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Duckworth C, Cliffe B, Pickering B, Ainsworth B, Blythin A, Kirk A, Wilkinson TMA, Boniface MJ. Characterising user engagement with mHealth for chronic disease self-management and impact on machine learning performance. NPJ Digit Med 2024; 7:66. [PMID: 38472270 PMCID: PMC10933254 DOI: 10.1038/s41746-024-01063-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Mobile Health (mHealth) has the potential to be transformative in the management of chronic conditions. Machine learning can leverage self-reported data collected with apps to predict periods of increased health risk, alert users, and signpost interventions. Despite this, mHealth must balance the treatment burden of frequent self-reporting and predictive performance and safety. Here we report how user engagement with a widely used and clinically validated mHealth app, myCOPD (designed for the self-management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), directly impacts the performance of a machine learning model predicting an acute worsening of condition (i.e., exacerbations). We classify how users typically engage with myCOPD, finding that 60.3% of users engage frequently, however, less frequent users can show transitional engagement (18.4%), becoming more engaged immediately ( < 21 days) before exacerbating. Machine learning performed better for users who engaged the most, however, this performance decrease can be mostly offset for less frequent users who engage more near exacerbation. We conduct interviews and focus groups with myCOPD users, highlighting digital diaries and disease acuity as key factors for engagement. Users of mHealth can feel overburdened when self-reporting data necessary for predictive modelling and confidence of recognising exacerbations is a significant barrier to accurate self-reported data. We demonstrate that users of mHealth should be encouraged to engage when they notice changes to their condition (rather than clinically defined symptoms) to achieve data that is still predictive for machine learning, while reducing the likelihood of disengagement through desensitisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Duckworth
- IT Innovation Centre, Digital Health and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
| | - Bethany Cliffe
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Brian Pickering
- IT Innovation Centre, Digital Health and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ben Ainsworth
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | | | - Thomas M A Wilkinson
- my mHealth Limited, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Michael J Boniface
- IT Innovation Centre, Digital Health and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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2
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Robinson SA, Bamonti P, Richardson CR, Kadri R, Moy ML. Rural disparities impact response to a web-based physical activity self-management intervention in COPD: A secondary analysis. J Rural Health 2024; 40:140-150. [PMID: 37166231 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12765] [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: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This secondary exploratory analysis examined rural-urban differences in response to a web-based physical activity self-management intervention for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS Participants with COPD (N = 239 US Veterans) were randomized to either a multicomponent web-based intervention (goal setting, iterative feedback of daily step counts, motivational and educational information, and an online community forum) or waitlist-control for 4 months with a 12-month follow-up. General linear modeling estimated the impact of rural/urban status (using Rural-Urban Commuting Area [RUCA] codes) on (1) 4- and 12-month daily step-count change compared to waitlist-control, and (2) intervention engagement (weekly logons and participant feedback). FINDINGS Rural (n = 108) and urban (n = 131) participants' mean age was 66.7±8.8 years. Rural/urban status significantly moderated 4-month change in daily step counts between randomization groups (p = 0.041). Specifically, among urban participants, intervention participants improved by 1500 daily steps more than waitlist-control participants (p = 0.001). There was no difference among rural participants. In the intervention group, rural participants engaged less with the step-count graphs on the website than urban participants at 4 months (p = 0.019); this difference dissipated at 12 months. More frequent logons were associated with greater change in daily step counts (p = 0.004); this association was not moderated by rural/urban status. CONCLUSIONS The web-based intervention was effective for urban, but not rural, participants at 4 months. Rural participants were also less engaged at 4 months, which may explain differences in effectiveness. Technology-based interventions can help address urban-rural disparities in patients with COPD, but may also contribute to them unless resources are available to support engagement with the technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie A Robinson
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, Massachusetts
- The Pulmonary Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Patricia Bamonti
- Department of Research & Development, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Caroline R Richardson
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Reema Kadri
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Marilyn L Moy
