1
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Brunette CA, Yi T, Danowski ME, Cardellino M, Harrison A, Assimes TL, Knowles JW, Christensen KD, Sturm AC, Sun YV, Hui Q, Pyarajan S, Shi Y, Whitbourne SB, Gaziano JM, Muralidhar S, Vassy JL. Development and utility of a clinical research informatics application for participant recruitment and workflow management for a return of results pilot trial in familial hypercholesterolemia in the Million Veteran Program. JAMIA Open 2024; 7:ooae020. [PMID: 38464744 PMCID: PMC10923213 DOI: 10.1093/jamiaopen/ooae020] [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: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective The development of clinical research informatics tools and workflow processes associated with re-engaging biobank participants has become necessary as genomic repositories increasingly consider the return of actionable research results. Materials and Methods Here we describe the development and utility of an informatics application for participant recruitment and enrollment management for the Veterans Affairs Million Veteran Program Return Of Actionable Results Study, a randomized controlled pilot trial returning individual genetic results associated with familial hypercholesterolemia. Results The application is developed in Python-Flask and was placed into production in November 2021. The application includes modules for chart review, medication reconciliation, participant contact and biospecimen logging, survey recording, randomization, and documentation of genetic counseling and result disclosure. Three primary users, a genetic counselor and two research coordinators, and 326 Veteran participants have been integrated into the system as of February 23, 2023. The application has successfully handled 3367 task requests involving greater than 95 000 structured data points. Specifically, application users have recorded 326 chart reviews, 867 recruitment telephone calls, 158 telephone-based surveys, and 61 return of results genetic counseling sessions, among other available study tasks. Conclusion The development of usable, customizable, and secure informatics tools will become increasingly important as large genomic repositories begin to return research results at scale. Our work provides a proof-of-concept for developing and using such tools to aid in managing the return of results process within a national biobank.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles A Brunette
- Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Thomas Yi
- Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Morgan E Danowski
- Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mark Cardellino
- Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Alicia Harrison
- Genetic Counseling Program, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Themistocles L Assimes
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, United States
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Joshua W Knowles
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
- Family Heart Foundation, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Kurt D Christensen
- PRecisiOn Medicine Translational Research (PROMoTeR) Center, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Yan V Sun
- Atlanta VA Health Care System, Decatur, GA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Qin Hui
- Atlanta VA Health Care System, Decatur, GA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Saiju Pyarajan
- Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Yunling Shi
- Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Stacey B Whitbourne
- Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Division of Aging, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - J Michael Gaziano
- Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Division of Aging, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sumitra Muralidhar
- Office of Research and Development, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Jason L Vassy
- Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Population Precision Health, Ariadne Labs, Boston, MA, United States
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Hasanpour-Heidari S, Ahmadi A, Mansuri S, Qorbani A, Semnani S, Fazel A, Sedaghat S, Sadeghzadeh H, Roshanpoor A, Langarizadeh M, Weiderpass E, Roshandel G. Development of an online cancer data collection and processing tool for population-based cancer registries in a low-resource setting: The CanDCap experience from Golestan, Iran. Int J Med Inform 2022; 166:104846. [PMID: 35981480 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2022.104846] [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: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Golestan Population-based Cancer Registry (GPCR) with more than 15-years experiences developed an in-house online software called Cancer Data Collection and Processing (CanDCap) to improve its data collection operations from the conventional offline method to new online method. We aimed to report the methods and framework that GPCR applied to design and implementation of the CanDCap. METHODS CanDCap was designed based on International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) protocols and standards and according to the GPCR workflow. CanDCap has two parts including a web-based online part for data collection and a windows-based part for data processing consisting of quality control and deduplication of repeated records. Questionnaire for User Interface Satisfaction (QUIS) was used in order to assess user interaction satisfaction. RESULTS CanDCap was implemented in 2018 and could improve the quality of the GPCR data during its first three years of activity (2018-2020), during which about 9,000 records were registered. The coverage for optional items including national ID, father name, address and telephone number were improved from 23 %, 32 %, 83 % and 82 % in conventional offline method (2015-2017) to 83 %, 81 %, 87 %, and 90 % after using the CanDCap (2018-2020), respectively. The timeliness was also improved from 4 years to 2 years. Overall, user interaction satisfaction was acceptable (7.8 out of 9). CONCLUSION CanDCap could resulted in improvement in data quality and timeliness of the GPCR as a cancer registry unit with limited resources. It has the potential to be considered as a model for population-based cancer registries in lower-resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Hasanpour-Heidari
