scholarly journals Behavior science in the evolving world of digital health: considerations on anticipated opportunities and challenges

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madalina Sucala ◽  
Heather Cole-Lewis ◽  
Danielle Arigo ◽  
Megan Oser ◽  
Stephanie Goldstein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Behavioral Science ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Behavior Science ◽  
Evolving Models ◽  
Health Field ◽  
Insight Into

Abstract Digital health promises to increase intervention reach and effectiveness for a range of behavioral health outcomes. Behavioral scientists have a unique opportunity to infuse their expertise in all phases of a digital health intervention, from design to implementation. The aim of this study was to assess behavioral scientists’ interests and needs with respect to digital health endeavors, as well as gather expert insight into the role of behavioral science in the evolution of digital health. The study used a two-phased approach: (a) a survey of behavioral scientists’ current needs and interests with respect to digital health endeavors (n = 346); (b) a series of interviews with digital health stakeholders for their expert insight on the evolution of the health field (n = 15). In terms of current needs and interests, the large majority of surveyed behavioral scientists (77%) already participate in digital health projects, and from those who have not done so yet, the majority (65%) reported intending to do so in the future. In terms of the expected evolution of the digital health field, interviewed stakeholders anticipated a number of changes, from overall landscape changes through evolving models of reimbursement to more significant oversight and regulations. These findings provide a timely insight into behavioral scientists’ current needs, barriers, and attitudes toward the use of technology in health care and public health. Results might also highlight the areas where behavioral scientists can leverage their expertise to both enhance digital health’s potential to improve health, as well as to prevent the potential unintended consequences that can emerge from scaling the use of technology in health care.

Reflections on Medical Technology as a Special Type of Capital

1987 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 275-280
Author(s):  
Mark G. Field
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Medical Technology ◽  
Classical Equation ◽  
Hospital Services ◽  
Time Dimension ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Health Field

AbstractThe classical equation for the production of goods and services, that is, the combination of labor, capital, and knowledge, constrained by the time dimension, may also be used to examine the production of medical and hospital services. However, this is qualified by the special nature of the “capital” used in health care, particularly medical technology. Because of the particular nature of health services, the adoption and the use of technology follows rules that are different from those in the industrial sphere. These differences are examined in some detail as are the implications for the health field in general, and for the hospitals where most of the new (and often costly) technology is located.

Practicing DNPs’ Perceptions of the DNP

2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamella Stoeckel ◽  
Cheryl Kruschke
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Health Care ◽  
The United States ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Doctor Of Nursing Practice ◽  
Educational Preparation ◽  
Practice Nurses ◽  
Key Informant ◽  
Insight Into

This qualitative key informant study examined the emerging role of the doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree to fill a gap in health care in the United States. Although the DNP degree was proposed to bring added value to the health care system, it is new with little research to confirm the assumption. This research addressed this need by phone interviews of 12 practicing DNPs in the United States. Questions asked of the participants focused on differences in role/practice as a DNP and challenges faced. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and responses coded for themes. Five broad categories with relational themes emerged from the data of DNPs perceptions of their practices. The categories included educational preparation, practice settings, role acceptance, leadership, and challenges. The results of this study provide insight into the perceptions of practicing DNPs experiencing adjustment to practice as a DNP. These perceptions aid other DNPs and educators in preparing advance practice nurses for the future.

scholarly journals Opportunities and Challenges Surrounding the Use of Data From Wearable Sensor Devices in Health Care: Qualitative Interview Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ijeoma Azodo ◽  
Robin Williams ◽  
Aziz Sheikh ◽  
Kathrin Cresswell
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Wearable Sensors ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Wearable Sensor ◽  
Use Of Data ◽  
Qualitative Interview Study ◽  
Sensor Devices ◽  
Care Technology ◽  
International Experts

BACKGROUND Wearable sensors connected via networked devices have the potential to generate data that may help to automate processes of care, engage patients, and increase health care efficiency. The evidence of effectiveness of such technologies is, however, nascent and little is known about unintended consequences. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to explore the opportunities and challenges surrounding the use of data from wearable sensor devices in health care. METHODS We conducted a qualitative, theoretically informed, interview-based study to purposefully sample international experts in health care, technology, business, innovation, and social sciences, drawing on sociotechnical systems theory. We used in-depth interviews to capture perspectives on development, design, and use of data from wearable sensor devices in health care, and employed thematic analysis of interview transcripts with NVivo to facilitate coding. RESULTS We interviewed 16 experts. Although the use of data from wearable sensor devices in health and care has significant potential in improving patient engagement, there are a number of issues that stakeholders need to negotiate to realize these benefits. These issues include the current gap between data created and meaningful interpretation in health and care contexts, integration of data into health care professional decision making, negotiation of blurring lines between consumer and medical care, and pervasive monitoring of health across previously disconnected contexts. CONCLUSIONS Stakeholders need to actively negotiate existing challenges to realize the integration of data from wearable sensor devices into electronic health records. Viewing wearables as active parts of a connected digital health and care infrastructure, in which various business, personal, professional, and health system interests align, may help to achieve this.

