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Pais-Cunha I, Fontoura Matias J, Almeida AL, Magalhães M, Fonseca JA, Azevedo I, Jácome C. Telemonitoring of pediatric asthma in outpatient settings: A systematic review. Pediatr Pulmonol 2024. [PMID: 38742250 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.27046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Telemonitoring technologies are rapidly evolving, offering a promising solution for remote monitoring and timely management of asthma acute episodes. We aimed to describe current pediatric asthma telemonitoring technologies. A systematic review was conducted until September 2023 on Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science. We included studies of children (0-18 years) with asthma or recurrent wheezing whose respiratory condition was telemonitored outside the healthcare setting. A narrative synthesis was performed. We identified 40 telemonitoring technologies described in 40 studies. The more frequently used technologies for telemonitoring were mobile applications (n = 21) and web-based systems (n = 14). Telemonitoring duration varied between 2 weeks and 32 months. Data collection included asthma symptoms (n = 30), patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) (n = 11), spirometry/peak flow readings (n = 20), medication adherence (n = 17), inhaler technique (n = 3), air quality (n = 2), and respiratory sounds (n = 2). Both parents and children were the technology target users in most studies (n = 23). Technology training was reported in 23 studies of which 3 provided ongoing support. Automatic feedback was found in 30 studies, mostly related with asthma control. HCP were involved in data management in 27 studies. Technologies were tested in samples from 4 to 327 children, with most studies including school-aged children and/or adolescents (n = 38) and eight including preschool children. This review provides an overview of existing technologies for the outpatient telemonitoring of pediatric asthma. Specific technologies for preschool children represent a gap in the literature that needs to be specifically addressed in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Pais-Cunha
- Serviço De Pediatria, Unidade De Gestão Autónoma Da Mulher E Da Criança, Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, Porto, Portugal
- Departamento De Ginecologia-Obstetrícia e Pediatria, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE, MEDCIDS, Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - José Fontoura Matias
- Serviço De Pediatria, Unidade De Gestão Autónoma Da Mulher E Da Criança, Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, Porto, Portugal
- Departamento De Ginecologia-Obstetrícia e Pediatria, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Laura Almeida
- Serviço De Pediatria, Unidade De Gestão Autónoma Da Mulher E Da Criança, Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, Porto, Portugal
- Departamento De Ginecologia-Obstetrícia e Pediatria, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuel Magalhães
- CINTESIS@RISE, MEDCIDS, Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Serviço De Pediatria, Centro Materno Infantil Do Norte, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - João A Fonseca
- CINTESIS@RISE, MEDCIDS, Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Allergy Unit, Instituto CUF Porto E Hospital CUF Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Inês Azevedo
- Serviço De Pediatria, Unidade De Gestão Autónoma Da Mulher E Da Criança, Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, Porto, Portugal
- Departamento De Ginecologia-Obstetrícia e Pediatria, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Jácome
- CINTESIS@RISE, MEDCIDS, Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Rezaee R, Ghaffari M, Rabiei R, Kavousi A, Rakhshanderou S. Design and usability evaluation of a mobile application for self-care among Iranian adolescents. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:892. [PMID: 38528452 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18341-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mobile phones can be an ideal platform to engage adolescents to maintain, improve, and promote self-care. Therefore, the current study aims to design and evaluate the usability of a mobile application for self-care in adolescents with a user-centered approach. METHODS The current applied developmental study was done in four steps. The first step, polling and examining opinions was conducted through in-depth semi-structured interviews, with the aim of user-centered mobile application design with the involvement of 30 participants. The second step, extracting and compiling the educational content related to the main themes of the self-care app, was obtained from national and international guidelines and instructions, including the World Health Organization, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, etc. In the third step, the initial version of the mobile application was developed. In the fourth step, app usability was evaluated by 30 participants from the target group, 2 weeks after using the app, using the MAUQ questionnaire. RESULTS In the first step, 789 codes, 12 sub-categories, and 3 categories were extracted. These codes were used in the design of the mobile application. In the second step, educational information was prepared and arranged in 5 sections (physical activity, nutrition, personal hygiene, risky behaviors and safety and events) in the form of text, images and short videos. In the third step, the mobile application was designed based on step 1 and 2. This application operates in online mode and under the Android operating system. the initial version of the mobile application was developed using JavaScript and Typescript programming languages in a Visual Studio Code environment. In the fourth step, the participants the overall level of usability of the application as very good with an average of 6.28 ± 0.55. The highest average score was given to the user interface and satisfaction with an average score of 6.43 ± 0.58. CONCLUSIONS The "My-Care" app is a collaboratively designed smartphone app for adolescents that targets 5 dimensions of physical self-care. This app has the potential to teach, assess, and promote self-care among adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razieh Rezaee
- Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohtasham Ghaffari
- Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Rabiei
- Department of Health Information Technology and Management, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Kavousi
- School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sakineh Rakhshanderou
- Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tabnak Ave., Daneshjou Blvd., Velenjak, Tehran, 19835-35511, Iran.
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Ding H, Simmich J, Vaezipour A, Andrews N, Russell T. Evaluation framework for conversational agents with artificial intelligence in health interventions: a systematic scoping review. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2024; 31:746-761. [PMID: 38070173 PMCID: PMC10873847 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocad222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Conversational agents (CAs) with emerging artificial intelligence present new opportunities to assist in health interventions but are difficult to evaluate, deterring their applications in the real world. We aimed to synthesize existing evidence and knowledge and outline an evaluation framework for CA interventions. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a systematic scoping review to investigate designs and outcome measures used in the studies that evaluated CAs for health interventions. We then nested the results into an overarching digital health framework proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO). RESULTS The review included 81 studies evaluating CAs in experimental (n = 59), observational (n = 15) trials, and other research designs (n = 7). Most studies (n = 72, 89%) were published in the past 5 years. The proposed CA-evaluation framework includes 4 evaluation stages: (1) feasibility/usability, (2) efficacy, (3) effectiveness, and (4) implementation, aligning with WHO's stepwise evaluation strategy. Across these stages, this article presents the essential evidence of different study designs (n = 8), sample sizes, and main evaluation categories (n = 7) with subcategories (n = 40). The main evaluation categories included (1) functionality, (2) safety and information quality, (3) user experience, (4) clinical and health outcomes, (5) costs and cost benefits, (6) usage, adherence, and uptake, and (7) user characteristics for implementation research. Furthermore, the framework highlighted the essential evaluation areas (potential primary outcomes) and gaps across the evaluation stages. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION This review presents a new framework with practical design details to support the evaluation of CA interventions in healthcare research. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION The Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/9hq2v) on March 22, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Ding
- RECOVER Injury Research Centre, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- STARS Education and Research Alliance, Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS), The University of Queensland and Metro North Health, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Joshua Simmich
- RECOVER Injury Research Centre, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- STARS Education and Research Alliance, Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS), The University of Queensland and Metro North Health, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Atiyeh Vaezipour
- RECOVER Injury Research Centre, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- STARS Education and Research Alliance, Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS), The University of Queensland and Metro North Health, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Nicole Andrews
- RECOVER Injury Research Centre, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- STARS Education and Research Alliance, Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS), The University of Queensland and Metro North Health, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- The Tess Cramond Pain and Research Centre, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- The Occupational Therapy Department, The Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Trevor Russell
- RECOVER Injury Research Centre, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- STARS Education and Research Alliance, Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS), The University of Queensland and Metro North Health, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Allen CG, Neil G, Halbert CH, Sterba KR, Nietert PJ, Welch B, Lenert L. Barriers and facilitators to the implementation of family cancer history collection tools in oncology clinical practices. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2024; 31:631-639. [PMID: 38164994 PMCID: PMC10873828 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocad243] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to the implementation of family cancer history (FCH) collection tools in clinical practices and community settings by assessing clinicians' perceptions of implementing a chatbot interface to collect FCH information and provide personalized results to patients and providers. OBJECTIVES By identifying design and implementation features that facilitate tool adoption and integration into clinical workflows, this study can inform future FCH tool development and adoption in healthcare settings. MATERIALS AND METHODS Quantitative data were collected using survey to evaluate the implementation outcomes of acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, feasibility, and sustainability of the chatbot tool for collecting FCH. Semistructured interviews were conducted to gather qualitative data on respondents' experiences using the tool and recommendations for enhancements. RESULTS We completed data collection with 19 providers (n = 9, 47%), clinical staff (n = 5, 26%), administrators (n = 4, 21%), and other staff (n = 1, 5%) affiliated with the NCI Community Oncology Research Program. FCH was systematically collected using a wide range of tools at sites, with information being inserted into the patient's medical record. Participants found the chatbot tool to be highly acceptable, with the tool aligning with existing workflows, and were open to adopting the tool into their practice. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS We further the evidence base about the appropriateness of scripted chatbots to support FCH collection. Although the tool had strong support, the varying clinical workflows across clinic sites necessitate that future FCH tool development accommodates customizable implementation strategies. Implementation support is necessary to overcome technical and logistical barriers to enhance the uptake of FCH tools in clinical practices and community settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin G Allen
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Grace Neil
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Chanita Hughes Halbert
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Katherine R Sterba
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Paul J Nietert
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Brandon Welch
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Leslie Lenert
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
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Cook D, Peters D, Moradbakhti L, Su T, Da Re M, Schuller BW, Quint J, Wong E, Calvo RA. A text-based conversational agent for asthma support: Mixed-methods feasibility study. Digit Health 2024; 10:20552076241258276. [PMID: 38894942 PMCID: PMC11185032 DOI: 10.1177/20552076241258276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Millions of people in the UK have asthma, yet 70% do not access basic care, leading to the largest number of asthma-related deaths in Europe. Chatbots may extend the reach of asthma support and provide a bridge to traditional healthcare. This study evaluates 'Brisa', a chatbot designed to improve asthma patients' self-assessment and self-management. Methods We recruited 150 adults with an asthma diagnosis to test our chatbot. Participants were recruited over three waves through social media and a research recruitment platform. Eligible participants had access to 'Brisa' via a WhatsApp or website version for 28 days and completed entry and exit questionnaires to evaluate user experience and asthma control. Weekly symptom tracking, user interaction metrics, satisfaction measures, and qualitative feedback were utilised to evaluate the chatbot's usability and potential effectiveness, focusing on changes in asthma control and self-reported behavioural improvements. Results 74% of participants engaged with 'Brisa' at least once. High task completion rates were observed: asthma attack risk assessment (86%), voice recording submission (83%) and asthma control tracking (95.5%). Post use, an 8% improvement in asthma control was reported. User satisfaction surveys indicated positive feedback on helpfulness (80%), privacy (87%), trustworthiness (80%) and functionality (84%) but highlighted a need for improved conversational depth and personalisation. Conclusions The study indicates that chatbots are effective for asthma support, demonstrated by the high usage of features like risk assessment and control tracking, as well as a statistically significant improvement in asthma control. However, lower satisfaction in conversational flexibility highlights rising expectations for chatbot fluency, influenced by advanced models like ChatGPT. Future health-focused chatbots must balance conversational capability with accuracy and safety to maintain engagement and effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren Cook
- Dyson School of Design Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Dorian Peters
- Dyson School of Design Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Laura Moradbakhti
- Dyson School of Design Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ting Su
- Dyson School of Design Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Marco Da Re
- Dyson School of Design Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Bjorn W. Schuller
- Dyson School of Design Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Ernie Wong
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Rafael A. Calvo
- Dyson School of Design Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Wutz M, Hermes M, Winter V, Köberlein-Neu J. Factors Influencing the Acceptability, Acceptance, and Adoption of Conversational Agents in Health Care: Integrative Review. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e46548. [PMID: 37751279 PMCID: PMC10565637 DOI: 10.2196/46548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conversational agents (CAs), also known as chatbots, are digital dialog systems that enable people to have a text-based, speech-based, or nonverbal conversation with a computer or another machine based on natural language via an interface. The use of CAs offers new opportunities and various benefits for health care. However, they are not yet ubiquitous in daily practice. Nevertheless, research regarding the implementation of CAs in health care has grown tremendously in recent years. OBJECTIVE This review aims to present a synthesis of the factors that facilitate or hinder the implementation of CAs from the perspectives of patients and health care professionals. Specifically, it focuses on the early implementation outcomes of acceptability, acceptance, and adoption as cornerstones of later implementation success. METHODS We performed an integrative review. To identify relevant literature, a broad literature search was conducted in June 2021 with no date limits and using all fields in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, LIVIVO, and PsycINFO. To keep the review current, another search was conducted in March 2022. To identify as many eligible primary sources as possible, we used a snowballing approach by searching reference lists and conducted a hand search. Factors influencing the acceptability, acceptance, and adoption of CAs in health care were coded through parallel deductive and inductive approaches, which were informed by current technology acceptance and adoption models. Finally, the factors were synthesized in a thematic map. RESULTS Overall, 76 studies were included in this review. We identified influencing factors related to 4 core Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) factors (performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, and hedonic motivation), with most studies underlining the relevance of performance and effort expectancy. To meet the particularities of the health care context, we redefined the UTAUT2 factors social influence, habit, and price value. We identified 6 other influencing factors: perceived risk, trust, anthropomorphism, health issue, working alliance, and user characteristics. Overall, we identified 10 factors influencing acceptability, acceptance, and adoption among health care professionals (performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, social influence, price value, perceived risk, trust, anthropomorphism, working alliance, and user characteristics) and 13 factors influencing acceptability, acceptance, and adoption among patients (additionally hedonic motivation, habit, and health issue). CONCLUSIONS This review shows manifold factors influencing the acceptability, acceptance, and adoption of CAs in health care. Knowledge of these factors is fundamental for implementation planning. Therefore, the findings of this review can serve as a basis for future studies to develop appropriate implementation strategies. Furthermore, this review provides an empirical test of current technology acceptance and adoption models and identifies areas where additional research is necessary. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42022343690; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=343690.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Wutz