- Golestan Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Ali Ahmadi
- Department of Statistics and information technology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - SeyedMohsen Mansuri
- Department of Statistics and information technology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Amin Qorbani
- Department of Statistics and information technology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Shahryar Semnani
- Golestan Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran; Omid Cancer Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Abdolreza Fazel
- Cancer Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - SeyedMehdi Sedaghat
- Deputy of Public Health, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Hamideh Sadeghzadeh
- Deputy of Public Health, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Arash Roshanpoor
- Department of Computer Science, Sama Technical and Vocational Training College, Tehran Branch (Tehran), Islamic Azad University (IAU), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Langarizadeh
- Department of Health Information Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences. Tehran, Iran
| | - Elisabete Weiderpass
- Office of the Director, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Lyon, France
| | - Gholamreza Roshandel
- Golestan Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
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Sinitkul R, Maude RJ, Nithirochananont U. Design of an Integrated Clinical Research Informatics System for a Multi-Centre and Multi-Visit Prospective Birth Cohort Study. Stud Health Technol Inform 2022; 290:125-129. [PMID: 35672984 PMCID: PMC7614911 DOI: 10.3233/shti220045] [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] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
To conduct a multi-center prospective study over more than one year requires an efficient system that can synchronize collection of data from several sources in real-time and facilitate remote data management. This paper describes the design and use of an in-house data collection and sample information management system that was used in a prospective birth cohort study in Thailand. Participants were enrolled from three hospitals and were required to visit their respective hospital and complete self-administered questionnaires (SAQ) at every visit. The in-house informatics system required integration of the data collection streams that can handle three different types of data (SAQ, clinical record, and laboratory sample tracking). The system has been implemented in the pilot phase of a birth cohort study and has demonstrated its usability for further application to an expanded study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratchaneewan Sinitkul
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Toxicology Department, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Chilton, United Kingdom
| | - Richard J Maude
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
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Reichold M, Heß M, Kolominsky-Rabas P, Gräßel E, Prokosch HU. Usability Evaluation of an Offline Electronic Data Capture App in a Prospective Multicenter Dementia Registry (digiDEM Bayern): Mixed Method Study. JMIR Form Res 2021; 5:e31649. [PMID: 34730543 PMCID: PMC8600440 DOI: 10.2196/31649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital registries have been shown to provide an efficient way of gaining a better understanding of the clinical complexity and long-term progression of diseases. The paperless method of electronic data capture (EDC) during a patient interview saves both time and resources. In the prospective multicenter project "Digital Dementia Registry Bavaria (digiDEM Bayern)," interviews are also performed on site in rural areas with unreliable internet connectivity. It must be ensured that EDC can still be performed in such a context and that there is no need to fall back on paper-based questionnaires. In addition to a web-based data collection solution, the EDC system REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture) offers the option to collect data offline via an app and to synchronize it afterward. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the usability of the REDCap app as an offline EDC option for a lay user group and to examine the necessary technology acceptance of using mobile devices for data collection. The feasibility of the app-based offline data collection in the digiDEM Bayern dementia registry project was then evaluated before going live. METHODS An exploratory mixed method design was employed in the form of an on-site usability test with the "Thinking Aloud" method combined with an online questionnaire including the System Usability Scale (SUS). The acceptance of mobile devices for data collection was surveyed based on five categories of the technology acceptance model. RESULTS Using the "Thinking Aloud" method, usability issues were identified and solutions were accordingly derived. Evaluation of the REDCap app resulted in a SUS score of 74, which represents "good" usability. After