scholarly journals Leveraging Digital Technology to Overcome Barriers in the Prosthetic and Orthotic Industry: Evaluation of its Applicability and Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic

10.2196/23827 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. e23827
Author(s):  
Trevor Binedell ◽  
Karupppasamy Subburaj ◽  
Yoko Wong ◽  
Lucienne T M Blessing
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Ankle Foot Orthoses ◽  
Lower Limb Amputees

Background The prosthetic and orthotic industry typically provides an artisan “hands-on” approach to the assessment and fitting of orthopedic devices. Despite growing interest in digital technology for prosthetic and orthotic service provision, little is known of the quantum of use and the extent to which the current pandemic has accelerated the adoption. Objective This study’s aim is to assess the use of digital technology in prosthetics and orthotics, and whether its use can help overcome challenges posed by the current COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A web-based survey of working prosthetists, orthotists, and lower limb patients was conducted between June and July 2020 and divided into three sections: lower limb amputees, prosthetist and orthotist (P&O) currently using digital technologies in their practice, and P&O not using any digital technology. Input was sought from industry and academia experts for the development of the survey. Descriptive analyses were performed for both qualitative (open-ended questions) and quantitative data. Results In total, 113 individuals responded to the web-based survey. There were 83 surveys included in the analysis (patients: n=13, 15%; prosthetists and orthotists: n=70, 85%). There were 30 surveys excluded because less than 10% of the questions were answered. Out of 70 P&Os, 31 (44%) used digital technologies. Three dimensional scanning and digital imaging were the leading technologies being used (27/31, 88%), primarily for footwear (18/31, 58%), ankle-foot orthoses, and transtibial and transfemoral sockets (14/31, 45%). Digital technology enables safer care during COVID-19 with 24 out of 31 (77%) respondents stating it improves patient outcomes. Singapore was significantly less certain that the industry's future is digital (P=.04). The use of virtual care was reported by the P&O to be beneficial for consultations, education, patient monitoring, or triaging purposes. However, the technology could not overcome inherent barriers such as the lack of details normally obtained during a physical assessment. Conclusions Digital technology is transforming health care. The current pandemic highlights its usefulness in providing safer care, but digital technology must be implemented thoughtfully and designed to address issues that are barriers to current adoption. Technology advancements using virtual platforms, digitalization methods, and improved connectivity will continue to change the future of health care delivery. The prosthetic and orthotic industry should keep an open mind and move toward creating the required infrastructure to support this digital transformation, even if the world returns to pre–COVID-19 days.

scholarly journals Leveraging Digital Technology to Overcome Barriers in the Prosthetic and Orthotic Industry: Evaluation of its Applicability and Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trevor Binedell ◽  
Karupppasamy Subburaj ◽  
Yoko Wong ◽  
Lucienne T M Blessing
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Ankle Foot Orthoses ◽  
Lower Limb Amputees

BACKGROUND The prosthetic and orthotic industry typically provides an artisan “hands-on” approach to the assessment and fitting of orthopedic devices. Despite growing interest in digital technology for prosthetic and orthotic service provision, little is known of the quantum of use and the extent to which the current pandemic has accelerated the adoption. OBJECTIVE This study’s aim is to assess the use of digital technology in prosthetics and orthotics, and whether its use can help overcome challenges posed by the current COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A web-based survey of working prosthetists, orthotists, and lower limb patients was conducted between June and July 2020 and divided into three sections: lower limb amputees, prosthetist and orthotist (P&amp;O) currently using digital technologies in their practice, and P&amp;O not using any digital technology. Input was sought from industry and academia experts for the development of the survey. Descriptive analyses were performed for both qualitative (open-ended questions) and quantitative data. RESULTS In total, 113 individuals responded to the web-based survey. There were 83 surveys included in the analysis (patients: n=13, 15%; prosthetists and orthotists: n=70, 85%). There were 30 surveys excluded because less than 10% of the questions were answered. Out of 70 P&amp;Os, 31 (44%) used digital technologies. Three dimensional scanning and digital imaging were the leading technologies being used (27/31, 88%), primarily for footwear (18/31, 58%), ankle-foot orthoses, and transtibial and transfemoral sockets (14/31, 45%). Digital technology enables safer care during COVID-19 with 24 out of 31 (77%) respondents stating it improves patient outcomes. Singapore was significantly less certain that the industry's future is digital (<i>P</i>=.04). The use of virtual care was reported by the P&amp;O to be beneficial for consultations, education, patient monitoring, or triaging purposes. However, the technology could not overcome inherent barriers such as the lack of details normally obtained during a physical assessment. CONCLUSIONS Digital technology is transforming health care. The current pandemic highlights its usefulness in providing safer care, but digital technology must be implemented thoughtfully and designed to address issues that are barriers to current adoption. Technology advancements using virtual platforms, digitalization methods, and improved connectivity will continue to change the future of health care delivery. The prosthetic and orthotic industry should keep an open mind and move toward creating the required infrastructure to support this digital transformation, even if the world returns to pre–COVID-19 days.