- Center for Health Economics and Health Services Research, Schumpeter School of Business and Economics, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Marius Hermes
- Center for Health Economics and Health Services Research, Schumpeter School of Business and Economics, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Vera Winter
- Center for Health Economics and Health Services Research, Schumpeter School of Business and Economics, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Juliane Köberlein-Neu
- Center for Health Economics and Health Services Research, Schumpeter School of Business and Economics, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
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Sharrad K, Martini C, Tai A, Spurrier N, Smith R, Esterman A, Gwilt I, Sandford D, Carson-Chahhoud K. Mixed Reality Technology to Deliver Psychological Interventions to Adolescents With Asthma: Qualitative Study Using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. JMIR Hum Factors 2023; 10:e34629. [PMID: 37494096 PMCID: PMC10413228 DOI: 10.2196/34629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interactive, mixed reality technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and holographic technology may provide a novel solution to fast-track the translation of evidence into practice. They may also help overcome barriers to both mental health and asthma management service uptake, such as cost, availability of appointments, fear of judgment, and quality of care. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate if mixed reality technology is an acceptable mechanism for the delivery of a component of cognitive and behavioral therapies for the management of elevated psychological distress among young people with asthma. METHODS To explore the perceived acceptability of these technologies, mixed reality tools were evaluated via qualitative, 1-on-1 interviews with young people with asthma and symptoms of psychological distress, parents/caregivers of young people with asthma and symptoms of psychological distress, and relevant health professionals. The Theoretical Framework of Acceptability was used for the deductive coding of the recorded interview transcripts. RESULTS This study enrolled the following participants: (1) 3 adolescents with asthma and symptoms of psychological distress with a mean age of 14 (SD 1.7) years; (2) 4 parents/caregivers of adolescents with asthma with a mean age of 55 (SD 14.6) years; and (3) 6 health professionals with a mean age of 40.8 (SD 4.3) years. A total of 4 constructs-experienced affective attitude, experienced effectiveness, self-efficacy, and intervention coherence-were coded in all participant transcripts. The most frequently coded constructs were experienced affective attitude and intervention coherence, which were reported a total of 96 times. The least frequently coded construct was anticipated opportunity cost, which was reported a total of 5 times. Participants were mostly positive about the mixed reality resources. However, some concerns were raised regarding ethicality, particularly regarding privacy, accessibility, and messaging. Participants noted the need for technology to be used in conjunction with face-to-face engagement with health professionals and that some patients would respond to this type of delivery mechanism better than others. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that mixed reality technology to deliver psychological interventions may be an acceptable addition to current health care practices for young people with asthma and symptoms of psychological distress. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12620001109998; https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=380427.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey Sharrad
- Translational Medicine and Technology Group, Australian Centre for Precision Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Caitlin Martini
- Translational Medicine and Technology Group, Australian Centre for Precision Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Andrew Tai
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Nicola Spurrier
- Department of Health and Ageing, Government of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Ross Smith
- Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environments, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Adrian Esterman
- UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Ian Gwilt
- UniSA Creative, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Debra Sandford
- Health and Medical Sciences Faculty, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Kristin Carson-Chahhoud
- Translational Medicine and Technology Group, Australian Centre for Precision Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
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Park MS, Upama PB, Anik AA, Ahamed SI, Luo J, Tian S, Rabbani M, Oh H. A Survey of Conversational Agents and Their Applications for Self-Management of Chronic Conditions. PROCEEDINGS : ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL COMPUTER SOFTWARE AND APPLICATIONS CONFERENCE. COMPSAC 2023; 2023:1064-1075. [PMID: 37750107 PMCID: PMC10519706 DOI: 10.1109/compsac57700.2023.00162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Conversational agents have gained their ground in our daily life and various domains including healthcare. Chronic condition self-management is one of the promising healthcare areas in which conversational agents demonstrate significant potential to contribute to alleviating healthcare burdens from chronic conditions. This survey paper introduces and outlines types of conversational agents, their generic architecture and workflow, the implemented technologies, and their application to chronic condition self-management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Sook Park
- School of Information Studies, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
| | - Paramita Basak Upama
- Department of Computer Science, Ubicomp Lab, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
| | - Adib Ahmed Anik
- Department of Computer Science, Ubicomp Lab, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
| | - Sheikh Iqbal Ahamed
- Department of Computer Science, Ubicomp Lab, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
| | - Jake Luo
- College of Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
| | - Shiyu Tian
- Department of Computer Science, Ubicomp Lab, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
| | - Masud Rabbani
- Department of Computer Science, Ubicomp Lab, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
| | - Hyungkyoung Oh
- College of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, WI, U.S.A
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Han R, Todd A, Wardak S, Partridge SR, Raeside R. Feasibility and Acceptability of Chatbots for Nutrition and Physical Activity Health Promotion Among Adolescents: Systematic Scoping Review With Adolescent Consultation. JMIR Hum Factors 2023; 10:e43227. [PMID: 37145858 PMCID: PMC10199392 DOI: 10.2196/43227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reducing lifestyle risk behaviors among adolescents depends on access to age-appropriate health promotion information. Chatbots-computer programs designed to simulate conversations with human users-have the potential to deliver health information to adolescents to improve their lifestyle behaviors and support behavior change, but research on the feasibility and acceptability of chatbots in the adolescent population is unknown. OBJECTIVE This systematic scoping review aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of chatbots in nutrition and physical activity interventions among adolescents. A secondary aim is to consult adolescents to identify features of chatbots that are acceptable and feasible. METHODS We searched 6 electronic databases from March to April 2022 (MEDLINE, Embase, Joanna Briggs Institute, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, the Association for Computing Machinery library, and the IT database Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). Peer-reviewed studies were included that were conducted in the adolescent population (10-19 years old) without any chronic disease, except obesity or type 2 diabetes, and assessed chatbots used nutrition or physical activity interventions or both that encouraged individuals to meet dietary or physical activity guidelines and support positive behavior change. Studies were screened by 2 independent reviewers, with any queries resolved by a third reviewer. Data were extracted into tables and collated in a narrative summary. Gray literature searches were also undertaken. Results of the scoping review were presented to a diverse youth advisory group (N=16, 13-18 years old) to gain insights into this topic beyond what is published in the literature. RESULTS The search identified 5558 papers, with 5 (0.1%) studies describing 5 chatbots meeting the inclusion criteria. The 5 chatbots were supported by mobile apps using a combination of the following features: personalized feedback, conversational agents, gamification, and monitoring of behavior change. Of the 5 studies, 2 (40.0%) studies focused on nutrition, 2 (40.0%) studies focused on physical activity, and 1 (20.0%) focused on both nutrition and physical activity. Feasibility and acceptability varied across the 5 studies, with usage rates above 50% in 3 (60.0%) studies. In addition, 3 (60.0%) studies reported health-related outcomes, with only 1 (20.0%) study showing promising effects of the intervention. Adolescents presented novel concerns around the use of chatbots in nutrition and physical activity interventions, including ethical concerns and the use of false or misleading information. CONCLUSIONS Limited research is available on chatbots in adolescent nutrition and physical activity interventions, finding insufficient evidence on the acceptability and feasibility of chatbots in the adolescent population. Similarly, adolescent consultation identified issues in the design features that have not been mentioned in the published literature. Therefore, chatbot codesign with adolescents may help ensure that such technology is feasible and acceptable to an adolescent population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Han
- Engagement and Co-Design Research Hub, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Allyson Todd
- Engagement and Co-Design Research Hub, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Sara Wardak
- Engagement and Co-Design Research Hub, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Stephanie R Partridge
- Engagement and Co-Design Research Hub, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Rebecca Raeside
- Engagement and Co-Design Research Hub, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
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Langevin R, Berry ABL, Zhang J, Fockele CE, Anderson L, Hsieh D, Hartzler A, Duber HC, Hsieh G. Implementation Fidelity of Chatbot Screening for Social Needs: Acceptability, Feasibility, Appropriateness. Appl Clin Inform 2023; 14:374-391. [PMID: 36787882 PMCID: PMC10191737 DOI: 10.1055/a-2035-5342] [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: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Patient and provider-facing screening tools for social determinants of health have been explored in a variety of contexts; however, effective screening and resource referral remain challenging, and less is known about how patients perceive chatbots as potential social needs screening tools. We investigated patient perceptions of a chatbot for social needs screening using three implementation outcome measures: acceptability, feasibility, and appropriateness. METHODS We implemented a chatbot for social needs screening at one large public hospital emergency department (ED) and used concurrent triangulation to assess perceptions of the chatbot use for screening. A total of 350 ED visitors completed the social needs screening and rated the chatbot on implementation outcome measures, and 22 participants engaged in follow-up phone interviews. RESULTS The screened participants ranged in age from 18 to 90 years old and were diverse in race/ethnicity, education, and insurance status. Participants (n = 350) rated the chatbot as an acceptable, feasible, and appropriate way of screening. Through interviews (n = 22), participants explained that the chatbot was a responsive, private, easy to use, efficient, and comfortable channel to report social needs in the ED, but wanted more information on data use and more support in accessing resources. CONCLUSION In this study, we deployed a chatbot for social needs screening in a real-world context and found patients perceived the chatbot to be an acceptable, feasible, and appropriate modality for social needs screening. Findings suggest that chatbots are a promising modality for social needs screening and can successfully engage a large, diverse patient population in the ED. This is significant, as it suggests that chatbots could facilitate a screening process that ultimately connects patients to care for social needs, improving health and well-being for members of vulnerable patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raina Langevin
- Department of Human Centered Design and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Andrew B. L. Berry
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Jinyang Zhang
- Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Callan E. Fockele
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Layla Anderson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Dennis Hsieh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Harbor-University of California Los Angeles Medical Center, Torrance, California, United States
| | - Andrea Hartzler
- Biomedical Informatics and Medical Education, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Herbert C. Duber
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States
- Office of Health and Science, Washington State Department of Health, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Gary Hsieh
- Department of Human Centered Design and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
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11
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Mavragani A, Peters D, Moradbakhti L, Cook D, Rizos G, Schuller B, Kallis C, Wong E, Quint J. Assessing the Feasibility of a Text-Based Conversational Agent for Asthma Support: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Observational Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e42965. [PMID: 36729586 PMCID: PMC9936366 DOI: 10.2196/42965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite efforts, the UK death rate from asthma is the highest in Europe, and 65% of people with asthma in the United Kingdom do not receive the professional care they are entitled to. Experts have recommended the use of digital innovations to help address the issues of poor outcomes and lack of care access. An automated SMS text messaging-based conversational agent (ie, chatbot) created to provide access to asthma support in a familiar format via a mobile phone has the potential to help people with asthma across demographics and at scale. Such a chatbot could help improve the accuracy of self-assessed risk, improve asthma self-management, increase access to professional care, and ultimately reduce asthma attacks and emergencies. OBJECTIVE The aims of this study are to determine the feasibility and usability of a text-based conversational agent that processes a patient's text responses and short sample voice recordings to calculate an estimate of their risk for an asthma exacerbation and then offers follow-up information for lowering risk and improving asthma control; assess the levels of engagement for different groups of users, particularly those who do not access professional services and those with poor asthma control; and assess the extent to which users of the chatbot perceive it as helpful for improving their understanding and self-management of their condition. METHODS We will recruit 300 adults through four channels for broad reach: Facebook, YouGov, Asthma + Lung UK social media, and the website Healthily (a health self-management app). Participants will be screened, and those who meet inclusion criteria (adults diagnosed with asthma and who use WhatsApp) will be provided with a link to access the conversational agent through WhatsApp on their mobile phones. Participants will be sent scheduled and randomly timed messages to invite them to engage in dialogue about their asthma risk during the period of study. After a data collection period (28 days), participants will respond to questionnaire items related to the quality of the interaction. A pre- and postquestionnaire will measure asthma control before and after the intervention. RESULTS This study was funded in March 2021 and started in January 2022. We developed a prototype conversational agent, which was iteratively improved with feedback from people with asthma, asthma nurses, and specialist doctors. Fortnightly reviews of iterations by the clinical team began in September 2022 and are ongoing. This feasibility study will start recruitment in January 2023. The anticipated completion of the study is July 2023. A future randomized controlled trial will depend on the outcomes of this study and funding. CONCLUSIONS This feasibility study will inform a follow-up pilot and larger randomized controlled trial to assess the impact of a conversational agent on asthma outcomes, self-management, behavior change, and access to care. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/42965.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dorian Peters
- Dyson School of Design Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Moradbakhti
- Dyson School of Design Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Darren Cook
- Dyson School of Design Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Georgios Rizos
- Department of Computing, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bjoern Schuller
- Department of Computing, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Constantinos Kallis
- Faculty of Medicine, National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ernie Wong
- Faculty of Medicine, National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer Quint
- Faculty of Medicine, National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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12
