The validity of mobile applications to facilitate patient care provided to cancer patients: opportunities and limitations

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haneen Amawi ◽  
Sayer Alazzam ◽  
Tasnim Alzanati ◽  
Neveen Altamimi ◽  
Alaa Hammad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Patient Care ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Free Access ◽  
User Engagement ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Detailed Assessment

Background: The use of health-related applications (apps) on smartphones has become widespread. This is especially of value during the ongoing SAR-COV-2 pandemic, where the accessibility for health care services has been greatly limited. Patients with free access to apps can obtain information to improve their understanding and management of health issues. Currently, there are cancer-related apps available on iPhones and androids. However, there are no guidelines to control these apps and ensure their quality. Furthermore, these apps may significantly modify the patients’ perception and knowledge toward drug-related health services. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the convenience, quality, safety and efficacy of apps for cancer patient care. Methods: The study was conducted by searching all apps related to cancer care on both Google Play Store and Apple iTunes Store. A detailed assessment was then performed using the mobile application rating scale (MARS) and risk assessment tools. Results: The results indicated that on a scale from 1-5, 47% of the apps were rated ≥ 4. The MARS assessment of the apps indicated an overall quality rating of 3.38 ± 0.9 (mean ± SD). The visual appeal of the app was found to have a significant effect on app functionality and user engagement. The potential benefits of these apps come with challenges and limitations. Patents related to smartphone applications targeting patients were also discussed. Conclusion: We recommend a greater emphasis toward producing evidence-based apps. These apps should be rigorously tested, evaluated and updated by experts, particularly clinical pharmacists. Also, these may alter patient attitudes toward services provided by physicians and pharmacists. Finally, these apps should not replace in-person interactive health services.

scholarly journals Health-Related Internet Use in Hard-to-Reach Populations: Empirical Findings From a Survey in a Remote and Mountainous Province in China (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
HongMin Li ◽  
Jin Xu ◽  
Lingui Li ◽  
Qingyue Meng
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Health Related

BACKGROUND The expanding use of the internet contributes to more effective searches for health-related information and opens up opportunities for direct Web-based communication with health care professionals. However, little is known about how users’ characteristics on the demand side influence health-related internet use, especially in remote and rural areas within developing countries. The absence of accurate estimates of users’ characteristics and their impact on adaptations of health care services in developing countries constrains focused policy-centered discussions and the design of appropriate policies. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of health-related internet use and to identify its determinants in a remote province in China. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey in June and July of 2018 in Ningxia, located in northwestern China. Rural households were selected by multistage random sampling, and households’ key members were interviewed face-to-face at the respondents’ home. Dependent variables were whether the households use Web health services or not. Independent variables were chosen based on the Andersen behavioral model. Sociodemographic characteristics were compared between households that used health-related Web services with nonusers. We applied logistic regression models to evaluate multivariate associations between respondents’ characteristics and their usage of Web-based health services and obtained odds ratios with 95% CI. RESULTS A total of 1354 respondents from rural households were interviewed, of whom 707 (52.22%) were men. The mean age of the respondents was 44.54 years (SD 10.22). Almost half of the surveyed households (640/1354, 47.27%) reported using 1 or more Web-based health care services, whereas 37.8% (502/1354) reported using the internet to obtain health-related information, 15.51% (210/1354) used the internet to communicate with professionals about health issues, and 7.24% (98/1354) had engaged in Web-based consultations in the last year. After controlling for potential confounders, households engaged in health-related internet use were found to be wealthier, have higher health demands, and have less geographic access to high-quality health care compared with other households. CONCLUSIONS The internet has become a major health information resource in rural Ningxia. Social structures, family enabling factors, health needs, and characteristics relating to health care access were significant predictors of households’ health-related internet use in rural and remote areas in China. Those who belong to older age groups, have low income, and whose education levels do not extend beyond primary school education are significantly less likely to use Web-based health care services and to benefit from Web-based health care programs. A need for continued collaborative efforts involving multiple stakeholders, including communities, Web-based and other health care providers, family members, and the government is needed.

