A Systematic Review of Health Dialog Systems

2019 ◽  
Vol 58 (06) ◽  
pp. 179-193
Author(s):  
William R. Kearns ◽  
Nai-Ching Chi ◽  
Yong K. Choi ◽  
Shih-Yin Lin ◽  
Hilaire Thompson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Natural Language ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Practical Implementation ◽  
Case Control Studies ◽  
System Description ◽  
Dialog Systems ◽  
Natural Language Interface ◽  
Quasi Experimental

Abstract Background Health dialog systems have seen increased adoption by patients, hospitals, and universities due to the confluence of advancements in machine learning and the ubiquity of high-performance hardware that supports real-time speech recognition, high-fidelity text-to-speech, and semantic understanding of natural language. Objectives This review seeks to enumerate opportunities to apply dialog systems toward the improvement of health outcomes while identifying both gaps in the current literature that may impede their implementation and recommendations that may improve their success in medical practice. Methods A search over PubMed and the ACM Digital Library was conducted on September 12, 2017 to collect all articles related to dialog systems within the domain of health care. These results were screened for eligibility with the main criteria being a peer-reviewed study of a system that includes both a natural language interface and either end-user testing or practical implementation. Results Forty-six studies met the inclusion criteria including 24 quasi-experimental studies, 16 randomized control trials, 2 case–control studies, 2 prospective cohort studies, 1 system description, and 1 human–computer conversation analysis. These studies evaluated dialog systems in five application domains: medical education (n = 20), clinical processes (n = 14), mental health (n = 5), personal health agents (n = 5), and patient education (n = 2). Conclusion We found that dialog systems have been widely applied to health care; however, most studies are not reproducible making direct comparison between systems and independent confirmation of findings difficult. Widespread adoption will also require the adoption of standard evaluation and reporting methods for health dialog systems to demonstrate clinical significance.

scholarly journals Potential Benefits of Multimedia-Based Home Catheter Management Education in Patients With Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters: Systematic Review

10.2196/17899 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (12) ◽  
pp. e17899
Author(s):  
Kija Malale ◽  
Jili Fu ◽  
William Nelson ◽  
Helena Marco Gemuhay ◽  
Xiuni Gan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Management Education ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Case Control Studies ◽  
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters ◽  
Current Systematic Review ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Central Catheters

Background In recent years, there have been many suggestions to use multimedia as a strategy to fully meet the educational needs of patients with peripherally inserted central catheters. However, the potential benefits remain unreliable in the literature. Objective In this study, we identified the potential benefits of multimedia-based home catheter management education in patients with peripherally inserted central catheters and discussed the clinical implications. Methods We performed systematic searches of the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase Ovid, Medline, BioMed Central-cancer (BMC-cancer), ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases without date constraints until November 30, 2019. The methodological quality of the eligible studies was appraised using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Narrative synthesis of the study findings was conducted. Results A total of 6 intervention studies met the inclusion criteria, including 3 randomized controlled trials and 3 case-control studies/quasi-experimental studies. The studies included a total of 355 subjects, including a total of 175 in the multimedia groups and 180 in the control groups. We identified 4 potential benefits to patients: (1) improved knowledge, (2) increased satisfaction, (3) reduced incidence of catheter-related complications, and (4) reduced number of cases of delayed care after complications. Conclusions The current systematic review highlights the potential benefits of multimedia-based home catheter management education for patients with peripherally inserted central catheters.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Azadirachta indica (neem tree) on prevention and treatment of clinical human malaria: A systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-43
Author(s):  
Erasto Vitus Mbugi ◽  
Alfred Said Sife ◽  
Mboni Ruzegea ◽  
Grace Emmanuel Peter Msoffe ◽  
Bestina Daniel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Azadirachta Indica ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Case Control Studies ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Neem Tree ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Prophylactic Agent ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Parasitic Effects

