Preferences and motivational factors for the use of digital technology in real world oncology studies.

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e14119-e14119
Author(s):  
Nadeeka Dias ◽  
Rinah Yamamoto ◽  
Kenneth G Faulkner

e14119 Background: Patient engagement and motivation during real world oncology studies can be challenging. Digital tools have proven to be effective in reducing patient burden and improving data collection and accuracy. Given the rapid advances in health technology, patient preferences and motivations for these tools are continually evolving. This study investigates preferences for digital technology use with smartphones and wearables, telehealth, and identifies motivational factors that would drive real world study compliance for daily symptom reporting. Methods: Patients (n = 50; 68% male) diagnosed with cancer answered questions via an anonymous online survey about their technology preferences. Results: Although the majority of the population uses smartphones (99%), few oncology patients use wearable technology such as a fitness watch (18%). Of those who do not own a fitness watch, 90% were willing to use the technology in a clinical study and share their data if a watch were provided to them. However, the majority of patients (74%) would prefer to use their own smartphone during a clinical study to answer questions and conduct video calls with the study doctor. For patients who currently visit their doctor in person (98%), almost half (48%) would prefer a remote alternative such as a video call for convenience, especially when in pain. Patients reported several factors that would encourage consistent daily reporting of study data. Out of 10 options, the most motivating factor was access to health information that would help manage their symptoms on a daily basis (92%). Subsequent factors of interest included in-app reminders (88%) and assurance that a doctor would review the reported data and contact them to discuss reported symptoms (94%). Conclusions: The global market for digital health is growing rapidly, and there is a strong preference from oncology patients to shift in-person engagement and reporting to digital platforms. Patients are also highly motivated by information about their own health. Designing real world studies to incorporate these preferences may result in enhanced patient engagement, improved compliance, and higher quality data.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmit Noa Shpigelman ◽  
Amir Tal ◽  
Yaara Zisman-Ilani

BACKGROUND Despite the growing interest in developing and using mHealth (mobile health) and digital technologies in mental health, little is known about the scope and nature of virtual community inclusion. OBJECTIVE The overarching goal of this study was to understand and conceptualize virtual community inclusion of individuals with serious mental illness (SMI). Specific objectives were: (1) Mapping the prevalence, trends, and experiences related to mHealth and digital technology use among individuals with SMI; (2) Comparing patterns of technology use by individuals with and without SMI; and (3) Examining whether use of mHealth and digital technologies predicts recovery among individuals with SMI. METHODS An online survey of technology use and virtual participation was developed and distributed among adults with and without SMI via social media, national email discussion lists, non-profit organizations, and advocacy groups. RESULTS A total of 381 adults aged 18 years or older participated in the survey, 199 (52%) identified as having a SMI. Participants with SMI reported significantly greater access to technology and significantly fewer days of face-to-face participation in community activities compared with participants without SMI. Among participants with SMI, greater technology use was positively associated with positive emotions and significantly predicted recovery. CONCLUSIONS The present study is the first to explore, map, and conceptualize virtual community inclusion among adults with SMI. Our findings indicate a gap in the literature and research on community inclusion and participation and emphasize the need for virtual community inclusion, particularly during the time of COVID-19 and its future implications.


2021 ◽  
pp. 16-24
Author(s):  
Marina Kotrla Topić ◽  
Katarina Perić ◽  
Marina Merkaš

The pandemic of the COVID-19 virus brought out many changes in family routines across the world. This research aims to investigate changes in rules for children’s digital technology (DT) use and parental mediation during the first lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Croatia. Participants are 281 parents of children aged 3 to 14 years who completed an online survey containing questions about possible changes in the application of different rules regarding DT use and possible changes in different mediation behaviors regarding DT use during the lockdown in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Croatia. Results are analyzed separately for kindergarten children and children attending primary school. Results show a trend implying that during the first lockdown in 2020 most families didn't introduce new rules or abandon them compared to the time before lockdown, but those that did point to parents allowing their children a little more freedom regarding DT, especially for school-aged children. Additionally, small changes compared to the time before lockdown are observed in parental mediation behavior, and these are most evident concerning activities aiming to enable more independent use of DT and safe (probably also more independent) use of DT among school-aged children. Keywords: Lockdown; Parental mediation; Digital technology; Children


2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. e15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katrina Gay ◽  
John Torous ◽  
Adam Joseph ◽  
Anand Pandya ◽  
Ken Duckworth