evaluating the technology acceptance questionnaire, it can be concluded that the lay user group is open to mobile devices as interview tools. CONCLUSIONS The usability evaluation results show that a lay user group generally agree that data collecting partners in the digiDEM project can handle the REDCap app well. The usability evaluation provided statements about positive aspects and could also identify usability issues relating to the REDCap app. In addition, the current technology acceptance in the sample showed that heterogeneous groups of different ages with diverse experiences in handling mobile devices are also ready for the use of app-based EDC systems. Based on these results, it can be assumed that the offline use of an app-based EDC system on mobile devices is a viable solution for collecting data in a decentralized registry-based research project.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Reichold
- Department of Medical Informatics, Biometrics and Epidemiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Miriam Heß
- Department of Medical Informatics, Biometrics and Epidemiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peter Kolominsky-Rabas
- Interdisciplinary Center for Health Technology Assessment and Public Health (IZPH), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Elmar Gräßel
- Center for Health Services Research in Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hans-Ulrich Prokosch
- Department of Medical Informatics, Biometrics and Epidemiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
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Reichold M, Dietzel N, Chmelirsch C, Kolominsky-Rabas PL, Graessel E, Prokosch HU. Designing and Implementing an IT Architecture for a Digital Multicenter Dementia Registry: digiDEM Bayern. Appl Clin Inform 2021; 12:551-563. [PMID: 34134149 PMCID: PMC8208839 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1731286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background
Registries are an essential research tool to investigate the long-term course of diseases and their impact on the affected. The project digiDEM Bayern will set up a prospective dementia registry to collect long-term data of people with dementia and their caregivers in Bavaria (Germany) supported by more than 300 research partners.
Objective
The objective of this article is to outline an information technology (IT) architecture for the integration of a registry and comprehensive participant management in a dementia study. Measures to ensure high data quality, study governance, along with data privacy, and security are to be included in the architecture.
Methods
The architecture was developed based on an iterative, stakeholder-oriented process. The development was inspired by the Twin Peaks Model that focuses on the codevelopment of requirements and architecture. We gradually moved from a general to a detailed understanding of both the requirements and design through a series of iterations. The experience learned from the pilot phase was integrated into a further iterative process of continuous improvement of the architecture.
Results
The infrastructure provides a standardized workflow to support the electronic data collection and trace each participant's study process. Therefore, the implementation consists of three systems: (1) electronic data capture system for Web-based or offline app-based data collection; (2) participant management system for the administration of the identity data of participants and research partners as well as of the overall study governance process; and (3) videoconferencing software for conducting interviews online. First experiences in the pilot phase have proven the feasibility of the framework.
Conclusion
This article outlines an IT architecture to integrate a registry and participant management in a dementia research project. The framework was discussed and developed with the involvement of numerous stakeholders. Due to its adaptability of used software systems, a transfer to other projects should be easily possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Reichold
- Department of Medical Informatics, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nikolas Dietzel
- Interdisciplinary Center for Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and Public Health (IZPH), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christina Chmelirsch
- Interdisciplinary Center for Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and Public Health (IZPH), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peter L Kolominsky-Rabas
- Interdisciplinary Center for Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and Public Health (IZPH), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Elmar Graessel
- Center for Health Services Research in Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hans-Ulrich Prokosch
- Department of Medical Informatics, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