Introduction: Neem tree parts such as leaves, stem barks, and roots are known to have some medicinal values in both humans and animals. However, the evidence is scattered and vary with populations and regions. This systematic review sought to explore the effectiveness of neem as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent against malaria. Methodology: The systematic review examined the effectiveness of neem using the pre-registered review protocol and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. The Population Intervention Comparator Outcome (PICO) question was: “What is the effectiveness of neem (Azadirachta indica) when used as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent for malaria infection?” It included all cross-sectional survey studies, qualitative studies, case-control studies, randomised controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, and cohort studies with or without comparison groups. Studies that had both children and adult patients who were diagnosed with malaria were included in the survey. Malaria patients using traditional medications other than neem as well as those who did not use neem were excluded from this study. The search for articles, screening, and synthesis were conducted using the Rayyan software. Results: Out of the total 1089 articles retrieved, only 3 fitted the inclusion criteria, 1 article could not be retrieved. A narrative synthesis was therefore done on 2 final research articles that were retrievable. The pooled evidence shows that Azadirachta indica is effective against malaria. The medicinal effects are more on symptoms and curbing development to clinical disease than ant parasitic effects. Conclusion: Neem is potential traditional medicine for malaria symptoms’ treatment, but evidence on ant parasitic effects is still not conclusive. The study recommends further primary studies to enhance the power of results to further recommend this plant for the prevention of or treatment of malaria symptoms.

scholarly journals Multisensory Exercise Improves Balance in People with Balance Disorders: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 635-648 ◽  
Author(s):  
Su-lin Zhang ◽  
Dan Liu ◽  
Dong-zhen Yu ◽  
Yu-ting Zhu ◽  
Wen-chao Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Case Control Studies ◽  
Balance Disorders ◽  
Randomized Studies ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Randomized Control ◽  
Risk Of Fall

Abstract Objective To examine the effect of multisensory exercise on balance disorders. Methods PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were searched to identify eligible studies published before January 1, 2020. Eligible studies included randomized control trials (RCTs), non-randomized studies, case-control studies, and cohort studies. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using JBI Critical Appraisal Checklists for RCTs and for Quasi-Experimental Studies by two researchers independently. A narrative synthesis of intervention characteristics and health-related outcomes was performed. Results A total of 11 non-randomized studies and 9 RCTs were eligible, including 667 participants. The results supported our assumption that multisensory exercise improved balance in people with balance disorders. All of the 20 studies were believed to be of high or moderate quality. Conclusion Our study confirmed that multisensory exercise was effective in improving balance in people with balance disorders. Multisensory exercises could lower the risk of fall and enhance confidence level to improve the quality of life. Further research is needed to investigate the optimal strategy of multisensory exercises and explore the underlying neural and molecular mechanisms of balance improvement brought by multisensory exercises.

scholarly journals Potential Benefits of Multimedia-Based Home Catheter Management Education in Patients With Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters: Systematic Review (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kija Malale ◽  
Jili Fu ◽  
William Nelson ◽  
Helena Marco Gemuhay ◽  
Xiuni Gan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Management Education ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Case Control Studies ◽  
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters ◽  
Current Systematic Review ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Central Catheters

BACKGROUND In recent years, there have been many suggestions to use multimedia as a strategy to fully meet the educational needs of patients with peripherally inserted central catheters. However, the potential benefits remain unreliable in the literature. OBJECTIVE In this study, we identified the potential benefits of multimedia-based home catheter management education in patients with peripherally inserted central catheters and discussed the clinical implications. METHODS We performed systematic searches of the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase Ovid, Medline, BioMed Central-cancer (BMC-cancer), ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases without date constraints until November 30, 2019. The methodological quality of the eligible studies was appraised using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Narrative synthesis of the study findings was conducted. RESULTS A total of 6 intervention studies met the inclusion criteria, including 3 randomized controlled trials and 3 case-control studies/quasi-experimental studies. The studies included a total of 355 subjects, including a total of 175 in the multimedia groups and 180 in the control groups. We identified 4 potential benefits to patients: (1) improved knowledge, (2) increased satisfaction, (3) reduced incidence of catheter-related complications, and (4) reduced number of cases of delayed care after complications. CONCLUSIONS The current systematic review highlights the potential benefits of multimedia-based home catheter management education for patients with peripherally inserted central catheters.

