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Parsaei Z, Jangi M, Tahmasebian S, Ehteshami A. Functional and Nonfunctional Requirements of Virtual Clinic Mobile Applications: A Systematic Review. Int J Telemed Appl 2024; 2024:7800321. [PMID: 38899062 PMCID: PMC11186682 DOI: 10.1155/2024/7800321] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The Virtual Clinic Mobile Application (VCMA) is a valuable tool for managing and remotely monitoring patients with various medical conditions. It can alleviate the strain on outpatient services and offer follow-up options for patients who do not require a physical examination. A thorough understanding of recent literature can assist in identifying suitable functionalities for new development and future improvement of current applications (apps). This review study is aimed at identifying functional and nonfunctional requirements for VCMA. Methods: This study conducted a systematic search using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Science Direct, ProQuest, and IEEE to gather requirements of VCMA articles published in English from the inception of the databases up to April 2022. Out of a total of 1223 articles, 76 met the inclusion criteria. These articles were then analyzed using conventional content analysis to extract and categorize their requirements. Results: Two main themes and 8 subthemes in terms of VCMA requirements were extracted as follows: (1) functional requirements with 3 subthemes (demographic data documentation, health record, general features of the user interface (UI)); (2) nonfunctional requirements with 5 subthemes (usability, accessibility, compatibility, efficiency, and security). Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of mHealth solutions for virtual care and the need for the development of apps based on the extracted functional and nonfunctional requirements for VCMA; however, controlled trials are necessary. It is recommended that transparent reporting of mHealth interventions be prioritized to enable effective interpretation of the extracted data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Parsaei
- Health Information Technology Research CenterIsfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Majid Jangi
- Health Information Technology Research CenterIsfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shahram Tahmasebian
- Department of Medical BiotechnologySchool of Advanced TechnologiesShahrekord University of Medical Science, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Asghar Ehteshami
- Health Information Technology Research CenterIsfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Babaei N, Zamanzadeh V, Valizadeh L, Lotfi M, Kousha A, Samad-Soltani T, Avazeh M. Virtual care in the health care system: A concept analysis. Scand J Caring Sci 2024; 38:35-46. [PMID: 38009448 DOI: 10.1111/scs.13227] [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: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health care providers need a better understanding of virtual care to recognise and use it for service delivery. AIM To provide a more comprehensive definition of the concept of virtual care. METHOD This study was conducted based on Walker and Avant's concept analysis method. A comprehensive review of the published texts in English from 2012 to 2022 was performed using the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, Science Direct, Ovid, CINAHL and Google Scholar databases. RESULTS The main aspects and attributes of virtual care, including the use of any information and communication technology in various formats such as platforms, telephone calls, messages, email consultation, remote monitoring, secure and two-way digital communication between health care providers and patients, the possibility of providing remote care synchronously or asynchronously, more interaction between patients and caregivers, the possibility of transferring information between patients and health care providers and within the teams themselves, symptom management, sending diagnostic results in the form of video visits, and providing follow-up care, are attributes that distinguish virtual care from telehealth, telemedicine and other methods of providing remote healthcare services. CONCLUSION Considering the positive and negative consequences of implementing virtual care, the findings of this study developed a basis for an operational definition of the concept so that providers can understand the meaning of virtual care and consider it when providing virtual care to patients. The findings of this study can be used in many international and national contexts in the health care system and in future studies on interventions to increase the use of virtual care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasib Babaei
- Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Vahid Zamanzadeh
- Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Valizadeh
- Department of Pediatric Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojgan Lotfi
- Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Kousha
- Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Taha Samad-Soltani
- Department of Health Information Technology, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Marziyeh Avazeh
- Department of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Lillran P, Bengts A, Chen A, Kontunen P, Khalil FG, Kaleva S, Torkki P. Personalized care with mass production efficiency: integrating care with a virtual care operator. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATED CARE 2022. [DOI: 10.1108/jica-01-2022-0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PurposeThis article aims to describe the thinking behind MASSE, a project in Finland that helps address the fragmentation of care and patient journey disruptions for long-term care. It outlines the conceptualization of an information technology (IT)-assisted solution and presents preliminary findings and research problems in this ongoing project.Design/methodology/approachThe project employs a service engineering and design science approach with the objective of addressing chronic and multimorbid patients in specialized multiprovider environments. It does this by applying information and communication technologies and organizational design. The project has been a cocreative effort with ongoing interviews and workshops with various stakeholders to inform the conceptualization of a solution, an intermediary step before the implementation phase.FindingsPatient journey disruptions occur when caregivers do not know what to do in specific situations. A potential solution is a virtual care operator (VCO) with a personalized patient card that would enable service ecosystem actors to integrate and coordinate their tasks. This article presents the basic design principles of such a solution.Research limitations/implicationsConceptual ideas and preliminary results only indicative.Practical implicationsSystemic integration efforts like those ongoing in Finland can benefit from the VCO concept encouraging a more collaborative way of thinking about integrative solutions and opening up new avenues of research on business implications and ecosystem strategies.Social implicationsThe VCO concept answers to the continuity of care, the rising costs of health care and the growing numbers of patients with chronic disease and multimorbidity whose care remains fragmented and uncoordinated.Originality/valueTaking an ecosystem approach to care integration and addressing interoperability issues are on the cutting edge of healthcare system transformation.
