scholarly journals Considerations for Improved Mobile Health Evaluation: Retrospective Qualitative Investigation (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha Dick ◽  
Yvonne O'Connor ◽  
Matthew J Thompson ◽  
John O'Donoghue ◽  
Victoria Hardy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Developing Country ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Mobile Phone Use ◽  
Mhealth Intervention ◽  
Exploratory Approach ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Intervention Failure ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Conventional Content Analysis

BACKGROUND Mobile phone use and, consequently, mobile health (mHealth) interventions have seen an exponential increase in the last decade. There is an excess of 318,000 health-related apps available free of cost for consumers to download. However, many of these interventions are not evaluated and are lacking appropriate regulations. Randomized controlled trials are often considered the gold standard study design in determining the effectiveness of interventions, but recent literature has identified limitations in the methodology when used to evaluate mHealth. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to investigate the system developers’ experiences of evaluating mHealth interventions in the context of a developing country. METHODS We employed a qualitative exploratory approach, conducting semistructured interviews with multidisciplinary members of an mHealth project consortium. A conventional content analysis approach was used to allow codes and themes to be identified directly from the data. RESULTS The findings from this study identified the system developers’ perceptions of mHealth evaluation, providing an insight into the requirements of an effective mHealth evaluation. This study identified social and technical factors which should be taken into account when evaluating an mHealth intervention. CONCLUSIONS Contextual issues represented one of the most recurrent challenges of mHealth evaluation in the context of a developing country, highlighting the importance of a mixed method evaluation. There is a myriad of social, technical, and regulatory variables, which may impact the effectiveness of an mHealth intervention. Failure to account for these variables in an evaluation may limit the ability of the intervention to achieve long-term implementation and scale.

scholarly journals Considerations for Improved Mobile Health Evaluation: Retrospective Qualitative Investigation

10.2196/12424 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e12424 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha Dick ◽  
Yvonne O'Connor ◽  
Matthew J Thompson ◽  
John O'Donoghue ◽  
Victoria Hardy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Developing Country ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Mobile Phone Use ◽  
Mhealth Intervention ◽  
Exploratory Approach ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Intervention Failure ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Conventional Content Analysis

Background Mobile phone use and, consequently, mobile health (mHealth) interventions have seen an exponential increase in the last decade. There is an excess of 318,000 health-related apps available free of cost for consumers to download. However, many of these interventions are not evaluated and are lacking appropriate regulations. Randomized controlled trials are often considered the gold standard study design in determining the effectiveness of interventions, but recent literature has identified limitations in the methodology when used to evaluate mHealth. Objective The objective of this study was to investigate the system developers’ experiences of evaluating mHealth interventions in the context of a developing country. Methods We employed a qualitative exploratory approach, conducting semistructured interviews with multidisciplinary members of an mHealth project consortium. A conventional content analysis approach was used to allow codes and themes to be identified directly from the data. Results The findings from this study identified the system developers’ perceptions of mHealth evaluation, providing an insight into the requirements of an effective mHealth evaluation. This study identified social and technical factors which should be taken into account when evaluating an mHealth intervention. Conclusions Contextual issues represented one of the most recurrent challenges of mHealth evaluation in the context of a developing country, highlighting the importance of a mixed method evaluation. There is a myriad of social, technical, and regulatory variables, which may impact the effectiveness of an mHealth intervention. Failure to account for these variables in an evaluation may limit the ability of the intervention to achieve long-term implementation and scale.

The Nexus of M-Health and Self-Care

2019 ◽  
pp. 235-259
Author(s):  
Anastasius S. Moumtzoglou
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Health ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Normal Activity ◽  
Models Of Care ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Long Term Conditions ◽  
Concept Of Health ◽  
Health Related

Self-care emerged from the concept of health promotion in the 1970s while from 2000 onwards the term self-management gained popularity, with a greater focus on long-term conditions and the trend towards more holistic models of care. Although self-management and self-care are often used interchangeably, a distinction between the two concepts can be made. Both can be considered in terms of a continuum, with self-care at one end as “normal activity” and self-management an extension of this. Self-management support is the assistance given to patients in order to encourage daily decisions that improve health-related behaviors and clinical outcomes. The chapter envisions these concepts on a continuum with one pole representing mobile health and the other self-care. It concludes that self-management support is the nexus of mobile health and self-care.

