Improving Health-Related Quality of Life of Patients With an Ostomy Using a Novel Digital Wearable Device: Protocol for a Pilot Study

Cloud platform to improve efficiency and coverage of asynchronous multidisciplinary team meetings for patients with digestive tract cancer

Background

Multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings are the gold standard of cancer treatment. However, the limited participation of multiple medical experts and the low frequency of MDT meetings reduce the efficiency and coverage rate of MDTs. Herein, we retrospectively report the results of an asynchronous MDT based on a cloud platform (cMDT) to improve the efficiency and coverage rate of MDT meetings for digestive tract cancer.

Methods

The participants and cMDT processes associated with digestive tract cancer were discussed using a cloud platform. Software programming and cMDT test runs were subsequently conducted to further improve the software and processing. cMDT for digestive tract cancer was officially launched in June 2019. The doctor response duration, cMDT time, MDT coverage rate, National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines compliance rate for patients with stage III rectal cancer, and uniformity rate of medical experts' opinions were collected.

Results

The final cMDT software and processes used were determined. Among the 7462 digestive tract cancer patients, 3143 (control group) were diagnosed between March 2016 and February 2019, and 4319 (cMDT group) were diagnosed between June 2019 and May 2022. The average number of doctors participating in each cMDT was 3.26 ± 0.88. The average doctor response time was 27.21 ± 20.40 hours, and the average duration of cMDT was 7.68 ± 1.47 min. The coverage rates were 47.85% (1504/3143) and 79.99% (3455/4319) in the control and cMDT groups, respectively. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines compliance rates for stage III rectal cancer patients were 68.42% and 90.55% in the control and cMDT groups, respectively. The uniformity rate of medical experts' opinions was 89.75% (3101/3455), and 8.97% (310/3455) of patients needed online discussion through WeChat; only 1.28% (44/3455) of patients needed face-to-face discussion with the cMDT group members.

Conclusion

A cMDT can increase the coverage rate of MDTs and the compliance rate with National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for stage III rectal cancer. The uniformity rate of the medical experts' opinions was high in the cMDT group, and it reduced contact between medical experts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Impact of Health Technologies on Ostomy Care: A Systematic Review of Health Technologies Impact on Ostomy Care

PURPOSE

The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate studies in which health information technology was used to improve ostomy care and management.

METHODS

Systematic literature review.

SEARCH STRATEGIES

The review was performed according to PRISMA Guidelines. Three scientific databases, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science, were searched with no time limitation using key words related to information technology and ostomy. The selection of articles and data collection were carried out by 2 reviewers and disagreements were resolved via discussion with a third, independent reviewer.

FINDINGS

The initial search of electronic databases retrieved 1679 elements; following removal of duplicate records, title and abstract review, and articles read in full for inclusion/exclusion criteria, 10 articles were included in the review. Analysis of findings from studies included in our review addresses technologies used to care for persons living with an ostomy. Elements were divided into 2 categories: (1) sensor-based wearable technologies, which were mostly used to assess the fecal output and fullness of ostomy pouching system, and (2) computer-based, tablet based, and smartphones platforms, which were used for teaching and learning. The most significant outcomes were increasing patients' knowledge and awareness of ostomy, enhancing patient's participation in self-care processes, and improving self-efficacy levels.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

We found limited research regarding the effectiveness of technology-based interventions on the management of ostomy patients. Findings of this systematic review suggest that the application of technologies has created a positive effect on the management of an ostomy, provided opportunities for enhancing self-efficacy, self-care, and self-management. The results of this study can be a basis for designing efficient technology-based systems for the management of ostomy.

Objectives and outcomes of patient-driven innovations published in peer-reviewed journals: a qualitative analysis of publications included in a scoping review

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the objectives and outcomes of patient-driven innovations that have been published in the scientific literature, focusing on (A) the unmet needs that patient-driven innovations address and (B) the outcomes for patients and healthcare that have been reported.

METHODS

We performed an inductive qualitative content analysis of scientific publications that were included in a scoping review of patient-driven innovations, previously published by our research group. The review was limited to English language publications in peer-reviewed journals, published in the years 2008-2020.

