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Estevam EDS, Franco CSB, Martins EJ, Petian-Alonso DC, Cruz KLT, Mattiello-Sverzut AC. The impact of the pandemic on physical and functional disabilities in children and adolescents with spina bifida. Spinal Cord Ser Cases 2024; 10:60. [PMID: 39160152 PMCID: PMC11333677 DOI: 10.1038/s41394-024-00674-x] [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: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Retrospective and cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVES The study aimed to carry out telemonitoring to identify the impact of the pandemic on physical and functional disabilities in children and adolescents with SB, as reported by their caregivers, and to investigate adherence to a teleservice. SETTING Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMRP-USP). METHODS Retrospective and cross-sectional study. Fifty-three patients with SB (mean age 12.0 (4.0) years; 23 males) participated in the telemonitoring. A questionnaire - 'Health management, health conditions, rehabilitation, interest in teleservice, and the well-being of the main caregiver' - investigated the clinical impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Only three caregivers participated in the teleservice (video call). RESULTS According to telemonitoring, 62% of the patients discontinued physiotherapy sessions, and 69% reported needing adjustments in locomotion devices. The main complaints were muscle weakness and pain. CONCLUSION We monitored general health and identified demands related to physical rehabilitation using telemonitoring in 42.4% of children and adolescents with SB monitored at the HCFMRP-USP. Telemonitoring and teleservice may be methods used for monitoring health conditions in patients with SB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester da Silva Estevam
- Graduation of the Physiotherapy course, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila Scarpino Barboza Franco
- Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation and Functional Performance, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Emanuela Juvenal Martins
- Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation and Functional Performance, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Danila Cristina Petian-Alonso
- Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation and Functional Performance, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Karoliny Lisandra Teixeira Cruz
- Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation and Functional Performance, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Chapman RR, Mohamed SB, Rage H, Abdulahi A, Jimenez J, Gavin AR, Zetell J, Chatterjee KN, Valderrábano S, Sundar S, Madey H, Pfeiffer JT. Preventing Health Disparities during COVID through Perinatal Home Screening as Black Authoritative Knowledge. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024; 11:1286-1300. [PMID: 37191769 PMCID: PMC10187511 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01608-3] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
During COVID-19 epidemic, health protocols limited face-to-face perinatal visits and increased reliance on telehealth. To prevent increased health disparities among BIPOC pregnant patients in health-underserved areas, we used a pre-post survey design to pilot a study assessing (1) feasibility of transferring technology including a blood pressure (BP) cuff (BPC) and a home screening tool, (2) providers' and patients' acceptance and use of technology, and (3) benefits and challenges of using the technology. Specific objectives included (1) increasing contact points between patients and perinatal providers; (2) decreasing barriers to reporting and treating maternal hypertension, stress/depression, and intimate partner violence (IPV)/domestic violence (DV); and (3) bundling to normalize and facilitate mental, emotional, and social health monitoring alongside BP screening. Findings confirm this model is feasible. Patients and providers used this bundling model to improve antenatal screening under COVID quarantine restrictions. More broadly, home-monitoring improved antenatal telehealth communication, provider diagnostics, referral and treatment, and bolstered patient autonomy through authoritative knowledge. Implementation challenges included provider resistance, disagreement with lower than ACOG BP values to initiate clinical contact and fear of service over-utilization, and patient and provider confusion about tool symbols due to limited training. We hypothesize that routinized pathologization and projection of crisis onto BIPOC people, bodies, and communities, especially around reproduction and continuity, may contribute to persistent racial/ethnic health disparities. Further research is needed to examine whether authoritative knowledge increases use of critical and timely perinatal services by strengthening embodied knowledge of marginalized patients and, thus, their autonomy and self-efficacy to enact self-care and self-advocacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel R Chapman
- Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Sumaya B Mohamed
- Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Jan Jimenez
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Yakima, WA, USA
| | - Amelia R Gavin
- School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jasmine Zetell
- Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - James T Pfeiffer
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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McCoy HC, Allison MK, Hernandez M, Ali MM, Stokes M, Bogulski CA, Eswaran H. Assessment of Pregnancy-Related Telehealth Interventions in the United States: A 10-Year Scoping Review. Telemed J E Health 2024; 30:36-46. [PMID: 37256707 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Telehealth use in obstetrics has been demonstrated to improve efficiency, access to care, and pregnancy outcomes. Despite reported successful implementation of these programs, information regarding the program variations and its impact on health care costs and outcomes are scarce. Methods: This is a scoping review of pregnancy-related telehealth studies to understand the current landscape of pregnancy-related telehealth interventions as well as to subset those that are used in high-risk pregnancies. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses framework to guide this review. Results: A total of 70 articles were included in this scoping review. Of those, 53 (75.7%) studies included a pregnant population and 17 (24.3%) studies focused on a rural and/or urban population. Most studies (n = 56; 80%) included some form of synchronous interaction between provider and participant. Patient outcomes included maternal/infant health outcomes (n = 41; 44.1%), patient satisfaction (n = 9; 9.7%), and attendance/compliance (n = 5; 5.4%). Provider-level outcomes included knowledge change (n = 11; 11.8%) and self-efficacy (n = 3; 3.2%). Other outcomes included assessment of costs and patient/provider feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. Overall, there has been a growing trend in articles published on pregnancy-related telehealth studies since 2011, with 2018 having the most publications in a single year. Conclusion: This review suggests a steadily growing body of literature on pregnancy-related telehealth interventions; however, more research is needed to better understand outcomes of telehealth for pregnancy-related care, especially related to patient satisfaction, health disparities, and cost-benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah C McCoy
- Institute for Digital Health and Innovation, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Mary Kathryn Allison
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Michelle Hernandez
- College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Mir M Ali
- Institute for Digital Health and Innovation, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Melony Stokes
- Southcentral Telehealth Resource Center, Institute for Digital Health and Innovation, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Cari A Bogulski
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Hari Eswaran
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
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Valencia SA, Barrientos Gómez JG, Gómez Ramirez MC, Luna IF, Caicedo HA, Torres-Silva EA, Díaz ES. Evaluation of a telehealth program for high-risk pregnancy in a health service provider institution. Int J Med Inform 2023; 179:105234. [PMID: 37776668 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2023.105234] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION eHealth offers a solution to current challenges in maternal health. Telemonitoring can rethink antenatal care, achieving more personalized medicine, especially in high-obstetric risk conditions. A home care model mediated by the development of a mobile and web application that seeks support in clinical decision-making was created in our institution. The software architecture consists of an information system (HCIS, Health Care Information System), a database, an authentication server, and an interoperability bus. METHODS The usability of the software by patients was assessed using the Information Systems Usability Questionnaire (CSUQ) version 3, as well as the satisfaction of the care model designed through a survey in a prospective observational study in 62 patients with a high-risk pregnancy. Participants were monitored in real-time through blood glucose, blood pressure, and weight measurements, and attended telemedicine appointments with an obstetrician from admission to six weeks postpartum. RESULTS The CSUQ results show a good acceptance of the use of the application by patients both in the global score and the different domains, Global, System utility (SYSUSE), Information Quality (INFOQUAL), and Interface quality (INTERQUAL). The satisfaction survey also shows good results in general and by domains. CONCLUSION The findings of this study provide some suggestions for the implementation of a technological development and a care model from the patient's perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Arango Valencia
- School of Health Sciences, Pontifical Bolivarian University, 050005 Medellin, Colombia; Scientific Direction, Bolivarian University Clinic, 050005 Medellín, Colombia.