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Patel S, Boulton KA, Redoblado-Hodge MA, Papanicolaou A, Barnett D, Bennett B, Drevensek S, Cramsie J, Ganesalingam K, Ong N, Rozsa M, Sutherland R, Williamsz M, Pokorski I, Song YJC, Silove N, Guastella AJ. The Acceptability and Efficacy of Electronic Data Collection in a Hospital Neurodevelopmental Clinic: Pilot Questionnaire Study. JMIR Form Res 2021; 5:e18214. [PMID: 33464217 PMCID: PMC7854031 DOI: 10.2196/18214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background There is a growing need for cost-efficient and patient-centered approaches to support families in hospital- and community-based neurodevelopmental services. For such purposes, electronic data collection (EDC) may hold advantages over paper-based data collection. Such EDC approaches enable automated data collection for scoring and interpretation, saving time for clinicians and services and promoting more efficient service delivery. Objective This pilot study evaluated the efficacy of EDC for the Child Development Unit, a hospital-based diagnostic assessment clinic in the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network. Caregiver response rates and preference for EDC or paper-based methods were evaluated as well as the moderating role of demographic characteristics such as age, level of education, and ethnic background. Methods Families were sent either a paper-based questionnaire via post or an electronic mail link for completion before attending their first on-site clinic appointment for assessment. A total of 62 families were provided a paper version of the questionnaire, while 184 families were provided the online version of the same questionnaire. Results Completion rates of the questionnaire before the first appointment were significantly higher for EDC (164/184, 89.1%) in comparison to paper-based methods (24/62, 39%; P<.001). Within the EDC group, a vast majority of respondents indicated a preference for completing the questionnaire online (151/173, 87.3%), compared to paper completion (22/173, 12.7%; P<.001). Of the caregiver demographic characteristics, only the respondent’s level of education was associated with modality preference, such that those with a higher level of education reported a greater preference for EDC (P=.04). Conclusions These results show that EDC is feasible in hospital-based clinics and has the potential to offer substantial benefits in terms of centralized data collation, time and cost savings, efficiency of service, and resource allocation. The results of this study therefore support the continued use of electronic methods to improve family-centered care in clinical practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shrujna Patel
- Autism Clinic for Translational Research, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.,Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kelsie Ann Boulton
- Autism Clinic for Translational Research, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.,Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Marie Antoinette Redoblado-Hodge
- Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Child Development Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Westmead, Australia
| | - Angela Papanicolaou
- Child Development Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Westmead, Australia
| | - Diana Barnett
- Child Development Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Westmead, Australia
| | - Beverley Bennett
- Child Development Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Westmead, Australia
| | - Suzi Drevensek
- Child Development Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Westmead, Australia
| | - Jane Cramsie
- Child Development Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Westmead, Australia
| | - Kalaichelvi Ganesalingam
- Child Development Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Westmead, Australia
| | - Natalie Ong
- Child Development Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Westmead, Australia
| | - Magdalen Rozsa
- Child Development Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Westmead, Australia
| | - Rebecca Sutherland
- Child Development Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Westmead, Australia
| | - Marcia Williamsz
- Child Development Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Westmead, Australia
| | - Izabella Pokorski
- Autism Clinic for Translational Research, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.,Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Yun Ju Christine Song
- Autism Clinic for Translational Research, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Natalie Silove
- Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Child Development Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Westmead, Australia
| | - Adam John Guastella
- Autism Clinic for Translational Research, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.,Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Mirzazadeh A, Hosseini-Hooshyar S, Shahesmaeili A, Bahramnejad A, Barshan A, Mousavian G, Najafi E, Sharifi H, Haghdoost AA, Briceno A, McFarland W, Page K. Barriers and motivators to participation and retention in HIV/HCV cohort studies among people who inject drugs: a community consultation in Iran. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2020; 15:56. [PMID: 32758246 PMCID: PMC7405425 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-020-00298-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The lack of robust estimates of HIV/HCV incidence among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Iran calls for well-designed prospective cohort studies. Successful recruitment and follow-up of PWID in cohort studies may require formative assessment of barriers PWID are faced with in participation and retention in cohort studies and factors they think may facilitate their engagement in such studies. Using a focus group discussion (FGD) format, we conducted a consultation with PWID in southeast Iran to recognize those barriers and motivators. METHODS Using targeted sampling and through snowball referrals, we recruited PWID (aged≥18, injected in last 6 months) from community-based drop-in centers (DICs), homeless shelters, and through outreach efforts to participate in four FGDs (one women-only). Socio-demographic characteristics, injection behaviors and self-reported HCV/HIV testing and diagnosis history were obtained. Then, a semi-structured FGD guide was applied to explore barriers and motivators to participation and retention in cohort studies among study participants. All FGD sessions were