Emerging Role of Technology in Health Education for Youth

2016 ◽  
pp. 1447-1464
Author(s):  
Amir Manzoor
Keyword(s):  
Health Education ◽  
Young People ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Youth Of Color ◽  
Current State ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Usage Patterns ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Insight Into

The Information Technology (IT) produces significant impact on the emotional and social health of young people. It is obvious that IT is playing an increasingly important part in people's lives. This chapter reviews the current state of youth health and the role of digital landscapes in health education of youth. The chapter also provides insight into how youth, particularly youth of color, use technology to learn, communicate, and discuss various health-related issues. Specific technology needs and usage patterns are identified and success of various initiatives of use of technology for health educations is assessed. Various implications and recommendations are provided for optimizing technology use in young people health education.

E-prescribing: the rise of socio-tech-med micronetworks of care during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 104-118
Author(s):  
Monica Murero
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Inequalities ◽  
Barriers To Care ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Northern Italy ◽  
Careful Planning ◽  
One To One

The present paper critically investigates the rise of e-prescribing socio-tech-med micronetworks of health care in Northern Italy and the role of innovative caregivers. Based on semi-structured one-to-one discursive interviews, this study's results show that e-prescribing innovative practices modify four domains: 1) introduce techno-care fluctuating dynamics, 2) modify spaces and time barriers to care, c) build socio-tech-med micro-networked connections, and d) create innovative "technological" carers. The interdigital carer may support distinctive forms of techno-based senior care in Italy, diffuse e-prescribing culture, and transmediate health objects and services. Careful planning and human-tailored decisionmaking are necessary to normalize e-prescribing socio-tech-med practices and avoid digital health inequalities in pandemic and post-pandemic scenarios.

scholarly journals The Role of Age, Education, and Digital Health Literacy in the Usability of Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain: Mixed Methods Study

10.2196/12883 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. e12883 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosalie van der Vaart ◽  
Dorine van Driel ◽  
Kristel Pronk ◽  
Suzan Paulussen ◽  
Selma te Boekhorst ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Educational Level ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Performance Tasks ◽  
Insight Into

Background Internet-based cognitive behavior therapy (iCBT) can be effective in mental and somatic health care. Research on the feasibility of internet interventions in clinical practice is, however, still scarce. Studies with a focus on the patient regarding usability of interventions and digital health literacy skills are especially lacking. Objective The goal of this study was to assess the usability of an iCBT for chronic pain, Master Your Pain, and the relationship between its usability outcomes and the factors age, educational level, and digital health literacy skills. The aims were to determine what changes were needed in the program for sufficient usability and which individual characteristics were related to the usability of the program. Methods Patients were recruited from two mental health care practices. A mixed methods approach was used in this study. A qualitative observational study comprising performance tasks in the iCBT program was used to test usability. A quantitative questionnaire was used to measure possible related constructs. Usability was operationalized as the number of tasks that could be completed and the type and number of problems that occurred while doing so. Performance tasks were set up to measure 6 digital skills: (1) operating the computer and internet browser, (2) navigation and orientation, (3) using search strategies, (4) evaluating relevance of content, (5) adding personal content, and (6) protecting and respecting privacy. Participants were asked to think aloud while performing the tasks, and screen activities and webcam recordings were captured. The qualitative observational data was coded using inductive analysis by two independent researchers. Correlational analyses were performed to test how usability relates to sociodemographics and digital health literacy. Results A total of 32 patients participated, with a mean age of 49.9 years and 84% (27/32) being female. All performance tasks except one (fill in a diary registration) could be completed independently by more than 50% of the participants. On operational, navigation, and search levels, participants struggled most with logging in, logging out, and finding specific parts of the intervention. Half of the sample experienced problems evaluating the relevance and adding content to the program to some extent. Usability correlated moderately negatively with age and moderately positively with digital health literacy skills but not with educational level. Conclusions The results provide insight into what is essential for proper usability regarding the design of an iCBT program considering variations in age, educational level, and digital health literacy. Furthermore, the results provide insight into what type of support is needed by patients to properly use the intervention. Tailoring support among the needs of certain age groups or skill levels could be beneficial and could range from no extra support (only online feedback, as intended) to practical support (an additional usability introduction session) to blended care (combined face-to-face sessions throughout the therapy).

scholarly journals Expert Consensus Survey on Digital Health Tools for Patients With Serious Mental Illness: Optimizing for User Characteristics and User Support

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. e46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ainslie Hatch ◽  
Julia E Hoffman ◽  
Ruth Ross ◽  
John P Docherty
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Serious Mental Illness ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Expert Consensus ◽  
User Characteristics ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
And Training