Mobile Device Ownership, Current Use, and Interest in Mobile Health Interventions among Low-income Older Chinese Immigrants with Type 2 Diabetes (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lu Hu ◽  
Chau Trinh-Shevrin ◽  
Nadia Islam ◽  
Bei Wu ◽  
Shimin Cao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Mobile Device ◽  
Chinese Immigrants ◽  
Mhealth Intervention ◽  
The Past ◽  
Health Related

BACKGROUND Chinese immigrants suffer disproportionately high type 2 diabetes (T2D) burden and have poorly controlled disease. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions have been shown to increase access and improve chronic disease management in minority populations. However, such interventions have not been developed for or tested in Chinese immigrants with T2D. OBJECTIVE This study sought to examine mobile device ownership, current use, and interest in mHealth interventions in Chinese immigrants with T2D. We also examined predictors of current use of mHealth. METHODS In a cross-sectional survey, Chinese immigrants with T2D were recruited from Chinese community centers in New York City. Sociodemographics, mobile device ownership, current use of social media software applications, use of mobile phones or computers to watch a health-related video in the past 12 months, and interest in using mHealth for T2D management were assessed. Surveys were administered, face-to-face, by bilingual study staff in the participant’s preferred language. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the study sample and summarize technology use. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was performed to examine factors associated with whether participants watched a health-related video in the past 12 months. RESULTS The sample (N=91) was predominantly female (62.6%), married (74.7%), and had a high school degree or less (63.7%), an annual household income of less than $25,000 (69.2%), and limited English proficiency (85.7%); with a mean age of 70.2 years (SD=11.4). Almost all (98.9%) participants had a mobile device (e.g., basic cell phones, smart devices), and the majority (91.2%) reported owning a smart device (e.g., smartphone or tablet). WeChat was the most commonly used social media software application (71.4%), and 37.4% reported watching a health-related video in the last 12 months. Younger participants (age 65 or below) with a higher level of education (some college or above) were more likely to watch a health-related video in the past 12 months. Employment status and income were not significant in the multivariate model. Although most of our sample were older immigrants and reported a high school education or less, the majority (75.8%) reported interest in receiving an mHealth intervention in the future to help them with T2D management. CONCLUSIONS Given the high level of mobile device ownership and interest in mHealth interventions, our study shows that mHealth may be a promising approach to deliver T2D education and counseling to this fast-growing minority group. Future mHealth intervention studies targeting Chinese immigrants with T2D may need to provide more technology training and support to older individuals with limited education. CLINICALTRIAL N/A

scholarly journals Effectivness of specific mobile health applications (mHealth-apps) in gestational diabtetes mellitus: a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Eberle ◽  
Maxine Loehnert ◽  
Stefanie Stichling
Keyword(s):  
Blood Glucose ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Postprandial Blood Glucose ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Mobile Health Applications ◽  
Short And Long Term ◽  
Mhealth Apps ◽  
Health Applications

Abstract Background Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) emerges worldwide and is closely associated with short- and long-term health issues in women and their offspring, such as pregnancy and birth complications respectively comorbidities, Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), metabolic syndrome as well as cardiovascular diseases. Against this background, mobile health applications (mHealth-Apps) do open up new possibilities to improve the management of GDM. Therefore, we analyzed the clinical effectiveness of specific mHealth-Apps on clinical health-related short and long-term outcomes in mother and child. Methods A systematic literature search in Medline (PubMed), Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science Core Collection databases as well as Google Scholar was performed. We selected studies published 2008 to 2020 analyzing women diagnosed with GDM using specific mHealth-Apps. Controlled clinical trials (CCT) and randomized controlled trials (RCT) were included. Study quality was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) tool. Results In total, n = 6 publications (n = 5 RCTs, n = 1 CCT; and n = 4 moderate, n = 2 weak quality), analyzing n = 408 GDM patients in the intervention and n = 405 in the control groups, were included. Compared to control groups, fasting blood glucose, 2-h postprandial blood glucose, off target blood glucose measurements, delivery mode (more vaginal deliveries and fewer (emergency) caesarean sections) and patient compliance showed improving trends. Conclusion mHealth-Apps might improve health-related outcomes, particularly glycemic control, in the management of GDM. Further studies need to be done in more detail.

