12553-020-00451-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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21
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Haga SB. Toward digital-based interventions for medication adherence and safety. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2020; 19:735-746. [DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2020.1764935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Susanne B Haga
- Duke School of Medicine, Center for Applied Genomics and Precision Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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22
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Foong HF, Kyaw BM, Upton Z, Tudor Car L. Facilitators and barriers of using digital technology for the management of diabetic foot ulcers: A qualitative systematic review. Int Wound J 2020; 17:1266-1281. [PMID: 32390305 PMCID: PMC7948580 DOI: 10.1111/iwj.13396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of digital technology has been shown to be effective in managing chronic conditions. Telemedicine and mobile application are two common applications of digital technology in managing diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). The facilitators and barriers of using it for DFU management are yet to be explored. This is a qualitative systematic review. Five bibliography databases and grey literature sources were searched (2000‐2019). Two reviewers independently screened the citations, extracted the data, assessed the quality of the included studies, and performed thematic synthesis. Three studies on patients and five studies on healthcare practitioners (HCPs) were included. Two studies focused on the use of mobile applications and six on telemedicine. In studies on patients, four analytical themes were generated: the relationships with HCPs; the attitude towards the usage of digital technology; the role of wound image taking; and impact of digital technology on DFU care, encompassing 15 facilitators (eg, enabling community support, improving wound care knowledge) and 12 barriers (eg, lack of technological savviness, difficulty reading on smartphones). Three analytical themes were generated from studies on HCPs: the impact of digital technology on HCPs; the role of digital technology in DFU care; and organisation of DFU care delivery, encompassing 17 facilitators (eg, adequate wound care training, digital technology enables holistic care) and 16 barriers (eg, lack of multidisciplinary approach in caring for DFU, lack of direct contact in care provision). Patients and HCPs reported various barriers and facilitators relating to different aspects of using digital technology in DFU management. Our findings can help inform future research as well as the adoption of digital technology in DFU management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Foh Foong
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bhone Myint Kyaw
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zee Upton
- Skin Research Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Lorainne Tudor Car
- Family Medicine and Primary Care, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
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23
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Eisenhut K, Sauerborn E, García-Moreno C, Wild V. Mobile applications addressing violence against women: a systematic review. BMJ Glob Health 2020; 5:e001954. [PMID: 32399255 PMCID: PMC7204921 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2019-001954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Violence against women is a pressing global health problem that is being met with a new intervention strategy—mobile applications. With this systematic review, we provide an initial analysis and functional categorisation of apps addressing violence against women. Methods We conducted a systematic online search conforming with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to identify apps addressing violence against women in five World Bank regions (Europe and Central Asia; North America, Latin America and the Caribbean; Middle East and North Africa; South Asia; and sub-Saharan Africa). Applications with location of initiation in mentioned regions and ≥100 downloads were included. Data on sector, target group(s), year of release, location of initiation and implementation were extracted. By means of a structured qualitative content analysis, applications were then categorised according to their main functions. Results Of 327 relevant applications, 171 were included into the systematic review and assigned to one of five identified categories of main functions, respectively: emergency, avoidance, education, reporting and evidence building, and supporting apps. The largest proportion (46.78%) consisted of emergency apps, followed by education, reporting and evidence building, supporting and avoidance apps in descending order. With regards to the geographical distribution of app categories, significant (χ2(20)=58.172; p=0.000) differences among the included regions were found. Conclusion A vast proportion of apps addressing violence against women primarily draw on one-time emergency or avoidance solutions, as opposed to more preventative approaches. Further research is necessary, critically considering questions of data security, personal safety and efficacy of such mobile health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Eisenhut
- Institute of Ethics, History and Theory of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ela Sauerborn
- Institute of Ethics, History and Theory of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Claudia García-Moreno
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Verina Wild
- Institute of Ethics, History and Theory of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
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24