scholarly journals Impact of ankle-foot orthoses on gait 1 year after lower limb surgery in children with bilateral cerebral palsy

2018 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ingrid Skaaret ◽  
Harald Steen ◽  
Terje Terjesen ◽  
Inger Holm
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Gait Analysis ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Foot Orthoses ◽  
Important Improvement ◽  
Gait Dysfunction ◽  
Ankle Foot Orthoses ◽  
Profile Score ◽  
Lower Limb Surgery

Background: Different types of ankle-foot orthoses are commonly used following lower limb surgery in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy. After three-dimensional gait analysis 1 year postoperatively, many children are recommended continued use of ankle-foot orthoses. Objectives: Our aims were to quantify the impact of ankle-foot orthoses on gait 1 year postoperatively and evaluate predictors for clinically important improvement. Study design: Prospective cohort study. Methods: A total of 34 ambulating children with bilateral cerebral palsy, with mean age 11 years (range 6–17), comprising 12 girls and 22 boys, were measured with three-dimensional gait analysis preoperatively (barefoot) and 1 year postoperatively (barefoot and with ankle-foot orthoses). Outcome was evaluated using gait profile score, key kinematic, kinetic and temporal–spatial variables in paired sample comparisons. Logistic regression was used to evaluate predictors for clinically important improvement with orthoses (⩾1.6° change in gait profile score). Results: Walking barefoot 1 year postoperatively, major improvements were seen in gait profile score and key variables. With ankle-foot orthoses, there were significantly improved step length and velocity, additional moderate reduction/improvement in gait profile score and knee moments and decreased stance ankle dorsiflexion compared to barefoot. Children using ground reaction ankle-foot orthoses ( n = 14) decreased stance knee flexion from 13.9° walking barefoot to 8.2° with orthoses. High gait profile score and more gait dysfunction preoperatively were significant predictors of clinically important improvement walking with orthoses. Conclusion: The results indicate improved gait function walking with ankle-foot orthoses versus barefoot 1 year after lower limb surgery. Stronger impact of ankle-foot orthoses was found in children with more pronounced gait dysfunction preoperatively. Clinical relevance The 1-year postoperative three-dimensional gait analysis is a useful method to assess treatment outcome after lower limb surgery in children with bilateral cerebral palsy and could also guide clinicians whether further treatment with ankle-foot orthoses is indicated, using clinically important differences as thresholds to evaluate their impact on gait.

scholarly journals Substantiation of Efficiency of Digital Technologies in the Control of Health Quality Indicators Levels

2020 ◽  
pp. 20-22
Author(s):  
Diana Vladimirovna Kolomiitseva
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Quality Indicators ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Great Promise ◽  
Modern Health Care ◽  
Health Quality ◽  
Low Costs ◽  
Fitness Trackers ◽  
Different Levels

The article is devoted to substantiating the effectiveness of digital technologies in controlling the level of health quality indicators on the example of medical bracelets and fitness trackers. Digital technology has become an integral part of the modern health care system at different levels. The possibility of using such technologies to monitor the health status of almost any person has great promise, since at fairly low costs significant results are shown. Controlling the level of health quality indicators with the use of digital technologies can be used to prevent serious diseases and provide the necessary assistance to patients in time.