Utilizing a Mobile Health Intervention to Manage Hypertension in an Underserved Community

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 201-209
Author(s):  
Peijia Zha ◽  
Rubab Qureshi ◽  
Sallie Porter ◽  
Ying-Yu Chao ◽  
Dula Pacquiao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Urban Communities ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Mhealth Intervention ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related

This 6-month pilot randomized controlled trial examined the effectiveness of a Mobile Health (mHealth) intervention for hypertension self-monitoring and management in an underserved urban community. The four health outcomes measured included changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), BP monitoring adherence, perceived medication adherence self-efficacy, and health-related quality of life. Thirty participants were randomly assigned to the mHealth group or a standard follow-up group; 25 participants completed the study. The mHealth group had statistically significant improvement in systolic BP decrease ( p = .01). The mHealth group had better adherence to BP monitoring and improved perceived medication adherence self-efficacy at 6 months, compared with the standard follow-up group. The results suggest that an mHealth intervention has the potential to facilitate hypertension management in underserved urban communities.

Caregivers' Perceptions of Speech-Language Pathologist Talk About Child Language and Literacy Disorders

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 2049-2067
Author(s):  
Karmen L. Porter ◽  
Janna B. Oetting ◽  
Loretta Pecchioni
Keyword(s):  
Language And Literacy ◽  
Collective Case Study ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
School Aged Children ◽  
Speech Language Pathologist ◽  
Therapy Goals ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Types Of Information

Purpose This study examined caregiver perceptions of their child's language and literacy disorder as influenced by communications with their speech-language pathologist. Method The participants were 12 caregivers of 10 school-aged children with language and literacy disorders. Employing qualitative methods, a collective case study approach was utilized in which the caregiver(s) of each child represented one case. The data came from semistructured interviews, codes emerged directly from the caregivers' responses during the interviews, and multiple coding passes using ATLAS.ti software were made until themes were evident. These themes were then further validated by conducting clinical file reviews and follow-up interviews with the caregivers. Results Caregivers' comments focused on the types of information received or not received, as well as the clarity of the information. This included information regarding their child's diagnosis, the long-term consequences of their child's disorder, and the connection between language and reading. Although caregivers were adept at describing their child's difficulties and therapy goals/objectives, their comments indicated that they struggled to understand their child's disorder in a way that was meaningful to them and their child. Conclusions The findings showed the value caregivers place on receiving clear and timely diagnostic information, as well as the complexity associated with caregivers' understanding of language and literacy disorders. The findings are discussed in terms of changes that could be made in clinical practice to better support children with language and literacy disorders and their families.

Thrombopoietin Receptor Agonists in Children with Immune Thrombocytopenia: A New Therapeutic Era

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Lassandro ◽  
Valentina Palladino ◽  
Giovanni Carlo Del Vecchioa ◽  
Viviana Valeria Palmieri ◽  
Paola Carmela Corallo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Thrombocytopenia ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Thrombopoietin Receptor Agonists ◽  
Receptor Agonists ◽  
Thrombopoietin Receptor ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related

Background and Objective: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a common bleeding disorder in childhood. The management of ITP in children is controversial, requiring personalized assessment of patients and therapeutic choices. Thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs), eltrombopag and romiplostim, have been shown to be safety and effective for the treatment of pediatric ITP. The aim of our research is defining the role of thrombopoietin receptor agonists in the management of pediatric ITP. Method: This review focuses on the use of TPO-RAs in pediatric ITP, in randomized trials and in clinical routine, highlighting their key role in management of the disease. Results: Eltrombopag and romiplostim appear effective treatment options for children with ITP. Several clinical studies have assessed that the use of TPO-RAs increases platelet count, decreases bleeding symptoms and improves health-related quality of life. Moreover, TPO-RAs are well tolerated with minor side effects. Conclusion: Although TPO-RAs long term efficacy and safety still require further investigations, their use is gradually expanding in clinical practice of children with ITP.