Beveridge, Bismarck and Southern European Health Care Systems: Can We Decide Which is the Best in EU-15? A Statistical Analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 41
Author(s):  
Angeliki Moisidou
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Empirical Analysis ◽  
Access To Health Care ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Economic Cost ◽  
Care Systems

A statistical analysis has been conducted with the aim to elucidate the effect of health care systems (HSs) on health inequalities assessed in terms of (a) differential access to health care services and (b) varying health outcomes among different models of HSs in EU-15 ((Beveridge: UK, IE, SE, FI, DK), (Bismarck: DE, FR, BE, LU, AT, NL), (Southern European model: GR, IT, ES, PT)). In the effort to interpret the results of the empirical analysis, we have ascertained systematic differences among the HSs in EU-15. Specifically, it is concluded that countries with Beveridge HS can be characterized more efficient (than average) in the most examined correlations, showing particularly high performance in the health sector. Similarly, countries with Bismarck HS record fairly satisfactory performance, but simultaneously they display more structural weaknesses compared with the Beveridge model. In addition, our empirical analysis has shown that adopting Bismarck model requires higher economic cost, compared with the Beveridge model, which is directly financed by taxation. On the contrary, in the countries with Southern European HS, the lowest performances are generally identified, which can be attributed to the residual social protection that characterizes these countries. The paper concludes with a synthesis of the empirical findings of our research. It proposes some directions for further research and presents a set of implications for policymakers regarding the planning and implementation of appropriate policies in order to tackle health inequality within HSs.

Aplicabilidade clínica das técnicas de liberação manual diafragmática: uma revisão sistemática

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 111-116
Author(s):  
Dulce Marieli Danieli ◽  
Fabíola De Almeida Gomes ◽  
Bruna Eibel ◽  
William Dhein
Keyword(s):  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Gastroesophageal Reflux ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Scar Tissue ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Musculoskeletal Manipulations ◽  
Clinical Applicability ◽  
Quasi Experimental

INTRODUÇÃO: O diafragma é o principal músculo respiratório e desempenha um papel importante na respiração e na regulação fisiológica. Uma terapia que visa melhorar essas condições referentes ao diafragma, é a técnica de liberação manual diafragmática. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a aplicabilidade clínica das técnicas manuais de liberação diafragmática e identificar as principais técnicas, populações investigadas, variáveis avaliadas e seus desfechos. MÉTODOS: Foram pesquisadas as seguintes bases de dados: PubMed, Scielo e Science Direct, com os descritores “Diaphragm [Mesh]” e “Musculoskeletal Manipulations [Mesh]” com seus correspondentes no mesmo idioma. Foram incluídos ensaios clínicos randomizados, não randomizados, estudos semi, quase-experimentais e estudos pilotos ou de caso, que abordaram técnicas de liberação manuais diafragmáticas.RESULTADOS: Há variadas técnicas de liberação diafragmática, sendo as mais mencionadas: normalização dos pilares do diafragma, alongamento e estiramento do diafragma, relaxamento dos pilares do diafragma. Além disso, as técnicas de liberação diafragmática vêm sendo associadas a protocolos de terapia manipulativa osteopática (TMO). As principais populações estudadas foram de pacientes saudáveis, com lombalgia, cervicalgia, osteoartrite, asmáticos, doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica, constipados, cardiopatas e com refluxo gastroesofágico. Os principais desfechos avaliados são variáveis musculoesqueléticas (dor, flexibilidade, amplitude, espessura diafragmática), variáveis cardiorrespiratórias (pressão inspiratória/expiratória máxima (PImax e Pemax), mobilidade torácica, frequência cardíaca e respiratória), qualidade de vida e disfunções gastrointestinais/gastroesofágicas. CONCLUSÃO: A aplicabilidade clínica das técnicas de liberação diagramática está sendo investigada associado com outras técnicas osteopáticas, em protocolos de TMO em pacientes saudáveis, pneumopatas, cardiopatas, gestantes, em cicatriz pós-cirúrgica, constipados, com refluxo gastroesofágico, osteoartrite, cervicalgia e com lombalgia. Evidencia-se: diminuição ou eliminação das dores musculoesqueléticas, aumento da flexibilidade, ADM, Pimáx e Pemáx, aumento da mobilidade torácica, aumento da qualidade de vida, diminuição do inchaço e dor abdominal e sem efeito em cardiopatas.ABSTRACT. Clinical applicability of manual diaphragmatic release techniques: a systematic review.BACKGROUND: The diaphragm is the main respiratory muscle and plays an important role in breathing and physiological regulation. A therapy that aims to improve these conditions regarding the diaphragm, is the manual diaphragmatic release technique.OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to verify the clinical applicability of manual diaphragmatic release techniques and searching the main techniques, population, evaluated variables, and outcomes. METHODS: The following electronic databases were searched: PubMed, Scielo, and Science Direct, with the descriptors “Diaphragm [Mesh]” and “Musculoskeletal Manipulations [Mesh]” with their correspondents in the same language. There were included randomized clinical trial, non-randomized clinical trials, semi, and quasi-experimental studies, and pilot or case studies, which addressed manual diaphragmatic release techniques.RESULTS: There are various diaphragmatic release techniques, the most mentioned are: normalization of the diaphragm pillars, stretching of the diaphragm, relaxation of the diaphragm pillars, and protocols for osteopathic manipulative therapy (OMT) for the diaphragm. The main populations studied were healthy patients, with low back pain, asthmatics, chronic pulmonary obstructive disease, constipated, cardiac patients, and gastroesophageal reflux. The main outcomes assessed are musculoskeletal variables (pain, flexibility, range of motion, diaphragmatic thickness), cardiorespiratory variables (maximal inspiratory/expiratory pressure (MIP and MEP), chest mobility, heart, and respiratory rate), quality of life, and gastrointestinal/ gastroesophageal disorders.CONCLUSION: The clinical applicability of diagrammatic release techniques is being investigated in association with other osteopathic techniques, in protocols of OMT in healthy subjects, patients with lung diseases, heart disease, pregnant women, scar tissue, constipated, with gastroesophageal reflux, osteoarthritis, cervicalgia and with low back pain. There is evidence of reduction and elimination of musculoskeletal pain, increased MIP, increased chest mobility, an increase in health quality, a decrease of bloating and abdominal pain related to constipation, and a decrease of reflux symptoms.