scholarly journals The Development of a Web-Based, Patient-Centered Intervention for Patients With Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CMyLife): Design Thinking Development Approach

10.2196/15895 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. e15895 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geneviève ICG Ector ◽  
Peter E Westerweel ◽  
Rosella PMG Hermens ◽  
Karin AE Braspenning ◽  
Barend CM Heeren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Treatment Outcomes ◽  
Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Design Thinking ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Care Process ◽  
Patient Centered ◽  
Web Based

Background With the global rise in chronic health conditions, health care is transforming, and patient empowerment is being emphasized to improve treatment outcomes and reduce health care costs. Patient-centered innovations are needed. We focused on patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a chronic disease with a generally good long-term prognosis because of the advent of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. However, both medication adherence by patients and guideline adherence by physicians are suboptimal, unnecessarily jeopardizing treatment outcomes. Objective The aim of this study was to develop a patient-centered innovation for patients with CML using a design thinking methodology. Methods The 5 phases of design thinking (ie, empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test) were completed, and each phase started with the patient. Stakeholders and end users were identified and interviewed, and observations in the care system were made. Using tools in human-centered design, problems were defined and various prototypes of solutions were generated. These were evaluated by patients and stakeholders and then further refined. Results The patients desired (1) insights into their own disease; (2) insights into the symptoms experienced, both in terms of knowledge and comprehension; and (3) improvements in the organization of care delivery. A web-based platform, CMyLife, was developed and pilot-tested. It has multiple features, all targeting parts of the bigger solution, including a website with reliable information and a forum, a guideline app, personal medical records with logs of symptoms and laboratory results (including a molecular marker and linked to the guideline app), tailored feedback based on the patients’ symptoms and/or results, screen-to-screen consulting, delivery of medication, and the collection of blood samples at home. Conclusions The multifeatured innovation, CMyLife, was developed in a multidisciplinary way and with active patient participation. The aim of developing CMyLife was to give patients the tools to monitor their results, interpret these results, and act on them. With this tool, they are provided with the know-how to consider their results in relation to their personal care process. Whether CMyLife achieves its goal and the evaluation of the added value will be the focus of future studies. CML could become the first malignancy for which patients are able to monitor and manage their disease by themselves.

scholarly journals Analysis of the Risk Impact of Implementing Digital Innovations for Logistics Management

Processes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 815 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Barczak ◽  
Izabela Dembińska ◽  
Łukasz Marzantowicz
Keyword(s):  
Digital Technology ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Social Engineering ◽  
Historical Change ◽  
Logistics Management ◽  
Engineering Structures ◽  
Technology Applications ◽  
Distinct Features ◽  
The Impact

The emergence of digital technology is a paradigmatic historical change. As a process of transforming social engineering structures, digitization has had a ubiquitous impact on the organization of structures and business logic, as well as on economic principles and rules. The fertile ground for digital technology applications is logistics management, which manifests itself in the dynamic development of logistics 4.0. Increasingly, it is pointed out that digital technology has some distinct features that have fundamental implications for innovation. The aim of the present study is to determine the impact of the risk of implementing digital technologies for logistics management. The study was conducted using the standardized questionnaire interview method with representatives of the management of enterprises. The attempt was random. The sampling was made up of micro, small, medium, and large enterprises from the production and services sectors, having a logistics unit or a logistics division, located in the “Bisnode Poland” database. In total, 360 full interviews were carried out. For the study, we defined macro-environment, operational, functional, and microenvironment risks. The basic conclusion is that between each type of risk and the type of digital technologies used in the studied entities and their partners in the supply chain, there is a high and very high dependence in the case of three-dimensional printing (3D printing), artificial intelligence, blockchain, drones, augmented reality, and self-propelled vehicles.

scholarly journals FEATURES OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY APPLICATION IN HEALTH CARE

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 223-227
Author(s):  
P. A. Eremeeva
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Maternity Hospital ◽  
Ordinary People ◽  
Technology Application ◽  
Medical Institutions