RESULTS

In total, 83 publications covering 21 patient-driven innovations were included in the analysis. Most of the innovations were developed for use on an individual or community level without healthcare involvement. We created three categories of unmet needs that were addressed by these innovations: access to self-care support tools, open sharing of information and knowledge, and patient agency in self-care and healthcare decisions. Eighteen (22%) publications reported outcomes of patient-driven innovations. We created two categories of outcomes: impact on self-care, and impact on peer interaction and healthcare collaboration.

CONCLUSIONS

The patient-driven innovations illustrated a diversity of innovative approaches to facilitate patients' and informal caregivers' daily lives, interactions with peers and collaborations with healthcare. As our findings indicate, patients and informal caregivers are central stakeholders in driving healthcare development and research forward to meet the needs that matter to patients and informal caregivers. However, only few studies reported on outcomes of patient-driven innovations. To support wider implementation, more evaluation studies are needed, as well as research into regulatory approval processes, dissemination and governance of patient-driven innovations.

A Smarter Health through the Internet of Surgical Things

(1) Background: In the last few years, technological developments in the surgical field have been rapid and are continuously evolving. One of the most revolutionizing breakthroughs was the introduction of the IoT concept within surgical practice. Our systematic review aims to summarize the most important studies evaluating the IoT concept within surgical practice, focusing on Telesurgery and surgical Telementoring. (2) Methods: We conducted a systematic review of the current literature, focusing on the Internet of Surgical Things in Telesurgery and Telementoring. Forty-eight (48) studies were included in this review. As secondary research questions, we also included brief overviews of the use of IoT in image-guided surgery, and patient Telemonitoring, by systematically analyzing fourteen (14) and nineteen (19) studies, respectively. (3) Results: Data from 219 patients and 757 healthcare professionals were quantitively analyzed. Study designs were primarily observational or based on model development. Palpable advantages from the IoT incorporation mainly include less surgical hours, accessibility to high quality treatment, and safer and more effective surgical education. Despite the described technological advances, and proposed benefits of the systems presented, there are still identifiable gaps in the literature that need to be further explored in a systematic manner. (4) Conclusions: The use of the IoT concept within the surgery domain is a widely incorporated but less investigated concept. Advantages have become palpable over the past decade, yet further research is warranted.

Clinical efficacy of nutritional diet therapy on gestational diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the clinical effect of nutritional diet therapy on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

METHODS

One hundred pregnant women with GDM who were admitted to Ji'nan Central Hospital were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into an observation group (received individualized nutrition nursing, n=50) and a control group (received routine nursing, n=50).

RESULTS

The total incidence of postpartum complications in the control group was 28.00%, which was significantly higher than 8.00% in the observation group (χ2=4.500, P=0.034). After nursing, the amniotic fluid index in the observation group increased significantly as compared with the control group (P<0.001). The nursing satisfaction rate of the observation group was higher than that of the control group. The difference was statistically significant (t=14.324, P<0.001). The health condition of newborns in the observation group was better than that in the control group (χ2=4.762, P=0.029). After intervention, the level of blood glucose of women in the observation group was better than that of the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Nutritional diet therapy for pregnant women with GDM can help to reduce complications, control blood sugar, and improve the neonatal outcome. It is also conducive to the postpartum rehabilitation of pregnant women. It is worthy of clinical application and promotion.

Effect of high-quality nursing service in the delivery room on puerperae and newborns

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the effect of high-quality nursing service in the delivery room on puerperae and newborns.

METHODS

Clinical data of 100 puerperae who came to our hospital for delivery were analyzed in this retrospective study. The puerperae were divided into an observation group (50 cases) and a control group (50 cases) according to the nursing model they received. The observation group was given high-quality nursing, and the control group was given routine nursing. The levels of blood glucose and blood pressure, scores of Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), delivery mode, nursing satisfaction and perinatal health status were recorded and compared.