| | - Juan Guillermo Barrientos Gómez
- School of Health Sciences, Pontifical Bolivarian University, 050005 Medellin, Colombia; Scientific Direction, Bolivarian University Clinic, 050005 Medellín, Colombia
| | | | - Iván Felipe Luna
- School of Health Sciences, Pontifical Bolivarian University, 050005 Medellin, Colombia; Scientific Direction, Bolivarian University Clinic, 050005 Medellín, Colombia
| | | | - E A Torres-Silva
- School of Health Sciences, Pontifical Bolivarian University, 050005 Medellin, Colombia; Metropolitan Technological University, 050005 Medellín, Colombia
| | - Emmanuel Sanchez Díaz
- School of Health Sciences, Pontifical Bolivarian University, 050005 Medellin, Colombia
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Davis KM, Jones KA, Yee LM, Feinglass J. Modeling the Likelihood of Low Birth Weight: Findings from a Chicago-Area Health System. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023; 10:1768-1775. [PMID: 35799041 PMCID: PMC9823150 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-022-01360-0] [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: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study presents a statistical model of the incidence of low birth weight (LBW) births in a large, Chicago-area hospital system. The study was undertaken to provide a strategic framework for future health system interventions. METHODS Administrative and electronic health records were matched to census Zip Code Tabulation Area (ZCTA) household poverty data for 42,681 births in 2016-2019 at seven system hospitals, serving a diverse patient population. A logistic regression model of LBW incidence was estimated to test the independent significance of maternal sociodemographic characteristics after controlling for clinical risk factors. RESULTS The incidence of LBW was 6.3% overall but 11.3% among non-Hispanic Black patients as compared to 5.1% among non-Hispanic White patients. LBW incidence ranged from 9.2% for patients from the poorest ZCTA (20% + poor households) compared to 5.6% of patients from the most affluent (< 5% poor) ZCTA. Nulliparous patients, patients with pre-existing chronic conditions, and patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were significantly more likely to have LBW births. After controlling for clinical risk factors and poverty level, non-Hispanic Black patients were still over 80% more likely and to have a LBW birth. DISCUSSION Study findings reveal the joint effects of social and clinical risk factors. Findings profile our highest-risk populations for targeted interventions. Promising prenatal care redesign programs include pregnancy patient navigators, home and group visits, eHealth telemonitoring, improved mental health screening, and diversification of the maternity care workforce. Decreasing LBW births should be a national public health policy priority and will require major investments in the most impacted communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka'Derricka M Davis
- Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 633 N. Saint Clair 18th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
| | - Kiana A Jones
- Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 633 N. Saint Clair 18th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Lynn M Yee
- Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 633 N. Saint Clair 18th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Joe Feinglass
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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Li S, Yang Q, Niu S, Liu Y. Effectiveness of Remote Fetal Monitoring on Maternal-Fetal Outcomes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2023; 11:e41508. [PMID: 36811944 PMCID: PMC9996419 DOI: 10.2196/41508] [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: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To solve the disadvantages of traditional fetal monitoring such as time-consuming, cumbersome steps and low coverage, it is paramount to develop remote fetal monitoring. Remote fetal monitoring expands time and space, which is expected to popularize fetal monitoring in remote areas with the low availability of health services. Pregnant women can transmit fetal monitoring data from remote monitoring terminals to the central monitoring station so that doctors can interpret it remotely and detect fetal hypoxia in time. Fetal monitoring involving remote technology has also been carried out, but with some conflicting results. OBJECTIVE The review aimed to (1) examine the efficacy of remote fetal monitoring in improving maternal-fetal outcomes and (2) identify research gaps in the field to make recommendations for future research. METHODS We did a systematic literature search with PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Open Grey in March 2022. Randomized controlled trials or quasi-experimental trials of remote fetal monitoring were identified. Two reviewers independently searched articles, extracted data, and assessed each study. Primary outcomes (maternal-fetal outcomes) and secondary outcomes (health care usage) were presented as relative risks or mean difference. The review was registered on PROSPERO as CRD42020165038. RESULTS Of the 9337 retrieved literature, 9 studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis (n=1128). Compared with a control group, remote fetal monitoring reduced the risk of neonatal asphyxia (risk ratio 0.66, 95% CI 0.45-0.97; P=.04), with a low heterogeneity of 24%. Other maternal-fetal outcomes did not differ significantly between remote fetal monitoring and routine fetal monitoring, such as cesarean section (P=.21; I2=0%), induced labor (P=.50; I2=0%), instrumental vaginal birth (P=.45; I2=0%), spontaneous delivery (P=.85; I2=0%), gestational weeks at delivery (P=.35; I2=0%), premature delivery (P=.47; I2=0%), and low birth weight (P=.71; I2=0%). Only 2 studies performed a cost analysis, stating that remote fetal monitoring can contribute to reductions in health care costs when compared with conventional care. In addition, remote fetal monitoring might affect the number of visits and duration in the hospital, but it was not possible to draw definite conclusions about the effects due to the limited number of studies. CONCLUSIONS Remote fetal monitoring seems to reduce the incidence of neonatal asphyxia and health care costs compared with routine fetal monitoring. To strengthen the claims on the efficacy of remote fetal monitoring, further well-designed studies are necessary, especially in high-risk pregnant women, such as pregnant women with diabetes, pregnant women with hypertension, and so forth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suya Li
- Nursing Department, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, HuaZhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qing Yang
- Nursing Department, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, HuaZhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuya Niu
- Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Nursing Department, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, HuaZhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Ghimire S, Martinez S, Hartvigsen G, Gerdes M. Virtual prenatal care: A systematic review of pregnant women's and healthcare professionals' experiences, needs, and preferences for quality care. Int J Med Inform 2023; 170:104964. [PMID: 36565547 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2022.104964] [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: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exploitation of telehealth in prenatal care has the potential to reduce the access barrier to care and empower women to participate in their own care. This review aims to assess the practical implications of virtual prenatal care and identify the needs and experiences associated with it. METHODS A systematic literature review was conducted in four electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane. The keywords used were "pregnancy", "virtual visit", "prenatal", and others. The search included all relevant studies published from 2011 to 2021 written in English. Articles mentioning virtual prenatal care incorporating synchronous communication between pregnant women and health care professionals were included. Those unrelated to prenatal care or employing asynchronous means of virtual care were excluded. The review was structured following the PRISMA guidelines. Different quality appraisal methods such as JBI, CASP, NOS, and Cochrane were used to assess the methodological quality of the literature. The data were then analyzed based on the categorization of the studies. RESULTS Overall, 2863 articles were identified, of which 19 met the inclusion criteria after removing duplicates, screening of abstracts, and full text-four articles identified from hand-searching were incorporated, making a total of 23 eligible articles for the review. The studies' findings revealed the preference for implementing cost-effective virtual care based on the resource set, technological literacy, and consistent accessibility. Further, no significant differences in clinical outcomes were observed between two modes of care, virtual and in-person. The higher satisfaction by pregnant women and healthcare professionals indicated the continuity of the care. In addition, the hybrid model of virtual prenatal care integrated with traditional in-person care was acceptable to both low-risk and high-risk pregnant women. Virtual prenatal care substantially reduced travel time and absences from work, drops in clinic wait time and no-show rate, limited the risk of exposure during a pandemic, and increased self-accountability. CONCLUSION Virtual prenatal care offers predominant advantages over in-person when it is carefully designed with the inclusion of pregnant women and healthcare professionals' needs. Evidence showed that providing adequate technology training, proper instruction, and guidelines for initial setup and assurance of a reliable and accessible system is vital in increasing access to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarala Ghimire
- Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Centre for e-Health, University of Agder, Grimstad, Norway.
| | - Santiago Martinez
- Department of Health and Nursing Sciences, Centre for e-Health, University of Agder, Grimstad, Norway
| | - Gunnar Hartvigsen
- Department of Health and Nursing Sciences, Centre for e-Health, University of Agder, Grimstad, Norway
| | - Martin Gerdes
- Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Centre for e-Health, University of Agder, Grimstad, Norway
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Jain S, Acharya N. Fetal Wellbeing Monitoring – A Review Article. Cureus 2022; 14:e29039. [PMID: 36249607 PMCID: PMC9550204 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.29039] [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: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
While assessing maternal health is relatively easy, assessing fetal well-being has always been tricky. This has led to tremendous technological development in fetal well-being assessment, thus bridging the gap between biotechnology and antenatal medicine. It is broadly divided into early pregnancy, late pregnancy, and during labour assessment. While the early assessment involves genetic check-ups and malformations, the late pregnancy check-ups aim at delivering a healthy fetus at term by normal vaginal delivery. The early tests can be invasive or non-invasive. Non-invasive include cell-free fetal DNA assessment and fetal cell-based assessment. Invasive tests include amniocentesis and chorionic villous sampling. These are followed by chromosomal microarray and next-generation sequencing. Under this procedure, exome sequencing is done, which is either clinical or whole. Sequencing of the whole genome can also be done. A recent advancement is pre-implantation genetic testing. These are mainly useful in identifying monogenic disorders for which the locus causing disease is identified beyond any doubt. In late pregnancy, the most commonly used test is biophysical. It works on the principle that an increase in the fetal heart rate occurs in conjugation with fetal movements. The next widely employed technology is Doppler, which is used to know fetal heart rates, valve timing intervals, and umbilical artery waveforms. Cardiotocography is also widely used both during pregnancy and during labour. It measures the fetal heart rate while correlating it with uterine contractions. Wireless fetal and maternal heart monitoring and telemonitoring are recent upcoming fields.