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Tripathy S, Singh R, Ray M. Natural Language Processing for Covid-19 Consulting System. PROCEDIA COMPUTER SCIENCE 2023; 218:1335-1341. [PMID: 36743786 PMCID: PMC9886335 DOI: 10.1016/j.procs.2023.01.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The world was taken aback when the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2019. Ever since precautions have been taken to prevent the spreading or mutating of the virus, but the virus still keeps spreading and mutating. Scientists predict that the virus is going to stay for a long time but with reduced effectiveness. Recognizing the symptoms of the virus is essential in order to provide proper treatment for the virus. Visiting hospitals for consultation becomes quite difficult when people are supposed to maintain social distancing. Recently neural network generative models have shown impressive abilities in developing chatbots. However, using these neural network generative models that lack the required Covid specific knowledge to develop a Covid consulting system makes them difficult to be scaled. In order to bridge the gap between patients and a limited number of doctors we have proposed a Covid consulting agent by integrating the medical knowledge of Covid-19 with the neural network generative models. This system will automatically scan patient's dialogues seeking for a consultation to recognize the symptoms for Covid-19. The transformer and pretrained systems of BERT-GPT and GPT were fine-tuned CovidDialog-English dataset to generate responses for Covid-19 which were doctor-like and clinically meaningful to further solve the problem of the surging demand for medical consultations compared to the limited number of medical professionals. The results are evaluated and compared using multiple evaluation metrics which are NIST-n, perplexity, BLEU-n, METEOR, Entropy-n and Dist-n. In this paper, we also hope to prove that the results obtained from the automated dialogue systems were significantly similar to human evaluation. Furthermore, the evaluation shows that state-of-the-art BERT-GPT performs better.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mousim Ray
- Dept. of CSE, ITER, S'O’A(DU), Bhubaneswar, India
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13
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McTague K, Prizeman G, Shelly S, Eustace‐Cook J, McCann E. Youths with asthma and their experiences of self-management education: A systematic review of qualitative evidence. J Adv Nurs 2022; 78:3987-4002. [PMID: 36239214 PMCID: PMC9827903 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To identify and synthesize the available evidence of youths with asthma and their experience of self-management education. DESIGN Systematic literature review of qualitative studies with meta-synthesis of findings. DATA SOURCES We searched five databases, CINAHL Complete, Embase, MEDLINE (EBSCO) PsycINFO, ASSIA and the Global Index Medicus (formerly the WHOLIS). Initial search in September 2019 and updated in July 2020 and July 2022. REVIEW METHODS The systematic review was conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology for systematic reviews of qualitative evidence. Qualitative data were extracted, meta-summarized and then meta-synthesized. RESULTS Eighteen studies were identified for inclusion in this review and three themes were identified: The theory and practice gap, contemporary health-seeking preferences and the psychosocial impacts of living with asthma. CONCLUSION The needs of youths with asthma are specific and must be measurable against the change in asthma outcomes for this group. They have unmet self-management educational needs that stakeholders, involved in their care and support, should address. Education and practice policy should focus on youth-centric approaches. Through meaningful engagement with youths, stakeholders can identify their support needs, requirements and preferences to successfully underpin the theory and practice of self-management education. IMPACT This review synthesized evidence of youths with asthma and their experiences of self-management education, highlighting their specific self-management information needs. The findings highlight several implications for healthcare professionals in education, practice and research. This age profile is under-explored and further research into this population would work towards filling the theory and practice gap and highlighting the identified psychosocial issues faced by this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen McTague
- School of Nursing and MidwiferyTrinity CollegeDublinIreland
| | - Geraldine Prizeman
- Trinity Centre for Practice and Healthcare InnovationSchool of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity CollegeDublinIreland
| | - Stephen Shelly
- Department of RespiratorySt James's HospitalDublinIreland
| | | | - Edward McCann
- School of Health and PsychologyCity University of LondonLondonUK
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14
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Roca S, Almenara M, Gilaberte Y, Gracia-Cazaña T, Morales Callaghan AM, Murciano D, García J, Alesanco Á. When Virtual Assistants Meet Teledermatology: Validation of a Virtual Assistant to Improve the Quality of Life of Psoriatic Patients. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14527. [PMID: 36361408 PMCID: PMC9655501 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Teledermatology has given dermatologists a tool to track patients' responses to therapy using images. Virtual assistants, the programs that interact with users through text or voice messages, could be used in teledermatology to enhance the interaction of the tool with the patients and healthcare professionals and the overall impact of the medication and quality of life of patients. As such, this work aimed to investigate the effectiveness of using a virtual assistant for teledermatology and its impact on the quality of life. We conducted surveys with the participants and measured the usability of the system with the System Usability Scale (SUS). A total of 34 participants (30 patients diagnosed with moderate-severe psoriasis and 4 healthcare professionals) were included in the study. The measurement of the improvement of quality of life was done by analyzing Psoriasis Quality of Life (PSOLIFE) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaires. The results showed that, on average, the quality of life improved (from 63.8 to 64.8 for PSOLIFE (with a p-value of 0.66 and an effect size of 0.06) and 4.4 to 2.8 for DLQI (with a p-value of 0.04 and an effect size of 0.31)). Patients also used the virtual assistant to do 52 medical consultations. Moreover, the usability is above average, with a SUS score of 70.1. As supported by MMAS-8 results, adherence also improved slightly. Our work demonstrates the improvement of the quality of life with the use of a virtual assistant in teledermatology, which could be attributed to the sense of security or peace of mind the patients get as they can contact their dermatologists directly within the virtual assistant-integrated system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surya Roca
- Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Manuel Almenara
- Department of Dermatology, Miguel Servet University Hospital, IIS Aragon, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Yolanda Gilaberte
- Department of Dermatology, Miguel Servet University Hospital, IIS Aragon, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Tamara Gracia-Cazaña
- Department of Dermatology, Miguel Servet University Hospital, IIS Aragon, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | - Daniel Murciano
- Department of Dermatology, Miguel Servet University Hospital, IIS Aragon, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - José García
- Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Álvaro Alesanco
- Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
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15
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Oancea CN, Statie RC, Gheonea DI, Ciurea T, Șerbănescu MS, Streba CT. IBD Monitor: Romanian National Mobile Application for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Personalized Treatment and Monitoring. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12061345. [PMID: 35741155 PMCID: PMC9221845 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12061345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: In the last 30 years, we have seen an increase in the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Most cases are diagnosed in the 2nd and 3rd decades of life, a population group that is most familiar with the latest innovations in technology. Patients want to obtain more information about their disease and have complete control over the pathology, while reducing physical meetings with their doctor. Starting from these ideas, the present study aimed to develop a mobile application (app) to support IBD patients on symptoms/events reporting and on treatment administration monitoring. Methods: A multidisciplinary team was created to document and develop the app requirements and design its functionality. The app was beta-tested by several IBD patients. Their feedback was used to further refine the app. Results: We developed connected apps for both smartphones and smartwatches, with dedicated sections for event reporting and medication administration reminders/reporting. Conclusions: The development of apps dedicated to IBD patients is still in early progress. By creating this app, we aim to improve the evolution and compliance of IBD patients and to obtain new information that will have a beneficial impact on the management of these patients and open the door for personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen-Nicoleta Oancea
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Răzvan-Cristian Statie
- Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200638 Craiova, Romania; (R.-C.S.); (D.-I.G.); (T.C.)
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Dan-Ionuț Gheonea
- Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200638 Craiova, Romania; (R.-C.S.); (D.-I.G.); (T.C.)
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Tudorel Ciurea
- Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200638 Craiova, Romania; (R.-C.S.); (D.-I.G.); (T.C.)
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Mircea-Sebastian Șerbănescu
- Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Costin-Teodor Streba
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
- Department of Pulmonology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
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16
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Development and validation of self-management scale for tuberculosis patients. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:502. [PMID: 35624424 PMCID: PMC9137130 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07483-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tuberculosis remains a major threat to global public health. Regarding its control, directly observed therapy is not suitable as a global strategy for all tuberculosis patients. Self-management may be an important patient-centered tuberculosis case management supplement to directly observed therapy. However, there is currently no well-established instrument for measuring the self-management of tuberculosis patients. This study aimed to develop and validate a self-management scale for tuberculosis patients. Methods We developed an initial scale based on the tuberculosis health promotion indicators framework developed by our research group. After item analysis and two rounds of exploratory factor analysis, a final version of the scale was developed. A survey of 462 tuberculosis patients was conducted to develop and validate this scale. Cronbach’s α and intraclass correlation coefficients were used to assess reliability, and Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used to evaluate content validity. Fit indices, convergent validity, and discriminant validity were evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis to determine the construct validity of the scale. Results The scale was composed of 17 items in three dimensions (“adherence to treatment behavior,” “transmission prevention behavior,” and “supportive therapy behavior”). These three dimensions explained 76.60% of the variance. Cronbach’s α of the scale was 0.905, and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.897. Additionally, Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that each item was strongly correlated with the dimension to which it belonged (r = 0.849–0.915, p < 0.01). Most fit indices (Comparative Fit Index, Normed Fit Index, Incremental Fit Index, Goodness of fit index) reached the recommended threshold, and the average variance extracted values of the three dimensions were higher than 0.5. The values of the square root of the average variance extracted within each dimension were greater than the correlation between dimensions, and all heterotrait–monotrait values were below 0.85. Conclusions The self-management scale for tuberculosis patient demonstrated good reliability and validity and could be used as an instrument to evaluate the self-management of patients. Additionally, it could be used to develop evidence-based self-management interventions and evaluate those interventions.
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Eagle T, Blau C, Bales S, Desai N, Li V, Whittaker AS. “I don't Know what you Mean by ‘I am Anxious’”: A New Method for Evaluating Conversational Agent Responses to Standardized Mental Health Inputs for Anxiety and Depression. ACM T INTERACT INTEL 2022. [DOI: 10.1145/3488057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Conversational agents (CAs) are increasingly ubiquitous and are now commonly used to access medical information. However, we lack systematic data about the quality of advice such agents provide. This paper evaluates CA advice for mental health (MH) questions, a pressing issue given that we are undergoing a mental health crisis. Building on prior work, we define a new method to systematically evaluate mental health responses from CAs. We develop multi-utterance conversational probes derived from two widely used mental health diagnostic surveys, the PHQ-9 (Depression) and the GAD-7 (Anxiety). We evaluate the responses of two text-based chatbots and four voice assistants to determine whether CAs provide relevant responses and treatments. Evaluations were conducted both by clinicians and immersively by trained raters, yielding consistent results across all raters. Although advice and recommendations were generally low quality, they were better for Crisis probes and for probes concerning symptoms of Anxiety rather than Depression. Responses were slightly improved for text versus speech-based agents, and when CAs had access to extended dialogue context. Design implications include suggestions for improved responses through clarification sub-dialogues. Responses may also be improved by the incorporation of empathy although this needs to be combined with effective treatments or advice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Victor Li
- University of California, Santa Cruz
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18
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Lung Function Tests, Quality of Life and Telemedicine: Three Windows on the Multifaceted World of Asthma in Adolescents. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9040476. [PMID: 35455520 PMCID: PMC9026868 DOI: 10.3390/children9040476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is a heterogeneous disease usually characterized by chronic airway inflammation and recognized as the most prevalent chronic illness among children. Despite this, the knowledge as to how asthma affects adolescents is still scarce. One of the main management problems of asthmatic adolescents is the poor adherence to pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. The assessment of respiratory function and the impact on quality of life are still two crucial challenges in the management of asthmatic adolescents. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted physicians to explore complementary management strategies including telemedicine technologies. This review aims to provide an update on the contribution of respiratory functional tests, how asthma affects quality of life of adolescents and, finally, how telemedicine contributes to the management of adolescent asthmatics during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Furci F, Caminati M, Genovese S, Gangemi S, Senna G. Upsides and downsides of a telecounselling model of integrated asthma management between general practitioners and specialists. Clin Transl Allergy 2022; 12:e12088. [PMID: 35140909 PMCID: PMC8811728 DOI: 10.1002/clt2.12088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma control, one of the most important goals in the management of asthmatic patients, requires good adherence to guidelines and support at a territorial level, in particular on the part of general practitioners (GPs). A territorial hospital alliance can become a strength in asthma management, where control by GPs can also be carried out through a spirometric examination. METHODS The realisation of a telecounselling model management of asthma between GPs and specialists was the aim of this study, to understand how to obtain good asthma control. A specific digital platform, the PneumoApp platform, was used for the insertion of clinical data and flow volume (F-V) curves, performed in asthmatic patients by GPs, and for the subsequent evaluation of these data by specialists. RESULTS GPs have shown to be able to perform a check-up of respiratory function well using a portable spirometer, but the analysis of the collected data showed that GP assessment of the severity level of asthma is incorrect in patients with moderate-severe asthma. CONCLUSIONS The effectiveness of a telecounselling collaboration between hospital and territory in the management of asthma patients can be improved by greater diffusion of the use of Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines at a local level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Furci
- Immunology UnitUniversity HospitalVeronaItaly
- Department of Clinical and Experimental MedicineSchool and Operative Unit of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Policlinico “G. Martino”, University of MessinaMessinaItaly
| | - Marco Caminati
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Verona and Verona University HospitalVeronaItaly
| | - Sara Genovese
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council of Italy (IRIB‐CNR), Messina UnitMessinaItaly
| | - Sebastiano Gangemi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental MedicineSchool and Operative Unit of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Policlinico “G. Martino”, University of MessinaMessinaItaly
| | - Gianenrico Senna
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Verona and Verona University HospitalVeronaItaly
- Asthma Centre and Allergy UnitUniversity of Verona and Verona University HospitalVeronaItaly
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20
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Digital Technologies for Children and Parents Sharing Self-Management in Childhood Chronic or Long-Term Conditions: A Scoping Review. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 8:children8121203. [PMID: 34943399 PMCID: PMC8700031 DOI: 10.3390/children8121203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide, the prevalence of chronic (or long-term) conditions in children and young people from birth to 18 years (children) is increasing. Promoting competent and effective self-management skills early in the trajectory is important to improve adherence to treatment and optimise quality of life. Successful self-management, therefore, requires parents and children who are developmentally able to develop a range of complex skills, including the use of digital technologies. This scoping review aimed to identify primary research investigating digital technologies for children and parents sharing self-management in childhood chronic illnesses. A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted. Nineteen papers were included, assessed for quality and methodological rigour using the Hawker tool and thematically analysed. Three themes were identified: (i) the feasibility and acceptability of using technology, (ii) the usability of technologies and (iii) the effect of technologies on adherence and self-management skills. The results indicate that technologies such as mobile apps and websites can assist the management of long-term conditions, are an acceptable method of delivering information and can promote the development of effective self-management skills by parents and children. However, future technology design must include children and parents in all stages of development.