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Dullabh P, Sandberg SF, Heaney-Huls K, Hovey LS, Lobach DF, Boxwala A, Desai PJ, Berliner E, Dymek C, Harrison MI, Swiger J, Sittig DF. OUP accepted manuscript. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2022; 29:1233-1243. [PMID: 35534996 PMCID: PMC9196686 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocac059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective We conducted a horizon scan to (1) identify challenges in patient-centered clinical decision support (PC CDS) and (2) identify future directions for PC CDS. Materials and Methods We engaged a technical expert panel, conducted a scoping literature review, and interviewed key informants. We qualitatively analyzed literature and interview transcripts, mapping findings to the 4 phases for translating evidence into PC CDS interventions (Prioritizing, Authoring, Implementing, and Measuring) and to external factors. Results We identified 12 challenges for PC CDS development. Lack of patient input was identified as a critical challenge. The key informants noted that patient input is critical to prioritizing topics for PC CDS and to ensuring that CDS aligns with patients’ routine behaviors. Lack of patient-centered terminology standards was viewed as a challenge in authoring PC CDS. We found a dearth of CDS studies that measured clinical outcomes, creating significant gaps in our understanding of PC CDS’ impact. Across all phases of CDS development, there is a lack of patient and provider trust and limited attention to patients’ and providers’ concerns. Discussion These challenges suggest opportunities for advancing PC CDS. There are opportunities to develop industry-wide practices and standards to increase transparency, standardize terminologies, and incorporate patient input. There is also opportunity to engage patients throughout the PC CDS research process to ensure that outcome measures are relevant to their needs. Conclusion Addressing these challenges and embracing these opportunities will help realize the promise of PC CDS—placing patients at the center of the healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashila Dullabh
- Corresponding Author: Prashila Dullabh, MD, NORC at the University of Chicago, 4350 East-West Hwy 8th Floor, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA;
| | | | | | - Lauren S Hovey
- NORC at the University of Chicago, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Chris Dymek
- Center for Evidence and Practice Improvement, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael I Harrison
- Center for Evidence and Practice Improvement, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - James Swiger
- Center for Evidence and Practice Improvement, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Dean F Sittig
- School of Biomedical Informatics, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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Tseng CY, Chen RJ, Tsai SY, Wu TR, Tsaur WJ, Chiu HW, Lo YS. Exploring the COVID-19 Pandemic as a Catalyst for PHR App User Behavior Change in Taiwan: A Development and Usability Study. J Med Internet Res 2021; 24:e33399. [PMID: 34951863 PMCID: PMC8734605 DOI: 10.2196/33399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, personal health records (PHRs) have enabled patients to monitor and manage their medical data without visiting hospitals and, consequently, minimize their infection risk. Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) launched the My Health Bank (MHB) service, a national PHR system through which insured individuals to access their cross-hospital medical data. Furthermore, in 2019, the NHIA released the MHB software development kit (SDK), which enables development of mobile apps with which insured individuals can retrieve their MHB data. However, the NHIA MHB service has its limitations, and the participation rate among insured individuals is low. Objective We aimed to integrate the MHB SDK with our developed blockchain-enabled PHR mobile app, which enables patients to access, store, and manage their cross-hospital PHR data. We also collected and analyzed the app’s log data to examine patients’ MHB use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We integrated our existing blockchain-enabled mobile app with the MHB SDK to enable NHIA MHB data retrieval. The app utilizes blockchain technology to encrypt the downloaded NHIA MHB data. Existing and new indexes can be synchronized between the app and blockchain nodes, and high security can be achieved for PHR management. Finally, we analyzed the app’s access logs to compare patients’ activities during high and low COVID-19 infection periods. Results We successfully integrated the MHB SDK into our mobile app, thereby enabling patients to retrieve their cross-hospital medical data, particularly those related to COVID-19 rapid and polymerase chain reaction testing and vaccination information and progress. We retrospectively collected the app’s log data for the period of July 2019 to June 2021. From January 2020, the preliminary results revealed a steady increase in the number of people who applied to create a blockchain account for access to their medical data and the number of app subscribers among patients who visited the outpatient department (OPD) and emergency department (ED). Notably, for patients who visited the OPD and ED, the peak proportions with respect to the use of the app for OPD and ED notes and laboratory test results also increased year by year. The highest proportions were 52.40% for ED notes in June 2021, 88.10% for ED laboratory test reports in May 2021, 34.61% for OPD notes in June 2021, and 41.87% for OPD laboratory test reports in June 2021. These peaks coincided with Taiwan’s local COVID-19 outbreak lasting from May to June 2021. Conclusions This study developed a blockchain-enabled mobile app, which can periodically retrieve and integrate PHRs from the NHIA MHB's cross-hospital data and the investigated hospital's self-pay medical data. Analysis of users’ access logs revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic substantially increased individuals’ use of PHRs and their health awareness with respect to COVID-19 prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ray-Jade Chen
- Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei city, Taiwan 110, Taipei, TW
| | - Shang-Yu Tsai
- Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei city, Taiwan 110, Taipei, TW
| | | | | | - Hung-Wen Chiu
- Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei city, Taiwan 110, Taipei, TW
| | - Yu-Sheng Lo
- Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei city, Taiwan 110, Taipei, TW
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Abstract
Many telemedicine interventions fail to be implemented in medical care with non-use and discontinued use by patients being among the major reasons. The aim of this scoping review was to provide an overview of barriers associated with non-use and discontinued use of telemedicine. An electronic search was conducted in Pubmed in October 2019 and updated in November 2020, followed by a hand search in the beginning of 2021. All potential articles were screened by two independent reviewers based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A qualitative content analysis according to Mayring was carried out. The topics 'intervention', 'context of use' and 'user' were chosen as overarching themes. Out of 1377 potentially relevant articles, 73 were included. User-related barriers were mentioned in most of the analysed studies, followed by barriers related to the intervention. The analysis provides the basis for overcoming non-use issues in telemedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Eh Schwarz
- Technische Universität Dresden, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Germany
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Li C(Z, Borycki EM, Kushniruk AW. Connecting the World of Healthcare Virtually: A Scoping Review on Virtual Care Delivery. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:1325. [PMID: 34683005 PMCID: PMC8544348 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9101325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Virtual care extends beyond the walls of healthcare organizations to provide care at a distance. Although virtual care cannot be regarded as a solution for all health-related inquiries, it provides another care delivery channel for specific patient populations with appointments that do not require in-person physical examinations or procedures. A scoping review was conducted to define the meaning of virtual care, understand how virtual care has influenced the healthcare industry and is being expanded to complement the existing healthcare system, and describe the outcomes of using virtual care for patients and providers. Findings from the scoping review suggest that virtual care encompasses the provision of care using advanced video conferencing technology to support remote care that takes place between patients and providers and the use of virtual reality technology to simulate care environments. Some of virtual care's use in healthcare includes application to pain and anxiety management, virtual consultations and follow-up visits, rehabilitation and therapy services, outpatient clinics, and emergency services. Lastly, from a provider and patient perspective, while both saw benefits of virtual care and scored the service relatively high on satisfaction after using virtual care, the greatest barrier to using virtual care may be technological challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy (Zhirui) Li
- School of Health Information Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Elizabeth M. Borycki
- School of Health Information Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
- Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research, Vancouver, BC V6H 3X8, Canada
| | - Andre W. Kushniruk
- School of Health Information Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
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Carini E, Villani L, Pezzullo AM, Gentili A, Barbara A, Ricciardi W, Boccia S. The Impact of Digital Patient Portals on Health Outcomes, System Efficiency, and Patient Attitudes: Updated Systematic Literature Review. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e26189. [PMID: 34494966 PMCID: PMC8459217 DOI: 10.2196/26189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Patient portals are becoming increasingly popular worldwide even though their impact on individual health and health system efficiency is still unclear. Objective The aim of this systematic review was to summarize evidence on the impact of patient portals on health outcomes and health care efficiency, and to examine user characteristics, attitudes, and satisfaction. Methods We searched the PubMed and Web of Science databases for articles published from January 1, 2013, to October 31, 2019. Eligible studies were primary studies reporting on the impact of patient portal adoption in relation to health outcomes, health care efficiency, and patient attitudes and satisfaction. We excluded studies where portals were not accessible for patients and pilot studies, with the exception of articles evaluating patient attitudes. Results Overall, 3456 records were screened, and 47 articles were included. Among them, 11 studies addressed health outcomes reporting positive results, such as better monitoring of health status, improved patient-doctor interaction, and improved quality of care. Fifteen studies evaluated the impact of digital patient portals on the utilization of health services with mixed results. Patient characteristics were described in 32 studies, and it was reported that the utilization rate usually increases with age and female gender. Finally, 30 studies described attitudes and defined the main barriers (concerns about privacy and data security, and lack of time) and facilitators (access to clinical data and laboratory results) to the use of a portal. Conclusions Evidence regarding health outcomes is generally favorable, and patient portals have the potential to enhance the doctor-patient relationship, improve health status awareness, and increase adherence to therapy. It is still unclear whether the use of patient portals improves health service utilization and efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elettra Carini
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Leonardo Villani
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Maria Pezzullo
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Gentili
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Barbara
- Hygiene and Public Health Service, ASL Roma 1, Rome, Italy.,Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Walter Ricciardi
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Boccia
- Section of Hygiene, University Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Department of Women, Children and Public Health Sciences - Public Health Area, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Lopes F, Rodrigues M, Silva AG. User-Centered Development of a Mobile App for Biopsychosocial Pain Assessment in Adults: Usability, Reliability, and Validity Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2021; 9:e25316. [PMID: 33988515 PMCID: PMC8164126 DOI: 10.2196/25316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pain-related mobile apps targeting pain assessment commonly limit pain assessment to pain behaviors and physiological aspects. However, current guidelines state that pain assessment should follow the biopsychosocial model, clearly addressing biological, psychological, and social aspects of the pain experience. Existing reviews also highlight that pain specialists and end users are not commonly involved in the development process of mobile apps for pain assessment, negatively affecting the quality of the available apps. Objective This study aimed to develop a mobile app for pain assessment (AvaliaDor) and assess its usability, validity, reliability, and measurement error in a sample of real patients with chronic pain recruited from a physiotherapy clinic. Methods This study was divided into 2 phases: phase 1—development of the AvaliaDor app; and phase 2—assessment of the apps’ usability, reliability, measurement error, and validity. AvaliaDor was developed (phase 1) based on the literature and the recommendations of physiotherapists and patients with pain in cycles of evaluation, inclusion of recommendations, and reevaluation until no further changes were required. The final version of the app was then tested in patients with musculoskeletal pain attending a private physiotherapy practice (phase 2) who were asked to use the app twice on 2 consecutive days for reliability purposes. In addition, participants had to complete a set of paper-based scales (Brief Pain Inventory, painDETECT, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, and Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia), which were used to assess the validity (criterion validity and hypothesis testing) of the app, and the Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire was used to assess its usability. Results The development process (phase 1) included 5 physiotherapists external to the research team and 5 patients with musculoskeletal pain, and it resulted in the creation of an app named AvaliaDor, which includes an assessment of pain intensity, location, and phenotype; associated disability; and the issues of pain catastrophizing and fear of movement. A total of 52 patients with pain (mean age 50.12 years, SD 11.71 years; 39 females) participated in phase 2 and used the app twice. The Pearson correlation coefficient between the scores on the paper-based scales and the app ranged between 0.81 and 0.93 for criterion validity and between 0.41 and 0.59 for hypothesis testing. Test-retest reliability was moderate to good (intraclass correlation coefficient between 0.67 and 0.90) and the score for usability was 1.16 (SD 0.27), indicating good usability. Conclusions A mobile app named AvaliaDor was developed to assess the intensity, location, and phenotype of pain; associated disability; and the issues of pain catastrophizing and fear of movement in a user-centered design process. The app was shown to be usable, valid, and reliable for assessing pain from a biopsychosocial perspective in a heterogeneous group of patients with pain. Future work can explore the long-term use of AvaliaDor in clinical contexts and its advantages for the assessment and management of patients with pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Lopes