Needs assessment for gender sensitive reproductive health services for adolescents

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Rahmanian ◽  
Soheila Nazarpour ◽  
Masoumeh Simbar ◽  
Ali Ramezankhani ◽  
Farid Zayeri
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Reproductive Health Services ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Reproductive Health Care ◽  
Care Services

AbstractBackgroundA dimension of reproductive health services that should be gender sensitive is reproductive health services for adolescents.ObjectiveThis study aims to assess needs for gender sensitive reproductive health care services for adolescents.MethodsThis was a descriptive cross-sectional study on 341 of health care providers for adolescents in health centers and hospitals affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Iran in 2016. The subjects of the study were recruited using a convenience sampling method. The tools for data collection were: (1) a demographic information questionnaire and; (2) a valid and reliable questionnaire to Assess the Needs of Gender-Sensitive Adolescents Reproductive Health Care Services (ANQ-GSARHS) including three sections; process, structure and policy making for the services. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21.ResultsThree hundred and forty-one health providers with an average working experience of 8.77 ± 5.39 [mean ± standard deviation (SD)] years participated in the study. The results demonstrated the highest scores for educational needs (92.96% ± 11.49%), supportive policies (92.71% ± 11.70%) and then care needs (92.37% ± 14.34%) of the services.ConclusionsProviding gender sensitive reproductive health care services for adolescents needs to be reformed as regards processes, structure and policies of the services. However, the gender appropriate educational and care needs as well as supportive policies are the priorities for reform of the services.

Variation in Utilization of Health Care Services for Rural VA Enrollees With Mental Health-Related Diagnoses

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 244-253 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher E. Johnson ◽  
Ruth L. Bush ◽  
Jeffrey Harman ◽  
Jane Bolin ◽  
Gina Evans Hudnall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Health Related

scholarly journals Sex-specific differences in prevalence and in the factors associated to the search for health services in a population based epidemiological study

2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 323-340 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzana Alves de Moraes ◽  
Daniele Almeida Lopes ◽  
Isabel Cristina Martins de Freitas
Keyword(s):  
Epidemiological Study ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Access To Health Care ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Economic Indicator ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Women Health ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Health Related

Objectives: To identify the access to health care services and associated factors in adults living in the city of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, in 2007. Methods: A cross-sectional population-based epidemiological study with a sample developed in three stages. The variability introduced in the third sampling fraction was corrected by the attribution of weights, resulting in a sample of 2,471 participants. The outcome prevalence was estimated according to socio-demographic, behavioral and health-related variables. In order to identify associated factors, the regression of Poisson was used, obtaining crude and adjusted prevalence ratios. All estimates were calculated taking into account the effect of the sampling design. Results: The outcome prevalence increased according to the age, being higher in female individuals. A different set of variables remained in the final models, considering each gender separately. Among men, the monthly income > R$ 1,400.00; scores > 823.6 to the Economic Indicator of Ribeirão Preto (IERP) and daily average of sitting down time (154.4 - 240 min/day) constituted themselves into protective factors, whereas the increase of age and scholarship, hospitalization, diabetes and hypertension constituted risk factors for the use of the services. Among women, health self-reported as regular, hospitalization, diabetes and hypertension characterized factors positively associated to the outcome at matter. Conclusions: The results indicate the need for planning actions aimed at capturing male individuals, as well as the revaluation of detection and control of diabetes and hypertension programs, aimed at the primary prevention of terminal cardiovascular events.

scholarly journals Helsepersonells erfaringer med pasientforløp i kommuner i Vest-Norge

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Torill Aarskog Skorpen ◽  
Marit Kvangarsnes ◽  
Torstein Hole
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Health Personnel ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
User Participation ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Western Norway ◽  
Patient Pathways ◽  
Specialist Health Care ◽  
Group Interviews