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Chavez-Yenter D, Kimball KE, Kohlmann W, Lorenz Chambers R, Bradshaw RL, Espinel WF, Flynn M, Gammon A, Goldberg E, Hagerty KJ, Hess R, Kessler C, Monahan R, Temares D, Tobik K, Mann DM, Kawamoto K, Del Fiol G, Buys SS, Ginsburg O, Kaphingst KA. Patient Interactions With an Automated Conversational Agent Delivering Pretest Genetics Education: Descriptive Study. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e29447. [PMID: 34792472 PMCID: PMC8663668 DOI: 10.2196/29447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer genetic testing to assess an individual’s cancer risk and to enable genomics-informed cancer treatment has grown exponentially in the past decade. Because of this continued growth and a shortage of health care workers, there is a need for automated strategies that provide high-quality genetics services to patients to reduce the clinical demand for genetics providers. Conversational agents have shown promise in managing mental health, pain, and other chronic conditions and are increasingly being used in cancer genetic services. However, research on how patients interact with these agents to satisfy their information needs is limited. Objective Our primary aim is to assess user interactions with a conversational agent for pretest genetics education. Methods We conducted a feasibility study of user interactions with a conversational agent who delivers pretest genetics education to primary care patients without cancer who are eligible for cancer genetic evaluation. The conversational agent provided scripted content similar to that delivered in a pretest genetic counseling visit for cancer genetic testing. Outside of a core set of information delivered to all patients, users were able to navigate within the chat to request additional content in their areas of interest. An artificial intelligence–based preprogrammed library was also established to allow users to ask open-ended questions to the conversational agent. Transcripts of the interactions were recorded. Here, we describe the information selected, time spent to complete the chat, and use of the open-ended question feature. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative measures, and thematic analyses were used for qualitative responses. Results We invited 103 patients to participate, of which 88.3% (91/103) were offered access to the conversational agent, 39% (36/91) started the chat, and 32% (30/91) completed the chat. Most users who completed the chat indicated that they wanted to continue with genetic testing (21/30, 70%), few were unsure (9/30, 30%), and no patient declined to move forward with testing. Those who decided to test spent an average of 10 (SD 2.57) minutes on the chat, selected an average of 1.87 (SD 1.2) additional pieces of information, and generally did not ask open-ended questions. Those who were unsure spent 4 more minutes on average (mean 14.1, SD 7.41; P=.03) on the chat, selected an average of 3.67 (SD 2.9) additional pieces of information, and asked at least one open-ended question. Conclusions The pretest chat provided enough information for most patients to decide on cancer genetic testing, as indicated by the small number of open-ended questions. A subset of participants were still unsure about receiving genetic testing and may require additional education or interpersonal support before making a testing decision. Conversational agents have the potential to become a scalable alternative for pretest genetics education, reducing the clinical demand on genetics providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Chavez-Yenter
- Department of Communication, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.,Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Kadyn E Kimball
- Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Wendy Kohlmann
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | | | - Richard L Bradshaw
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Whitney F Espinel
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Michael Flynn
- University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Amanda Gammon
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Eric Goldberg
- Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kelsi J Hagerty
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Rachel Hess
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Cecilia Kessler
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Rachel Monahan
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Danielle Temares
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Katie Tobik
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Devin M Mann
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kensaku Kawamoto
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Guilherme Del Fiol
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Saundra S Buys
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Ophira Ginsburg
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kimberly A Kaphingst
- Department of Communication, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.,Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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22
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Murphy J, McSharry J, Hynes L, Molloy GJ. A Smartphone App to Support Adherence to Inhaled Corticosteroids in Young Adults With Asthma: Multi-Methods Feasibility Study. JMIR Form Res 2021; 5:e28784. [PMID: 34468325 PMCID: PMC8444040 DOI: 10.2196/28784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Young adults with asthma often report low adherence to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), leading to uncontrolled symptoms and poor disease outcomes. Technology-enabled digital supports such as mobile health (mHealth) asthma smartphone apps have the potential to support adherence to ICS and asthma self-management. There is a need for feasibility studies to determine the usability, acceptability, and feasibility of these interventions. In addition, it is essential to determine the feasibility of recruiting and retaining young adults to plan future efficacy and effectiveness trials and therefore, establish evidence-based asthma apps. Objective This study aimed to determine (1) the feasibility of recruiting and retaining young adults to a trial and (2) the usability, acceptability, and feasibility of using the AsthmaMD app to support adherence to ICS in a population of young adults living with asthma. Methods A multi-methods feasibility study was conducted. Young adults aged 18-30 years with asthma and current prescription for ICS were eligible and invited to take part through a university circular email, social media, and general practice sites. Participation involved completing a baseline self-report questionnaire, downloading and using the AsthmaMD app for 2 weeks, and completing the follow-up assessment, including self-report and open-ended questions about participants’ experience of using the app. Primary outcomes included participant recruitment and retention and the usability, acceptability, and feasibility of using AsthmaMD. Quantitative self-report data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative open-ended data were analyzed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis. Results A total of 122 young adults (females, n=101, 82.8%) with a mean age of 24.4 (SD 3.8) years were recruited and they completed baseline measures. Of the 122 young adults, 59 (48.4%) completed the study. The AsthmaMD app received a mean score of 63.1/100 (SD 20.1) on the System Usability Scale (ie, a standardized measure of usability for technology-based apps), and an overall user satisfaction score of 5.8/10 (SD 2.2). Of the 59 participants who completed the study, 49 (83%) participants used the app ≥1 day per week. Two main themes were identified in the qualitative analysis of user experiences: (1) learning how to use the app to suit the individual and (2) benefits and relevance of using the app. Conclusions The findings from this study indicate that it is feasible to recruit and retain young adults to examine efficacy and effectiveness in a future trial and that young adults living with asthma may find AsthmaMD to be usable, acceptable, and feasible to support adherence to ICS. Our findings also identified opportunities to further optimize the usability of AsthmaMD and similar apps. Based on our findings, we recommend providing more accessible information on how to use the app and replacing medical terminology with simplified language within the app to improve usability. Trial Registration ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN11295269; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN11295269
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Murphy
- School of Psychology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Jenny McSharry
- School of Psychology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Lisa Hynes
- Croí, The West of Ireland Cardiac Foundation, Galway, Ireland
| | - Gerard J Molloy
- School of Psychology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Galway, Ireland
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23
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Geoghegan L, Scarborough A, Wormald JCR, Harrison CJ, Collins D, Gardiner M, Bruce J, Rodrigues JN. Automated conversational agents for post-intervention follow-up: a systematic review. BJS Open 2021; 5:zrab070. [PMID: 34323916 PMCID: PMC8320342 DOI: 10.1093/bjsopen/zrab070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advances in natural language processing and other machine learning techniques have led to the development of automated agents (chatbots) that mimic human conversation. These systems have mainly been used in commercial settings, and within medicine, for symptom checking and psychotherapy. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the acceptability and implementation success of chatbots in the follow-up of patients who have undergone a physical healthcare intervention. METHODS A systematic review of MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-process, EMBASE, PsychINFO, CINAHL, CENTRAL and the grey literature using a PRISMA-compliant methodology up to September 2020 was conducted. Abstract screening and data extraction were performed in duplicate. Risk of bias and quality assessments were performed for each study. RESULTS The search identified 904 studies of which 10 met full inclusion criteria: three randomised control trials, one non-randomised clinical trial and six cohort studies. Chatbots were used for monitoring after the management of cancer, hypertension and asthma, orthopaedic intervention, ureteroscopy and intervention for varicose veins. All chatbots were deployed on mobile devices. A number of metrics were identified and ranged from a 31 per cent chatbot engagement rate to a 97 per cent response rate for system-generated questions. No study examined patient safety. CONCLUSION A range of chatbot builds and uses was identified. Further investigation of acceptability, efficacy and mechanistic evaluation in outpatient care pathways may lend support to implementation in routine clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Geoghegan
- Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - A Scarborough
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, King’s College Hospital, London, UK
| | - J C R Wormald
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - C J Harrison
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - D Collins
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Burns Surgery, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK
| | - M Gardiner
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Frimley Park Hospital, Guildford, UK
| | - J Bruce
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - J N Rodrigues
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Aylesbury, UK
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24
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Hsia BC, Singh AK, Njeze O, Cosar E, Mowrey WB, Feldman J, Reznik M, Jariwala SP. Developing and evaluating ASTHMAXcel adventures: A novel gamified mobile application for pediatric patients with asthma. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2020; 125:581-588. [PMID: 32711031 PMCID: PMC7375272 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2020.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ASTHMAXcel mobile application has been linked to favorable outcomes among adult patients with asthma. OBJECTIVE To assess the impact of ASTHMAXcel Adventures, a gamified, guideline-based, pediatric version on asthma control, knowledge, health care utilization, and patient satisfaction. METHODS Pediatric patients with asthma received the ASTHMAXcel Adventures mobile intervention on-site only at baseline (visit 1), 4 months (visit 2), and 6 months (visit 3). The asthma control test, asthma illness representation scale-self-administered, pediatric asthma impact survey, and Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8 were used to assess asthma control, knowledge, and patient satisfaction. Patients reported the number of asthma-related emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, and oral prednisone use. RESULTS A total of 39 patients completed the study. The proportion of controlled asthma increased from visit 1 to visits 2 and 3 (30.8% vs 53.9%, P = .04; 30.8% vs 59.0%, P = .02), and largely seen in boys. The mean asthma illness representation scale-self-administered scores increased from baseline pre- to postintervention, with sustained improvements at visits 2 and 3 (3.55 vs 3.76, P < .001; 3.55 vs 3.80, P = .001; 3.55 vs 3.99, P < .001). The pediatric asthma impact survey scores improved from baseline to visits 2 and 3 (43.33 vs 34.08, P < .001; 43.33 vs 31.74, P < .001). ED visits and prednisone use significantly decreased from baseline to visits 2 and 3 (ED: 0.46 vs 0.13, P = .03; 0.46 vs 0.02, P = .02; prednisone use, 0.49 vs 0.13, P = .02; 0.49 vs 0.03, P = .003. Satisfaction was high with mean client satisfaction questionnaire score of approximately 30 (out of 32) at all visits. CONCLUSION ASTHMAXcel Adventures improved asthma control, knowledge, and quality of life, and reduced ED visits and prednisone use with high satisfaction scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian C Hsia
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Anjani K Singh
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Obumneme Njeze
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Emine Cosar
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Wenzhu B Mowrey
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Jonathan Feldman
- Division of Academic General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, the Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York; Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, New York
| | - Marina Reznik
- Division of Academic General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, the Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Sunit P Jariwala
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York.
