scholarly journals Evaluating Chinese Mobile Health Apps for Ankylosing Spondylitis Management: Systematic App Search

10.2196/27234 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. e27234
Author(s):  
Yuqing Song ◽  
Hong Chen
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Ankylosing Spondylitis ◽  
Disease Management ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
High Quality ◽  
International Guidelines ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
Mhealth Apps

Background Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a chronic systematic inflammatory disease, require long-term treatment and management. Mobile health (mHealth) apps can deliver health services through mobile devices, facilitate long-term disease management, support patient–health care provider communication, and enable patients to engage in disease management. There are some apps targeted at patients with AS, but the feature and quality of these apps have not been systematically examined. Objective The aim of this study was to identify existing, publicly available Chinese mHealth apps for AS management and to evaluate their features and quality. Methods We systematically searched potential apps for AS management on the Apple and Huawei App Stores, using 4 search terms: ankylosing spondylitis, spondyloarthritis, rheumatic disease, and arthritis. Apps were included if they were in the Chinese language, targeted at patients with AS, could be downloaded and run on Android and/or iOS operating systems, and incorporated elements of disease management and/or patient education. We excluded apps that were not for patient use, not relevant to AS, or had not been updated since 2018. Apps that met the inclusion criteria were downloaded for final analysis. We formulated a list of app quality measures from and consistent with international guidelines for mHealth apps and AS management to evaluate the features and quality of the included app. The user version of the Mobile App Rating Scale (uMARS) was also used to rate the apps’ quality. Results Of the 354 apps screened, 5 met the inclusion criteria and were included in our analysis. All apps were free, and most apps (4/5, 80%) had a privacy policy. Of the 5 apps, 1 (20%) involved medical professionals in the development process, 2 (40%) were developed by companies, and 2 (40%) were developed by medical institutions. All apps provided educational information about AS. Around half of the apps had functions like a basic information record (ie, users can input gender, age, disease history, etc) (n=3, 60%), patient–health care provider (and patient-patient) communication (n=2, 40%), symptom tracking (n=2, 40%), and information sharing (n=3, 60%). Only 1 (20%) app provided comprehensive functions that adhered to international guidelines for AS management and mHealth apps. The overall uMARS scores ranged from 2.7 to 4.2; only 1 app, with an overall uMARS score of 4.2, was considered as a high-quality app. Conclusions Most apps lacked comprehensive functions for AS management. One high-quality app provided comprehensive functions to help patients manage their conditions. This study assessed and summarized the features and quality of the apps but did not evaluate their efficacy. Future studies should evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of these apps. International guidelines and regulations for the design, development, validation, and implementation of mHealth apps are needed in the future. Meanwhile, health care providers, patients with AS, and app developers should collaborate to develop high-quality, evidence-based apps that take into account patients’ needs and health care professionals’ perspectives.

scholarly journals Evaluating Chinese Mobile Health Apps for Ankylosing Spondylitis Management: Systematic App Search (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuqing Song ◽  
Hong Chen
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Ankylosing Spondylitis ◽  
Disease Management ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
High Quality ◽  
International Guidelines ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
Mhealth Apps