RESULTS

After childbirth, the SAS and SDS scores in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (both P<0.05). The amniotic fluid index of the observation group was increased significantly (P<0.001). The total nursing satisfaction of the observation group was higher than that of the control group (t=14.324, P<0.001). The health status of neonates in the observation group was better than that in the control group (χ2=4.762, P=0.029). After intervention, the levels of blood glucose and blood pressure in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (both P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

High-quality nursing for puerperae in the delivery room improves their negative psychological emotions, which is of significance for delivery and nursing work.

Patient-driven innovations reported in peer-reviewed journals: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Awareness of patients' innovative capabilities is increasing, but there is limited knowledge regarding the extent and nature of patient-driven innovations in the peer-reviewed literature.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the review was to answer the question: what is the nature and extent of patient-driven innovations published in peer-reviewed scientific journals?

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

We used a broad definition of innovation to allow for a comprehensive review of different types of innovations and a narrow definition of 'patient driven' to focus on the role of patients and/or family caregivers. The search was limited to years 2008-2020.

SOURCES OF EVIDENCE

Four electronic databases (Medline (Ovid), Web of Science Core Collection, PsycINFO (Ovid) and Cinahl (Ebsco)) were searched in December 2020 for publications describing patient-driven innovations and complemented with snowball strategies.

CHARTING METHODS

Data from the included articles were extracted and categorised inductively.

RESULTS

A total of 96 articles on 20 patient-driven innovations were included. The number of publications increased over time, with 69% of the articles published between 2016 and 2020. Author affiliations were exclusively in high income countries with 56% of first authors in North America and 36% in European countries. Among the 20 innovations reported, 'Do-It-Yourself Artificial Pancreas System' and the online health network 'PatientsLikeMe', were the subject of half of the articles.

CONCLUSIONS

Peer-reviewed publications on patient-driven innovations are increasing and we see an important opportunity for researchers and clinicians to support patient innovators' research while being mindful of taking over the work of the innovators themselves.

DIGITAL HEALTH AND SELF-CARE IN PEOPLE WITH INTESTINAL OSTOMIES: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Objective: synthesize the scientific production related to digital health in ostomies to promote self-care. Method: integrative review with research in online databases, seeking to answer the following guiding question: What are the digital approaches used to teach self-care to patients with ostomy identified in the publications? Results: six different ways of using digital health to promote self-care in people living with intestinal ostomies were identified. Five were published in the National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE) database and one published in the databases Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS) and Base de Dados de Enfermagem da Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BDENF),in the period from 2017 to 2020. Conclusion: the six approaches studied can be used simultaneously in individuals with ostomies and can be considered complementary, as they act in different aspects of the individual’s routine, with the ultimate goal being to improve the quality of life of the person with an intestinal ostomy.

SAÚDE DIGITAL E AUTOCUIDADO EM PESSOAS COM ESTOMIAS INTESTINAIS: REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA

Objetivo:sintetizar a produção científica relacionada à saúde digital em estomias para a promoção do autocuidado. Método: revisão integrativa com pesquisa em bases de dados on-line, buscando responder a seguinte questão norteadora: Quais são as abordagens digitais utilizadas para o ensino do autocuidado de pacientes com estomia identificadas nas publicações? Resultados: foram identificadas seis diferentes maneiras de empregar a saúde digital para promover o autocuidado em pessoas vivendo com estomias intestinais. Cinco foram publicadas na base de dados da National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE) e uma publicada nas bases de dados Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS) e Base de Dados de Enfermagem da Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BDENF), no período de 2017 a 2020. Conclusão: as seis abordagens estudadas podem ser utilizadas simultaneamente em indivíduos com estomias e podem ser consideradas complementares, pois têm ação em diferentes aspectos da rotina do indivíduo, sendo o objetivo final a melhoria da qualidade de vida da pessoa com estomia intestinal.

The effect of self-management on the knowledge, beliefs, behavior and subjective well-being in stroke patients during the rehabilitation phase

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of self-management on the knowledge, beliefs, behavior, and subjective well-being in stroke patients during the rehabilitation phase.

