Advantages and challenges in using mobile apps for field experiments: A systematic review and a case study

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 179-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jingwen Zhang ◽  
Christopher Calabrese ◽  
Jieyu Ding ◽  
Mingxuan Liu ◽  
Biying Zhang

As smartphone’s computing power continues to grow and as mobile applications (apps) continue to dominate digital engagement, apps have become a new frontier for advancing field experiment methodology. Using apps may help researchers to scale up the reach, precisely control randomization and experiment materials, collect a variety of objective and self-reported data over time, and more conveniently replicate and adapt an experiment. We performed a systematic review on field experiments involving apps published between 2007 and 2017. Seven databases were scanned using a predefined search strategy. The database search retrieved 4,810 citations; 101 articles met the inclusion criteria. Our review suggests that scholars have only started to employ apps in field experiments in the last 4 years. Most studies only used apps as an experiment treatment instead of an experiment platform; therefore, researchers have yet to fully leverage the advantages. Almost all studies were from the health research domain and 77.2% used randomized controlled trial design. Only 7 studies utilized smartphone sensors for collecting data. Only one study reported cost and ethical concerns regarding using apps for the experiment. Given these findings, we reported a case study that targeted a minority racial group and leveraged the advantages of apps as an experiment platform and as a data collection tool to illustrate practical challenges and lessons learned regarding time, financial cost, and technical support. In conclusion, we suggest apps provide new ways to study causal mechanisms with experiment big data. Limitations of generalizability, retention, and design quality were discussed as well.

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 1580-1594 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabrielle String ◽  
Daniele Lantagne

Water Safety Plans (WSPs) are a comprehensive risk assessment and management approach to water delivery that were internationally recommended in 2004. WSPs consist of five implementation steps, followed by evaluation. To date, approximately 90 countries have implemented WSPs; however widespread uptake is limited by lack of documented outcomes and impacts. We conducted a systematic review to collate outcomes, impacts, and lessons learned from WSPs developed in general, rural, and three case-study country contexts. Overall, 53 documents met inclusion criteria. In general contexts, the need for institutional support during WSP implementation was highlighted. In rural applications, the need to simplify the WSP process and provide community support was emphasized. In case-study countries, we found the WSP process was selectively adapted and integrated within existing programs. In outcome and impact evaluations, financial outcomes have the clearest evidence base, while operational outcomes are documented most frequently, particularly in relation to infrastructure improvements. However, evidence is lacking on institutional and policy outcomes and impacts of WSPs. To ensure WSPs reach their potential for improving water delivery and management, support should be provided to implementers, outcomes and impacts of urban, peri-urban, and rural WSP implementations should be evaluated, and adaptation of WSPs locally encouraged.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 277-280
Author(s):  
Annie Nguyen ◽  
Brandon Brown ◽  
Maha El Tantawi ◽  
Nicaise Ndembi ◽  
Joseph Okeibunor ◽  
...  

VID- 19 pandemic provides a compelling reason for researchers to stretch beyond usual limits and find new ways to engage in global collaborations. Methods: We point to data that have emerged on the mental health and economic consequences of the pandemic to illustrate the extent to which these common issues cross national borders. There is high likelihood that these burdens will continue to persist long after the pandemic is declared “over.” Results: We urge researchers, particularly those from countries with higher income economies, to share resources to increase international collaborative research efforts. We present a case study of an ongoing project and offer some lessons learned for individual investigators. Conclusion: Global problems require global solutions. The COVID-19 pandemic is a global crisis that should prompt researchers to engage in science and research across national borders.


2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alastair Heffernan ◽  
Ella Barber ◽  
Nicola A Cook ◽  
Asmaa I Gomaa ◽  
Yolande X Harley ◽  
...  

Abstract A recent international workshop, organized by the authors, analyzed the obstacles facing the ambitious goal of eliminating viral hepatitis globally. We identified several policy areas critical to reaching elimination targets. These include providing hepatitis B birth-dose vaccination to all infants within 24 hours of birth, preventing the transmission of blood-borne viruses through the expansion of national hemovigilance schemes, implementing the lessons learned from the HIV epidemic regarding safe medical practices to eliminate iatrogenic infection, adopting point-of-care testing to improve coverage of diagnosis, and providing free or affordable hepatitis C treatment to all. We introduce Egypt as a case study for rapid testing and treatment scale-up: this country offers valuable insights to policy makers internationally, not only regarding how hepatitis C interventions can be expeditiously scaled-up, but also as a guide for how to tackle the problems encountered with such ambitious testing and treatment programs.


2011 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael L. Fetters ◽  
Tova Garcia Duby

Faculty development programs are critical to the implementation and support of curriculum innovation. In this case study, the authors present lessons learned from ten years of experience in faculty development programs created to support innovation in technology enhanced learning. Stages of curriculum innovation are matched to stages of faculty development, and important lessons for success as well as current challenges are delineated and discussed.


2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hani Tuasikal

Latar belakang: Pelaksanaan handover di RS berkiatan erat dengan dengan peran perawat dalam menggunakan metode pada saat pergantian shift. Oleh karena itu, untuk meningkatkan komunikasi diantara perawat dibutuhkan metode-metode yang efektif dalam metode-melakukan handover. Adapun metode yang digunakan adalah verbal, dengan catatan, melalui telepon dan SBAR. Metode: Penelusuran literature data base dari EBSCO, sciendirect, google search dan PubMed dari tahun 2005-2015 dilakukan menggunakan advanced search keyword yang dipilih dalam pencarian adalah handover communication, patien savety. Pencarian dibatasi pada tahun 2005-2015, full text, dan harus yang berbahasa inggris. Setelah dilakukan search ditemukan 171 artikel pada sciendirect, 23 artikel pada PubMed, dan 32 artikel pada ebscho dan yang sesuai dengan kriteria inklusi adalah 6 artikel. 6 artikel tersebut sesuai dengan kriteria study yaitu RCTs, Cohor, Case Study dan Systematic Review. Responden dalam artikel ini adalah perawat yang melakukan handover. Intervensi yang dilakukan adalah metode-metode handover. Outcome meningkatkan komunikasi antar perawat. Hasil: temuan berupa 6 artikel hasil pembahasan menunjukan bahwa metode handover dengan SBAR sangat efektif untuk meningkatkan komunikasi antar perawat. Kesimpulan: Metode SBAR sangat efektif digunakan dalam handover. Dengan metode ini, dapat mengoptimalkan komunikasi antar perawat dalam melakukan handover di setiap pergantian shif.


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