BACKGROUND Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a chronic systematic inflammatory disease, require long-term treatment and management. Mobile health (mHealth) apps can deliver health services through mobile devices, facilitate long-term disease management, support patient–health care provider communication, and enable patients to engage in disease management. There are some apps targeted at patients with AS, but the feature and quality of these apps have not been systematically examined. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify existing, publicly available Chinese mHealth apps for AS management and to evaluate their features and quality. METHODS We systematically searched potential apps for AS management on the Apple and Huawei App Stores, using 4 search terms: <i>ankylosing spondylitis</i>, <i>spondyloarthritis</i>, <i>rheumatic disease</i>, and <i>arthritis</i>. Apps were included if they were in the Chinese language, targeted at patients with AS, could be downloaded and run on Android and/or iOS operating systems, and incorporated elements of disease management and/or patient education. We excluded apps that were not for patient use, not relevant to AS, or had not been updated since 2018. Apps that met the inclusion criteria were downloaded for final analysis. We formulated a list of app quality measures from and consistent with international guidelines for mHealth apps and AS management to evaluate the features and quality of the included app. The user version of the Mobile App Rating Scale (uMARS) was also used to rate the apps’ quality. RESULTS Of the 354 apps screened, 5 met the inclusion criteria and were included in our analysis. All apps were free, and most apps (4/5, 80%) had a privacy policy. Of the 5 apps, 1 (20%) involved medical professionals in the development process, 2 (40%) were developed by companies, and 2 (40%) were developed by medical institutions. All apps provided educational information about AS. Around half of the apps had functions like a basic information record (ie, users can input gender, age, disease history, etc) (n=3, 60%), patient–health care provider (and patient-patient) communication (n=2, 40%), symptom tracking (n=2, 40%), and information sharing (n=3, 60%). Only 1 (20%) app provided comprehensive functions that adhered to international guidelines for AS management and mHealth apps. The overall uMARS scores ranged from 2.7 to 4.2; only 1 app, with an overall uMARS score of 4.2, was considered as a high-quality app. CONCLUSIONS Most apps lacked comprehensive functions for AS management. One high-quality app provided comprehensive functions to help patients manage their conditions. This study assessed and summarized the features and quality of the apps but did not evaluate their efficacy. Future studies should evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of these apps. International guidelines and regulations for the design, development, validation, and implementation of mHealth apps are needed in the future. Meanwhile, health care providers, patients with AS, and app developers should collaborate to develop high-quality, evidence-based apps that take into account patients’ needs and health care professionals’ perspectives.

scholarly journals The Passive Microwave Neural Network Precipitation Retrieval Algorithm for Climate Applications (PNPR-CLIM): Design and Verification

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 1701
Author(s):  
Leonardo Bagaglini ◽  
Paolo Sanò ◽  
Daniele Casella ◽  
Elsa Cattani ◽  
Giulia Panegrossi
Keyword(s):  
Neural Network ◽  
Passive Microwave ◽  
Retrieval Algorithm ◽  
Climate Data ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Data Record ◽  
Global Precipitation ◽  
Climate Data Record

This paper describes the Passive microwave Neural network Precipitation Retrieval algorithm for climate applications (PNPR-CLIM), developed with funding from the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), implemented by ECMWF on behalf of the European Union. The algorithm has been designed and developed to exploit the two cross-track scanning microwave radiometers, AMSU-B and MHS, towards the creation of a long-term (2000–2017) global precipitation climate data record (CDR) for the ECMWF Climate Data Store (CDS). The algorithm has been trained on an observational dataset built from one year of MHS and GPM-CO Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) coincident observations. The dataset includes the Fundamental Climate Data Record (FCDR) of AMSU-B and MHS brightness temperatures, provided by the Fidelity and Uncertainty in Climate data records from Earth Observation (FIDUCEO) project, and the DPR-based surface precipitation rate estimates used as reference. The combined use of high quality, calibrated and harmonized long-term input data (provided by the FIDUCEO microwave brightness temperature Fundamental Climate Data Record) with the exploitation of the potential of neural networks (ability to learn and generalize) has made it possible to limit the use of ancillary model-derived environmental variables, thus reducing the model uncertainties’ influence on the PNPR-CLIM, which could compromise the accuracy of the estimates. The PNPR-CLIM estimated precipitation distribution is in good agreement with independent DPR-based estimates. A multiscale assessment of the algorithm’s performance is presented against high quality regional ground-based radar products and global precipitation datasets. The regional and global three-year (2015–2017) verification analysis shows that, despite the simplicity of the algorithm in terms of input variables and processing performance, the quality of PNPR-CLIM outperforms NASA GPROF in terms of rainfall detection, while in terms of rainfall quantification they are comparable. The global analysis evidences weaknesses at higher latitudes and in the winter at mid latitudes, mainly linked to the poorer quality of the precipitation retrieval in cold/dry conditions.

