scholarly journals Text Messages as a Reminder Aid and Educational Tool in Adults and Adolescents with Atopic Dermatitis: A Pilot Study

2010 ◽  
Vol 2010 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Venessa Pena-Robichaux ◽  
Joseph C. Kvedar ◽  
Alice J. Watson
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Atopic Dermatitis ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Treatment Adherence ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Educational Tool ◽  
Positive Health

Optimal management of atopic dermatitis (AD) requires patients to adhere to self-care behaviors. Technologies, such as cell phones, have been widely adopted in the USA and have potential to reinforce positive health behaviors. We conducted a pilot study with 25 adolescents and adults age 14 years and older [mean 30.5 yrs, SD 13.4] with AD. Daily text messages (TMs) that provided medication reminders and AD education were sent for six weeks to participants. Our goals were to (1) measure changes in pre- and posttest scores in treatment adherence, self-care behaviors, disease severity, and quality of life and (2) assess the usability and satisfaction of the TM system. Significant improvements in treatment adherence, self-care behaviors, skin severity, and quality of life ( ≤ .001, .002, <.001, and .014, resp.) were noted postintervention. User feedback on the TM system was positive with 88% and 92% of participants reporting that the reminder TMs and educational TMs were helpful, respectively. In conclusion, study participants were receptive to using TMs as a reminder aid and educational tool. The positive trends observed are promising and lay the ground work for further studies needed to elucidate the full potential of this simple and cost-effective intervention.

scholarly journals The role of the nurse in the care and management of patients with atopic dermatitis

BMC Nursing ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Harmieke van Os-Medendorp ◽  
Elfie Deprez ◽  
Nele Maes ◽  
Sheila Ryan ◽  
Karina Jackson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Atopic Dermatitis ◽  
Treatment Adherence ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Severe Atopic Dermatitis ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Wide Range

Abstract Background The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of key aspects of specialised dermatology nursing practice in the management of patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. The role of dermatology nurse specialists in supporting patients and promoting disease understanding, education and treatment adherence continues to evolve. As features of specialised nursing care can also inform other nursing staff in a wide range of care settings, an overview of key components is examined. Observations presented are from a pan-European perspective and represent the collected view of a group of dermatology nurse specialists, dermatologists and patient advocates following two round-table discussions. Main body Atopic dermatitis is a common, chronic, inflammatory disease characterised by erythematous/scaling skin lesions, with often intense pruritus. Disease course is cyclic with periodic disease flares of varying intensity, presenting management challenges to patients and families. Dermatology nurse specialists play a key role in providing education and substantial patient support to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life to patients and their family, delivered within a multidisciplinary team framework. Nurse-led education and 'eczema schools’ are of benefit in reducing disease severity and improving quality of life by enhancing self-management, adherence and patient engagement. eHealth tools, such as patient portals or online training platforms, can provide online learning, individualised education, and help to improve engagement. These and other initiatives, such as written action plans, are all essential to improve or maintain treatment adherence, self-management and quality of life. Conclusions Dermatology nurse specialists play a central role in the assessment and management of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis patients and families. This places them in an ideal position to build strong and often long-term relationships with patients and parents. Such engagement promotes trust, assists in setting realistic expectations of treatment and outcomes, and enhances self-management and engagement in their own care. Providing emotional support, as well as formal and systematic education (including individualised practical advice) all contribute to improved treatment adherence and can enhance the quality of life of patients and their families throughout the course of this long-term condition.

scholarly journals A Patient-Oriented App (ThessHF) to Improve Self-Care Quality in Heart Failure: From Evidence-Based Design to Pilot Study

10.2196/24271 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. e24271
Author(s):  
Constantinos Bakogiannis ◽  
Anastasios Tsarouchas ◽  
Dimitrios Mouselimis ◽  
Charalampos Lazaridis ◽  
Efstratios K Theofillogianakos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Heart Failure ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Care Quality ◽  
Hospitalization Rate ◽  
Evidence Based

