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Mahdi S, Buckland NJ, Chilcott J. Economic and health impacts of the Change4Life Food Scanner app: Findings from a randomized pilot and feasibility study. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1125542. [PMID: 37006945 PMCID: PMC10061026 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1125542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionThe UK Government developed the Change4Life Food Scanner app to provide families with engaging feedback on the nutritional content of packaged foods. There is a lack of research exploring the cost-effectiveness of dietary health promotion apps.MethodsThrough stakeholder engagement, a conceptual model was developed, outlining the pathway by which the Food Scanner app leads to proximal and distal outcomes. The conceptual model informed the development of a pilot randomized controlled trial which investigated the feasibility and acceptability of evaluating clinical outcomes in children and economic effectiveness of the Food Scanner app through a cost-consequence analysis. Parents of 4–11 years-olds (n = 126) were randomized into an app exposure condition (n = 62), or no intervention control (n = 64). Parent-reported Child Health Utility 9 Dimension (CHU9D) outcomes were collected alongside child healthcare resource use and associated costs, school absenteeism and parent productivity losses at baseline and 3 months follow up. Results for the CHU9D were converted into utility scores based on UK adult preference weights. Sensitivity analysis accounted for outliers and multiple imputation methods were adopted for the handling of missing data.Results64 participants (51%) completed the study (intervention: n = 29; control: n = 35). There was a mean reduction in quality adjusted life years between groups over the trial period of –0.004 (SD = 0.024, 95% CI: –0.005; 0.012). There was a mean reduction in healthcare costs of –£30.77 (SD = 230.97; 95% CI: –£113.80; £52.26) and a mean reduction in workplace productivity losses of –£64.24 (SD = 241.66, 95% CI: –£147.54; £19.07) within the intervention arm, compared to the control arm, over the data collection period. Similar findings were apparent after multiple imputation.DiscussionModest mean differences between study arms may have been due to the exploration of distal outcomes over a short follow-up period. The study was also disrupted due to the coronavirus pandemic, which may have confounded healthcare resource data. Although measures adopted were deemed feasible, the study highlighted difficulties in obtaining data on app development and maintenance costs, as well as the importance of economic modeling to predict long-term outcomes that may not be reliably captured over the short-term.Clinical trial registrationhttps://osf.io/, identifier 62hzt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sundus Mahdi
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Sundus Mahdi,
| | - Nicola J. Buckland
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Jim Chilcott
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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Wang L, Langlais C, Kenfield SA, Van Loon K, Laffan A, Atreya CE, Chan JM, Zhang L, Allen IE, Miaskowski C, Fukuoka Y, Meyerhardt JA, Venook AP, Van Blarigan EL. Quality of life among colorectal cancer survivors participating in a pilot randomized controlled trial of a web-based dietary intervention with text messages. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:155. [PMID: 36763183 PMCID: PMC9918568 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07620-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: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to estimate the effect of a 12-week web-based dietary intervention with text messages on quality of life (QoL) among colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors. METHODS Between 2017 and 2018, 50 CRC survivors were randomized (1:1) to receive a 12-week web-based dietary intervention with daily text messages or wait-list control. Health-related QoL was assessed using the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (QLQ-C30) and colorectal quality of life module (QLQ-CR29) at baseline, 12, and 24 weeks. Within- and between-group mean changes in health-related QoL with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for both arms. RESULTS Compared to the controls, participants receiving the intervention had an improvement in emotional functioning (mean change: 14.3; 95% CI: 3.0, 25.6) at 12 weeks and social functioning (mean change: 13.8; 95% CI: 2.1, 25.5) at 24 weeks. A decrease of fatigue from baseline was also observed in the intervention arm (mean change: - 9.1; 95% CI: - 17.1, - 1.1) at 24 weeks. No other changes in QoL scores were associated with the intervention. CONCLUSION CRC survivors randomized to receive a web-based dietary intervention with text messages experienced higher emotional and social functioning. Further study with a larger population may be warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02965521. Registered 16 November 2016, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/keydates/NCT02965521.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lufan Wang
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Crystal Langlais
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- IQVIA, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Stacey A Kenfield
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Katherine Van Loon
- UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Angela Laffan
- UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Chloe E Atreya
- UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - June M Chan
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Isabel E Allen
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Christine Miaskowski
- Department of Physiologic Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yoshimi Fukuoka
- Department of Physiologic Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Alan P Venook
- UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Erin L Van Blarigan
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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3