scholarly journals Psychometrics of the Computer-Based Relationships With Health Care Provider Scale in Older Adults

2011 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth H. Anderson ◽  
Patricia J. Neafsey ◽  
Sheri Peabody
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Provider ◽  
Care Provider ◽  
Patient Adherence ◽  
Internal Consistency Reliability ◽  
Scientific Data ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
Computer Based

The type and quality of the provider–patient health care relationship impacts patient adherence. The study purpose was to convert the 5-item paper and pencil Relationships With Health Care Provider Scale (RHCPS) to a reliable and valid computer-based scale for use with older adults. Outpatient adults (N = 121) older than 59 years were recruited. The RHCPS underwent several iterations documenting internal consistency reliability, content and factorial validity, and scale usability in a computer tablet format. A total of 5 expert judges rated all 5 items as valid, which resulted in a scale content validity index of 1. Cronbach’s standardized alpha was .81. Principal components analysis extracted 1 factor (eigenvalue > 1; confirmed by scree plot) as anticipated. Computer-based RHCPS has the potential to reveal valuable clinical and scientific data on patient–provider relationships among older adults.

scholarly journals Making the Transition to Insulin Therapy: The Experiences of Samoan People with Type 2 Diabetes in New Zealand

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Sera Tapu-Ta'ala
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Health Care ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Insulin Therapy ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Pacific People ◽  
Qualitative Descriptive

<p>Background Pacific people are dying younger compared to other New Zealanders because of complications resulting from uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus. Good diabetes control is achievable with early use of insulin because of its effectiveness, and proven long term benefits to quality of life. An understanding of how Samoan people with type 2 diabetes make their transition to insulin therapy will assist in understanding how insulin is perceived, which will inform health care professionals in their work with those diagnosed with diabetes. Aim of Research The aim of the research is to explore and describe how Samoan people with type 2 diabetes in New Zealand made the transition to insulin therapy for better glycaemic control. Design The Fonofale Model was used as the theoretical framework, from which to understand Samoan peoples' experiences. This research used a qualitative descriptive methodology. In-depth interviews were used to gather the stories of four Samoan participants over the age of 18 years diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. Findings Three major themes emerged from the analysis of the participants' stories. These were: living with diabetes, making the transition to insulin therapy and realisation. The findings led to the creation of the Ia Malu model, which describes the experiences of the participants in this study. Conclusion This study confirmed that there are immense challenges and struggles encountered by people with diabetes. Their adjustment to the illness as well as making the transition to using insulin takes time. As a result of this, it is fundamental for nurses/health care professionals to understand that this is the reality for these people, and they must therefore provide time for people to adjust.</p>

scholarly journals Quality of Inpatient Tuberculosis Health Care in High-Burden Resource-Limited Settings: Protocol for a Comprehensive Mixed Methods Assessment Study

10.2196/13903 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. e13903
Author(s):  
Nune Truzyan ◽  
Zaruhi Grigoryan ◽  
Lusine Musheghyan ◽  
Byron Crape ◽  
Varduhi Petrosyan
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
International Standards ◽  
World Health ◽  
High Quality ◽  
High Burden ◽  
Resource Limited ◽  
Evaluation Instruments ◽  
Depth Interviews