METHODS

the data from 60 first-episode stroke patients in the rehabilitation phase who were discharged from the Department of Neurology were analyzed in this retrospective study. The patients were assigned to an observational group or a control group, with 30 patients in each group. The routine intervention mode was used in the control group, and the self-management intervention mode was used in the observation group. Subsequently, the muscle strength of the upper and lower extremities, the self-care ability scores, the ADL, NIHSS, and FMA scores, the subjective well-being levels, and the patients' complication rates were compared between two groups.

RESULTS

After the intervention, the muscle strength of the upper and lower extremities, the self-care ability scores, and the ADL, NIHSS, and FMA scores of the patients in the observational group were all better than they were in the control group, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). The subjective well-being levels of the patients in the observation group were also significantly better than they were in the control group (P<0.05). The incidence of complications in the observation group was lower than it was in the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Self-management intervention measures effectively improve the self-care abilities, enhance patient confidence in self-management, and help to improve the quality of life in stroke patients during the rehabilitation phase.

Quality of life, pain and anxiety in patients with nephrostomy tubes

Objective:

to evaluate the impact on the quality of life as well as anxiety and pain in patients with nephrostomy tubes.

Method:

this is a longitudinal descriptive study performed on a sample of n=150 patients. To evaluate the quality of life, the EuroQol-5D questionnaire was used; anxiety was quantified by the Beck Anxiety Inventory; to study pain, a visual analogue scale was employed.

Results:

statistically significant differences were found in the quality of life, with its worsening (r = 0.51; p <0.01) when evaluated at the first tube replacement. Patients presented mild to moderate anxiety before the procedure, which was reduced at the first tube replacement, although this difference was not significant (r = 0.028, p = 0.393). Finally, the degree of pain was also significantly reduced (r = 0.13, p<0.01) after six weeks. As for gender, women presented the worst values ​​in the three variables studied (worse quality of life and greater anxiety and pain).

Conclusions:

nephrostomy tubes have a negative impact on the patient’s quality of life. During the time they live with these tubes, patients have mild to moderate pain and anxiety.

Studying the effect of structured ostomy care training on quality of life and anxiety of patients with permanent ostomy

Patients with ostomy are faced with several physical, psychological, and social challenges and need to be prepared to overcome these challenges. Studies have shown that training plays an important role in helping patients to adapt with ostomy, live with it, and improve their psychological well-being and quality of life (QOL). Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the effect of structured ostomy care training on QOL and anxiety of the patients with permanent ostomy. In this randomised clinical trial study, 60 eligible participants were recruited from the only ostomy clinic in Kerman, Iran. They were selected using a purposive sampling method and randomly assigned to either a control group that received routine ostomy care or an intervention group that attended oral and practical training and a question and answer session by a trained ostomy nurse and received an ostomy information booklet besides their routine care. Outcome variables were anxiety and QOL in general and its physical, mental, social, and spiritual dimensions in detail. By using the anxiety subscale of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and City of Hope-quality of life [COH-QOL], data were collected before and 2 months after intervention in both groups. Data were analysed by SPSS version 19 using χ², analysis of variance (ANOVA), independent t, and paired t test and multiple regression analysis. The results showed that the intervention group had significantly lower mean scores in anxiety (P = .001) and a higher mean score in overall QOL (P = .009) compared with the control group. The most significant increase was observed for psychological, social, and physical aspects, and the least was in the spiritual aspect, all of which improved after intervention. After controlling the effects of confounding variables such as age, ostomy period, and number of children, the structured training programme still had a positive effect on QOL. Structured ostomy care training, including face-to-face education and personal practice of using ostomy equipment, along with written material provided by the ostomy nurse specialist, may lead to an increase in the overall QOL and a decrease in the perceived anxiety level in patients. This type of training is not routinely delivered to ostomy patients in our health care setting, so it is feasible to prepare surgical wards and to educate nurses to work with their patients before and after ostomy creation. Furthermore, to ease patients' religious concerns, we recommend counselling, and the support of religious leaders in the Muslim community may play a key role to adaptation regarding religious matters after ostomy surgeries and alleviate patients' concerns.