Health services in Norway have been described as fragmented with weak coordination between different care levels with respect to patient pathways. The Coordination Reform’s aim was to improve patient pathways and strengthen user participation. The aim of this study was to investigate health personnel ́s experiences with patient pathways in municipalities in Western Norway. A qualitative design was chosen. Six focus group interviews with health personnel working in municipalities in Western Norway were conducted in 2013 and 2014. The interviews revealed that health personnel experienced that local health services gave cohesive patient pathways and strengthened user participation. Cohesive patient pathways and locally adapted pathways were considered important. Coordination and electronic communication between primary and specialist health care services were seen as inadequate. Trust, teamwork, competence and necessary resources were considered vital. Health personnel ́s experiences indicated that the intended aim of cohesive patient pathways near the patient was met. 

scholarly journals Effects of results based financing models on the performance of exposed health zones in Benin

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (10) ◽  
pp. 4188
Author(s):  
Lamidhi Salami ◽  
Edgard-Marius Ouendo ◽  
Benjamin Fayomi
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Health System ◽  
System Performance ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Child Health Services ◽  
Double Difference ◽  
Health System Performance ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Curative Care ◽  
Results Based Financing

Background: Since 2011, Benin adhered to results-based financing (RBF), with the implementation of RBF_PRPSS model by Health System Performance Strengthening Project (PRPSS) and RBF_PASS model by health system support project (PASS). Notwithstanding the lack of evidence on this experimental phase, the Ministry of Health initiated the extension of the RBF_PRPSS model to uncovered areas. This comparative study was led to evaluate the health system performance in RBF zones.Methods: The study examined data from sixty-seven health facilities in six health zones offering maternal and child health services, using the double difference, the Student's test and the variance comparison, with 5% significance level.Results: The study found that between 2011 and 2014, staff numbers remained stable in the RBF strata (p>0.05). The cumulative duration over a six-month period of stock-outs of five key drugs (paracetamol, amoxicillin, oxytocin, iron, sulfadoxine pyrimetamine) decreased from 51 days to 29 days (p<0.05). Direct revenues per health facility increased more in the RBF strata (p<0.05). Financial viability increased in RBF_PRPSS stratum. Health services utilization improved significantly for institutional delivery, tetanus toxoid immunization, DTP (Hib) HepB 3 and MCV immunization and curative care. Decreasing of maternal and neonatal mortalities in RBF strata were not significant.Conclusions: In sum, the RBF implementation has not yet generated a significant effect on the overall performance of the health system in exposed areas, although it is already accompanied by a significant improvement in the utilization of certain health care services. 

scholarly journals Research on the Path of China Cities Service Consumption Upgrading

2021 ◽  
Vol 236 ◽  
pp. 03021
Author(s):  
Chen Fan ◽  
Wang Shengjin
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Income Elasticity ◽  
Empirical Test ◽  
First Line ◽  
Communication Services ◽  
Education Services ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Marginal Propensity ◽  
Expenditure System

Based on the panel data of “first-line cities” and “new first-line” cities from 2006 to 2018, this paper constructs an extended linear expenditure system model (ELES) to empirically study the path law of service sub-consumption upgrade. Based on the full-sample OLS estimation, it is found that the overall marginal propensity for service consumption in the sample cities is 0.418, of which the sub-consumption propensity for cultural, entertainment and education services is the most obvious, followed by medical and health services, and transportation and communication services are the lowest. Based on service subconsumption, the research on price and income elasticity found that the expenditure and income elasticity of cultural entertainment and education, which has the most significant marginal propensity to consume, is the largest, while the price and income elasticity of health care services is the smallest. An empirical test based on sub-samples found that the marginal service consumption propensity of “first-line cities” and “new firstline cities” are 0.558 and 0.379, respectively; in terms of service breakdown, “first-line cities” have propensity to consume cultural entertainment and education services Significantly higher than the “new first-line cities”, the sub-item propensity to consume in medical and health services is slightly higher, and the sub-item propensity to consume in transportation and communication services is slightly lower.

scholarly journals Satisfaction of clients with disabilities with services offered at primary health care centres in Ndola, Zambia

2012 ◽  
Vol 68 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Mlenzana ◽  
R. Mwansa
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Waiting Times ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Primary Health