Background The quality of care for tuberculosis (TB) is deficient in high-burden countries and urgently needs improvement. However, comprehensively identifying the required improvements is challenging. Providing high-quality TB care is an important step toward improving patients’ quality of life and decreasing TB morbidity and mortality. Effective tools for assessing the quality of TB services using international standards and guidelines can identify existing gaps in services and inform improvements to ensure high-quality inpatient TB services. Objective This study aimed to develop evaluation instruments for defining the quality of provision of TB services. Methods To assess quality of services in the largest TB hospital in Armenia, we developed instruments based on the Joint Commission International Accreditation Standards for Hospitals, International Standards for TB Care, TB Laboratories Bio-Safety Standards, and the World Health Organization framework for conducting TB program reviews. A mixed methods approach was utilized, triangulating quantitative (checklists) and qualitative (in-depth interviews) results. A scoring system and strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and treats analysis was applied to detail results for each of the 122 standards assessed. A scaling approach was used to present overall performances of inpatient services for eight patient-centered functions and five organization management functions. Results Overall, 40 in-depth interviews and 91 checklists (21 observations, 16 policy papers, 20 staff qualification documents, and 34 medical records) were developed, utilized, and analyzed to explore practices of health care professionals, assess inpatient treatment experience of patients and their family members, evaluate facility environmental conditions, and define the degree of compliance to standards. Conclusions The effective comprehensive evaluation instruments and methods developed in this study for quality of inpatient TB services support the implementation of similar effective assessments in other countries. It may also become a platform to develop similar approaches for assessing ambulatory TB services in resource-limited countries. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/13903

scholarly journals COVID-19 pandemic. Effects of stress

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 16-24
Author(s):  
Elena S. Akarachkova ◽  
◽  
Anton A. Beliaev ◽  
Dmitrii V. Blinov ◽  
Evgenii V. Bugorskii ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Preventive Health Care ◽  
Preventive Health ◽  
World Health ◽  
Social Stability ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Health Organization

World Health Organization declared COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Fear of illness, self-isolation/quarantine, and reduced quality of life dramatically increased the prevalence of stress-related disorders in the population. Therefore, it is necessary to implement the preventive health-care measures aimed at short-term and long-term COVID-19 pandemic consequences reduction and promotion of social stability.

A atuação do enfermeiro auditor na qualidade da assistência à saúde: revisão bibliográfica integrativa

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (83) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriela Marchiori do Carmo Azzolin
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Quality Of Health Care ◽  
Nursing Process ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Great Relevance ◽  
Role Of Nursing ◽  
Selection Of

Objetivo: descrever a atuação do enfermeiro auditor na qualidade da assistência a saúde. Método: trata-se de uma revisão integrativa de artigos publicados no período de 2015 a 2020. A pesquisa e seleção dos artigos foi realizada nas bases de dados: BEDENF, LILACS e MEDLINE, por meio dos descritores “Enfermagem”, “Auditoria de enfermagem” , “Registros de enfermagem” e “ Qualidade da assistência à saúde”. Os critérios de inclusão foram artigos online gratuitos, com textos completos, publicados de 2015 a 2020, nos idiomas português e inglês. Resultados: foram selecionados 11 artigos, por cumprirem os critérios estabelecidos no estudo. Na análise dos resultados foi possível evidenciar a importância significativa da qualidade dos registros no processo de enfermagem. Conclusão: a atuação da enfermagem na auditoria tem ganhado notoriedade nos últimos anos, por ser de grande relevância para a qualidade da assistência prestada e abranger muito mais que a gestão de custos.Palavras-chave: Enfermagem; Auditoria de enfermagem; Registros de enfermagem; Qualidade da assistência à saúde. The auditor's nurse's performance in the quality of health care: integrative bibliographic review ABSTRACTObjective: to describe the role of the nurse auditor in the quality of health care. Method: this is an integrative review of articles published from 2015 to 2020. The research and selection of articles was carried out in the databases: BEDENF, LILACS and MEDLINE, using the descriptors “Nursing”, “Nursing audit "," Nursing records "and" Quality of health care ". The inclusion criteria were free online articles, with full texts, published from 2015 to 2020, in Portuguese and English. Result: 11 articles were selected, as they meet the criteria established in the study. In the analysis of the results, it was possible to highlight the significant importance of the quality of the records in the nursing process. Conclusio: the role of nursing in the audit has gained notoriety in recent years, as it is of great relevance to the quality of care provided and covers much more than cost management.Keywords: Nursing; Nursing audit; Nursing records; Quality of health care.

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