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Skivington K, Matthews L, Simpson SA, Craig P, Baird J, Blazeby JM, Boyd KA, Craig N, French DP, McIntosh E, Petticrew M, Rycroft-Malone J, White M, Moore L. Framework for the development and evaluation of complex interventions: gap analysis, workshop and consultation-informed update. Health Technol Assess 2021; 25:1-132. [PMID: 34590577 PMCID: PMC7614019 DOI: 10.3310/hta25570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Medical Research Council published the second edition of its framework in 2006 on developing and evaluating complex interventions. Since then, there have been considerable developments in the field of complex intervention research. The objective of this project was to update the framework in the light of these developments. The framework aims to help research teams prioritise research questions and design, and conduct research with an appropriate choice of methods, rather than to provide detailed guidance on the use of specific methods. METHODS There were four stages to the update: (1) gap analysis to identify developments in the methods and practice since the previous framework was published; (2) an expert workshop of 36 participants to discuss the topics identified in the gap analysis; (3) an open consultation process to seek comments on a first draft of the new framework; and (4) findings from the previous stages were used to redraft the framework, and final expert review was obtained. The process was overseen by a Scientific Advisory Group representing the range of relevant National Institute for Health Research and Medical Research Council research investments. RESULTS Key changes to the previous framework include (1) an updated definition of complex interventions, highlighting the dynamic relationship between the intervention and its context; (2) an emphasis on the use of diverse research perspectives: efficacy, effectiveness, theory-based and systems perspectives; (3) a focus on the usefulness of evidence as the basis for determining research perspective and questions; (4) an increased focus on interventions developed outside research teams, for example changes in policy or health services delivery; and (5) the identification of six 'core elements' that should guide all phases of complex intervention research: consider context; develop, refine and test programme theory; engage stakeholders; identify key uncertainties; refine the intervention; and economic considerations. We divide the research process into four phases: development, feasibility, evaluation and implementation. For each phase we provide a concise summary of recent developments, key points to address and signposts to further reading. We also present case studies to illustrate the points being made throughout. LIMITATIONS The framework aims to help research teams prioritise research questions and design and conduct research with an appropriate choice of methods, rather than to provide detailed guidance on the use of specific methods. In many of the areas of innovation that we highlight, such as the use of systems approaches, there are still only a few practical examples. We refer to more specific and detailed guidance where available and note where promising approaches require further development. CONCLUSIONS This new framework incorporates developments in complex intervention research published since the previous edition was written in 2006. As well as taking account of established practice and recent refinements, we draw attention to new approaches and place greater emphasis on economic considerations in complex intervention research. We have introduced a new emphasis on the importance of context and the value of understanding interventions as 'events in systems' that produce effects through interactions with features of the contexts in which they are implemented. The framework adopts a pluralist approach, encouraging researchers and research funders to adopt diverse research perspectives and to select research questions and methods pragmatically, with the aim of providing evidence that is useful to decision-makers. FUTURE WORK We call for further work to develop relevant methods and provide examples in practice. The use of this framework should be monitored and the move should be made to a more fluid resource in the future, for example a web-based format that can be frequently updated to incorporate new material and links to emerging resources. FUNDING This project was jointly funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) and the National Institute for Health Research (Department of Health and Social Care 73514).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Skivington
- Medical Research Council/Chief Scientist Office Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Lynsay Matthews
- Medical Research Council/Chief Scientist Office Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Sharon Anne Simpson
- Medical Research Council/Chief Scientist Office Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Peter Craig
- Medical Research Council/Chief Scientist Office Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Janis Baird
- Medical Research Council Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Jane M Blazeby
- Medical Research Council ConDuCT-II Hub for Trials Methodology Research and Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Kathleen Anne Boyd
- Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment Unit, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - David P French
- Manchester Centre for Health Psychology, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Emma McIntosh
- Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment Unit, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Mark Petticrew
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Martin White
- Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Laurence Moore