Measuring patient engagement among cancer patients in eHealth and mHealth interventions on symptom management: an integrated review (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juqing Zhao ◽  
Pei Chen ◽  
Guangming Wan
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Patient Engagement ◽  
Symptom Management ◽  
Subjective Experience ◽  
Participation Rate ◽  
Sensor Data ◽  
Quality Of Data ◽  
Mhealth Intervention

BACKGROUND There has been an increase number of eHealth and mHealth interventions aimed to support symptoms among cancer survivors. However, patient engagement has not been guaranteed and standardized in these interventions. OBJECTIVE The objective of this review was to address how patient engagement has been defined and measured in eHealth and mHealth interventions designed to improve symptoms and quality of life for cancer patients. METHODS Searches were performed in MEDLINE, PsychINFO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to identify eHealth and mHealth interventions designed specifically to improve symptom management for cancer patients. Definition and measurement of engagement and engagement related outcomes of each intervention were synthesized. This integrated review was conducted using Critical Interpretive Synthesis to ensure the quality of data synthesis. RESULTS A total of 792 intervention studies were identified through the searches; 10 research papers met the inclusion criteria. Most of them (6/10) were randomized trial, 2 were one group trail, 1 was qualitative design, and 1 paper used mixed method. Majority of identified papers defined patient engagement as the usage of an eHealth and mHealth intervention by using different variables (e.g., usage time, log in times, participation rate). Engagement has also been described as subjective experience about the interaction with the intervention. The measurement of engagement is in accordance with the definition of engagement and can be categorized as objective and subjective measures. Among identified papers, 5 used system usage data, 2 used self-reported questionnaire, 1 used sensor data and 3 used qualitative method. Almost all studies reported engagement at a moment to moment level, but there is a lack of measurement of engagement for the long term. CONCLUSIONS There have been calls to develop standard definition and measurement of patient engagement in eHealth and mHealth interventions. Besides, it is important to provide cancer patients with more tailored and engaging eHealth and mHealth interventions for long term engagement.

GPS mHealth Intervention among People Experiencing Homelessness: A Feasibility Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leticia R. Moczygemba ◽  
Whitney Thurman ◽  
Kyler Tormey ◽  
Anthony Hudzik ◽  
Lauren Welton-Arndt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Community Health ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Care Coordination ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Social Needs ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Hospital Visit ◽  
Mhealth Intervention ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
E Mail

BACKGROUND People experiencing homelessness are at risk for gaps in care after an emergency department (ED) or hospital visit, which leads to increased utilization, poor health outcomes, and high health care costs. The majority of homeless individuals have a cell phone of some type, which makes mobile health interventions a feasible way to connect a person experiencing homelessness with providers. OBJECTIVE To investigate the accuracy, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes of a global positioning system-enabled mobile health (GPS-mHealth) intervention designed to alert community health paramedics when people experiencing homelessness were in the ED or hospital. METHODS This was a pre-post design with baseline and 4-month post-enrollment assessments. A person experiencing homelessness taking at least two medications for chronic conditions who scored at least 10 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and had at least two ED or hospital visits in the prior 6 months was eligible. Participants were issued a study smartphone with a GPS app programmed to alert a community health paramedic when a participant entered an ED or hospital. For each alert, community health paramedics followed up via telephone to assess care coordination needs. Participants also received a daily e-mail to assess medication adherence. GPS alerts were compared to ED and hospital data from the local health information exchange (HIE) to assess accuracy. Paired t-tests compared scores on the PHQ-9, Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey, and ASK-12 adherence survey at baseline and exit. Semi-structured exit interviews examined perceptions and benefits of the intervention. RESULTS Thirty participants enrolled; the mean age was 44.1 years (SD 9.7). Most were male (67%; n = 20), White (57%; n = 17), and not working (63%; n = 19). The GPS app showed limited accuracy in ED or hospital visit alerts. Only 18.8% of the alerts aligned with HIE data (3/16), mainly due to patients not having the phone with them during the visit, phone being off, and gaps in GPS technology. There was a significant difference in depressive symptoms between baseline (M=16.9, SD=5.8) and exit (M=12.7, SD=8.2); t(19)=2.9, p=.009 and a significant difference in adherence barriers between baseline (M=2.4, SD=1.4) and exit (M=1.5, SD =1.5); t(17)=2.47, p = .025). Participants agreed that the app was easy to use (M=4.4/5 with 5 = strongly agree (SA)) and indicated the e-mail helped them remember to take their medications (M=4.6/5). Qualitative data indicated that unlimited phone access allowed participants to meet social needs and maintain reliable contact with case managers, healthcare providers, family, and friends. CONCLUSIONS mHealth interventions are feasible for and acceptable to people experiencing homelessness. Objective data from the HIE provided more accurate ED and hospital visit information, but unlimited access to reliable communication provided benefits to participants beyond the study purpose of improving care coordination. CLINICALTRIAL Not applicable

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