Spoken Natural Language Dialog Systems

1995 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronnie W. Smith ◽  
D. Richard Hipp
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Natural Language ◽  
Error Correction ◽  
User Model ◽  
Dialog Systems ◽  
Problem Solving Process ◽  
Processing Architecture ◽  
Dialog Processing

As spoken natural language dialog systems technology continues to make great strides, numerous issues regarding dialog processing still need to be resolved. This book presents an exciting new dialog processing architecture that allows for a number of behaviors required for effective human-machine interactions, including: problem-solving to help the user carry out a task, coherent subdialog movement during the problem-solving process, user model usage, expectation usage for contextual interpretation and error correction, and variable initiative behavior for interacting with users of differing expertise. The book also details how different dialog problems in processing can be handled simultaneously, and provides instructions and in-depth result from pertinent experiments. Researchers and professionals in natural language systems will find this important new book an invaluable addition to their libraries.

scholarly journals Between Level Up and Game Over: A Systematic Literature Review of Gamification in Education

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 2247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Manzano-León ◽  
Pablo Camacho-Lazarraga ◽  
Miguel A. Guerrero ◽  
Laura Guerrero-Puerta ◽  
José M. Aguilar-Parra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Academic Performance ◽  
Game Design ◽  
Learning Strategy ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Current Lines ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Game Elements ◽  
The Impact

Educational gamification consists of the use of game elements and game design techniques in the educational context. The objective of this study is to examine the existing evidence on the impact of educational gamification on student motivation and academic performance in the last five years in order to analyze its distribution over time, educational level, variables, and most used game elements, and know the advantages of its implementation in the classroom. For this, a systematic review is proposed through the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology in three multidisciplinary databases, through an exhaustive search with inclusion and exclusion criteria on quantitative experimental studies that explore gamification in educational centers, which provide information about the most current lines of research. Fourteen studies were included in this review. These used experimental or quasi-experimental designs. Most of them report gamification as a valid learning strategy. The results support the conclusion that educational gamification has a potential impact on the academic performance, commitment, and motivation of students. Therefore, this study implies the need to expand research on the needs and challenges of students when learning with gamified techniques.

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