- Medical Research Council/Chief Scientist Office Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Mclaughlin M, Duff J, McKenzie T, Campbell E, Sutherland R, Wiggers J, Wolfenden L. Evaluating Digital Program Support for the Physical Activity 4 Everyone (PA4E1) School Program: Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Pediatr Parent 2021; 4:e26690. [PMID: 34309565 PMCID: PMC8367175 DOI: 10.2196/26690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effectively scaled-up physical activity interventions are urgently needed to address the high prevalence of physical inactivity. To facilitate scale-up of an efficacious school-based physical activity program (Physical Activity 4 Everyone [PA4E1]), provision of implementation support to physical education (PE) teachers was adapted from face-to-face and paper-based delivery modes to partial delivery via a website. A lack of engagement (usage and subjective experience) with digital delivery modes, including websites, may in part explain the typical reduction in effectiveness of scaled-up interventions that use digital delivery modes. A process evaluation focused on the PA4E1 website was undertaken. OBJECTIVE The 2 objectives were to (1) describe the usage of the PA4E1 program website by in-school champions (PE teachers leading the program within their schools) and PE teachers using quantitative methods; (2) examine the usage, subjective experience, and usability of the PA4E1 program website from the perspective of in-school champions using mixed methods. METHODS The first objective used website usage data collected across all users (n=273) throughout the 9 school terms of the PA4E1 implementation support. The 4 usage measures were sessions, page views, average session duration, and downloads. Descriptive statistics were calculated and explored across the duration of the 26-month program. The second objective used mixed methods, triangulating data from the first objective with data from a think-aloud survey and usability test completed by in-school champions (n=13) at 12 months. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically alongside descriptive statistics from the quantitative data in a triangulation matrix, generating cross-cutting themes using the "following a thread" approach. RESULTS For the first objective, in-school champions averaged 48.0 sessions per user, PE teachers 5.8 sessions. PE teacher sessions were of longer duration (10.5 vs 7.6 minutes) and included more page views (5.4 vs 3.4). The results from the mixed methods analysis for the second objective found 9 themes and 2 meta-themes. The first meta-theme indicated that the website was an acceptable and appropriate delivery mode, and usability of the website was high. The second meta-theme found that the website content was acceptable and appropriate, and identified specific suggestions for improvement. CONCLUSIONS Digital health interventions targeting physical activity often experience issues of lack of user engagement. By contrast, the findings from both the quantitative and mixed methods analyses indicate high usage and overall acceptability and appropriateness of the PA4E1 website to school teachers. The findings support the value of the website within a multidelivery mode implementation intervention to support schools to implement physical activity promoting practices. The analysis identified suggested intervention refinements, which may be adopted for future iterations and further scale-up of the PA4E1 program. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12617000681358; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=372870.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Mclaughlin
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Hunter New England Population Health, Wallsend, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Heath Behaviour, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Jed Duff
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Centre for Healthcare Transformation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Australia
| | - Tom McKenzie
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Hunter New England Population Health, Wallsend, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Heath Behaviour, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Campbell
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Hunter New England Population Health, Wallsend, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Heath Behaviour, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Rachel Sutherland
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Hunter New England Population Health, Wallsend, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Heath Behaviour, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - John Wiggers
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Hunter New England Population Health, Wallsend, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Heath Behaviour, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Luke Wolfenden
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Hunter New England Population Health, Wallsend, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Heath Behaviour, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
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Simpson SA, Matthews L, Pugmire J, McConnachie A, McIntosh E, Coulman E, Hughes K, Kelson M, Morgan-Trimmer S, Murphy S, Utkina-Macaskill O, Moore LAR. An app-, web- and social support-based weight loss intervention for adults with obesity: the 'HelpMeDoIt!' feasibility randomised controlled trial. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2020; 6:133. [PMID: 32968544 PMCID: PMC7501712 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-020-00656-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Social support has an important role in successful weight loss. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of an app-, web- and social support-based intervention in supporting adults with obesity to achieve weight loss. Methods The intervention and evaluation methods were tested in a feasibility randomised controlled trial. Adults in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board area of Scotland with a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2 were recruited and randomised 2:1 (intervention to control). The feasibility and acceptability of the intervention and trial methods were assessed against pre-specified progression criteria, via process, economic and outcome evaluation. Three primary outcomes were explored: BMI, diet and physical activity, as well as a number of secondary outcomes. The intervention group had access to the HelpMeDoIt! intervention for 12 months. This encouraged them to (i) set goals, (ii) monitor progress and (iii) harness social support by inviting ‘helpers’ from their existing social network. The control group received a healthy lifestyle