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Section, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Alghamdi SM. Content, Mechanism, and Outcome of Effective Telehealth Solutions for Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: A Narrative Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:3164. [PMID: 38132054 PMCID: PMC10742533 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11243164] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Telehealth (TH) solutions for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are promising behavioral therapeutic interventions and can help individuals living with COPD to improve their health status. The linking content, mechanism, and outcome of TH interventions reported in the literature related to COPD care are unknown. This paper aims to summarize the existing literature about structured TH solutions in COPD care. We conducted an electronic search of the literature related to TH solutions for COPD management up to October 2023. Thirty papers presented TH solutions as an innovative treatment to manage COPD. TH and digital health solutions are used interchangeably in the literature, but both have the potential to improve care, accessibility, and quality of life. To date, current TH solutions in COPD care have a variety of content, mechanisms, and outcomes. TH solutions can enhance education as well as provide remote monitoring. The content of TH solutions can be summarized as symptom management, prompt physical activity, and psychological support. The mechanism of TH solutions is manipulated by factors such as content, mode of delivery, strategy, and intensity. The most common outcome measures with TH solutions were adherence to treatment, health status, and quality of life. Implementing effective TH with a COPD care bundle must consider important determinants such as patient's needs, familiarity with the technology, healthcare professional support, and data privacy. The development of effective TH solutions for COPD management also must consider patient engagement as a positive approach to optimizing implementation and effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Mardy Alghamdi
- Respiratory Care Program, Clinical Technology Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21961, Saudi Arabia
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Duckworth C, Boniface MJ, Kirk A, Wilkinson TMA. Exploring the Validity of GOLD 2023 Guidelines: Should GOLD C and D Be Combined? Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2023; 18:2335-2339. [PMID: 37904748 PMCID: PMC10613331 DOI: 10.2147/copd.s430344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) 2023 guidelines proposed important changes to the stratification of disease severity using the "ABCD" assessment tool. The highest risk groups "C" and "D" were combined into a single category "E" based on exacerbation history, no longer considering symptomology. Purpose We quantify the differential disease progression of individuals initially stratified by the GOLD 2022 "ABCD" scheme to evaluate these proposed changes. Patients and Methods We utilise data collected from 1529 users of the myCOPD mobile app, a widely used and clinically validated app supporting people living with COPD in the UK. For patients in each GOLD group, we quantify symptoms using COPD Assessment Tests (CAT) and rate of exacerbation over a 12-month period post classification. Results CAT scores for users initially classified into GOLD C and GOLD D remain significantly different after 12 months (Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistic = 0.59, P = 8.2 × 10-23). Users initially classified into GOLD C demonstrate a significantly lower exacerbation rate over the 12 months post classification than those initially in GOLD D (Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistic = 0.26; P = 3.1 × 10-2; all exacerbations). Further, those initially classified as GOLD B have higher CAT scores and exacerbation rates than GOLD C in the following 12 months. Conclusion CAT scores remain important for stratifying disease progression both in-terms of symptomology and future exacerbation risk. Based on this evidence, the merger of GOLD C and GOLD D should be reconsidered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Duckworth
- IT Innovation Centre, Digital Health and Biomedical Engineering, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Michael J Boniface
- IT Innovation Centre, Digital Health and Biomedical Engineering, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Thomas M A Wilkinson
- My mHealth Limited, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Poberezhets V, Kasteleyn MJ. Telemedicine and home monitoring for COPD - a narrative review of recent literature. Curr Opin Pulm Med 2023; 29:259-269. [PMID: 37140553 DOI: 10.1097/mcp.0000000000000969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Home monitoring is one of the methods of using telemedical technologies aimed to provide care at home and maintain a connection between patients and healthcare providers. The purpose of this review is to describe recent advancements in the use of home monitoring for the care and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies focused on remote monitoring for patients with COPD proved the positive effect of home monitoring interventions on the frequency of exacerbations and unscheduled healthcare visits, duration of patients' physical activity, proved sensitivity and overall specificity of such interventions and highlighted the effectiveness of self-management.Assessing end-user experience revealed high satisfaction levels among patients and healthcare staff who used home monitoring interventions. The majority of physicians and staff responded positively about the interventions' facilitation of communication with patients. Moreover, healthcare staff considered such technologies useful for their practice. SUMMARY Home monitoring for COPD patients improves medical care and disease management despite minor drawbacks and obstacles to its wide implementation. Involving end-users in evaluating and co-creating new telemonitoring interventions has the potential to improve the quality of remote monitoring for COPD patients in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitalii Poberezhets