recorded and transcribed verbatim, removing any identifying information. The content of FGDs were analyzed by thematic analysis using an inductive approach. RESULTS In total, 30 individuals (10 women) participated in the study. The median age of participants was 35 (IQR 31-40), with majority (73.3%) reporting injecting drug use within the last month. Only 40.0% reported ever being tested for HCV whereas a larger proportion (63.4%) reported ever being tested for HIV. While the majority were willing to participate in cohort studies, breach of confidentiality, fear of positive test results, perceived required commitment, and marginalization were reported as barriers to participation and retention in such studies. Monetary incentive, the thought of a better life, protection from police interventions and trust between health workers and PWID were addressed as motivators of engagement in cohort studies among PWID. CONCLUSIONS Strategies to enhance data security and reduce stigma associated with injecting drug use along with involving peer workers in research, providing pre and post-test counselling and education and addressing the needs of more marginalized groups potentially through integrated healthcare programs and housing support are among few approaches that may help address barriers and strengthen the motivators for successful cohort studies among this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mirzazadeh
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
| | - Samira Hosseini-Hooshyar
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Armita Shahesmaeili
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | | | - Ghazal Mousavian
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Esmail Najafi
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hamid Sharifi
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ali-Akbar Haghdoost
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Alya Briceno
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Willi McFarland
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kimberly Page
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Preventive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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Verheij VA, Scholtz JE, Meyersohn NM, Parry BA, Hoffmann U, Ghoshhajra BB, Nagurney JT. Secondary cardiac risk stratifying tests after coronary computed tomography angiography in emergency department patients. J Cardiovasc Comput Tomogr 2018; 12:500-508. [PMID: 30340962 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcct.2018.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Revised: 09/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several large trials demonstrated that coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) in a triage strategy could lead to increased secondary cardiac risk stratifying testing (SCRST). Whether this is true for routine clinical care remains unclear. We measured SCRSTs after coronary CTA was implemented in our emergency department (ED) practice by CTA result, and if locally existing management recommendations for a structured post CTA diagnostic strategy were followed. METHODS This single site retrospective cohort study included all our ED patients who received coronary CTA between October 1, 2012 and September 30, 2016. SCRST's included functional cardiac tests and invasive coronary angiography (ICA), performed during the ED coronary CTA visit or related admission. RESULTS A total of 1916 subjects were included with a mean age of 52.9 ± 10.8 years. Of their coronary CTAs, 179 were positive (severe stenosis, occlusion or ventricular wall motion abnormalities; 9.3%), 105 intermediate (moderate stenosis; 5.5%), 1611 negative (no to mild obstructive CAD; 84.1%) and 21 non-diagnostic (1.1%). SCRSTs were performed in 237 (overall 12.4%, noninvasive in 5.6%, ICA in 6.7%). After positive coronary CTA, 73.7% of subjects received SCRSTs. For intermediate, negative and non-diagnostic CTAs this was 72.4%, 1.1% and 47.6% respectively. Management conformed to local management recommendations in 96.2% of cases. CONCLUSION In spite of previous trials, rates of secondary cardiac risk stratifying tests after routine clinical ED coronary CTA are low, especially in patients with negative coronary CTA. Structured management guidelines for post coronary CTA, and adherence to these guidelines, appear essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent A Verheij
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Jan-Erik Scholtz
- Cardiac MR PET CT Program, Department of Radiology and Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Nandini M Meyersohn
- Cardiac MR PET CT Program, Department of Radiology and Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Blair A Parry
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Division of Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, 5 Emerson Place, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Udo Hoffmann
- Cardiac MR PET CT Program, Department of Radiology and Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Brian B Ghoshhajra
- Cardiac MR PET CT Program, Department of Radiology and Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - John T Nagurney
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