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Huang Z, Lum E, Car J. Medication Management Apps for Diabetes: Systematic Assessment of the Transparency and Reliability of Health Information Dissemination. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2020; 8:e15364. [PMID: 32130163 PMCID: PMC7057820 DOI: 10.2196/15364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smartphone apps are increasingly used for diabetes self-management because of their ubiquity and ability to help users to personalize health care management. The number of diabetes apps has proliferated in recent years, but only a small subset of apps that pose a higher risk are regulated by governmental agencies. The transparency and reliability of information sources are unclear for apps that provide health care advice and are not regulated by governmental agencies. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the transparency and reliability of information disseminated via diabetes apps against 8 criteria adapted from the Health On the Net code of conduct (HONcode) principles. METHODS English-language diabetes-related terms were searched on a market explorer (42matters) on June 12, 2018. Apps with medication and blood glucose management features were downloaded and evaluated against the App-HONcode criteria adapted from the 8 HONcode principles: authoritative, complementarity, privacy, attribution, justifiability, transparency, financial disclosure, and advertising policy. Apps were profiled by operating platforms (ie, Android and iOS) and the number of downloads (ie, Android only: ≥100,000 downloads and <100,000 downloads). RESULTS A total of 143 apps (81 Android and 62 iOS) were downloaded and assessed against the adapted App-HONcode criteria. Most of the apps on the Android and iOS platforms fulfilled between 2 and 6 criteria, but few (20/143, 14.0%) apps mentioned the qualifications of individuals who contributed to app development. Less than half (59/143, 39.2%) of the apps disclaimed that the information provided or app functions do not replace the advice of the health care provider. A higher proportion of iOS apps fulfilled 5 or more App-HONcode criteria compared with Android apps. However, Android apps were more likely to have the developer's email listed on the app store (Android: 75/81, 98%; and iOS: 52/62, 84%; P=.005) compared with iOS apps. Of the Android apps assessed, a significantly higher proportion of highly downloaded apps had a privacy and confidentiality clause (high downloads: 15/17, 88%; and low downloads: 33/64, 52%; P=.006) and were more likely to discuss their financial sources (high downloads: 14/17, 82%; and low downloads: 32/64, 50%; P=.03) compared with apps with a low number of downloads. CONCLUSIONS Gaps in the disclosure of the developer's qualification, funding source, and the complementary role of the app in disease management were identified. App stores, developers, and medical providers should collaborate to close these gaps and provide more transparency and reliability to app users. Future work can further examine the consent-seeking process for data collection, data management policies, the appropriateness of advertising content, and clarity of privacy clause of these apps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhilian Huang
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.,NTU Institute for Health Technologies, Interdisciplinary Graduate School, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Elaine Lum
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.,Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.,School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Josip Car
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
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Car J, Sheikh A, Wicks P, Williams MS. Beyond the hype of big data and artificial intelligence: building foundations for knowledge and wisdom. BMC Med 2019; 17:143. [PMID: 31311603 PMCID: PMC6636050 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-019-1382-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Big data, coupled with the use of advanced analytical approaches, such as artificial intelligence (AI), have the potential to improve medical outcomes and population health. Data that are routinely generated from, for example, electronic medical records and smart devices have become progressively easier and cheaper to collect, process, and analyze. In recent decades, this has prompted a substantial increase in biomedical research efforts outside traditional clinical trial settings. Despite the apparent enthusiasm of researchers, funders, and the media, evidence is scarce for successful implementation of products, algorithms, and services arising that make a real difference to clinical care. This article collection provides concrete examples of how "big data" can be used to advance healthcare and discusses some of the limitations and challenges encountered with this type of research. It primarily focuses on real-world data, such as electronic medical records and genomic medicine, considers new developments in AI and digital health, and discusses ethical considerations and issues related to data sharing. Overall, we remain positive that big data studies and associated new technologies will continue to guide novel, exciting research that will ultimately improve healthcare and medicine-but we are also realistic that concerns remain about privacy, equity, security, and benefit to all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josip Car
- Centre for Population Health Sciences (CePHaS), Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Clinical Sciences Building, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
| | - Aziz Sheikh
- The Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9DX, Scotland, UK
| | - Paul Wicks
- PatientsLikeMe, 160 Second Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.
| | - Marc S Williams
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Geisinger, 100 North Academy Avenue, Danville, PA, 17822, USA
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