- Department of Propedeutics of Internal Medicine, National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnytsya, Ukraine
| | - Marise J Kasteleyn
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center
- National eHealth Living Lab, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Quach S, Michaelchuk W, Benoit A, Oliveira A, Packham TL, Goldstein R, Brooks D. Mobile heath applications for self-management in chronic lung disease: a systematic review. NETWORK MODELING AND ANALYSIS IN HEALTH INFORMATICS AND BIOINFORMATICS 2023; 12:25. [PMID: 37305790 PMCID: PMC10242585 DOI: 10.1007/s13721-023-00419-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Integration of mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) into chronic lung disease management is becoming increasingly popular. MHealth apps may support adoption of self-management behaviors to assist people in symptoms control and quality of life enhancement. However, mHealth apps' designs, features, and content are inconsistently reported, making it difficult to determine which were the effective components. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the characteristics and features of published mHealth apps for chronic lung diseases. A structured search strategy across five databases (CINAHL, Medline, Embase, Scopus and Cochrane) was performed. Randomized controlled trials investigating interactive mHealth apps in adults with chronic lung disease were included. Screening and full-text reviews were completed by three reviewers using Research Screener and Covidence. Data extraction followed the mHealth Index and Navigation Database (MIND) Evaluation Framework (https://mindapps.org/), a tool designed to help clinicians determine the best mHealth apps to address patients' needs. Over 90,000 articles were screened, with 16 papers included. Fifteen distinct apps were identified, 8 for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (53%) and 7 for asthma (46%) self-management. Different resources informed app design approaches, accompanied with varying qualities and features across studies. Common reported features included symptom tracking, medication reminders, education, and clinical support. There was insufficient information to answer MIND questions regarding security and privacy, and only five apps had additional publications to support their clinical foundation. Current studies reported designs and features of self-management apps differently. These app design variations create challenges in determining their effectiveness and suitability for chronic lung disease self-management. Registration: PROSPERO (CRD42021260205). Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13721-023-00419-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley Quach
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
- Respiratory Research, West Park Healthcare Center, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Wade Michaelchuk
- Respiratory Research, West Park Healthcare Center, Toronto, ON Canada
- Rehabilitation Science Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Adam Benoit
- Respiratory Research, West Park Healthcare Center, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Ana Oliveira
- Respiratory Research, West Park Healthcare Center, Toronto, ON Canada
- Lab3R–Respiratory Research and Rehabilitation Laboratory, University of Aveiro (ESSUA), Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Tara L. Packham
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Roger Goldstein
- Respiratory Research, West Park Healthcare Center, Toronto, ON Canada
- Rehabilitation Science Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Dina Brooks
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
- Respiratory Research, West Park Healthcare Center, Toronto, ON Canada
- Rehabilitation Science Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
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Vila M, Rosa Oliveira V, Agustí A. Telemedicine in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review. Med Clin (Barc) 2023; 160:355-363. [PMID: 36801105 DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2023.01.008] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Telemedicine is defined as the use of electronic technology for information and communication by healthcare professionals with patients (or care givers) aiming at providing and supporting healthcare to patients away from healthcare institutions. This systematic review over the last decade (2013-2022) investigates the use of telemedicine in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We identified 53 publications related to: (1) home tele-monitorization; (2) tele-education and self-management; (3) telerehabilitation; and (4) mobile health (mHealth). Results showed that, although evidence is still weak in many of these domains, results are positive in terms of improvement of health-status, use of health-care resources, feasibility, and patient satisfaction. Importantly, no safety issues were identified. Thus, telemedicine can be considered today as a potential complement to usual healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Vila
- Equipo de Asistencia Primaria Vic , Vic, Barcelona, España; Cátedra Salud Respiratoria, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, España; Equipo de investigación de Metodología, Métodos, Modelos y Resultados de las Ciencias Sociales y de la Salud (M3O), Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud y Bienestar, Universidad de Vic - Universidad Central de Cataluña (UVic-UCC), España.