Background Digital technology is increasingly being used to enhance health care in various areas of medicine. In the area of serious mental illness, it is important to understand the special characteristics of target users that may influence motivation and competence to use digital health tools, as well as the resources and training necessary for these patients to facilitate the use of this technology. Objective The aim of this study was to conduct a quantitative expert consensus survey to identify key characteristics of target users (patients and health care professionals), barriers and facilitators for appropriate use, and resources needed to optimize the use of digital health tools in patients with serious mental illness. Methods A panel of 40 experts in digital behavioral health who met the participation criteria completed a 19-question survey, rating predefined responses on a 9-point Likert scale. Consensus was determined using a chi-square test of score distributions across three ranges (1-3, 4-6, 7-9). Categorical ratings of first, second, or third line were designated based on the lowest category into which the CI of the mean ratings fell, with a boundary >6.5 for first line. Here, we report experts’ responses to nine questions (265 options) that focused on (1) user characteristics that would promote or hinder the use of digital health tools, (2) potential benefits or motivators and barriers or unintended consequences of digital health tool use, and (3) support and training for patients and health care professionals. Results Among patient characteristics most likely to promote use of digital health tools, experts endorsed interest in using state-of-the-art technology, availability of necessary resources, good occupational functioning, and perception of the tool as beneficial. Certain disease-associated signs and symptoms (eg, more severe symptoms, substance abuse problems, and a chaotic living situation) were considered likely to make it difficult for patients to use digital health tools. Enthusiasm among health care professionals for digital health tools and availability of staff and equipment to support their use were identified as variables to enable health care professionals to successfully incorporate digital health tools into their practices. The experts identified a number of potential benefits of and barriers to use of digital health tools by patients and health care professionals. Experts agreed that both health care professionals and patients would need to be trained in the use of these new technologies. Conclusions These results provide guidance to the mental health field on how to optimize the development and deployment of digital health tools for patients with serious mental illness.

Teach Less and Learn More

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-42
Author(s):  
Ratneswary Rasiah ◽  
Sotheeswari Somasundram ◽  
Kelly Pei Leng Tee ◽  
Jason James Turner
Keyword(s):  
Instructional Technology ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Skills Gap ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Learning Development ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Insight Into

This study aims to investigate the impact of assessments and instructional technology on a students' learning experience and the development of their graduate capabilities. In a disruptive employment market where there appears to be a mis-match between employer expectations and the graduate skill-set, the onus has fallen upon education providers to better align the capabilities taught in school with employer and employment market expectations. Using a survey-based approach to collect 118 responses, this research revealed the positive and significant roles played by assessments and technology in enhancing students' learning development of graduate capabilities, with the use of technology identified as the stronger influencer on student learning. The findings of this study are beneficial to educators and policy makers, providing insight into the individual and collective role of assessment(s) and embedding technology into the curriculum as means to address the skills gap which should inform further research into the graduate skills conundrum.

Technology to Enhance Learning for All Students

2020 ◽  
pp. 33-46
Author(s):  
Raytosha Jones ◽  
Dimitra Smith
Keyword(s):  
Instructional Strategies ◽  
Emerging Technology ◽  
Success For All ◽  
Background Information ◽  
Low Socioeconomic ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
K 12 ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Provide Background Information

Technology is at the forefront of today's workforce. Comparatively, K-12 schools are incorporating technology into K-12 classrooms and instructional teaching methods and strategies. Research has indicted that students who come from low socioeconomic backgrounds may not only have similar access to technology as those from more affluent backgrounds, but students from low socioeconomic backgrounds also use technology for reasons that are different and commonly not academic reasons. This chapter will provide background information on current issues related to the use of technology among students of insight into issues and challenges related to integrating technology into K-12 classrooms, the role of funding in economically poorer school districts, and key instructional strategies for using technology and new and emerging technology in the K-12 classroom. This chapter will conclude with providing recommendations for ensuring access and success for all students.

The experience of facilitating debriefing after simulation: A qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 51-60
Author(s):  
Rachel Macdiarmid ◽  
◽  
Stephen Neville ◽  
Shelaine Zambas ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Essential Role ◽  
Care Setting ◽  
Knowing How ◽  
Know How ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Insight Into

Research suggests that debriefing is the most important component of simulation. Debriefing is the time when participants think over and reflect on what happened during the simulated experience. The aim of this research is to gain insight into the experience of facilitating debriefing following a simulated experience in a tertiary health care setting. This qualitative study was guided by phenomenology, as developed by Heidegger and Gadamer, and included 10 health professionals (nurses, doctors, and a midwife) debriefing simulation experiences. Data were collected through individual interviews and analysed through iterative re-writing and the generation of three stories as getting started; supporting the debrief to unfold, and knowing how to end. This study affirmed the role of the facilitator in debriefing following simulated experiences. The facilitator’s role includes leading the dialogue beyond “talk” and into “learning”. The art of asking a question, working with silence, and enabling learning all require skill. Through experience, facilitators learn to respond to whatever unfolds in the session. This study contributed detail of what facilitators do to draw out thinking, which confirmed their essential role. Facilitators cannot prepare a script for debriefing beforehand but must rely on their debriefing know-how to respond in each debrief. The facilitator’s know-how is therefore central to debriefing following simulated experiences.

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