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25
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Camacho-Rivera M, Vo H, Huang X, Lau J, Lawal A, Kawaguchi A. Evaluating Asthma Mobile Apps to Improve Asthma Self-Management: User Ratings and Sentiment Analysis of Publicly Available Apps. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2020; 8:e15076. [PMID: 33118944 PMCID: PMC7661227 DOI: 10.2196/15076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development and use of mobile health (mHealth) apps for asthma management have risen dramatically over the past two decades. Asthma apps vary widely in their content and features; however, prior research has rarely examined preferences of users of publicly available apps. OBJECTIVE The goals of this study were to provide a descriptive overview of asthma mobile apps that are publicly available and to assess the usability of asthma apps currently available on the market to identify content and features of apps associated with positive and negative user ratings. METHODS Reviews were collected on June 23, 2020, and included publicly posted reviews until June 21, 2020. To characterize features associated with high or low app ratings, we first dichotomized the average user rating of the asthma app into 2 categories: a high average rating and a low average rating. Asthma apps with average ratings of 4 and above were categorized as having a high average rating. Asthma apps with average ratings of less than 4 were categorized as having a low average rating. For the sentiment analysis, we modeled both 2-word (bi-gram) and 3-word (tri-gram) phrases which commonly appeared across highly rated and lowly rated apps. RESULTS Of the 10 apps that met the inclusion criteria, a total of 373 reviews were examined across all apps. Among apps reviewed, 53.4% (199/373) received high ratings (average ratings of 4 or 5) and 47.2% (176/373) received low ratings (average ratings of 3 or less). The number of ratings across all apps ranged from 188 (AsthmaMD) to 10 (My Asthma App); 30% (3/10) of apps were available on both Android and iOS. From the sentiment analysis, key features of asthma management that were common among highly rated apps included the tracking of peak flow readings (n=48), asthma symptom monitoring (n=11), and action plans (n=10). Key features related to functionality that were common among highly rated apps included ease of use (n=5). Users most commonly reported loss of data (n=14) and crashing of app (n=12) as functionality issues among poorly rated asthma apps. CONCLUSIONS Our study results demonstrate that asthma app quality, maintenance, and updates vary widely across apps and platforms. These findings may call into question the long-term engagement with asthma apps, a crucial factor for determining their potential to improve asthma self-management and asthma clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Camacho-Rivera
- Department of Community Health Sciences, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, United States
| | - Huy Vo
- Department of Computer Science, Grove School of Engineering, City College of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Xueqi Huang
- Department of Computer Science, Grove School of Engineering, City College of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Julia Lau
- Department of Computer Science, Grove School of Engineering, City College of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Adeola Lawal
- Department of Community Health and Social Medicine, CUNY School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Akira Kawaguchi
- Department of Computer Science, Grove School of Engineering, City College of New York, New York, NY, United States
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26
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McBride CM, Morrissey EC, Molloy GJ. Patients' Experiences of Using Smartphone Apps to Support Self-Management and Improve Medication Adherence in Hypertension: Qualitative Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2020; 8:e17470. [PMID: 33112251 PMCID: PMC7657730 DOI: 10.2196/17470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Worldwide, hypertension control rates remain suboptimal despite clinically effective antihypertensive drug therapy. Patient failure to take medication as prescribed (ie, nonadherence) is the most important factor contributing to poor control. Smartphone apps can facilitate the delivery of evidence-based behavior change techniques to improve adherence and may provide a scalable, usable, and feasible method to deliver self-management support. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to explore patients' experiences of the usability and feasibility of smartphone apps to support self-management and improve medication adherence in hypertension. METHODS A qualitative descriptive study was conducted. A total of 11 people living with hypertension from the West of Ireland were sampled purposively and interviewed about their experience of using a self-management app for a 4-week period, which included two key functionalities: self-monitoring of blood pressure (BP) and medication reminders. Thematic analysis was carried out on the semistructured interview data. RESULTS Participants' age ranged from 43 to 74 years (mean 62 years, SD 9.13). Three themes were identified: digital empowerment of self-management, human versus digital systems, and digital sustainability. Although patients' experience of using the technology to self-monitor BP was one of empowerment, characterized by an enhanced insight and understanding into their condition, control, and personal responsibility, the reminder function was only feasible for patients who reported unintentional nonadherence to treatment. Patients experienced the app as a sustainable tool to support self-management and found it easy to use, including those with limited technological competence. CONCLUSIONS The study's findings provide new insights into the experience of using apps to support medication adherence in hypertension. Overall, the data support apps as a usable and feasible method to aid self-management of hypertension and highlight the need for personalized functionality, particularly with regard to medication adherence reminder strategies. The study's findings challenge the perspective that the use of these technologies to support self-management can inevitably add to the burden of treatment experienced by patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciara M McBride
- School of Psychology, National Univeristy of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Eimear C Morrissey
- Health Behaviour Change Research Group, National Univiersity of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Gerard J Molloy
- Medication Adherence Across the Lifespan Research Group, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
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27
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Milne-Ives M, de Cock C, Lim E, Shehadeh MH, de Pennington N, Mole G, Normando E, Meinert E. The Effectiveness of Artificial Intelligence Conversational Agents in Health Care: Systematic Review. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e20346. [PMID: 33090118 PMCID: PMC7644372 DOI: 10.2196/20346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high demand for health care services and the growing capability of artificial intelligence have led to the development of conversational agents designed to support a variety of health-related activities, including behavior change, treatment support, health monitoring, training, triage, and screening support. Automation of these tasks could free clinicians to focus on more complex work and increase the accessibility to health care services for the public. An overarching assessment of the acceptability, usability, and effectiveness of these agents in health care is needed to collate the evidence so that future development can target areas for improvement and potential for sustainable adoption. OBJECTIVE This systematic review aims to assess the effectiveness and usability of conversational agents in health care and identify the elements that users like and dislike to inform future research and development of these agents. METHODS PubMed, Medline (Ovid), EMBASE (Excerpta Medica dataBASE), CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), Web of Science, and the Association for Computing Machinery Digital Library were systematically searched for articles published since 2008 that evaluated unconstrained natural language processing conversational agents used in health care. EndNote (version X9, Clarivate Analytics) reference management software was used for initial screening, and full-text screening was conducted by 1 reviewer. Data were extracted, and the risk of bias was assessed by one reviewer and validated by another. RESULTS A total of 31 studies were selected and included a variety of conversational agents, including 14 chatbots (2 of which were voice chatbots), 6 embodied conversational agents (3 of which were interactive voice response calls, virtual patients, and speech recognition screening systems), 1 contextual question-answering agent, and 1 voice recognition triage system. Overall, the evidence reported was mostly positive or mixed. Usability and satisfaction performed well (27/30 and 26/31), and positive or mixed effectiveness was found in three-quarters of the studies (23/30). However, there were several limitations of the agents highlighted in specific qualitative feedback. CONCLUSIONS The studies generally reported positive or mixed evidence for the effectiveness, usability, and satisfactoriness of the conversational agents investigated, but qualitative user perceptions were more mixed. The quality of many of the studies was limited, and improved study design and reporting are necessary to more accurately evaluate the usefulness of the agents in health care and identify key areas for improvement. Further research should also analyze the cost-effectiveness, privacy, and security of the agents. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/16934.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison Milne-Ives
- Digitally Enabled PrevenTative Health Research Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline de Cock
- Digitally Enabled PrevenTative Health Research Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ernest Lim
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Ufonia Limited, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nick de Pennington
- Ufonia Limited, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Guy Mole
- Ufonia Limited, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Edward Meinert
- Digitally Enabled PrevenTative Health Research Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Health Technology, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
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28
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Schachner T, Keller R, V Wangenheim F. Artificial Intelligence-Based Conversational Agents for Chronic Conditions: Systematic Literature Review. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e20701. [PMID: 32924957 PMCID: PMC7522733 DOI: 10.2196/20701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A rising number of conversational agents or chatbots are equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) architecture. They are increasingly prevalent in health care applications such as those providing education and support to patients with chronic diseases, one of the leading causes of death in the 21st century. AI-based chatbots enable more effective and frequent interactions with such patients. OBJECTIVE The goal of this systematic literature review is to review the characteristics, health care conditions, and AI architectures of AI-based conversational agents designed specifically for chronic diseases. METHODS We conducted a systematic literature review using PubMed MEDLINE, EMBASE, PyscInfo, CINAHL, ACM Digital Library, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. We applied a predefined search strategy using the terms "conversational agent," "healthcare," "artificial intelligence," and their synonyms. We updated the search results using Google alerts, and screened reference lists for other relevant articles. We included primary research studies that involved the prevention, treatment, or rehabilitation of chronic diseases, involved a conversational agent, and included any kind of AI architecture. Two independent reviewers conducted screening and data extraction, and Cohen kappa was used to measure interrater agreement.A narrative approach was applied for data synthesis. RESULTS The literature search found 2052 articles, out of which 10 papers met the inclusion criteria. The small number of identified studies together with the prevalence of quasi-experimental studies (n=7) and prevailing prototype nature of the chatbots (n=7) revealed the immaturity of the field. The reported chatbots addressed a broad variety of chronic diseases (n=6), showcasing a tendency to develop specialized conversational agents for individual chronic conditions. However, there lacks comparison of these chatbots within and between chronic diseases. In addition, the reported evaluation measures were not standardized, and the addressed health goals showed a large range. Together, these study characteristics complicated comparability and open room for future research. While natural language processing represented the most used AI technique (n=7) and the majority of conversational agents allowed for multimodal interaction (n=6), the identified studies demonstrated broad heterogeneity, lack of depth of reported AI techniques and systems, and inconsistent usage of taxonomy of the underlying AI software, further aggravating comparability and generalizability of study results. CONCLUSIONS The literature on AI-based conversational agents for chronic conditions is scarce and mostly consists of quasi-experimental studies with chatbots in prototype stage that use natural language processing and allow for multimodal user interaction. Future research could profit from evidence-based evaluation of the AI-based conversational agents and comparison thereof within and between different chronic health conditions. Besides increased comparability, the quality of chatbots developed for specific chronic conditions and their subsequent impact on the target patients could be enhanced by more structured development and standardized evaluation processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Schachner
- Department of Management, Technology, and Economics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roman Keller
- Department of Management, Technology, and Economics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Future Health Technologies programme, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise, Singapore-ETH Centre, Singapore
| | - Florian V Wangenheim
- Department of Management, Technology, and Economics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Future Health Technologies programme, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise, Singapore-ETH Centre, Singapore
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Tudor Car L, Dhinagaran DA, Kyaw BM, Kowatsch T, Joty S, Theng YL, Atun R. Conversational Agents in Health Care: Scoping Review and Conceptual Analysis. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e17158. [PMID: 32763886 PMCID: PMC7442948 DOI: 10.2196/17158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conversational agents, also known as chatbots, are computer programs designed to simulate human text or verbal conversations. They are increasingly used in a range of fields, including health care. By enabling better accessibility, personalization, and efficiency, conversational agents have the potential to improve patient care. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to review the current applications, gaps, and challenges in the literature on conversational agents in health care and provide recommendations for their future research, design, and application. METHODS We performed a scoping review. A broad literature search was performed in MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online; Ovid), EMBASE (Excerpta Medica database; Ovid), PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Central with the search terms "conversational agents," "conversational AI," "chatbots," and associated synonyms. We also searched the gray literature using sources such as the OCLC (Online Computer Library Center) WorldCat database and ResearchGate in April 2019. Reference lists of relevant articles were checked for further articles. Screening and data extraction were performed in parallel by 2 reviewers. The included evidence was analyzed narratively by employing the principles of thematic analysis. RESULTS The literature search yielded 47 study reports (45 articles and 2 ongoing clinical trials) that matched the inclusion criteria. The identified conversational agents were largely delivered via smartphone apps (n=23) and used free text only as the main input (n=19) and output (n=30) modality. Case studies describing chatbot development (n=18) were the most prevalent, and only 11 randomized controlled trials were identified. The 3 most commonly reported conversational agent applications in the literature were treatment and monitoring, health care service support, and patient education. CONCLUSIONS The literature on conversational agents in health care is largely descriptive and aimed at treatment and monitoring and health service support. It mostly reports on text-based, artificial intelligence-driven, and smartphone app-delivered conversational agents. There is an urgent need for a robust evaluation of diverse health care conversational agents' formats, focusing on their acceptability, safety, and effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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, United Kingdom