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Tay W, Quek R, Kaur B, Lim J, Henry CJ. Use of Facial Morphology to Determine Nutritional Status in Older Adults: Opportunities and Challenges. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2022; 8:e33478. [PMID: 35849429 PMCID: PMC9345026 DOI: 10.2196/33478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Undiagnosed malnutrition is a significant problem in high-income countries, which can reduce the quality of life of many individuals, particularly of older adults. Moreover, it can also inflate the costs of existing health care systems because of the many metabolic complications that it can cause. The current methods for assessing malnutrition can be cumbersome. A trained practitioner must be present to conduct an assessment, or patients must travel to facilities with specialized equipment to obtain their measurements. Therefore, digital health care is a possible way of closing this gap as it is rapidly gaining traction as a scalable means of improving efficiency in the health care system. It allows for the remote monitoring of nutritional status without requiring the physical presence of practitioners or the use of advanced medical equipment. As such, there is an increasing interest in expanding the range of digital applications to facilitate remote monitoring and management of health issues. In this study, we discuss the feasibility of a novel digital remote method for diagnosing malnutrition using facial morphometrics. Many malnutrition screening assessments include subjective assessments of the head and the face. Facial appearance is often used by clinicians as the first point of qualitative indication of health status. Hence, there may be merit in quantifying these subtle but observable changes using facial morphometrics. Modern advancements in artificial intelligence, data science, sensors, and computing technologies allow facial features to be accurately digitized, which could potentially allow these previously intuitive assessments to be quantified. This study aims to stimulate further discussion and discourse on how this emerging technology can be used to provide real-time access to nutritional status. The use of facial morphometrics extends the use of currently available technology and may provide a scalable, easily deployable solution for nutritional status to be monitored in real time. This will enable clinicians and dietitians to keep track of patients remotely and provide the necessary intervention measures as required, as well as providing health care institutions and policy makers with essential information that can be used to inform and enable targeted public health approaches within affected populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesley Tay
- Clinical Nutrition Research Centre, Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rina Quek
- Clinical Nutrition Research Centre, Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bhupinder Kaur
- Clinical Nutrition Research Centre, Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Joseph Lim
- Clinical Nutrition Research Centre, Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Christiani Jeyakumar Henry
- Clinical Nutrition Research Centre, Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Zielinska AP, Mullins E, Lees C. The feasibility of multimodality remote monitoring of maternal physiology during pregnancy. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e29566. [PMID: 35777056 PMCID: PMC9239642 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000029566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
To ascertain whether remote multimodality cardiovascular monitoring of health in pregnancy is feasible, 24 participants were asked to daily monitor body weight, heart rate, blood pressure, activity levels, and sleep patterns. Study participants took on average 4.3 (standard deviation = 2.20) home recordings of each modality per week across the 3 trimesters and 2.0 postpartum (standard deviation = 2.41), out of a recommended maximum of 7. Thus, remote monitoring indicative of cardiovascular health throughout and after pregnancy might be feasible for routine clinical care or within the context of a research study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata P. Zielinska
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Edward Mullins
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Fetal Care, Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christoph Lees
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Fetal Care, Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Christoph Lees, Centre for Fetal Care, Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Du Cane Road, London W12 0HS, United Kingdom (e-mail: )
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Feroz AS, De Vera K, D Bragagnolo N, Saleem S, Bhutta Z, Seto E. Understanding the Needs of a Mobile Phone-Based Telemonitoring Program for Pregnant Women at High Risk for Pre-Eclampsia: Interpretive Qualitative Description Study. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e32428. [PMID: 35200152 PMCID: PMC8914731 DOI: 10.2196/32428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Lack of early risk detection, diagnosis, and treatment of pregnant women at high risk for pre-eclampsia can result in high maternal mortality and morbidity not only in Pakistan but also in other low- to middle-income countries (LMICs). A potential tool for supporting pregnant women at high risk for pre-eclampsia for early detection is telemonitoring (TM). However, there is a limited body of evidence on end-user needs and preferences to inform the design of the TM programs for pregnant women at high risk for pre-eclampsia, specifically in LMICs such as Pakistan. Objective This study aims to explore the needs of TM for pregnant women at high risk for pre-eclampsia in Karachi, Pakistan, to inform a potential future feasibility trial of a mobile phone–based TM program. Methods An interpretive qualitative description approach was used to conduct and analyze 36 semistructured interviews with 15 (42%) pregnant women and 21 (58%) key informants, including clinicians; nurses; maternal, neonatal, and child health specialists; and digital health experts to explore the perspectives, needs, and preferences of a mobile phone–based TM program to support pregnant women at high risk for pre-eclampsia. Pregnant women were identified through heterogeneous sampling, whereas key informants were selected through purposive sampling. The interview transcripts were analyzed using a conventional content analysis technique. Results The following four themes emerged from the analysis of the transcripts: poor use of antenatal care during pregnancy, the value of a TM program in high-risk pregnancy, barriers influencing the adoption of TM programs and potential strategies, and considerations for implementing TM programs. The pregnant women and health care providers were willing to use a TM program as they perceived many benefits, including early identification of pregnancy complications, prompt treatment, convenience, cost-effectiveness, increased sense of empowerment for one’s health care, improved care continuity, and reduced clinical workload. However, some providers and pregnant women mentioned some concerns regarding the adoption of a TM program, including malfunctioning and safety concerns, potential inaccuracy of blood pressure machines, increased clinical workload, and resistance to learning new technology. Our study recommends building the capacity of patients and providers on TM program use, sensitizing the community and family members on the usefulness of the TM program, using an approach incorporating user-centered design and phased implementation to determine the clinical workload and whether additional staff for the TM program is required, and ensuring greater levels of co-design and the engagement of consumer representatives. Conclusions Our findings highlight the perceived feasibility of a mobile phone–based TM program for pregnant women at high risk for pre-eclampsia and provide insights that can be directly used for the design of future TM programs with the aim of reducing mortality and morbidity from pre-eclampsia and eclampsia in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anam Shahil Feroz
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Community Health Sciences Department, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Kristina De Vera
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nadia D Bragagnolo
- Physical Sciences, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah Saleem
- Community Health Sciences Department, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Zulfiqar Bhutta
- Centre for Global Child Health, SickKids, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Center of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Emily Seto
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Centre for Global eHealth Innovation, Techna Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
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12
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Shahil Feroz A, Afzal N, Seto E. Exploring digital health interventions for pregnant women at high risk for pre-eclampsia and eclampsia in low-income and-middle-income countries: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e056130. [PMID: 35135777 PMCID: PMC8830260 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore digital health interventions that have been used to support pregnant women at high risk for pre-eclampsia/eclampsia (HRPE/E) in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). DESIGN Scoping review. DATA SOURCE EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and CINAHL were searched between 1 January 2000 and 20 October 2020. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA The review included original research studies that were published in English, involved pregnant women at HRPE/E and implemented digital health interventions for PE/E in LMICs. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two reviewers independently completed the data extraction for each of the 19 final articles. An inductive approach was used to thematically organise and summarise the results from the included articles. RESULTS A total of 19 publications describing 7 unique studies and 9 different digital health interventions were included. Most studies were conducted in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa (n=16). Of nine unique digital health interventions, two served the purpose of predicting risk for adverse maternal health outcomes while seven focused on monitoring high-risk pregnant women for PE/E. Both of these purposes used mobile phone applications as interface to facilitate data collection, decision making, and communication between health workers and pregnant women. The review identified key functions of interventions including data collection, prediction of adverse maternal outcomes, integrated diagnostic and clinical decision support, and personal health tracking. The review reported three major outcomes: maternal health outcomes including maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality (n=4); usability and acceptability including ease-of-use, and perceived usefulness, (n=5); and intervention feasibility and fidelity including accuracy of device, and intervention implementation (n=7). CONCLUSION Although the current evidence base shows some potential for the use of digital health interventions for PE/E, more prospective experimental and longitudinal studies are needed prior to recommending the use of digital health interventions for PE/E.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anam Shahil Feroz
- Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Noreen Afzal
- Dean's Office, The Aga Khan University Medical College Pakistan, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Emily Seto
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Global eHealth Innovation, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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13
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Tinelli M, Jackson A, Siddique S, Hamilton B. An innovative outpatient monitor service for gynecological patients in the United Kingdom: Case study evaluation of clinical effectiveness, economic outcomes, patient safety, and service improvement. Int J Health Plann Manage 2021; 36:2323-2335. [PMID: 34448214 DOI: 10.1002/hpm.3300] [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: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Failure to attend appointments places a huge strain on health care systems around the world, resulting in poorer care for the patients, waste of staff time and increased waiting times. This study looked at the impact of an Outpatient-Monitor-Service (OMS) on clinical, economic, patient safety and service improvement outcomes in gynaecology patients compared with care as usual (with no access to the OMS). METHODS We conducted a retrospective match-pair controlled study at a London-based hospital. The cohort included adult women who received either (i) gynecological, (ii) hysteroscopy or (iii) vulval procedures. A cost-consequences analysis compared intervention (who received the OMS) with control (historical cases who did not receive the OMS. Main outcome measures were clinical-effectiveness, NHS-cost, patient safety, and service improvement. RESULTS The intervention had positive impacts spanning clinical, patient safety and service improvement areas and showed cost saving results for the healthcare in terms of reduced follow-up consultations and did-not-attend occurrences. CONCLUSIONS The OMS offered by Message Dynamics appears to be a successful digital health technology to monitor gynecological patients' conditions and inform clinical decision making via remote channels, which is particularly relevant in coronavirus disease pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Tinelli
- Department of Health Policy, Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, The London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Anne Jackson
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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14
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Application of telemedicine video visits in a maternal-fetal medicine practice at the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2021; 3:100469. [PMID: 34450341 PMCID: PMC8454236 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2021.100469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telemedicine in obstetrics has mostly been described in the rural areas that have limited access to subspecialties. During the COVID-19 pandemic, health systems rapidly expanded telemedicine services for urgent and nonurgent healthcare delivery, even in urban settings. The New York University health system implemented a prompt systemwide expansion of video-enabled telemedicine visits, increasing telemedicine to >8000 visits daily within 6 weeks of the beginning of the pandemic. There are limited studies that explore patient and provider satisfaction of telemedicine visits in obstetrical patients during the COVID-19 epidemic, particularly in the United States. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate both the patients’ and the providers’ satisfaction with the administration of maternal-fetal medicine services through telemedicine and to identify the factors that drive the patients’ desire for future obstetrical telemedicine services. STUDY DESIGN A cross-sectional survey was administered to patients who completed a telemedicine video visit with the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at the New York University Langone Hospital—Long Island from March 19, 2020, to May 26, 2020. A 10-question survey assessing the patients’ digital experience and desire for future use was either administered by telephone or self-administered by the patients via a link after obtaining verbal consent. The survey responses were scored from 1—strongly disagree to 5—strongly agree. We analyzed the demographics and survey responses of the patients who agreed to vs those who answered neutral or disagree to the question “I would like telehealth to be an option for future obstetric visits.” The providers also answered a similar 10-question survey. The median scores were compared using appropriate tests. A P value of <.05 was considered significant. RESULTS A total of 253 patients participated in 433 telemedicine visits, and 165 patients completed the survey, resulting in a 65% survey response rate. Overall, there were high rates of patient satisfaction in all areas assessed. Those who desired future telemedicine had significantly greater agreeability that they were able to see and hear their provider easily (5 [4.5, 5] vs 5 [4, 5]; P=.014) and that the lack of physical activity was not an issue (5 [4, 5] vs 5 [4, 5]; P=.032). They were also more likely to agree that the telemedicine visits were as good as in-person visits (4 [3, 5] vs 3 [2, 3]; P<.001) and that telehealth made it easier for them to see doctors or specialists (5 [4, 5] vs 3 [2, 3]; P<.001). The patients seeking consults for poor obstetrical history were more likely to desire future telemedicine compared with other visit types (19 (90%) vs 2 (10%); P=.05). Provider survey responses also demonstrated high levels of satisfaction, with 83% agreeing that they would like telemedicine to be an option for future obstetrical visits. CONCLUSION We demonstrated that maternal-fetal medicine obstetrical patients and providers were highly satisfied with the implementation of telemedicine during the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and a majority of them desire telemedicine as an option for future visits. A patient's desire for future telemedicine visits was significantly affected by their digital experience, the perception of a lack of need for physical contact, perceived time saved on travel, and access to healthcare providers. Health systems need to continue to improve healthcare delivery and invest in innovative solutions to conduct physical examinations remotely.
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15
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Shah AC, O'Dwyer LC, Badawy SM. Telemedicine in Malignant and Nonmalignant Hematology: Systematic Review of Pediatric and Adult Studies. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2021; 9:e29619. [PMID: 34255706 PMCID: PMC8299344 DOI: 10.2196/29619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telemedicine, including video-, web-, and telephone-based interventions, is used in adult and pediatric populations to deliver health care and communicate with patients. In the realm of hematology, telemedicine has recently been used to safely and efficiently monitor treatment side-effects, perform consultations, and broaden the reach of subspecialty care. OBJECTIVE We aimed to synthesize and analyze information regarding the feasibility, acceptability, and potential benefits of telemedicine interventions in malignant and nonmalignant hematology, as well as assess the recognized limitations of these interventions. METHODS Studies were identified through a comprehensive Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) search on the PubMed MEDLINE, Controlled Register of Clinical Trials (Cochrane CENTRAL from Wiley), Embase, and CINAHL (EBSCO) databases on February 7, 2018. A second search, utilizing the same search strategy, was performed on October 1, 2020. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines in the reporting of included evidence. Included studies were original articles researching the feasibility, acceptability, and clinical outcomes of telemedicine or telehealth interventions in pediatric or adult populations with malignant or nonmalignant hematological conditions. Data items in the extraction form included first author name, publication year, country, malignant or nonmalignant hematological condition or disease focus of the study, participant age, participant age subgroup (pediatric or adult), study design and setting, telemedicine intervention type and description, study purpose, and main study outcomes. RESULTS A total of 32 articles met the preset criteria and were included in this study. Most (25/32) studies were conducted in adults, and the remaining (7/32) were conducted in the pediatric population. Of the 32 studies, 12 studied malignant hematological conditions, 18 studied nonmalignant conditions, and two studied both malignant and nonmalignant conditions. Study types included pilot study (11/32), retrospective study (9/32), randomized controlled trial (6/32), cross-sectional study (2/32), case study (1/32), pre-post study (1/32), noncomparative prospective study (1/32), and prospective cohort study (1/32). The three main types of telemedicine interventions utilized across all studies were video-based (9/32), telephone-based (9/32), and web-based interventions (14/32). Study results showed comparable outcomes between telemedicine and traditional patient encounter groups across both pediatric and adult populations for malignant and nonmalignant hematological conditions. CONCLUSIONS Evidence from this review suggests that telemedicine use in nonmalignant and malignant hematology provides similar or improved health care compared to face-to-face encounters in both pediatric and adult populations. Telemedicine interventions utilized in the included studies were well received in both pediatric and adult settings. However, more research is needed to determine the efficacy of implementing more widespread use of telemedicine for hematological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aashaka C Shah
- Department of Medical Education, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Linda C O'Dwyer
- Galter Health Sciences Library and Learning Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Sherif M Badawy
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, Neuro-Oncology & Stem Cell Transplantation, Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
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16