Background Despite growing interest in the use of digital technology by individuals with schizophrenia, little is known about how these individual relate to, own, and use technology in their daily life and in the context of their symptoms. Objective The goal of this study is to better characterize technology use in those with schizophrenia. Methods A Web-based survey of individuals’ use of and attitudes toward technology for those 18 years and older self-identifying as having schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or schizophrenia spectrum disorders was conducted. Consumer input was sought in the design of the survey. Results In total, 457 individuals responded to this Web-based survey. Ninety percent owned more than one device (personal computer, landline telephone, tablet, public computer, mobile phone without applications or Internet, or smartphone), with many reporting high utilization of multiple devices, and 61% having 2 devices. The respondents reported that Web-based technology helped with support from family and friends, as well as in gathering information. Many respondents used Web-based technology to help identify coping strategies (24% very often or often) including music to help block or manage voices (42%), while others used technology to set alarms/reminders for medication management (28%). Younger respondents in particular anticipated the role of technology growing over time with respect to their recovery. Conclusions Survey respondents reported that technology access was common, with utilization involving coping, reminders for medications and appointments, and connection. Overall, attitudes were largely positive. Overuse was a concern for 30% of respondents. The study is limited in its generalizability as the population was highly engaged in mental health treatment (87%), self-identified as living with the disorder, and had awareness of their illness. This survey demonstrates high engagement for a subset of technology-oriented individuals living with schizophrenia. It is not known what percent of individuals with schizophrenia are represented by these technology-oriented survey respondents.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-36
Author(s):  
Steven V. Rouse

Abstract. Previous research has supported the use of Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (MTurk) for online data collection in individual differences research. Although MTurk Masters have reached an elite status because of strong approval ratings on previous tasks (and therefore gain higher payment for their work) no research has empirically examined whether researchers actually obtain higher quality data when they require that their MTurk Workers have Master status. In two different online survey studies (one using a personality test and one using a cognitive abilities test), the psychometric reliability of MTurk data was compared between a sample that required a Master qualification type and a sample that placed no status-level qualification requirement. In both studies, the Master samples failed to outperform the standard samples.


2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. i17-i18
Author(s):  
P Crilly ◽  
E Chibueze ◽  
M Khan ◽  
J Modha ◽  
S Satwaha ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction In the United Kingdom (UK), 63% of adults are overweight,(1) costing the NHS £6.1 billion/year. With the public using digital technology over healthcare professionals (HCPs) for health advice, this warrants an investigation of technology use in community pharmacy, given its previous successful use.(2) Aim To determine the feasibility and perceptions of a community pharmacist (CP)-led weight management programme (WMP), enhanced by a Facebook support group (FSG). Methods A proof of concept study was conducted between January-March 2020. Recruitment was via a pharmacy, the university and a community Facebook group. Inclusion criteria: over 18 years; overweight; no medical conditions. Participants attended face-to-face meetings (ftf) with a CP and final year pharmacy student (PS) on two occasions (0 (baseline) and 4 weeks). At baseline, participants were given the NHS weight loss programme and set weight loss goals. During ftf, participants had height, weight, and waist circumference (WC) measurements by a CP/PS and discussed eating habits, exercise and alcohol. In between ftf, participants accessed the FSG (created (December 2019) and moderated by a CP). Here, they received posts about diet, exercise and motivation. Participants were to have their measurements taken ftf at 8-weeks, however, COVID-19 meant participants had to self-declare these via video call. Following the 8-week programme, participants completed a 4-section survey about their experience (signing up to the service; comparison to previous weight loss attempts; the FSG and overall perceptions). Question types included multiple choice, Likert scale and free text comments. Data were analysed in Excel (Microsoft Corporation 2016) with changes in height, weight, waist circumference, alcohol and exercise being calculated. Results Fifty-five participants were recruited. 18 were lost to follow-up, most (n=12/18) citing COVID-19. Of the 37 participants remaining (70.3% female, mean age=37 years), 22 were obese, the rest overweight. Mean weight loss, mean percentage weight loss and mean WC reduction at 4-weeks was 1.6 kg (SD+/- 1.7 kg), 1.8% (SD+/- 1.9%) and 2 cm (SD+/- 1.96 cm) respectively. At week 8 measurements were self-declared. Mean weight loss at 8-weeks from baseline was 2.7 kg (SD +/- 2.6 kg) and mean percentage weight loss was 3% (SD+/- 3%). Only five participants’ self-declared WC measurements at 8-weeks with mean reduction being 3.6 cm. Five participants moved to healthier BMI classifications by week 8. All participants accessed the FSG at least weekly with 13 accessing it daily. Diet posts were the most popular (n=20/37). Participants learned about portion control and increasing fruits/vegetables intake. All participants would recommend the programme to their friends/family. Conclusion An 8-week CPWMP, enhanced with FSG, supported participants to lose a mean of 3% body weight. Participants accessed the page regularly and were positive about its usefulness. One limitation was that the COVID-19 lockdown prevented the 8-week ftf, therefore, self-declared measurements were used. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of pharmacy embracing technology for service delivery, particularly when in-person contact is limited. The implication of this study is that it provides proof that the concept of digital service delivery could work in practice. References 1. GOV.UK. Tackling obesity: empowering adults and children to live healthier lives [Internet]. Department of Health and Social Care. 2020 [cited 2020 Aug 18]. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tackling-obesity-government-strategy/tackling-obesity-empowering-adults-and-children-to-live-healthier-lives 2. Crilly P, Kayyali R. A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials of Telehealth and Digital Technology Use by Community Pharmacists to Improve Public Health. Pharmacy 2020;8(3):137. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/2226–4787/8/3/137