The article studies the implementation of digital technologies in medical institutions using the example of a maternity hospital. We used a review of the technologies that in modern healthcare is carried out, tasks that can be solved using digital technologies are identified, and ways to create digital technologies in healthcare are identified. Based on a survey of users of digital technologies in medical institutions (health workers, ordinary people), the effectiveness of the use of digital technologies in health care is estimated. We concluded that it is necessary to manage this process and improve the applied digital technologies.

scholarly journals Total Knee Replacement and the Effect of Technology on Cocreation for Improved Outcomes and Delivery: Qualitative Multi-Stakeholder Study (Preprint)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasmin van Kasteren ◽  
Jill Freyne ◽  
M Sazzad Hussain
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Total Knee Replacement ◽  
Knee Replacement ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Health Care Service ◽  
Hospital Length Of Stay ◽  
Patient Centered ◽  
Total Knee

BACKGROUND The growth in patient-centered care delivery combined with the rising costs of health care have perhaps not unsurprisingly been matched by a proliferation of patient-centered technology. This paper takes a multistakeholder approach to explore how digital technology can support the cocreation of value between patients and their care teams in the delivery of total knee replacement (TKR) surgery, an increasingly common procedure to return mobility and relieve pain for people suffering from osteoarthritis. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate communications and interactions between patients and care teams in the delivery of TKR to identify opportunities for digital technology to add value to TKR health care service by enhancing the cocreation of value. METHODS A multistakeholder qualitative study of user needs was conducted with Australian stakeholders (N=34): surgeons (n=12), physiotherapists (n=3), patients (n=11), and general practitioners (n=8). Data from focus groups and interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Encounters between patients and their care teams are information-rich but time-poor. Results showed seven different stages of the TKR journey that starts with referral to a surgeon and ends with a postoperative review at 12 months. Each stage of the journey has different information and communication challenges that can be enhanced by digital technology. Opportunities for digital technology include improved waiting list management, supporting and reinforcing patient retention and recall of information, motivating and supporting rehabilitation, improving patient preparation for hospital stay, and reducing risks and anxiety associated with postoperative wound care. CONCLUSIONS Digital technology can add value to patients’ care team communications by enhancing information flow, assisting patient recall and retention of information, improving accessibility and portability of information, tailoring information to individual needs, and by providing patients with tools to engage in their own health care management. For care teams, digital technology can add value through early detection of postoperative complications, proactive surveillance of health data for postoperative patients and patients on waiting lists, higher compliance with rehabilitation programs, and reduced length of stay. Digital technology has the potential to improve patient satisfaction and outcomes, as well as potentially reduce hospital length of stay and the burden of disease associated with postoperative morbidity.

scholarly journals Early Psychosis Service User Views on Digital Technology: Qualitative Analysis (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Bucci ◽  
Rohan Morris ◽  
Katherine Berry ◽  
Natalie Berry ◽  
Gillian Haddock ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Service User ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Early Psychosis ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Service Users

BACKGROUND Digital technology has the potential to improve outcomes for people with psychosis. However, to date, research has largely ignored service user views on digital health interventions (DHIs). OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to explore early psychosis service users’ subjective views on DHIs. METHODS Framework analysis was undertaken with data obtained from 21 semistructured interviews with people registered with early intervention for psychosis services. Robust measures were used to develop a stable framework, including member checking, triangulation, independent verification of themes, and consensus meetings. RESULTS The following 4 themes were established a priori: acceptability of technology in psychosis and mental health; technology increasing access to and augmenting mental health support; barriers to adopting DHIs; and concerns about management of data protection, privacy, risk, and security of information. The following 2 themes were generated a posteriori: blending DHIs with face-to-face treatment and empowerment, control, and choice. DHIs were also viewed as potentially destigmatizing, overcoming barriers faced in traditional service settings, facilitating communication, and empowering service users to take active control of their health care. CONCLUSIONS In the first study of its kind, early psychosis service users’ were largely positive about the potential use of DHIs supporting and managing mental health. Overall, service users felt that DHIs were a progressive, modern, and relevant platform for health care delivery. Concerns were expressed around privacy and data security and practical barriers inherent within DHIs, all of which require further attention. Future research should explore whether findings transfer to other service user groups, other technology delivery formats, and across a range of treatment modalities.