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Yu HJ, Kiernan DF, Eichenbaum D, Sheth VS, Wykoff CC. Home Monitoring of Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Utility of the ForeseeHome Device for Detection of Neovascularization. Ophthalmol Retina 2021; 5:348-356. [PMID: 32810682 PMCID: PMC7428765 DOI: 10.1016/j.oret.2020.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the real-world utility of the ForeseeHome monitoring device (Notal Vision, Ltd., Tel Aviv, Israel) for the detection of conversion from intermediate age-related macular degeneration (iAMD) to neovascular AMD (nAMD) and to compare with results published by the Home Monitoring of the Eye (HOME) study. DESIGN Retrospective analysis of electronic health records. PARTICIPANTS Eyes prescribed use of the ForeseeHome device across 4 retinal practices in the United States. METHODS Usage information was collected from the online ForeseeHome portal for all eyes prescribed the device. For a predetermined subset of eyes, additional clinical information was collected through chart review and analyzed for clinical utility. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Frequency and length of use, number of eyes that used the device, number of eyes that established a baseline measurement, number of eyes that converted to nAMD, and number of alerts. RESULTS Seven hundred seventy-five eyes of 448 patients were prescribed use of the ForeseeHome device. Six hundred forty-nine eyes (83.7%) used the device at least once; among this population, 478 (73.7%) established a baseline measurement. Patients who established a baseline measurement were significantly younger than those who did not (P < 0.001). Among eyes that established a baseline measurement, 126 (26.4%) had an overall inadequate frequency of use (≥2 tests per week), and 250 (52.3%) did not use the device as frequently as instructed by the manufacturer (≥3 tests per week); 24.7% of eyes discontinued use within 1 year. Of the 136 eyes that established a baseline measurement among 211 eyes prescribed the device at 1 clinical site, 52 alerts were recorded; 3 (6.8%) correctly identified conversion to nAMD and 47 (93.2%) represented false-positive alerts. CONCLUSIONS Compared with the prospective HOME study, the utility of the ForeseeHome device in the current analysis of clinical practice application was limited. A meaningful proportion of eyes never used the device or could not establish a baseline measurement. Overall frequency of use was low, and continuous use of the device decreased over time. A need exists for improvement in home monitoring technology for eyes with iAMD at risk of conversion to nAMD.
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Key Words
- amd, age-related macular degeneration
- areds, age-related eye disease study
- cnv, choroidal neovascularization
- copd, chronic pulmonary obstructive disease
- fa, fluorescein angiography
- home, home monitoring of the eye
- iamd, intermediate dry age-related macular degeneration
- namd, neovascular age-related macular degeneration
- sd oct, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography
- va, visual acuity
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah J Yu
- Retina Consultants of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Daniel F Kiernan
- Division of Retina and Vitreous, Ophthalmic Consultants of Long Island, Rockville Centre, New York
| | | | - Veeral S Sheth
- University Retina and Macula Associates, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Charles C Wykoff
- Retina Consultants of Houston, Houston, Texas; Blanton Eye Institute, Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas.
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17
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Krenitsky NM, Spiegelman J, Sutton D, Syeda S, Moroz L. Primed for a pandemic: Implementation of telehealth outpatient monitoring for women with mild COVID-19. Semin Perinatol 2020; 44:151285. [PMID: 32854962 PMCID: PMC7371601 DOI: 10.1016/j.semperi.2020.151285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Close observation and rapid escalation of care is essential for obstetric patients with COVID-19. The pandemic forced widespread conversion of in-person to virtual care delivery and telehealth was primed to enable outpatient surveillance of infected patients. We describe the experience and lessons learned while designing and implementing a virtual telemonitoring COVID-19 clinic for obstetric patients. All patients with suspected for confirmed COVID-19 were referred and enrolled. Telehealth visits were conducted every 24 to 72 hours based on the severity of symptoms and care was escalated to in person when necessary. The outcome of the majority (96.1%) of telehealth visits was to continue outpatient management. With regard to escalation of care, 25 patients (26.6%) presented for in person evaluation and five patients (5.3%) required inpatient admission. A virtual telemonitoring clinic for obstetric patients with mild COVID-19 offers an effective surveillance strategy as it allows for close monitoring, direct connection to in person evaluation, minimization of patient and provider exposure, and scalability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Krenitsky
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital / Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jessica Spiegelman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital / Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Desmond Sutton
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital / Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sbaa Syeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital / Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Leslie Moroz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital / Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States.
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18
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van den Heuvel JFM, Ayubi S, Franx A, Bekker MN. Home-Based Monitoring and Telemonitoring of Complicated Pregnancies: Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey of Current Practice in the Netherlands. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2020; 8:e18966. [PMID: 33112250 PMCID: PMC7657725 DOI: 10.2196/18966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Daily monitoring of fetal and maternal conditions in complicated pregnancies leads to recurrent outpatient visits or (prolonged) hospitalization. Alternatives for hospital admissions include home-based monitoring with home visits by professionals or telemonitoring with self-measurements performed by pregnant women and uploaded for in-clinic assessment. For both alternatives, cardiotocography and blood pressure measurement can be performed at home. It is unknown to what extent, for which reasons, and for which pregnancy complications these strategies are used. Objective This study aims to assess the current practice and attitudes concerning home-based monitoring (with daily home visits by professionals) and telemonitoring (using devices and the internet for daily self-recorded measurements) in high-risk pregnancies requiring maternal and fetal monitoring in the Netherlands. Methods This nationwide cross-sectional study involved sending a web-based survey to the obstetrics departments of all 73 hospitals in the Netherlands to be answered by 1 representative dedicated to pregnancy monitoring per hospital. The primary outcome was the provision of home-based monitoring or telemonitoring using cardiotocography between 1995 and 2018. The survey further addressed perspectives regarding the use of home-based monitoring and telemonitoring, including (contra)indications, advantages, and disadvantages for pregnant women and clinicians. Results The response rate for the provision of either home-based monitoring or telemonitoring was 100%. In 2018, 38% (28/73) of centers in the Netherlands offered either home-based monitoring or telemonitoring or both to pregnant women with complications. Home-based monitoring was offered in 26% (19/73) of the centers; telemonitoring, in 23% (17/73); and both in 11% (8/73). Telemonitoring was first offered in 2009, increasing from 4% (3/73) of hospitals in 2014 to 23% (17/73) in 2018. Responses were received from 78% (57/73) of the invited hospitals and analyzed. Of all 17 centers using telemonitoring, 59% (10/17) did not investigate perinatal outcomes, safety, and patient satisfaction prior to implementation. Other (6/17, 35%) telemonitoring centers are participating in an ongoing multicenter randomized clinical trial comparing patient safety, satisfaction, and costs of telemonitoring with standard hospital admission. Home-based monitoring and telemonitoring are provided for a wide range of complications, such as fetal growth restriction, pre-eclampsia, and preterm rupture of membranes. The respondents reported advantages of monitoring from home, such as reduced stress and increased rest for patients, and reduction of admission and possible reduction of costs. The stated barriers included lack of insurance reimbursement and possible technical issues. Conclusions Home-based monitoring is provided in 26% (19/73) and telemonitoring, in 23% (17/73) of hospitals in the Netherlands to women with pregnancy complications. Altogether, 38% (28/73) of hospitals offer either home-based monitoring or telemonitoring or both as an alternative to hospital admission. Future research is warranted to assess safety and reimbursement issues before more widespread implementation of this practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Samira Ayubi
- Department of Obstetrics, University Medical Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Arie Franx
- Department of Obstetrics, University Medical Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus Medical Center, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Mireille N Bekker
- Department of Obstetrics, University Medical Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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19
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Brusniak K, Arndt HM, Feisst M, Haßdenteufel K, Matthies LM, Deutsch TM, Hudalla H, Abele H, Wallwiener M, Wallwiener S. Challenges in Acceptance and Compliance in Digital Health Assessments During Pregnancy: Prospective Cohort Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2020; 8:e17377. [PMID: 33052134 PMCID: PMC7593860 DOI: 10.2196/17377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnant women are increasingly using mobile apps to access health information during the antenatal period. Therefore, digital health solutions can potentially be used as monitoring instruments during pregnancy. However, a main factor of success is high user engagement. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to analyze engagement and factors influencing compliance in a longitudinal study targeting pregnant women using a digital health app with self-tracking. METHODS Digitally collected data concerning demographics, medical history, technical aspects, and mental health from 585 pregnant women were analyzed. Patients filling out ≥80% of items at every study visit were considered to be highly compliant. Factors associated with high compliance were identified using logistic regression. The effect of a change in mental and physical well-being on compliance was assessed using a one-sample t test. RESULTS Only 25% of patients could be considered compliant. Overall, 63% left at least one visit blank. Influential variables for higher engagement included higher education, higher income, private health insurance, nonsmoking, and German origin. There was no relationship between a change in the number of physical complaints or depressive symptoms and study dropout. CONCLUSIONS Maintaining high engagement with digital monitoring devices over a long time remains challenging. As cultural and socioeconomic background factors had the strongest influence, more effort needs to be directed toward understanding the needs of patients from different demographic backgrounds to ensure high-quality care for all patients. More studies need to report on compliance to disclose potential demographic bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Brusniak