2021 ◽  
pp. 003329412199778
Author(s):  
Maria Manolika ◽  
Rigas Kotsakis ◽  
Maria Matsiola ◽  
George Kalliris

Increasing consensus among information systems researchers suggests that personality accounts for the effective use of several technologies, yet less is known about the process through which personality affects user perceptions of technology acceptance. This study, therefore, examined whether personality is associated with student perceptions of audiovisual technology acceptance, and whether general self-efficacy mediates this association. In total, 244 students completed an online survey including measures of personality, general self-efficacy, and perceptions of audiovisual technology acceptance. Canonical correlation uncovered significant associations between personality and student beliefs about technology use. Results further revealed that general self-efficacy fully mediated the effects of openness to experience and neuroticism on Perceived Ease of Use, whereas the association between agreeableness and Perceived Usefulness was partially mediated by self-efficacy beliefs. The fact that personality influences students’ perceptions of technology acceptance both directly and indirectly should not remain unnoticed, especially when designing intervention programs to enhance their academic performance.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Hagen ◽  
A Georgescu

Abstract Background Pain is a nearly universal experience, but little is known about how people treat pain. This international survey assessed real-world pain management strategies. Methods From 13-31 January, 2020, an online survey funded by GSK Consumer Healthcare was conducted in local languages in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Mexico, Poland, Russia, Spain, Sweden, UK, and USA. Adults were recruited from online panels of people who agreed to participate in surveys. Quotas ensured nationally representative online populations based on age, gender, and region. Results Of 19,000 people (1000/country) who completed the survey, 18,602 (98%) had ever experienced physical pain; 76% said they would like to control their pain better. Presented with 17 pain-management strategies and asked to select the ones they use in the order of use, respondents chose an average of 4 strategies each. The most commonly selected strategies were pain medication (65%), rest/sleep (54%), consult a doctor (31%), physical therapy (31%), and nonpharmacologic action (eg, heat/cold application; 29%). Of those who use pain medication, 56% take some other action first. Only 36% of those who treat pain do so immediately; 56% first wait to see if it will resolve spontaneously. Top reasons for waiting include a desire to avoid medication (37%); willingness to tolerate less severe pain (33%); concerns about side effects (21%) or dependency (21%); and wanting to avoid a doctor's visit unless pain is severe or persistent (21%). Nearly half (42%) of those who take action to control pain have visited ≥1 healthcare professional (doctor 31%; pharmacist 18%; other 17%) about pain. Conclusions This large global survey shows that people employ a range of strategies to manage pain but still wish for better pain control. Although pain medication is the most commonly used strategy, many people postpone or avoid its use. Key messages More than three-quarters (76%) of respondents across countries seek better pain control. Pain medication and rest/sleep consultation are the most common pain management strategies. More than half of respondents (56%) wait to see if pain will resolve spontaneously before taking any action, and 56% of those who use pain medication try some other approach first.


Author(s):  
Deedra Vargo ◽  
Lin Zhu ◽  
Briana Benwell ◽  
Zheng Yan

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 175628482110106
Author(s):  
Fabio Salvatore Macaluso ◽  
Marcello Maida ◽  
Mauro Grova ◽  
Federica Crispino ◽  
Giulia Teresi ◽  
...  

During past years, the increasing knowledge of molecular mechanisms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have led to the development of several targeted biological therapies. This great expansion of available medical options has prompted the need for comparative data between drugs. For years, given that most randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were performed only versus placebo, this demand has clashed with the absence of head-to-head trials comparing two or more treatments. The quality of evidence coming from real-world experience was low overall, so it was extremely difficult to clarify the correct positioning of the biologicals inside the therapeutic algorithms for IBD. Fortunately, times are changing: head-to-head comparative RCTs have been conducted or are ongoing, and the methodological quality of real-world studies is gradually increasing, mainly thanks to a higher rate of application of statistical methods capable of reducing the selection bias, such as the propensity score. In this evolving scenario, the increasing number of comparative RCTs is providing high-quality data for a correct drug positioning in IBD. In parallel, real-world observational studies are supporting the data coming from RCTs, and covering those comparisons not performed in the RCT setting. We believe that there is moderate evidence already available to support clinicians in the correct choice between different biologicals, and data will certainly be more robust in the near future.


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