| | - Dhakshenya Ardhithy Dhinagaran
- Family Medicine and Primary Care, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bhone Myint Kyaw
- Family Medicine and Primary Care, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tobias Kowatsch
- Future Health Technologies programme, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore-ETH Centre, Singapore
- Center for Digital Health Interventions, Department of Management, Technology, and Economics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Center for Digital Health Interventions, Institute of Technology Management, University of St Gallen, St Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Shafiq Joty
- School of Computer Sciences and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yin-Leng Theng
- Centre for Healthy and Sustainable Cities, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Rifat Atun
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
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eHealth only interventions and blended interventions to support self-management in adolescents with asthma: A systematic review. CLINICAL EHEALTH 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ceh.2020.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Laranjo L, Dunn AG, Tong HL, Kocaballi AB, Chen J, Bashir R, Surian D, Gallego B, Magrabi F, Lau AYS, Coiera E. Conversational agents in healthcare: a systematic review. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2019; 25:1248-1258. [PMID: 30010941 PMCID: PMC6118869 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocy072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 336] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Our objective was to review the characteristics, current applications, and evaluation measures of conversational agents with unconstrained natural language input capabilities used for health-related purposes. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and ACM Digital using a predefined search strategy. Studies were included if they focused on consumers or healthcare professionals; involved a conversational agent using any unconstrained natural language input; and reported evaluation measures resulting from user interaction with the system. Studies were screened by independent reviewers and Cohen’s kappa measured inter-coder agreement. Results The database search retrieved 1513 citations; 17 articles (14 different conversational agents) met the inclusion criteria. Dialogue management strategies were mostly finite-state and frame-based (6 and 7 conversational agents, respectively); agent-based strategies were present in one type of system. Two studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 1 was cross-sectional, and the remaining were quasi-experimental. Half of the conversational agents supported consumers with health tasks such as self-care. The only RCT evaluating the efficacy of a conversational agent found a significant effect in reducing depression symptoms (effect size d = 0.44, p = .04). Patient safety was rarely evaluated in the included studies. Conclusions The use of conversational agents with unconstrained natural language input capabilities for health-related purposes is an emerging field of research, where the few published studies were mainly quasi-experimental, and rarely evaluated efficacy or safety. Future studies would benefit from more robust experimental designs and standardized reporting. Protocol Registration The protocol for this systematic review is registered at PROSPERO with the number CRD42017065917.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Laranjo
- Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Adam G Dunn
- Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Huong Ly Tong
- Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ahmet Baki Kocaballi
- Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jessica Chen
- Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rabia Bashir
- Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Didi Surian
- Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Blanca Gallego
- Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Farah Magrabi
- Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Annie Y S Lau
- Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Enrico Coiera
- Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
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Farzandipour M, Nabovati E, Heidarzadeh Arani M, Akbari H, Sharif R, Anvari S. Enhancing Asthma Patients' Self-Management through Smartphone-Based Application: Design, Usability Evaluation, and Educational Intervention. Appl Clin Inform 2019; 10:870-878. [PMID: 31724144 DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1700866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to design and evaluate a smartphone-based application for improving self-management in patients with asthma and evaluate its effects on their knowledge. METHODS In this applied research, based on the Clinical Practice Guideline and a systematic review, a questionnaire was designed to determine the application information content and functionality requirements by 15 pediatric and adult asthma and allergy specialist. Then the application was designed and developed using Adobe Air software on the Android operating system. Usability evaluation of the mobile application was performed using the standard questionnaire for user interaction satisfaction (QUIS), which completed by 30 patients with asthma, 8 information technology (IT) specialists, and 2 asthma and allergy specialists. Self-management knowledge of 30 asthma patients was measured using a researcher-made questionnaire before and after using the application. RESULTS The number of specialists in the both Delphi rounds was 15 and the mean work experiences were 17.6 years. The most important elements for asthma self-management were avoiding exposure to allergen and triggers (96%), drug treatment (94.6%), and how to use the therapeutic tools (92.4%), and the most important functionalities were alerting the patients when they did not control asthma (92%), setting reminders for timely drug use (85.4%) and therapeutic tools (82.6%), recording prescription drugs (82.6%), and peak flow meter values (82%). Usability evaluation showed that 30 patients with asthma, 8 IT specialists, and 2 physicians evaluated the application at a "good" level. The mean score of the patients' knowledge before intervention was 2.43 ± 0.95 which after intervention was significantly increased to 4.3 ± 0.56 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Considering the desirable outcomes of application evaluation and a positive impact of this educational intervention on asthma patients' knowledge, it is possible to use mobile-based self-management programs to help these patients to manage illness and gain knowledge and self-management skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Farzandipour
- Health Information Management Research Center, Department of Health Information Management and Technology, School of Allied Health Professions, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Ehsan Nabovati
- Health Information Management Research Center, Department of Health Information Management and Technology, School of Allied Health Professions, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | | | - Hossein Akbari
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Reihane Sharif
- Department of Health Information Management and Technology, School of Allied Health Professions, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Shima Anvari
- Department of Health Information Management and Technology, School of Allied Health Professions, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
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Kocaballi AB, Berkovsky S, Quiroz JC, Laranjo L, Tong HL, Rezazadegan D, Briatore A, Coiera E. The Personalization of Conversational Agents in Health Care: Systematic Review. J Med Internet Res 2019; 21:e15360. [PMID: 31697237 PMCID: PMC6873147 DOI: 10.2196/15360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The personalization of conversational agents with natural language user interfaces is seeing increasing use in health care applications, shaping the content, structure, or purpose of the dialogue between humans and conversational agents. OBJECTIVE The goal of this systematic review was to understand the ways in which personalization has been used with conversational agents in health care and characterize the methods of its implementation. METHODS We searched on PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and ACM Digital Library using a predefined search strategy. The studies were included if they: (1) were primary research studies that focused on consumers, caregivers, or health care professionals; (2) involved a conversational agent with an unconstrained natural language interface; (3) tested the system with human subjects; and (4) implemented personalization features. RESULTS The search found 1958 publications. After abstract and full-text screening, 13 studies were included in the review. Common examples of personalized content included feedback, daily health reports, alerts, warnings, and recommendations. The personalization features were implemented without a theoretical framework of customization and with limited evaluation of its impact. While conversational agents with personalization features were reported to improve user satisfaction, user engagement and dialogue quality, the role of personalization in improving health outcomes was not assessed directly. CONCLUSIONS Most of the studies in our review implemented the personalization features without theoretical or evidence-based support for them and did not leverage the recent developments in other domains of personalization. Future research could incorporate personalization as a distinct design factor with a more careful consideration of its impact on health outcomes and its implications on patient safety, privacy, and decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Baki Kocaballi
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation
, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Shlomo Berkovsky
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation
, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Juan C Quiroz
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation
, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Liliana Laranjo
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation
, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Huong Ly Tong
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation
, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Dana Rezazadegan
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation
, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Agustina Briatore
- Health Information Systems Office, Ministry of Health, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Enrico Coiera
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation
, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
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Development of a framework for increasing asthma awareness in Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe. Asthma Res Pract 2019; 5:4. [PMID: 31687163 PMCID: PMC6820964 DOI: 10.1186/s40733-019-0052-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Asthma accounts for significant global morbidity and health-care costs. It is still poorly understood among health professionals and the general population. Consequently, there are significant morbidity and mortality rates throughout the globe. The aim of this study was to develop a framework to increase asthma awareness at Chitungwiza Hospital, Zimbabwe. Methods A modified Delphi model was used to collect data to develop a framework for increasing asthma awareness. At baseline (round 1) in-depth interviews with 44 medical doctors were carried out to understand the level of asthma awareness. Round 2 data collection was in the form of a workshop involving a total of 15 doctors, 30 nurses, four public relations officers, and two health education and promotion officers. The same participants who were engaged in round 2 were also involved in the third round where consensus was achieved by the health professionals. Results Our study showed that awareness to asthma among health care providers was affected by mimicry of symptoms and lack of continuous education on asthma. Our study showed lack of Information Education and Communication (IEC) material and lack of use of bulk messages affected asthma awareness. Our study showed that clinical meetings on asthma, having asthma training manuals, (IEC) materials and guidelines for asthma diagnosis and management could improve health care providers' awareness of asthma. Bulk messages on asthma through network providers, social media and bill boards, commemorating world asthma day, edutainment, asthma ambassadors and multimedia were suggested as means of improving awareness of asthma among the public. Conclusion We concluded that awareness of asthma can be improved using a framework. Such a framework ultimately improves the quality of asthma care.
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Ramsey RR, Carmody JK, Holbein CE, Guilbert TW, Hommel KA. Examination of the uses, needs, and preferences for health technology use in adolescents with asthma. J Asthma 2019; 56:964-972. [PMID: 30207802 PMCID: PMC6414273 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2018.1514048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To examine the health technology uses and preferences of adolescents with asthma using a qualitative descriptive individual interview approach. Methods: Twenty adolescents were recruited from regularly scheduled asthma clinic appointments from February to July 2016. Patients were interviewed about their technology use and ways in which health technology could improve their asthma management using an open-ended semi-structured interview format. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and coded into themes. Results: Social media (e.g. Snapchat, Instagram) and general communication (e.g. messaging) were the most common uses of technology while medical reminders (e.g. appointment, refill, medication) were the most common use of health technology. Adolescents identified ways in which health technology could improve their asthma management including (1) tracking symptoms and medication, (2) medical reminders, and (3) asthma and self-management knowledge specifically related to medications and individual action plans. Other themes that emerged included a desire to customize health technology to fit with individual schedules and medical routines and use of health technology data with medical providers. Conclusions: Adolescents and parents experience a number of challenges related to managing asthma, and health technology interventions should focus on ways to improve adherence and self-management. Future research considerations and potential interventions including ways to integrate adolescent preferences with evidence-based interventions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachelle R Ramsey
- a Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center , Cincinnati , OH , USA
- b Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine , Cincinnati , OH , USA
| | - Julia K Carmody
- a Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center , Cincinnati , OH , USA
| | - Christina E Holbein
- a Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center , Cincinnati , OH , USA
| | - Theresa W Guilbert
- b Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine , Cincinnati , OH , USA
- c Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center , Cincinnati , OH , USA
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Smartphone Applications for Encouraging Asthma Self-Management in Adolescents: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15112403. [PMID: 30380692 PMCID: PMC6266660 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15112403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Adolescent asthma is still a major problem with poor adherence to treatment. Globally, adolescents are devoted users of smartphone technologies and app use in asthma self-management may improve adherence. The objective of this systematic review is to assess the feasibility and efficacy of mobile technology in improving asthma outcomes in adolescents. We conducted an extensive review of the peer-review literature of studies with populations consisting of children and adolescents under 18 years in seven bibliographic databases and Google Scholar. All study designs were considered. Quality assessment of included studies were independently assessed and reported. The search identified 291 articles; of the 16 eligible full-text papers, 8 met the review criteria, reporting two interventional, two qualitative and four observational studies. Samples ranged from 12 to 21 participants. Heterogeneity related to study design and the methods of the included studies prevented meta-analysis. Nevertheless, the intervention studies reported a positive effect of smartphone apps on asthma control, medication adherence and self-efficacy. Smartphone apps may be an effective asthma control tool especially among adolescents who are major users of smartphones; however, conclusions are limited by a lack of controlled trials and adequate sample sizes.