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hannah Maria Arndt
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Manuel Feisst
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Informatics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Haßdenteufel
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lina Maria Matthies
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Hannes Hudalla
- Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Harald Abele
- Department of Women's Health, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Section of Midwifery Science, Institute for Health Sciences, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Markus Wallwiener
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Wallwiener
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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20
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Payakachat N, Rhoads S, McCoy H, Dajani N, Eswaran H, Lowery C. Using mHealth in postpartum women with pre-eclampsia: Lessons learned from a qualitative study. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2020; 149:339-346. [PMID: 32119129 PMCID: PMC7239748 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.13134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore perceptions and attitudes of postpartum women with pre-eclampsia towards remote monitoring (mHealth) and communication with the call center. METHODS A non-randomized cohort study was conducted in postpartum hypertensive women, recruited from a tertiary hospital between October 2015 and February 2016. Participants were categorized into users (using mHealth) and non-users (not using mHealth) to monitor vital signs at home over a 2-week period after discharge. Non-users were informed about functionality of mHealth. Both groups participated in a 30-minute phone interview at the end of the study. Directed content analysis of interview transcripts was conducted. RESULTS In total, 21 users and 16 non-users participated in the interview. Both groups perceived that mHealth helped manage their condition. However, non-users were concerned about the challenge of incorporating mHealth into their routine, whereas users mentioned that they liked using mHealth on a daily basis. They also stated that communication with nurses in the call center was helpful. Barriers identified by users included size of the blood pressure cuffs, size of the equipment set, wireless connection, and stress associated with mHealth monitoring. Users stated that they would have preferred using mHealth during pregnancy. CONCLUSION The findings provide useful insights to inform a successful remote monitoring program among perinatal and postpartum women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nalin Payakachat
- Division of Pharmaceutical Evaluation and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Sarah Rhoads
- Department of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, College of Nursing, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Hannah McCoy
- Institute for digital Health & Innovation, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Nafisa Dajani
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Hari Eswaran
- Institute for digital Health & Innovation, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Curtis Lowery
- Institute for digital Health & Innovation, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
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Abstract
Telemedicine involves the use of technology to provide services to patients and share medical information. Telemedicine's use has increased as technology has advanced. It allows for medicine to be practiced from a distance to reach patients in rural or underserved areas. Telemedicine has widespread uses in high-risk obstetrics, including management of diabetes, diagnosis and management of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, screening for fetal malformations with teleultrasound, delivering care to underserved areas, and more. The use of telemedicine to provide care to patients and information to health care providers at a distance has been well accepted by the patients and providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie R Whittington
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham Street, Slot 518, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
| | - Everett F Magann
- Department of OB/GYN, MFM Division, 4301 West Markham Street, Slot 518, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
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22
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Aquino M, Munce S, Griffith J, Pakosh M, Munnery M, Seto E. Exploring the Use of Telemonitoring for Patients at High Risk for Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy in the Antepartum and Postpartum Periods: Scoping Review. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2020; 8:e15095. [PMID: 32301744 PMCID: PMC7195666 DOI: 10.2196/15095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background High blood pressure complicates 2% to 8% of pregnancies, and its complications are present in the antepartum and postpartum periods. Blood pressure during and after pregnancy is routinely monitored during clinic visits. Some guidelines recommend using home blood pressure measurements for the management and treatment of hypertension, with increased frequency of monitoring for high-risk pregnancies. Blood pressure self-monitoring may have a role in identifying those in this high-risk group. Therefore, this high-risk pregnancy group may be well suited for telemonitoring interventions. Objective The aim of this study was to explore the use of telemonitoring in patients at high risk for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) during the antepartum and postpartum periods. This paper aims to answer the following question: What is the current knowledge base related to the use of telemonitoring interventions for the management of patients at high risk for HDP? Methods A literature review following the methodological framework described by Arksey et al and Levac et al was conducted to analyze studies describing the telemonitoring of patients at high risk for HDP. A qualitative study, observational studies, and randomized controlled trials were included in this scoping review. Results Of the 3904 articles initially identified, 20 met the inclusion criteria. Most of the studies (13/20, 65%) were published between 2017 and 2018. In total, there were 16 unique interventions described in the 20 articles, all of which provide clinical decision support and 12 of which are also used to facilitate the self-management of HDP. Each intervention’s design and process of implementation varied. Overall, telemonitoring interventions for the management of HDP were found to be feasible and convenient, and they were used to facilitate access to health services. Two unique studies reported significant findings for the telemonitoring group, namely, spontaneous deliveries were more likely, and one study, reported in two papers, described inductions as being less likely to occur compared with the control group. However, the small study sample sizes, nonrandomized groups, and short study durations limit the findings from the included articles. Conclusions Although current evidence suggests that telemonitoring could provide benefits for managing patients at high risk for HDP, more research is needed to prove its safety and effectiveness. This review proposes four recommendations for future research: (1) the implementation of large prospective studies to establish the safety and effectiveness of telemonitoring interventions; (2) additional research to determine the context-specific requirements and patient suitability to enhance accessibility to healthcare services for remote regions and underserved populations; (3) the inclusion of privacy and security considerations for telemonitoring interventions to better comply with healthcare information regulations and guidelines; and (4) the implementation of studies to better understand the effective components of telemonitoring interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Aquino
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Centre for Global eHealth Innovation, Techna Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah Munce
- Rumsey Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Janessa Griffith
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Women's College Hospital Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Maureen Pakosh
- Library & Information Services, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mikayla Munnery
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Emily Seto
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Centre for Global eHealth Innovation, Techna Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
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23
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Elkbuli A, Ehrlich H, McKenney M. The effective use of telemedicine to save lives and maintain structure in a healthcare system: Current response to COVID-19. Am J Emerg Med 2020; 44:468-469. [PMID: 32303410 PMCID: PMC7138374 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2020.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Adel Elkbuli
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care, Kendall Regional Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - Haley Ehrlich
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care, Kendall Regional Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Mark McKenney
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care, Kendall Regional Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA; University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
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24
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Gyselaers W, Lanssens D, Perry H, Khalil A. Mobile Health Applications for Prenatal Assessment and Monitoring. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 25:615-623. [PMID: 30894100 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666190320140659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A mobile health application is an exciting, fast-paced domain that is likely to improve prenatal care. METHODS In this narrative review, we summarise the use of mobile health applications in this setting with a special emphasis on both the benefits of remote monitoring devices and the potential pitfalls of their use, highlighting the need for robust regulations and guidelines before their widespread introduction into prenatal care. RESULTS Remote monitoring devices for four areas of prenatal care are reported: (1) cardio-tocography; (2) blood glucose levels; (3) blood pressure; and (4) prenatal ultrasound. The majority of publications are pilot projects on remote consultation, education, coaching, screening, monitoring and selective booking, mostly reporting potential medical and/or economic benefits by mobile health applications over conventional care for very specific situations, indications and locations, but not always generalizable. CONCLUSIONS Despite the potential advantages of these devices, some caution must be taken when implementing this technology into routine daily practice. To date, the majority of published research on mobile health in the prenatal setting consists of observational studies and there is a need for high-quality randomized controlled trials to confirm the reported clinical and economic benefits as well as the safety of this technology. There is also a need for guidance and governance on the development and validation of new apps and devices and for the implementation of mobile health technology into healthcare systems in both high and low-income settings. Finally, digital communication technologies offer perspectives towards exploration and development of the very new domain of tele-pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilfried Gyselaers