To establish satisfaction level of persons with disabilitiesregarding health services at primary health care centres in Ndola, Zambia.Key stakeholders views on satisfaction of services is an important componentof service rendering thus obtaining information is important in assistingwith the evaluation of health care service delivery. This will assist in improvingeffectiveness and availability of health care services to persons with physicaldisabilities.All persons with disabilities attending both rehabilitation centres andprimary health care centres in Ndola, Zambia, were targeted for this study. Willing participants were convenientlyselected to take part in the study.A cross sectional, descriptive study design using quantitative methods of data collection was used. The GeneralPractice Assessment Questionnaire was adjusted, piloted for Ndola population and used in this study to establishsatisfaction of participants. The study was ethically cleared at the University of the Western Cape and Zambia.Information and consent forms were signed by participants.Quantitative data was analysed descriptively and was reported in percentages.In the current study there were 191 participants of whom 56% were male and 44% were female with age rangefrom 18-65 years. Fifty-two percent of the participants presented with learning disabilities and 38% of persons withphysical disabilities. Majority of clients (54%) were dissatisfied with availability of services and health care servicesat the health care centres. Areas that clients were dissatisfied with were accessibility, consultation with health professionals,waiting times and opening hours of the health care centres.Clients with disabilities who accessed health care services from selected health centres in Ndola were dissatisfiedwith aspects of health services. Accessibility, consultation with health professionals, waiting times and opening hoursof the health care centres were the origin of client dissatisfaction. Other clients were satisfied with thoroughness ofhealth care providers regarding symptoms, feelings, reception and treatment received at the primary health care centre.Understanding the views of the clients is essential in improving health delivery services and could impact on thecompliance of people attending primary health care services.

The Finnish healthcare services lean management

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanna Hihnala ◽  
Lilja Kettunen ◽  
Marjo Suhonen ◽  
Hanna Tiirinki
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Lean Management ◽  
Management Skills ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Development Processes ◽  
Specialized Health Care

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss health services managers’ experiences of management in a special health-care unit and development efforts from the point of view of the Lean method. Additionally, the aim is to deepen the knowledge of the managers’ work and nature of the Lean method development processes in the workplace. The research focuses on those aspects and results of Lean method that are currently being used in health-care environments. Design/methodology/approach These data were collected through a number of thematic interviews. The participants were nurse managers (n = 7) and medical managers (n = 7) who applied Lean management in their work at the University Hospital in the Northern Ostrobothnia Health Care District. The data were analysed with a qualitative content analysis. Findings A common set of values in specialized health-care services, development of activities and challenges for management in the use of the Lean manager development model to improve personal management skills. Practical implications Managers in specialized health-care services can develop and systematically manage with the help of the Lean method. This emphasizes assumptions, from the point of view of management, about systems development when the organization uses the Lean method. The research outcomes originate from specialized health-care settings in Finland in which the Lean method and its associated management principles have been implemented and applied to the delivery of health care. Originality/value The study shows that the research results and in-depth knowledge on Lean method principles can be applied to health-care management and development processes. The research also describes health services managers’ experiences of using the Lean method. In the future, these results can be used to improve Lean management skills, identify personal professional competencies and develop skills required in development processes. Also, the research findings can be used in the training of health services managers in the health-care industry worldwide and to help them survive the pressure to change repeatedly.

Case Study E-Tailing Health Services in India

2016 ◽  
pp. 292-308
Author(s):  
Bobby Kurian
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Information Dissemination ◽  
Health Providers ◽  
The Public ◽  
Care Services ◽  
The World

This case study has been developed to promote understanding the e-tailing of health services. E-health web portal provides a new medium for information dissemination, interaction and collaboration among institutions, health professionals, health providers and the public. This case study provides a founders perspective in setting up and running a medical website that offers online health care services to customers across the world. The case study discusses the challenges and issues faced by the founders and also the promoter's perspective on the lucrativeness of offering e-tailing services. Using this case study an attempt is made to stress the importance of a flexible e-tailing business model specific to the services offered and need of periodic assessments to ensure that the business runs profitable.

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