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Mammen JR, Java JJ, Rhee H, Butz AM, Halterman JS, Arcoleo K. Mixed-methods content and sentiment analysis of adolescents' voice diaries describing daily experiences with asthma and self-management decision-making. Clin Exp Allergy 2018; 49:299-307. [PMID: 30113733 DOI: 10.1111/cea.13250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accurate symptom assessment remains challenging in teen populations. Little is known of usual symptom/response patterns, and self-reported paper diaries have traditionally low compliance rates. Therefore, we used concurrent digital voice diaries to capture daily asthma experiences. OBJECTIVE (a) To qualitatively explore usual symptom patterns and self-management responses and (b) to quantitatively explore relationships between symptom severity and sentiment scores (a marker of emotional response to events). METHODS Fourteen minority and nonminority teenagers (age 13-17) with controlled (50%) and uncontrolled asthma used digital recorders to report about their asthma once daily over 14 days. Dairy entries were coded for symptom frequency, severity, type, and self-management responses, while sentiment analysis was used to evaluate the emotional valence of diary entries and to explore whether increased symptom levels correlated with greater negative sentiment. RESULTS Symptom frequency and severity recorded in voice diaries were much higher than teens indicated at baseline and were discordant with clinical assessments of asthma control. Of 175 entries, teens had symptoms 69.1% of days (121/175) and severe symptoms on one-third of these. Atypical symptoms (coughing, throat clearing) were reported twice as often as traditional symptoms (wheezing, chest tightness) and often not recognized as asthma, but rather attributed to being "sick" (25.6% of symptom days). Teens frequently minimized symptoms, used rescue and controller medication inconsistently, and resorted to alternative strategies to manage symptoms. Sentiment was not significantly correlated with assessed control (β = 0.14, P = 0.28), but for teens reporting severe symptoms, sentiment scores decreased by 0.31 relative to teens without symptoms (P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Teens may minimize symptoms and have greater symptom frequency and severity than is recognized by themselves or providers. Screening for specific symptoms including coughing, throat clearing, and respiratory illness may be needed to identify those experiencing burden from asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Mammen
- University of Rhode Island College of Nursing, Kingston, Rhode Island.,University of Rochester School of Nursing, Rochester, New York
| | - James J Java
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
| | - Hyekyun Rhee
- University of Rochester School of Nursing, Rochester, New York
| | - Arlene M Butz
- School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jill S Halterman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, New York
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Bickmore TW, Trinh H, Olafsson S, O'Leary TK, Asadi R, Rickles NM, Cruz R. Patient and Consumer Safety Risks When Using Conversational Assistants for Medical Information: An Observational Study of Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant. J Med Internet Res 2018; 20:e11510. [PMID: 30181110 PMCID: PMC6231817 DOI: 10.2196/11510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Conversational assistants, such as Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, are ubiquitous and are beginning to be used as portals for medical services. However, the potential safety issues of using conversational assistants for medical information by patients and consumers are not understood. Objective To determine the prevalence and nature of the harm that could result from patients or consumers using conversational assistants for medical information. Methods Participants were given medical problems to pose to Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant, and asked to determine an action to take based on information from the system. Assignment of tasks and systems were randomized across participants, and participants queried the conversational assistants in their own words, making as many attempts as needed until they either reported an action to take or gave up. Participant-reported actions for each medical task were rated for patient harm using an Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality harm scale. Results Fifty-four subjects completed the study with a mean age of 42 years (SD 18). Twenty-nine (54%) were female, 31 (57%) Caucasian, and 26 (50%) were college educated. Only 8 (15%) reported using a conversational assistant regularly, while 22 (41%) had never used one, and 24 (44%) had tried one “a few times.“ Forty-four (82%) used computers regularly. Subjects were only able to complete 168 (43%) of their 394 tasks. Of these, 49 (29%) reported actions that could have resulted in some degree of patient harm, including 27 (16%) that could have resulted in death. Conclusions Reliance on conversational assistants for actionable medical information represents a safety risk for patients and consumers. Patients should be cautioned to not use these technologies for answers to medical questions they intend to act on without further consultation from a health care provider.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy W Bickmore
- College of Computer and Information Science, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ha Trinh
- College of Computer and Information Science, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Stefan Olafsson
- College of Computer and Information Science, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Teresa K O'Leary
- College of Computer and Information Science, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Reza Asadi
- College of Computer and Information Science, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Ricardo Cruz
- General Internal Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
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Abstract
Asthma is the most common chronic pediatric condition. Effective asthma management requires a proactive and inclusive approach that controls the patient's symptoms and prevents recurrence of exacerbations. Clinicians should encourage patients to become involved in their management since self-management approaches have proven to be an effective means for chronic illness treatment. Novel forms of self-monitoring and management are technological interventions. In the last decade, novel technology has been developed and used to improve asthma control since it is a powerful agent that addresses a variety of challenges in chronic disease management such as education, communication and adherence. A myriad of technology-based strategies are available although many of these are not evidence based and further studies are needed to evaluate their efficacy in specific asthma-control endpoints. Herein, authors present a review of current and future technology-based options for asthma management and a comparison between them.
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Pittman AF. Effect of a School-Based Activity Tracker, Companion Social Website, and Text Messaging Intervention on Exercise, Fitness, and Physical Activity Self-Efficacy of Middle School Students. J Sch Nurs 2018; 36:112-120. [PMID: 30068252 DOI: 10.1177/1059840518791223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the effect of a 10-week activity tracker, companion social website, and text messaging intervention on body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, physical fitness, and physical activity (PA) self-efficacy of children. Children (n = 98) were assigned to one of three groups: activity tracker group, text messaging group, and activity tracker + text messaging group. Pre-/posttest fitness, BMI, PA self-efficacy, and body fat percentage were measured. The activity tracker group had a significant increase in fitness, no significant difference in PA self-efficacy, and an increase in body fat percentage and BMI (p < .05). The text messaging group had a significant increase in BMI (p < .05). The activity tracker + text messaging group had no significant differences in fitness, BMI, PA self-efficacy, or body fat percentage. This study gives no clear support to the hypothesis that use of activity trackers and a text messaging intervention have a positive effect on fitness, PA self-efficacy, or body fat percentage.
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Barra DCC, Paim SMS, Sasso GTMD, Colla GW. MÉTODOS PARA DESENVOLVIMENTO DE APLICATIVOS MÓVEIS EM SAÚDE: REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA DA LITERATURA. TEXTO & CONTEXTO ENFERMAGEM 2018. [DOI: 10.1590/0104-07072017002260017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
RESUMO Objetivo: identificar nas publicações nacionais e internacionais indexadas nas bases de dados os principais métodos adotados pelos pesquisadores para o desenvolvimento de aplicativos móveis em saúde. Método: revisão integrativa da literatura de estudos publicados nas bases de dados MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL e SciELO, no período de 2012 a 2016. Foram selecionados para análise 21 artigos. Resultados: os principais métodos para desenvolvimento de aplicativos móveis na área da saúde descritos nos artigos foram: design instrucional sistemático, design instrucional contextualizado, design centrado no usuário e ciclo de vida de desenvolvimento de sistemas. Conclusão: independentemente do método de desenvolvimento escolhido, as etapas devem ser bem definidas e estruturadas, a fim de que o aplicativo móvel desenvolvido seja útil ao usuário final.
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Slater H, Campbell JM, Stinson JN, Burley MM, Briggs AM. End User and Implementer Experiences of mHealth Technologies for Noncommunicable Chronic Disease Management in Young Adults: Systematic Review. J Med Internet Res 2017; 19:e406. [PMID: 29233804 PMCID: PMC5743925 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.8888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as asthma, diabetes, cancer, and persistent musculoskeletal pain impose an escalating and unsustainable burden on young people, their families, and society. Exploring how mobile health (mHealth) technologies can support management for young people with NCDs is imperative. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify, appraise, and synthesize available qualitative evidence on users' experiences of mHealth technologies for NCD management in young people. We explored the perspectives of both end users (young people) and implementers (health policy makers, clinicians, and researchers). METHODS A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies. Eligibility criteria included full reports published in peer-reviewed journals from January 2007 to December 2016, searched across databases including EMBASE, MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, and PsycINFO. All qualitative studies that evaluated the use of mHealth technologies to support young people (in the age range of 15-24 years) in managing their chronic NCDs were considered. Two independent reviewers identified eligible reports and conducted critical appraisal (based on the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument: JBI-QARI). Three reviewers independently, then collaboratively, synthesized and interpreted data through an inductive and iterative process to derive emergent themes across the included data. External validity checking was undertaken by an expert clinical researcher and for relevant content, a health policy expert. Themes were subsequently subjected to a meta-synthesis, with findings compared and contrasted between user groups and policy and practice recommendations derived. RESULTS Twelve studies met our inclusion criteria. Among studies of end users (N=7), mHealth technologies supported the management of young people with diabetes, cancer, and asthma. Implementer studies (N=5) covered the management of cognitive and communicative disabilities, asthma, chronic self-harm, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Quality ratings were higher for implementer compared with end user studies. Both complementary and unique user themes emerged. Themes derived for end users of mHealth included (1) Experiences of functionality that supported self-management, (2) Acceptance (technical usability and feasibility), (3) Importance of codesign, and (4) Perceptions of benefit (self-efficacy and empowerment). For implementers, derived themes included (1) Characteristics that supported self-management (functional, technical, and behavior change); (2) Implementation challenges (systems level, service delivery level, and clinical level); (3) Adoption considerations for specific populations (training end users; specific design requirements); and (4) Codesign and tailoring to facilitate uptake and person-centered care. CONCLUSIONS Synthesizing available data revealed both complementary and unique user perspectives on enablers and barriers to designing, developing, and implementing mHealth technologies to support young people's management of their chronic NCDs. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42017056317; http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.asp?ID=CRD 42017056317 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6vZ5UkKLp).
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Slater
- School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Jared M Campbell
- Joanna Briggs Institute, Faculty of Health Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jennifer N Stinson
- Lawrence S Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Megan M Burley
- Health Networks, Department of Health, Government of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Andrew M Briggs
- School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
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Bao Y, Chen J, Cheng L, Guo Y, Hong S, Kong W, Lai H, Li H, Li H, Li J, Li T, Lin X, Liu S, Liu Z, Lou H, Meng J, Qiu Q, Shen K, Tang W, Tao Z, Wang C, Wang X, Wei Q, Xiang L, Xie H, Xu Y, Zhang G, Zhang Y, Zheng Y, Zhi Y, Chen D, Hong H, Li Q, Liu L, Meng Y, Wang N, Wang Y, Zhou Y, Zhang L. Chinese Guideline on allergen immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis. J Thorac Dis 2017; 9:4607-4650. [PMID: 29268533 DOI: 10.21037/jtd.2017.10.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The present document is based on a consensus reached by a panel of experts from Chinese Society of Allergy (CSA) and Chinese Allergic Rhinitis Collaborative Research Group (C2AR2G). Allergen immunotherapy (AIT), has increasingly been used as a treatment for allergic rhinitis (AR) globally, as it has been shown to provide a long-term effect in improving nasal and ocular symptoms, reducing medication need, and improving quality of life. AIT is currently the only curative intervention that can potentially modify the immune system in individuals suffering from AR and prevent the development of new sensitization and the progression of disease from AR to asthma. Although the use of AIT is becoming more acceptable in China, to date no AR immunotherapy guideline from China is available for use by the international community. This document has thus been produced and covers the main aspects of AIT undertaken in China; including selection of patients for AIT, the allergen extracts available on the Chinese market, schedules and doses of allergen employed in different routes of AIT, assessment of effect and safety, patients' administration and follow-up, and management of adverse reactions. The Chinese guideline for AR immunotherapy will thus serve as a reference point by doctors, healthcare professionals and organizations involved in the AIT of AR in China. Moreover, this guideline will serve as a source of information for the international community on AIT treatment strategies employed in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixiao Bao
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Pubin Children Hospital, Shanghai Children Medical Center Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jianjun Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Lei Cheng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.,International Centre for Allergy Research, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yinshi Guo
- Department of Allergy & Immunology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Suling Hong
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Weijia Kong
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - He Lai
- Department of Allergy, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Houyong Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Huabin Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Tianying Li
- Department of otolaryngology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xiaoping Lin
- The PLA Center of respiratory and allergic disease diagnosing and management, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Shixi Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Hongfei Lou
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing TongRen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Nasal Diseases, Beijing Institute of Otolaryngology, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Juan Meng
- Department of Otolaryngology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qianhui Qiu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, China
| | - Kunling Shen
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing 100045, China
| | - Wei Tang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Zezhang Tao
- Department of Otolaryngology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Chengshuo Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing TongRen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Nasal Diseases, Beijing Institute of Otolaryngology, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Xiangdong Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing TongRen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Nasal Diseases, Beijing Institute of Otolaryngology, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Qingyu Wei
- Department of Allergy, NO.202 Hospital of PLA, Shenyang 110003, China
| | - Li Xiang
- Department of Allergy, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing 100045, China
| | - Hua Xie
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the General Hospital of Shenyang Military Region, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Yu Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Gehua Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing TongRen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Nasal Diseases, Beijing Institute of Otolaryngology, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Yiwu Zheng
- Scientific Affairs, ALK, Guangzhou 510300, China
| | - Yuxiang Zhi
- Department of Allergy, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100720, China
| | - Dehua Chen
- Department of otolaryngology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Haiyu Hong
- Department of otolaryngology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Quansheng Li
- Department of Allergy, NO.202 Hospital of PLA, Shenyang 110003, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yifan Meng
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing TongRen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Nasal Diseases, Beijing Institute of Otolaryngology, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Nan Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yihui Wang
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Pubin Children Hospital, Shanghai Children Medical Center Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yue Zhou
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Luo Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing TongRen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Nasal Diseases, Beijing Institute of Otolaryngology, Beijing 100005, China.,Department of Allergy, Beijing TongRen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China
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Carpenter DM, Geryk LL, Sage A, Arrindell C, Sleath BL. Exploring the theoretical pathways through which asthma app features can promote adolescent self-management. Transl Behav Med 2017; 6:509-518. [PMID: 27118115 DOI: 10.1007/s13142-016-0402-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma apps often lack strong theoretical underpinnings. We describe how specific features of asthma apps influenced adolescents' self-observation, self-judgment, and self-reactions, which are key constructs of Self-Regulation Theory (SRT). Adolescents (ages 12-16) with persistent asthma (n = 20) used two asthma self-management apps over a 1-week period. During semi-structured interviews, participants identified their asthma goals and the app features that best promoted self-observation, self-judgment, and fostered positive self-reactions. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically using MAXQDA. Adolescents' goals were to reduce the impact of asthma on their lives. Adolescents reported that self-check quizzes, reminders, and charting features increased their ability to self-observe and self-judge their asthma, which, in turn, helped them feel more confident they could manage their asthma independently and keep their asthma well-controlled. Asthma apps can positively influence adolescents' self-management behaviors via increased self-observation, self-judgment, and increased self-efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delesha M Carpenter
- Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy at the Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1 University Heights, CPO 2125, Asheville, NC, 28804, USA.