- Department of Obstetrics, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium; 2Department of Physiology, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium.,Department of Physiology, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Dorien Lanssens
- Department of Physiology, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium.,Mobile Health Unit, Facultiy of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Helen Perry
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE, United Kingdom.,Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Blackshaw Road, London, SW17 0QT, United Kingdom
| | - Asma Khalil
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE, United Kingdom.,Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Blackshaw Road, London, SW17 0QT, United Kingdom
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25
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Arnaert A, Ponzoni N, Debe Z, Meda MM, Nana NG, Arnaert S. Experiences of women receiving mhealth-supported antenatal care in the village from community health workers in rural Burkina Faso, Africa. Digit Health 2019; 5:2055207619892756. [PMID: 31832224 PMCID: PMC6891107 DOI: 10.1177/2055207619892756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This qualitative study explored the experiences of women receiving
mhealth-supported antenatal care in a village, from community health workers
(CHWs) in rural Burkina Faso, Africa. Intervention CHWs entered patient clinical data manually in their smartphone during their
home visits. All wireless transferred data was monitored by the midwives in
the community clinic for arising medical complications. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 pregnant women, who were
housewives, married and their age ranged from 18 to 39 years. None had
completed their formal education. Depending on the weeks of gestation during
their first antenatal care visit, length of enrollment in the project varied
between three and eight months. Transcripts were content-analyzed. Results Despite the fact that mhealth was a novel service for all participants, they
expressed appreciation for these interventions, which they found beneficial
on three levels: 1) it allowed for early detection of pregnancy-related
complications, 2) it was perceived as promoting collaboration between CHWs
and midwives, and 3) it was a source of reassurance during a time when they
are concerned about their health. Although not unanimous, certain
participants said their husbands were more interested in their antenatal
care as a result of these services. Conclusion Findings suggested that mhealth-supported visits of the CHWs have the
potential to increase mothers’ knowledge about their pregnancy and, as such,
motivate them to attend more ANC visits. In response to this increased
patient engagement, midwives approached women differently, which led to the
mothers’ perception of improvement in the patient–provider relationship.
Results also indicated that mhealth may increase spousal involvement, as
services are offered at home, which is an environment where spouses feel
more comfortable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Arnaert
- Ingram School of Nursing, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Norma Ponzoni
- Ingram School of Nursing, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Zoumanan Debe
- Ingram School of Nursing, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Mouoboum M Meda
- Institut de Formation et de Recherche Interdisciplinaire en Santé (IFRIS), Burkina Faso
| | - Noufou G Nana
- Institut de Formation et de Recherche Interdisciplinaire en Santé (IFRIS), Burkina Faso
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26
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Tomines A. Pediatric Telehealth: Approaches by Specialty and Implications for General Pediatric Care. Adv Pediatr 2019; 66:55-85. [PMID: 31230700 DOI: 10.1016/j.yapd.2019.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alan Tomines
- Department of Pediatrics, UCLA Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Enterprise Information Services, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA; Department of Health Policy and Management, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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27
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Khalil A, Perry H, Lanssens D, Gyselaers W. Telemonitoring for hypertensive disease in pregnancy. Expert Rev Med Devices 2019; 16:653-661. [PMID: 31282755 DOI: 10.1080/17434440.2019.1640116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Telemonitoring of hypertension in pregnancy is becoming increasingly common. Several small studies have described the potential benefits of patient-led remote monitoring, including fewer hospital visits, better blood pressure control, and cost savings. Areas covered: This review summarises the principles of prenatal remote monitoring of hypertension as well as the types of devices and applications currently in use. We summarise current evidence regarding the potential benefits and pitfalls with respect to outcomes for mothers, neonates and wider population health. Core topics for ongoing and future research are discussed, with special emphasis on feasibility and validation of technologies, methodological standardization, patient safety, privacy and acceptability, and health economics and governance. Expert opinion: Telemonitoring of hypertension in pregnancy is likely to become commonplace in the next five to ten years and research now must be directed to ensure it is used in the safest way before its general introduction into daily clinical practice can be recommended. Raising women's awareness of their health condition could improve both pregnancy and long-term health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Khalil
- a Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London , London , UK.,b Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , London , UK
| | - Helen Perry
- a Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London , London , UK.,b Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , London , UK
| | - Dorien Lanssens
- c Department of Physiology, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium and Mobile Health Unit, Facultiy of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University , Hasselt , Belgium
| | - Wilfried Gyselaers
- d Department of Obstetrics, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium and Department of Physiology, Hasselt University , Hasselt , Belgium
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28
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Farias FACD, Dagostini CM, Bicca YDA, Falavigna VF, Falavigna A. Remote Patient Monitoring: A Systematic Review. Telemed J E Health 2019; 26:576-583. [PMID: 31314689 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2019.0066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Remote patient monitoring or telemonitoring aims at improving patient care through digitally transmitted health-related data. That allows early detection of disease decompensation and intervention, patient education and improves patient-physician relationship. Despite its relevance, there are no comprehensive reviews evaluating the variables discussed by clinical studies on telemonitoring. Methods: A systematic literature search of PubMed was performed to identify studies about telemonitoring published between 2000 and 2018. These had to be case reports with >5 cases, comparative or clinical studies/trials. The following variables were evaluated: year of publication, author's country, discussed topic, objective of study, follow-up time, number of telemonitoring patients, primary outcome, use of teleconsultation and tele-education, presence of a control group, effectiveness of telemonitoring, telemonitoring strategies, and level of evidence. Results: After screening 947 records, 272 articles were included. The review showed a growing number of publications over the years, with 43.0% being published between 2015 and 2018, providing generally positive results (76.8%). The United States was responsible for 38.2% of articles. Cardiovascular disease was the topic of 47.8% of studies, whereas surgical pathologies and postoperative care represented only 2.6%. Wireless devices or smartphone apps were the most popular strategy (75.7%), with 17.6% of studies employing tele-education and 24.6% employing teleconsultation measures. Most publications were OCEBM Level of Evidence 2 (73.5%). Conclusion: Telemonitoring appears to maximize patient care and effectiveness of treatment. The number of publications illustrates the growing interest in the matter. Telemonitoring has yet to be evaluated in the setting of postoperative care and surgical pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carolina Matté Dagostini
- Cell Therapy Laboratory (LATEC), and University of Caxias do Sul (UCS), Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Yan de Assunção Bicca
- Cell Therapy Laboratory (LATEC), and University of Caxias do Sul (UCS), Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Vincenzo Fin Falavigna
- Cell Therapy Laboratory (LATEC), and University of Caxias do Sul (UCS), Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Asdrubal Falavigna
- Health Sciences Postgraduate Program, University of Caxias do Sul (UCS), Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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29