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A Novel Open-Source Novel App Improves Anesthesia Operating Room Equipment Supply. J Med Syst 2018; 42:167. [PMID: 30069790 DOI: 10.1007/s10916-018-1026-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Anesthesiologists are dependent on specialized drugs and equipment being immediately available for patient care. Deficiencies in supplies impact on operating room efficiency and patient safety. In our institution, we do not have anesthesia assistants/aides and depend on general aides to stock anesthesia related equipment which resulted in many shortages. We hypothesized that a mobile app would be useful for tracking and reporting and informing changes to stocking resulting in an improvement in the supply of anesthesia equipment. Following institutional quality improvement approval, we developed an app to collect metrics (which included the last 2 months of paper documentation - September and October 2015) and the first 12 months of the app usage (November 2015 to November 2016). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data from the app. The primary outcome was the number of reports made over time. Secondary outcomes include the impact of missing items on operating room efficiency and patient safety, the most commonly reported missing items, and the most common actions taken following the discovery of missing items. The app increased the reporting by more than 300% (compared to paper) over the first 2 months. Over the year, 549 items were reported missing. The most common category of missing items was airway related 274 (49.9%). The single most commonly reported missing item was the Wisconsin Laryngoscope Size 1 Blade 95 (17.3%). App users reported the missing item safety impact as high 86 (15.7%) times and efficiency impact as high 117 (21.3%) times. Changes to staffing and supply resulted in a decrease in missing items reported. Our results demonstrate that an app can be useful for reporting, tracking of real-time shortages of anesthesia equipment and is easy to design and implement. Furthermore, the app has generated useful and robust data that has led to staffing changes and improvements in the anesthesia equipment supply chain. The app design and use may be useful in other clinical areas.
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10
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Brix TJ, Bruland P, Sarfraz S, Ernsting J, Neuhaus P, Storck M, Doods J, Ständer S, Dugas M. ODM Data Analysis-A tool for the automatic validation, monitoring and generation of generic descriptive statistics of patient data. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0199242. [PMID: 29933373 PMCID: PMC6014674 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A required step for presenting results of clinical studies is the declaration of participants demographic and baseline characteristics as claimed by the FDAAA 801. The common workflow to accomplish this task is to export the clinical data from the used electronic data capture system and import it into statistical software like SAS software or IBM SPSS. This software requires trained users, who have to implement the analysis individually for each item. These expenditures may become an obstacle for small studies. Objective of this work is to design, implement and evaluate an open source application, called ODM Data Analysis, for the semi-automatic analysis of clinical study data. METHODS The system requires clinical data in the CDISC Operational Data Model format. After uploading the file, its syntax and data type conformity of the collected data is validated. The completeness of the study data is determined and basic statistics, including illustrative charts for each item, are generated. Datasets from four clinical studies have been used to evaluate the application's performance and functionality. RESULTS The system is implemented as an open source web application (available at https://odmanalysis.uni-muenster.de) and also provided as Docker image which enables an easy distribution and installation on local systems. Study data is only stored in the application as long as the calculations are performed which is compliant with data protection endeavors. Analysis times are below half an hour, even for larger studies with over 6000 subjects. DISCUSSION Medical experts have ensured the usefulness of this application to grant an overview of their collected study data for monitoring purposes and to generate descriptive statistics without further user interaction. The semi-automatic analysis has its limitations and cannot replace the complex analysis of statisticians, but it can be used as a starting point for their examination and reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Philipp Bruland
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Saad Sarfraz
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jan Ernsting
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Philipp Neuhaus
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Michael Storck
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Justin Doods
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sonja Ständer
- Competence Center Chronic Pruritus, Department of Dermatology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Martin Dugas
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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11
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Yoldi-Negrete M, Morales-Cedillo IP, Navarro-Castellanos I, Fresán-Orellana A, Panduro-Flores R, Becerra-Palars C. Combining Adobe Forms and Dropbox to Obtain a Low-Cost Electronic Data Collection System. Telemed J E Health 2018; 25:250-256. [PMID: 29932811 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2018.0029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The method used to collect, store, and analyze data can affect the quality of data obtained. Many studies have shown the advantages of electronic systems over paper. Numerous tools are available for this purpose; however, they tend to be implemented only in high-budget protocols as they tend to be expensive. INTRODUCTION We report the experience of the Affective Disorders' Clinic of the National Institute of Psychiatry in Mexico City using Adobe Acrobat® Forms combined with Dropbox® as