scholarly journals Acceptability and Potential Effectiveness of eHealth Tools for Training Primary Health Workers From Nigeria at Scale: Mixed Methods, Uncontrolled Before-and-After Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Paul Hicks ◽  
Matthew John Allsop ◽  
Godwin O Akaba ◽  
Ramsey M Yalma ◽  
Osasuyi Dirisu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Clinical Knowledge ◽  
Potential Effectiveness ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Service Training

BACKGROUND The in-service training of frontline health workers (FHWs) in primary health care facilities plays an important role in improving the standard of health care delivery. However, it is often expensive and requires FHWs to leave their posts in rural areas to attend courses in urban centers. This study reports the implementation of a digital health tool for providing video training (VTR) on maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) care to provide in-service training at scale without interrupting health services. The VTR intervention was supported by satellite communications technology and existing 3G mobile networks. OBJECTIVE This study aims to determine the feasibility and acceptability of these digital health tools and their potential effectiveness in improving clinical knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to MNCH care. METHODS A mixed methods design, including an uncontrolled pre- and postquantitative evaluation, was adopted. From October 2017 to May 2018, a VTR mobile intervention was delivered to FHWs in 3 states of Nigeria. We examined changes in workers’ knowledge and confidence in delivering MNCH services through a pre- and posttest survey. Stakeholders’ experiences with the intervention were explored through semistructured interviews that drew on the technology acceptance model to frame contextual factors that shaped the intervention’s acceptability and usability in the work environment. RESULTS In total, 328 FHWs completed both pre- and posttests. FHWs achieved a mean pretest score of 51% (95% CI 48%-54%) and mean posttest score of 69% (95% CI 66%-72%), reflecting, after adjusting for key covariates, a mean increase between the pre- and posttest of 17 percentage points (95% CI 15-19; <i>P</i>&lt;.001). Variation was identified in pre- and posttest scores by the sex and location of participants alongside topic-specific areas where scores were lowest. Stakeholder interviews suggested a wide acceptance of VTR Mobile (delivered via digital technology) as an important tool for enhancing the quality of training, reinforcing knowledge, and improving health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS This study found that VTR supported through a digital technology approach is a feasible and acceptable approach for supporting improvements in clinical knowledge, attitudes, and reported practices in MNCH. The determinants of technology acceptance included ease of use, perceived usefulness, access to technology and training contents, and the cost-effectiveness of VTR, whereas barriers to the adoption of VTR were poor electricity supply, poor internet connection, and FHWs’ workload. The evaluation also identified the mechanisms of the impact of delivering VTR Mobile at scale on the micro (individual), meso (organizational), and macro (policy) levels of the health system. Future research is required to explore the translation of this digital health approach for the VTR of FHWs and its impact across low-resource settings to ameliorate the financial and time costs of training and support high-quality MNCH care delivery. CLINICALTRIAL ISRCTN Registry 32105372; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN32105372

Use of ICT and Digital Technology to Conserve India's Cultural Heritage

2021 ◽  
pp. 457-477
Author(s):  
T. K. Gireesh Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Information System ◽  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Significant Role ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Future Generations ◽  
Digital Tools ◽  
Information Communication ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Knowledge Content

The heritage of any place is required to be conserved, documented, and protected to the extent possible for the benefit of future generations to retain its culture, pride, and traditions. Advancements in information, communication, and digital technologies have considerably extended supports in identifying, preserving, and managing cultural heritage items. The use of web-based applications and digital tools plays a significant role in preserving and sharing cultural assets. This chapter proposes the importance of building a comprehensive cultural heritage information system for preserving and conserving the cultural heritages pertaining to one of the UNESCO's world listed cultural heritages in India named Agra Fort. The researcher highlights the opportunities and the need for conserving the knowledge content of the heritage items associated with Agra Fort.

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