| | - Vinicius Rosa Oliveira
- Equipo de investigación de Metodología, Métodos, Modelos y Resultados de las Ciencias Sociales y de la Salud (M3O), Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud y Bienestar, Universidad de Vic - Universidad Central de Cataluña (UVic-UCC), España
| | - Alvar Agustí
- Cátedra Salud Respiratoria, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, España; Instituto Respiratorio, Hospital Clínico, Barcelona, España; Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, España; CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias, España
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Quach S, Benoit A, Oliveira A, Packham TL, Goldstein R, Brooks D. Features and characteristics of publicly available mHealth apps for self-management in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231167007. [PMID: 37065541 PMCID: PMC10102951 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231167007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Mobile health applications (mHealth apps) may be able to support people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to develop the appropriate skills and routines for adequate self-management. Given the wide variety of publicly available mHealth apps, it is important to be aware of their characteristics to optimize their use and mitigate potential harms. Objective To report the characteristics and features of publicly available apps for COPD self-management. Methods MHealth apps designed for patients' COPD self-management were searched in the Google Play and Apple app stores. Two reviewers trialed and assessed the eligible apps using the MHealth Index and Navigation Database framework to describe the characteristics, qualities, and features of mHealth apps across five domains. Results From the Google Play and Apple stores, thirteen apps were identified and eligible for further evaluation. All thirteen apps were available for Android devices, but only seven were available for Apple devices. Most apps were developed by for-profit organizations (8/13), non-profit organizations (2/13), and unknown developers (3/13). Many apps had privacy policies (9/13), but only three apps described their security systems and two mentioned compliance with local health information and data usage laws. Education was the common app feature; additional features were medication reminders, symptom tracking, journaling, and action planning. None provided clinical evidence to support their use. Conclusions Publicly available COPD apps vary in their designs, features, and overall quality. These apps lack evidence to support their clinical use and cannot be recommended at this time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley Quach
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences,
McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Respiratory Research, West Park Healthcare center, Toronto, Canada
- Shirley Quach, School of Rehabilitation
Science, McMaster University, IAHS, 1400 Main Street West Institute for Applied
Health Sciences (IAHS) Building - Room 403, Hamilton, ON L8S 1C7, Canada.
| | - Adam Benoit
- Respiratory Research, West Park Healthcare center, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ana Oliveira
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences,
McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Respiratory Research, West Park Healthcare center, Toronto, Canada
- Lab3R – Respiratory Research and
Rehabilitation Laboratory, University of Aveiro
(ESSUA), Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Tara L. Packham
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences,
McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Roger Goldstein
- Respiratory Research, West Park Healthcare center, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of
Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Dina Brooks
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences,
McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Respiratory Research, West Park Healthcare center, Toronto, Canada
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Intensive Intervention Improves Outcomes for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients: A Medical Consortium-Based Management. Can Respir J 2022; 2022:6748330. [PMID: 35795169 PMCID: PMC9252689 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6748330] [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: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Strategies involving multidimensional approaches for the treatment of COPD are needed. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of medical consortium-based management for COPD. Patients were grouped in accordance with whether the hospitals they went to were under the medical consortium. We enrolled 141 COPD patients in the management group and 147 COPD patients in the control group. There was no predetermined sex and disease severity inclusion or exclusion criteria. Patients in the control group were managed by standard care, while patients in the management group were managed with intensive medical intervention jointly by specialists in the hospital and general practitioners and healthcare workers in community health centers. There was no difference in the basal demographics between the two groups. The basal condition of the management group was worse than that of the control group, demonstrated by a higher CAT score and a lower pulmonary function index. Half-year intensive intervention decreased CAT score from 17.28 to 15.62 and the Barthel ADL index from 73 to 60 in the management group, which was associated with better pulmonary rehabilitation, pursed-lip breathing, oxygen usage, and medicine regularity. The benefits became more obvious after one-year intensive intervention in the management group. There was a difference in mMRC grades and smoking cessation between the two groups. This study shows that a one-year intensive intervention improves the patients' health status and pulmonary function, suggesting that our medical consortium-based management is effective in the treatment of COPD.
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