| | - Lorie L Geryk
- Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy at the Eshelman School of Pharmacy, 2214 Kerr Hall, CB# 7573, Chapel Hill, NC, 27759, USA
| | - Adam Sage
- Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy at the Eshelman School of Pharmacy, 2214 Kerr Hall, CB# 7573, Chapel Hill, NC, 27759, USA
| | - Courtney Arrindell
- Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy at the Eshelman School of Pharmacy, 2214 Kerr Hall, CB# 7573, Chapel Hill, NC, 27759, USA
| | - Betsy L Sleath
- Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy at the Eshelman School of Pharmacy, 2214 Kerr Hall, CB# 7573, Chapel Hill, NC, 27759, USA
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45
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Fedele DA, McConville A, Graham Thomas J, McQuaid EL, Janicke DM, Turner EM, Moon J, Abu-Hasan M. Applying Interactive Mobile health to Asthma Care in Teens (AIM2ACT): Development and design of a randomized controlled trial. Contemp Clin Trials 2017; 64:230-237. [PMID: 28986245 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2017.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Early adolescents have difficulties performing asthma self-management behaviors, placing them at-risk for poor asthma control and reduced quality of life. This paper describes the development and plans for testing an interactive mobile health (mHealth) tool for early adolescents, ages 12-15years, and their caregivers to help improve asthma management. Applying Interactive Mobile health to Asthma Care in Teens (AIM2ACT) is informed by the Pediatric Self-management model, which posits that helpful caregiver support is facilitated by elucidating disease management behaviors and allocating treatment responsibility in the family system, and subsequently engaging in collaborative caregiver-adolescent asthma management. The AIM2ACT intervention was developed through iterative feedback from an advisory board composed of adolescent-caregiver dyads. A pilot randomized controlled trial of AIM2ACT will be conducted with 50 early adolescents with poorly controlled asthma and a caregiver. Adolescent-caregiver dyads will be randomized to receive the AIM2ACT smartphone application (AIM2ACT app) or a self-guided asthma control condition for a 4-month period. Feasibility and acceptability data will be collected throughout the trial. Efficacy outcomes, including family asthma management, lung function, adolescent asthma control, asthma-related quality of life, and self-efficacy for asthma management, will be collected at baseline, post-treatment, and 4-month follow-up. Results from the current study will inform the utility of mHealth to foster the development of asthma self-management skills among early adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Fedele
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.
| | - Andrew McConville
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - J Graham Thomas
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Elizabeth L McQuaid
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - David M Janicke
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Elise M Turner
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Jon Moon
- MEI Research, Ltd, Edina, MN, United States
| | - Mutasim Abu-Hasan
- Pediatric Pulmonary Division, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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Hayashi A, Yamaguchi S, Waki K, Fujiu K, Hanafusa N, Nishi T, Tomita H, Kobayashi H, Fujita H, Kadowaki T, Nangaku M, Ohe K. Testing the Feasibility and Usability of a Novel Smartphone-Based Self-Management Support System for Dialysis Patients: A Pilot Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2017; 6:e63. [PMID: 28428168 PMCID: PMC5418525 DOI: 10.2196/resprot.7105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Diet and fluid restrictions that need continuous self-management are among the most difficult aspects of dialysis treatment. Smartphone applications may be useful for supporting self-management. Objective Our objective is to investigate the feasibility and usability of a novel smartphone-based self-management support system for dialysis patients. Methods We developed the Self-Management and Recording System for Dialysis (SMART-D), which supports self-monitoring of three mortality-related factors that can be modified by lifestyle: interdialytic weight gain and predialysis serum potassium and phosphorus concentrations. Data is displayed graphically, with all data evaluated automatically to determine whether they achieve the values suggested by the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy guidelines. In a pilot study, 9 dialysis patients used SMART-D system for 2 weeks. A total of 7 of them completed questionnaires rating their assessment of SMART-D’s usability and their satisfaction with the system. In addition, the Kidney Disease Quality of Life scale was compared before and after the study period. Results All 9 participants were able to use SMART-D with no major problems. Completion rates for body weight, pre- and postdialysis weight, and serum potassium and phosphorus concentrations were, respectively, 89% (SD 23), 95% (SD 7), and 78% (SD 44). Of the 7 participants who completed the usability survey, all were motivated by the sense of security derived from using the system, and 6 of the 7 (86%) reported that using SMART-D helped improve their lifestyle and self-management. Conclusions Using SMART-D was feasible, and the system was well regarded by patients. Further study with larger scale cohorts and longer study and follow-up periods is needed to evaluate the effects of SMART-D on clinical outcomes and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aki Hayashi
- Department of Ubiquitous Health Informatics, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoko Yamaguchi
- Department of Ubiquitous Health Informatics, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kayo Waki
- Department of Ubiquitous Health Informatics, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsuhito Fujiu
- Department of Ubiquitous Health Informatics, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norio Hanafusa
- Division of Total Renal Care Medicine, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Blood Purification, Kidney Center, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Haruka Kobayashi
- Business Development of Healthcare Business Smart-Life Solutions Department, NTT DOCOMO, Inc, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideo Fujita
- Department of Ubiquitous Health Informatics, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Kadowaki
- Department of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaomi Nangaku
- Division of Nephrology and Endocrinology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Ohe
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Mammen JR, Rhee H, Norton SA, Butz AM. Perceptions and experiences underlying self-management and reporting of symptoms in teens with asthma. J Asthma 2017; 54:143-152. [PMID: 27337035 PMCID: PMC5182183 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2016.1201835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Revised: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Teens often have inadequate asthma self-management and control. However, little is known of their perceptions of or rationales for self-management behaviors. OBJECTIVES To explore how teens self-manage asthma, including experiences, perceptions, responses to and reporting of symptoms. METHODS A case-based, qualitative-descriptive design was used. Data were collected from minority and non-minority teens with controlled and uncontrolled asthma and their respective parents (N = 28). There were four data-collection points, including: (1) a primary teen interview; (2) parent interview; (3) 2-week self-management voice-diary; and (4) follow-up teen interview, incorporating symptom-response card-sorting to map symptoms and associated self-management responses. Seventy data sources were included in the analysis. RESULTS Teens thought of their asthma symptoms as normal or unusual relative to their personal baseline symptom pattern; Those with uncontrolled asthma normalized higher levels of asthma symptoms than their counterparts with controlled asthma. Second, teens' decisions to treat symptoms of asthma with rescue medication were based on perceived benefits, burdens and accessibility of treatment balanced against perceived normalcy of symptoms. Teens with uncontrolled asthma had substantially higher treatment thresholds and delayed responses to symptoms compared to controlled peers. Third, teens never reported perceived normal symptoms of asthma to parents or providers, who were thus only aware of unusual or visible/audible symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Teen's perceptions of symptoms and understanding of what is normal is the basis for self-management decisions. Improving self-management will likely entail modifying perceptions of symptoms and benefits/burdens of treatment to achieve healthier self-management patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hyekyun Rhee
- a University of Rochester School of Nursing , Rochester , NY , USA
| | - Sally A Norton
- a University of Rochester School of Nursing , Rochester , NY , USA
| | - Arlene M Butz
- b Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA
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48
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Kosse RC, Bouvy ML, de Vries TW, Kaptein AA, Geers HCJ, van Dijk L, Koster ES. mHealth intervention to support asthma self-management in adolescents: the ADAPT study. Patient Prefer Adherence 2017; 11:571-577. [PMID: 28356720 PMCID: PMC5360404 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s124615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Poor medication adherence in adolescents with asthma results in poorly controlled disease and increased morbidity. The aim of the ADolescent Adherence Patient Tool (ADAPT) study is to develop an mHealth intervention to support self-management and to evaluate the effectiveness in improving medication adherence and asthma control. INTERVENTION The ADAPT intervention consists of an interactive smartphone application (app) connected to a desktop application for health care providers, in this study, the community pharmacist. The app contains several functions to improve adherence as follows: 1) a questionnaire function to rate asthma symptoms and monitor these over time; 2) short movie clips with medication and disease information; 3) a medication reminder; 4) a chat function with peers; and 5) a chat function with the pharmacist. The pharmacist receives data from the patient's app through the desktop application, which enables the pharmacist to send information and feedback to the patient. STUDY DESIGN The ADAPT intervention is tested in a community pharmacy-based cluster randomized controlled trial in the Netherlands, aiming to include 352 adolescents with asthma. The main outcome is adherence, measured by patient's self-report and refill adherence calculated from pharmacy dispensing records. In addition, asthma control, illness perceptions, medication beliefs, and asthma-related quality of life are measured. CONCLUSION This study will provide in-depth knowledge on the effectiveness of an mHealth intervention to support asthma self-management in adolescents. These insights will also be useful for adolescents with other chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richelle C Kosse
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht
| | - Marcel L Bouvy
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht
| | | | - Ad A Kaptein
- Medical Psychology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden
| | - Harm CJ Geers
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht
| | - Liset van Dijk
- NIVEL, the Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ellen S Koster
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht
- Correspondence: Ellen S Koster, Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, PO Box 80082, 3508 TB Utrecht, the Netherlands, Tel +31 30 253 7324, Fax +31 30 253 9166, Email
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Loescher LJ, Rains SA, Kramer SS, Akers C, Moussa R. A Systematic Review of Interventions to Enhance Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors in Adolescents Delivered via Mobile Phone Text Messaging. Am J Health Promot 2016; 32:865-879. [PMID: 27923885 DOI: 10.1177/0890117116675785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To systematically review healthy lifestyle interventions targeted to adolescents and delivered using text messaging (TM). DATA SOURCE PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases. Study Inclusion Criteria: Research articles published during 2011 to 2014; analyses focused on intervention targeting adolescents (10-19 years), with healthy lifestyle behaviors as main variables, delivered via mobile phone-based TM. DATA EXTRACTION The authors extracted data from 27 of 281 articles using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses method. DATA SYNTHESIS Adolescent and setting characteristics, study design and rigor, intervention effectiveness, challenges, and risk of bias. RESULTS Across studies, 16 (59.3%) of 27 included non-Caucasians. The gender was split for 22 (81.5%) of 27 studies. Thirteen studies were randomized controlled trials. There was heterogeneity among targeted conditions, rigor of methods, and intervention effects. Interventions for monitoring/adherence (n = 8) reported more positive results than those for health behavior change (n = 19). Studies that only included message delivered via TM (n = 14) reported more positive effects than studies integrating multiple intervention components. Interventions delivered using TM presented minimal challenges, but selection and performance bias were observed across studies. CONCLUSION Interventions delivered using TM have the potential, under certain conditions, to improve healthy lifestyle behaviors in adolescents. However, the rigor of studies varies, and established theory and validated measures have been inconsistently incorporated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lois J Loescher
- 1 Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.,2 College of Nursing, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Stephen A Rains
- 3 Department of Communication, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Sandra S Kramer
- 4 Arizona Health Sciences Library-Tucson, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Chelsie Akers
- 3 Department of Communication, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Renee Moussa
- 1 Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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50
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Herbert LJ, Collier S, Stern A, Monaghan M, Streisand R. A pilot test of the Self-Management and Research Technology project: A text message-based diabetes self-management program for adolescents. J Child Health Care 2016; 20:456-463. [PMID: 26396022 DOI: 10.1177/1367493515603829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The aims of this study are to: (1) examine the preliminary utility of the Self-Management and Research Technology (SMART) pilot project, (2) identify which adolescents were most likely to benefit from participation, and (3) examine interview feedback to inform future program iterations. Twenty-three adolescents ( Mage = 15.13 years) were enrolled in the six-week text message pilot program consisting of daily interactive blood glucose (BG) prompts and type 1 diabetes-related educational text messages. Medical charts were reviewed for hemoglobin A1c and to corroborate medical record and demographic data. Glucometer data were downloaded to calculate an average monthly BG level and daily BG monitoring frequency. No statistically significant improvements were observed pre-intervention to post-intervention in glycemic outcomes. Participants with a high text message response rate were more likely to demonstrate improvement in average monthly BG levels and daily BG monitoring frequency than those with a low text message response rate. Participants reported satisfaction with the text message program. The text message-based SMART pilot project demonstrated preliminary efficacy for a targeted subset of adolescents who were engaged with the program. Continued research with a larger sample and longer trial duration is warranted to evaluate the potential utility of text message-based interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Jones Herbert
- 1 Center for Translational Science, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Suzanne Collier
- 1 Center for Translational Science, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Alexa Stern
- 1 Center for Translational Science, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Maureen Monaghan
- 1 Center for Translational Science, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Randi Streisand
- 1 Center for Translational Science, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA
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