Background Heart failure (HF) remains a major public health challenge, while HF self-care is particularly challenging. Mobile health (mHealth)–based interventions taking advantage of smartphone technology have shown particular promise in increasing the quality of self-care among these patients, and in turn improving the outcomes of their disease. Objective The objective of this study was to co-develop with physicians, patients with HF, and their caregivers a patient-oriented mHealth app, perform usability assessment, and investigate its effect on the quality of life of patients with HF and rate of hospitalizations in a pilot study. Methods The development of an mHealth app (The Hellenic Educational Self-care and Support Heart Failure app [ThessHF app]) was evidence based, including features based on previous clinically tested mHealth interventions and selected by a panel of HF expert physicians and discussed with patients with HF. At the end of alpha development, the app was rated by mHealth experts with the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). The beta version was tested by patients with HF, who rated its design and content by means of the Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire (PSSUQ). Subsequently, a prospective pilot study (THESS-HF [THe Effect of a Specialized Smartphone app on Heart Failure patients’ quality of self-care, quality of life and hospitalization rate]) was performed to investigate the effect of app use on patients with HF over a 3-month follow-up period. The primary endpoint was patients’ quality of life, which was measured with the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) and the 5-level EQ-5D version (EQ-5D-5L). The secondary endpoints were the European Heart Failure Self-care Behavior Scale (EHFScBS) score and the hospitalization rate. Results A systematic review of mHealth-based HF interventions and expert panel suggestions yielded 18 separate app features, most of which were incorporated into the ThessHF app. A total of 14 patients and 5 mHealth experts evaluated the app. The results demonstrated a very good user experience (overall PSSUQ score 2.37 [SD 0.63], where 1 is the best, and a median MARS score of 4.55/5). Finally, 30 patients (male: n=26, 87%) participated in the THESS-HF pilot study (mean age 68.7 [SD 12.4] years). A significant increase in the quality of self-care was noted according to the EHFScBS, which increased by 4.4% (SD 7.2%) (P=.002). The mean quality of life increased nonsignificantly after 3 months according to both KCCQ (mean increase 5.8 [SD 15] points, P=.054) and EQ-5D-5L (mean increase 5.6% [SD 15.6%], P=.06) scores. The hospitalization rate for the follow-up duration was 3%. Conclusions The need for telehealth services and remote self-care management in HF is of vital importance, especially in periods such as the COVID-19 pandemic. We developed a user-friendly mHealth app to promote remote self-care support in HF. In this pilot study, the use of the ThessHF app was associated with an increase in the quality of self-care. A future multicenter study will investigate the effect of the app use on long-term outcomes in patients with HF.

scholarly journals A Patient-Oriented App (ThessHF) to Improve Self-Care Quality in Heart Failure: From Evidence-Based Design to Pilot Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Constantinos Bakogiannis ◽  
Anastasios Tsarouchas ◽  
Dimitrios Mouselimis ◽  
Charalampos Lazaridis ◽  
Efstratios K Theofillogianakos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Heart Failure ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Care Quality ◽  
Hospitalization Rate ◽  
Evidence Based

BACKGROUND Heart failure (HF) remains a major public health challenge, while HF self-care is particularly challenging. Mobile health (mHealth)–based interventions taking advantage of smartphone technology have shown particular promise in increasing the quality of self-care among these patients, and in turn improving the outcomes of their disease. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to co-develop with physicians, patients with HF, and their caregivers a patient-oriented mHealth app, perform usability assessment, and investigate its effect on the quality of life of patients with HF and rate of hospitalizations in a pilot study. METHODS The development of an mHealth app (The Hellenic Educational Self-care and Support Heart Failure app [ThessHF app]) was evidence based, including features based on previous clinically tested mHealth interventions and selected by a panel of HF expert physicians and discussed with patients with HF. At the end of alpha development, the app was rated by mHealth experts with the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). The beta version was tested by patients with HF, who rated its design and content by means of the Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire (PSSUQ). Subsequently, a prospective pilot study (THESS-HF [THe Effect of a Specialized Smartphone app on Heart Failure patients’ quality of self-care, quality of life and hospitalization rate]) was performed to investigate the effect of app use on patients with HF over a 3-month follow-up period. The primary endpoint was patients’ quality of life, which was measured with the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) and the 5-level EQ-5D version (EQ-5D-5L). The secondary endpoints were the European Heart Failure Self-care Behavior Scale (EHFScBS) score and the hospitalization rate. RESULTS A systematic review of mHealth-based HF interventions and expert panel suggestions yielded 18 separate app features, most of which were incorporated into the ThessHF app. A total of 14 patients and 5 mHealth experts evaluated the app. The results demonstrated a very good user experience (overall PSSUQ score 2.37 [SD 0.63], where 1 is the best, and a median MARS score of 4.55/5). Finally, 30 patients (male: n=26, 87%) participated in the THESS-HF pilot study (mean age 68.7 [SD 12.4] years). A significant increase in the quality of self-care was noted according to the EHFScBS, which increased by 4.4% (SD 7.2%) (<i>P</i>=.002). The mean quality of life increased nonsignificantly after 3 months according to both KCCQ (mean increase 5.8 [SD 15] points, <i>P</i>=.054) and EQ-5D-5L (mean increase 5.6% [SD 15.6%], <i>P</i>=.06) scores. The hospitalization rate for the follow-up duration was 3%. CONCLUSIONS The need for telehealth services and remote self-care management in HF is of vital importance, especially in periods such as the COVID-19 pandemic. We developed a user-friendly mHealth app to promote remote self-care support in HF. In this pilot study, the use of the ThessHF app was associated with an increase in the quality of self-care. A future multicenter study will investigate the effect of the app use on long-term outcomes in patients with HF.