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Schramm K, Grassl N, Nees J, Hoffmann J, Stepan H, Bruckner T, Haun MW, Maatouk I, Haist M, Schott TC, Sohn C, Schott S. Women's Attitudes Toward Self-Monitoring of Their Pregnancy Using Noninvasive Electronic Devices: Cross-Sectional Multicenter Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2019; 7:e11458. [PMID: 30617040 PMCID: PMC6329419 DOI: 10.2196/11458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Revised: 09/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pregnancy can be distressing, particularly if expectant mothers are worried about the well-being of their fetus. Consequently, the desire for reassurance and frequent fetal monitoring is often pronounced. Smart wearable devices and telemedicine are promising tools that could assist women in self-monitoring their pregnancy at home, hence disburdening emergency departments (EDs). They present the possibility to clarify the need for urgent care remotely and offer tighter pregnancy monitoring. However, patients’ acceptance of such new technologies for fetal monitoring has not yet been explored extensively. Objective This survey aimed to elucidate the attitudes of women toward self-monitoring of their pregnancy using noninvasive electronic devices. The technical details of the proposed devices were not specified. Methods A cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted at the departments of obstetrics of the University Hospitals of Heidelberg and Leipzig, Germany. All patients seen in the obstetrics clinic who were above 18 years were offered participation. We designed a survey questionnaire including validated instruments covering population characteristics, issues in current and past pregnancies, as well as attitudes toward self-monitoring of pregnancy with smart devices. Results A total of 509 pregnant women with no previous experience in telemedicine participated. Only a small minority of 5.9% (29/493) regarded self-monitoring with wearable devices as an alternative to consulting their physicians. Along these lines, only 7.7% (38/496) strongly believed they would visit the ED less often if such devices were readily available. However, if the procedure were combined with a Web-based telemetric physician consult, 13.5% (66/487) would be highly motivated to use the devices. Furthermore, significantly more women regarded it as an alternative prior to seeing a doctor when they perceived a decline in fetal movements (P<.001). Interestingly, women with university degrees had a higher propensity to engage in pregnancy self-monitoring compared with women without one (37% vs 23%; P=.001). Of the participants, 77.9% (381/489) would like smart wearable devices to measure fetal heart sounds, and 62.6% (306/489) wished to use the devices on their own. Feedback from a doctor or midwife was also very important in their choice of such devices (61.8%, 301/487 wished feedback). The intended frequency of use differed vastly among women, ranging from 13.8% (65/471) who would like to use such a device several times per day to 31.6% (149/471) who favored once per week at most. Conclusions Our results point to a skeptical attitude toward pregnancy self-monitoring among pregnant women. Nevertheless, many women are open to using devices for pregnancy monitoring in parallel to consulting their physician. The intention to use such devices several times daily or weekly, expressed by more than half of the participants, highlights the potential of such technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Schramm
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Women's Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Niklas Grassl
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Women's Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Juliane Nees
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Women's Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Janine Hoffmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Women's Clinic Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Holger Stepan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Women's Clinic Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thomas Bruckner
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Informatics, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Markus W Haun
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Imad Maatouk
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Markus Haist
- Frauenarztpraxis Markus Haist & Anja Ritthaler, Pforzheim, Germany
| | - Timm C Schott
- Centre of Dentistry, Department of Orthodontics and Orofacial Orthopedics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Christof Sohn
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Women's Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sarah Schott
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Women's Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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30
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Grassl N, Nees J, Schramm K, Spratte J, Sohn C, Schott TC, Schott S. A Web-Based Survey Assessing the Attitudes of Health Care Professionals in Germany Toward the Use of Telemedicine in Pregnancy Monitoring: Cross-Sectional Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2018; 6:e10063. [PMID: 30089606 PMCID: PMC6105866 DOI: 10.2196/10063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2018] [Revised: 05/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The demand for fetal monitoring and constant reassurance is high in pregnant women. Consequently, pregnant women use various health apps and are more likely to visit emergency departments due to subjective but nonurgent complaints. However, electronic health (eHealth) and mobile health (mHealth) solutions are rarely used to prevent nonurgent emergency consultations. To implement modern care solutions, a better understanding of the attitudes, fears, and hopes of health care professionals toward eHealth and mHealth is needed. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes of health care professionals in obstetrics toward telemedicine. Methods A quantitative Web-based survey on health care professionals in obstetrics in Germany was conducted. The participants included nurses, midwives, and physicians of all age groups and job positions working in hospitals that provide various levels of health care. The questionnaire comprised 24 questions about the characteristics of the study population, views about emergency consultations in obstetrics, attitude toward telemedicine, job satisfaction, and sleeping behavior. Results In total, 244 health care professionals participated in the Web-based survey. In general, health care professionals were skeptical (170/233, 72.9%) about the use of telemedicine in obstetrics; however, 55.8% (130/233) recognized its potential. Moreover, 72% (62/86) of physicians were optimistic in using apps for pregnancy monitoring, whereas 36.1% (47/130) of nonphysicians (P<.001) were not. Significantly, more nonphysicians rejected such developments (75/130, 57.7% rejected) compared with physicians (24/86, 28%; P<.001). We also found that obstetricians with more than 10 years of work-experience are more skeptical; however, approximately 49% (18/37) of them believed that telemedicine could reduce nonurgent emergency consultations, whereas 73.2% (106/145) of obstetricians with less than 5 years of experience (P=.01) thought otherwise. Our survey revealed a high job satisfaction and a prevalence of regular sleeping problems of 45.9% (91/198) among health care professionals in obstetrics. Surprisingly, both job satisfaction and sleeping problems were independent from the number of night shifts per month (P=.77 and P=.99, respectively). Yet, 56.6% (112/198) of the survey participants thought they would be happier with their job if they had to work fewer night shifts per month. Conclusions Our study reveals an ambivalent attitude toward the use of telemedicine among health care professionals in obstetrics in Germany at the moment. Efforts to promote the use of telemedicine should focus on nurses and midwives because these groups are the most skeptical. By contrast, particularly young physicians recognize the potential of apps in patient care and would like to use such technology in pregnancy monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Grassl
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Women's Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Juliane Nees
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Women's Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katharina Schramm
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Women's Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julia Spratte
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Women's Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christof Sohn
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Women's Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Timm C Schott
- Centre of Dentistry, Department of Orthodontics and Orofacial Orthopedics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Sarah Schott
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Women's Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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31
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Antepartum Fetal Monitoring through a Wearable System and a Mobile Application. TECHNOLOGIES 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/technologies6020044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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32
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Yazdani A, Safdari R, Ghazisaeedi M, Beigy H, Sharifian R. Scalable Architecture for Telemonitoring Chronic Diseases in Order to Support the CDSSs in a Common Platform. Acta Inform Med 2018; 26:195-200. [PMID: 30515012 PMCID: PMC6195408 DOI: 10.5455/aim.2018.26.195-200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: In recent years, a variety of clinical decision-support systems (CDSS) have been developed to monitor the health of patients with chronic disease from far away. These systems are effective in overcoming human resource limitation and analyzing information generated by Tele-monitoring systems. These systems, however, are limited to monitoring a particular disease, which allows them to be used only in one specific disease. In reuses of these systems to monitor other diseases, we need to re-establish a new system with a new knowledge base. However, this type of healthcare system faces many challenges, including low scalability for change, so that, if we want to modify a health monitoring system designed for a specific disease to be used for another disease, these changes will be very substantial, meaning that, most components of that system should be changed. The lack of scalability in these systems has led to the creation of multiple health monitoring systems, while many of these systems share a common structure. Aim: In this paper, to solve the scalability problem, architecture has been presented that allows a set of CDSSs to be placed on a common platform for Tele-monitoring. Material and methods: In order to provide the proposed architecture in this study, we extracted the related concepts from the literature. The anatomical concepts used in these studies are as follow: users, transmitted data, patient data storage databases, data transfer network, and medical setting and the work is done in this setting. Finally, to design the proposed architecture, UML has been used. Results: The innovation of this research is to provide a scalable and flexible architecture, which as a platform, is able to monitor multiple diseases with a common infrastructure. In this architecture, all components are commonly used simultaneously without the interference of several CDSSs. Conclusion: Utilizing the proposed model in this paper, while reducing the setup costs and speeding up the launch of various remote monitoring systems, many rework in the implementation of these systems is also reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azita Yazdani
- PhD Student, Department of Health Information Management, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences
| | - Reza Safdari
- Professor, Department of Health Information Management, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marjan Ghazisaeedi
- Associate Professor, Department of Health Information Management, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Beigy
- Associate Professor, Department of Computer Engineering , Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roxana Sharifian
- Associate Professor of Health Information Management, Department of Management and Medical Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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