leaflet. Results One hundred and nine participants were recruited, with 84 participants (77%) followed-up at 12 months. The intervention and trial methods were feasible and acceptable. Participants and helpers were generally positive. Of the 54 (74%) participants who downloaded the app, 48 (89%) used it. Interview data indicated that HelpMeDoIt! promoted social support from existing social networks to support weight loss. This support was often given outside of the app. Outcomes were compared using linear regression models, with randomised group, the baseline measurement of the outcome, age and gender as predictor variables. These analyses were exploratory and underpowered to detect effects. However, all pre-specified primary outcome effects (BMI, diet and physical activity) had wide confidence intervals and were therefore consistent with clinically relevant benefits. Objective physical activity measures perhaps showed most potential (daily step count (p = 0.098; 1187 steps [− 180, 2555])) and sedentary time (p = 0.022; − 60.8 min [− 110.5, − 11.0]). However, these outcomes were poorly completed. Conclusions The study demonstrated that a novel social support intervention involving support from participants’ close social networks, delivered via app and website, has potential to promote weight loss and is feasible and acceptable. Trial registration ISRCTN, ISRCTN85615983. Registered 25 September 2014
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Anne Simpson
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Berkeley Square, 99 Berkeley Street, Glasgow, G3 7HR UK
| | - Lynsay Matthews
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Berkeley Square, 99 Berkeley Street, Glasgow, G3 7HR UK
| | - Juliana Pugmire
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Berkeley Square, 99 Berkeley Street, Glasgow, G3 7HR UK
| | - Alex McConnachie
- Robertson Centre for Biostatistics, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Robertson Centre, Boyd Orr Building, Glasgow, G12 8QQ UK
| | - Emma McIntosh
- Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment Unit (HEHTA), Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, 1 Lilybank Gardens, Glasgow, G12 8RZ UK
| | - Elinor Coulman
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park Way, Cardiff, CF14 4YS UK
| | - Kathryn Hughes
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park Way, Cardiff, CF14 4YS UK
| | - Mark Kelson
- College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, School of Mathematics/The Alan Turing Institute, University of Exeter, Harrison Building, Streatham Campus, North Park Road, Exeter, EX4 4QF UK
| | - Sarah Morgan-Trimmer
- Institute of Health Research, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, College House, St Luke's Campus, Heavitree Road, Exeter, EX1 2LU UK
| | - Simon Murphy
- Centre for the Development and Evaluation of Complex Interventions for Public Health Improvement (DECIPHer), Cardiff School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AT UK
| | - Olga Utkina-Macaskill
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Berkeley Square, 99 Berkeley Street, Glasgow, G3 7HR UK
| | - Laurence Anthony Russell Moore
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Berkeley Square, 99 Berkeley Street, Glasgow, G3 7HR UK
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Álvarez R, Torres J, Artola G, Epelde G, Arranz S, Marrugat G. OBINTER: A Holistic Approach to Catalyse the Self-Management of Chronic Obesity. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 20:E5060. [PMID: 32899921 PMCID: PMC7570655 DOI: 10.3390/s20185060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is a preventable chronic condition that, in 2016, affected more than 1.9 billion people globally. Several factors have been identified that have a positive impact on long-term weight loss programs such as personalized recommendations, adherence strategies, weight and diet follow-up or physical activity tracking. Recently, various applications have been developed which help patients to self-manage their condition. These apps implement either one or some of these identified factors; however, there is not a single application that combines all of them following a holistic approach. In this context, we developed the OBINTER platform, which assists patients during the weight loss process by targeting user engagement during the longer term. The solution includes a mobile application which allows users to fill out dietetic questionnaires, receive dietetic and nutraceutical plans, track the evolution of their weight and adherence to the diet, as well as track their physical activity via a wearable device. Furthermore, an adherence strategy has been developed as a tool to foster the app usage during the whole weight loss process. In this paper, we present how the OBINTER approach gathers all of these features as well as the positive results of a usability testing study performed to assess the performance and usability of the OBINTER platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Álvarez
- Vicomtech Foundation, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Mikeletegi 57, 20009 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain; (J.T.); (G.A.)
- Biodonostia Health Research Institute, eHealth Group, 20014 San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Jordi Torres
- Vicomtech Foundation, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Mikeletegi 57, 20009 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain; (J.T.); (G.A.)
| | - Garazi Artola
- Vicomtech Foundation, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Mikeletegi 57, 20009 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain; (J.T.); (G.A.)
| | - Gorka Epelde
- Vicomtech Foundation, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Mikeletegi 57, 20009 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain; (J.T.); (G.A.)
- Biodonostia Health Research Institute, eHealth Group, 20014 San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Sara Arranz
- AZTI, Food Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Astondo Bidea, Edificio 609, 48160 Derio, Spain; (S.A.); (G.M.)
| | - Gerard Marrugat
- AZTI, Food Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Astondo Bidea, Edificio 609, 48160 Derio, Spain; (S.A.); (G.M.)
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