scholarly journals Self-care and quality of life in comorbid patients with chronic coronary syndromes: is there any correlation?

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 40-47
Author(s):  
A. I. Kabargina ◽  
Yu. M. Lopatin
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Coronary Heart Disease ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Treatment Adherence ◽  
Self Care ◽  
The Self ◽  
Type D ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Coronary Syndromes

Aim: to assess self-care skills and quality of life in patients with chronic coronary syndromes (CCS). Material and methods: the study involved 100 consecutive patients with stable coronary heart disease (CHD) admitted to cardiology departments. All patients admitted to the clinic underwent standard examination and treatment, taken in the management of patients with CCS. Besides, we assessed socio-demographic properties (marital status, education level, profession, disability for all reasons, income level), quality of life (using SF-36, SAQ questionnaires), levels of anxiety and depression (HADS scale), type D personality (DS-14 questionnaire), treatment adherence (Four-Item Morisky-Green-Levine medication adherence scale), Charlson comorbidity index, The Self Care of Coronary Heart Disease Inventory. Data processing was carried out using descriptive statistics, correlation and variance analysis. results: type D personality was identified in 60 patients (10.2 ± 5.6) on the scale of negative excitability, in 59 people (10.4 ± 3.7) — on the scale of social inhibition. An increased level of anxiety was found in 48 patients (7.6 ± 3.5), depression — in 49 people (7.1 ± 3.4). The average values of the physical component of the quality of life according to the SF-36 questionnaire were 36.9 ± 18.7 and 45.9 ± 19.6 points, respectively. The quality of life associated with exertional angina pectoris, according to the SAQ questionnaire, was 48.8 ± 19.7 points on the scale of limiting physical activity, 49.7 ± 28.2 points for seizure stability, and 70.5 ± 17.8 points for satisfaction with treatment. Treatment adherence according to the Morisky-Green scale was, on average, 2.6 ± 1.2 (Me: 2, [2.4]). Self-care skills on the scale A was 61.3 ± 12.2 points, on the scale B — 49.0 ± 16.2 points, on the scale C — 32.3 ± 14.5 points. In groups of CCS, significant (p <0.05) differences were found on the scales A and B. Significant differences in the self-care skills were obtained among the groups of patients with and without a history of postinfarction cardiosclerosis. Conclusion: the capacity for self-care skills and the quality of life of Russian comorbid patients with CCS is unsatisfactory, which requires active medical intervention and the development of tools for their effective modification.

scholarly journals Does Symptom Recognition Improve Self-care in Patients with Heart Failure? A Pilot Study Randomised Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joana Pereira Sousa ◽  
Hugo Neves ◽  
Miguel Pais-Vieira
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Heart Failure ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Care Management ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Fluid Restriction ◽  
Symptom Recognition ◽  
Patients With Heart Failure ◽  
The Impact

Patients with heart failure have difficulty in self-care management, as daily monitoring and recognizing symptoms do not readily triggers an action to avoid hospital admissions. The purpose of this study was to understand the impact of a nurse-led complex intervention on symptom recognition and fluid restriction. A latent growth model was designed to estimate self-care management and quality of life changes on patients with heart failure and assessed by a pilot study, for three months, to sixty-three patients (33 control, 30 intervention). Patients in the control group had a higher risk of hospitalisation (IRR 11.36; p&lt;.001) and emergency admission (IRR 4.24; p&lt;.001) at three-months follow-up. Analysis of the time scores demonstrated that the intervention group had a clear improvement in self-care behaviours (&beta;Slope. Assignment_group=-.881; p&lt;.001) and in the quality of life (&beta;Slope. Assignment_group=1.739; p&lt;.001). This study supports that a nurse-led program on symptom recognition and fluid restriction can have a positive impact on self-care behaviours and quality of life in patients with heart failure.

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