- School of Health Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Mário Rodrigues
- Higher School of Technology and Management of Águeda, Institute of Electronics and Telematics Engineering of Aveiro (IEETA), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Anabela G Silva
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS.UA), School of Health Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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Reynolds TL, Ali N, Zheng K. What Do Patients and Caregivers Want? A Systematic Review of User Suggestions to Improve Patient Portals. AMIA ... ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM PROCEEDINGS. AMIA SYMPOSIUM 2021; 2020:1070-1079. [PMID: 33936483 PMCID: PMC8075519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Significant investments have been made in patient portals in order to provide patients with greater access to their medical records, as well as to other services such as secure electronic communication with their healthcare provider(s). Unfortunately, overall, patient adoption and use of patient portals has been lower than expected. According to the user-centered design philosophy, including end-user voices in all stages of the design process is critical to a technology's success. Thus, as a part of a larger systematic review, we examined the patient portal literature and identified 42 studies that reported patient's or their caregiver's suggestions to improve patient portals. The results suggest that patients and caregivers want patient portals to (i) support human connection (e.g., virtual patient-provider interactions), (ii) give patients more control (e.g., over their medical record) and be designedfor the variation in patient and caregiver experiences, and (iii) be innovative (e.g., provide contextualized medical advice).
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Eldh AC, Sverker A, Bendtsen P, Nilsson E. Health Care Professionals' Experience of a Digital Tool for Patient Exchange, Anamnesis, and Triage in Primary Care: Qualitative Study. JMIR Hum Factors 2020; 7:e21698. [PMID: 33315014 PMCID: PMC7769692 DOI: 10.2196/21698] [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: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite a growing body of knowledge about eHealth innovations, there is still limited understanding of the implementation of such tools in everyday primary care. OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to describe health care staff's experience with a digital communication system intended for patient-staff encounters via a digital route in primary care. METHODS In this qualitative study we conducted 21 individual interviews with staff at 5 primary care centers in Sweden that had used a digital communication system for 6 months. The interviews were guided by narrative queries, transcribed verbatim, and subjected to content analysis. RESULTS While the digital communication system was easy to grasp, it was nevertheless complex to use, affecting both staffing and routines for communicating with patients, and documenting contacts. Templates strengthened equivalent procedures for patients but dictated a certain level of health and digital literacy for accuracy. Although patients expected a chat to be synchronous, asynchronous communication was extended over time. The system for digital communication benefited assessments and enabled more efficient use of resources, such as staff. On the other hand, telephone contact was faster and better for certain purposes, especially when the patient's voice itself provided data. However, many primary care patients, particularly younger ones, expected digital routes for contact. To match preferences for communicating to a place and time that suited patients was significant; staff were willing to accept some nuisance from a suboptimal service-at least for a while-if it procured patient satisfaction. A team effort, including engaged managers, scaffolded the implementation process, whereas being subjected to a trial without likely success erected barriers. CONCLUSIONS A digital communication system introduced in regular primary care involved complexity beyond merely learning how to manage the tool. Rather, it affected routines and required that both the team and the context were addressed. Further knowledge is needed about what factors facilitate implementation, and how. This study suggested including ethical perspectives on eHealth tools, providing an important but novel aspect of implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Catrine Eldh
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Annette Sverker
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Preben Bendtsen
- Department of Medical Specialists in Motala and Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Evalill Nilsson
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,e-Health Institute, Department of Medicine and Optometry, Linneaus University, Kalmar, Sweden
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12
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Digital transformation in the area of health: systematic review of 45 years of evolution. HEALTH AND TECHNOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s12553-019-00402-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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