storage and distribution method for clinical protocols. MATERIALS AND METHODS Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro® was used to create personalized forms to capture data for seven different clinical purposes. Dropbox was used to share the distributed forms with fellow researchers. Completed forms were stored in Dropbox and the main researcher kept the data collection file, from where the forms were gathered for analysis. RESULTS Sixteen forms created for different clinical purposes had an average of 1.2% missing fields. DISCUSSION The main drawbacks relate to remote filling and the time spent in fine-tuning complex forms. The main advantages relate to the simplicity of the implementation of the method and the fact that no software other than the one available at the Institute is required. CONCLUSIONS Compared with other types of electronic data collection systems, the combination of these tools achieves similar goals and is low cost, requiring minimal knowledge of informatics.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Yoldi-Negrete
- 1 National Council for Science and Technology-National Institute of Psychiatry "Ramón de la Fuente Muñíz", Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Iñaki Navarro-Castellanos
- 3 Regional Hospital "Adolfo López Mateos", Institute of Social Security and Services of State Servers, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ana Fresán-Orellana
- 2 Clinical Services, National Institute of Psychiatry "Ramón de la Fuente Muñíz", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rubén Panduro-Flores
- 4 Integratitive Center of Mental Health, Institute of Mental Health of Jalisco, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Claudia Becerra-Palars
- 2 Clinical Services, National Institute of Psychiatry "Ramón de la Fuente Muñíz", Mexico City, Mexico
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12
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Andriesen J, Bull S, Dietrich J, Haberer JE, Van Der Pol B, Voronin Y, Wall KM, Whalen C, Priddy F. Using Digital Technologies in Clinical HIV Research: Real-World Applications and Considerations for Future Work. J Med Internet Res 2017; 19:e274. [PMID: 28760729 PMCID: PMC5556256 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.7513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital technologies, especially if used in novel ways, provide a number of potential advantages to clinical research in trials related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and may greatly facilitate operations as well as data collection and analysis. These technologies may even allow answering questions that are not answerable with older technologies. However, they come with a variety of potential concerns for both the participants and the trial sponsors. The exact challenges and means for alleviation depend on the technology and on the population in which it is deployed, and the rapidly changing landscape of digital technologies presents a challenge for creating future-proof guidelines for technology application. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify and summarize some common themes that are frequently encountered by researchers in this context and highlight those that should be carefully considered before making a decision to include these technologies in their research. METHODS In April 2016, the Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise surveyed the field for research groups with recent experience in novel applications of digital technologies in HIV clinical research and convened these groups for a 1-day meeting. Real-world uses of various technologies were presented and discussed by 46 attendees, most of whom were researchers involved in the design and conduct of clinical trials of biomedical HIV prevention and treatment approaches. After the meeting, a small group of organizers reviewed the presentations and feedback obtained during the meeting and categorized various lessons-learned to identify common themes. A group of 9 experts developed a draft summary of the findings that was circulated via email to all 46 attendees for review. Taking into account the feedback received, the group finalized the considerations that are presented here. RESULTS Meeting presenters and attendees discussed the many successful applications of digital technologies to improve research outcomes, such as those for recruitment and enrollment, participant identification, informed consent, data collection, data quality, and protocol or treatment adherence. These discussions also revealed unintended consequence of technology usage, including risks to study participants and risks to study integrity. CONCLUSIONS Key lessons learned from these discussions included the need to thoroughly evaluate systems to be used, the idea that early success may not be sustained throughout the study, that some failures will occur, and considerations for study-provided devices. Additionally, taking these key lessons into account, the group generated recommendations on how to move forward with the use of technology in HIV vaccine and biomedical prevention trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sheana Bull
- Colorado School of Public Health, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Janan Dietrich
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Soweto, South Africa
| | - Jessica E Haberer
- Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Yegor Voronin
- Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Christopher Whalen
- Research Data & Communications Technologies Corp., Garrett Park, MD, United States
| | - Frances Priddy
- International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, New York, NY, United States
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