Engagement patterns of users and providers: a study of messaging on app usage in a smartphone app for the treatment of eating disorders (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Kim ◽  
Jisung Park ◽  
Jenna Tregarthen
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Communication Styles ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Digital Tool ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Multiple Phenotypes ◽  
Monitoring Tools ◽  
Level Data

BACKGROUND By offering the ability to immediately communicate with health care providers, digital health apps may significantly bolster the therapeutic relationship. Increasing opportunities of engagement with a digital tool, self-monitoring tools show confer promise in allowing patients to go through periods in between in-clinic visits. Little is known however, regarding the usage of the apps and whether communication between providers and app users in fact encourages usage. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to investigate the users of an app for eating disorders and summarize the characteristics of usage, characteristics of communication (i.e. messages sent and received), and assess whether the degree of communication and the degree of app usage (of the main features of the app precluding provider contact) were related. METHODS Users of an app for eating disorders (Tregarthen et al) consented for their de-identified, aggregate level data to be utilized for research. Records of five hundred users were randomly sampled from May 2017 to July 2017. All users in the sampled cohort were linked to a clinician. Raw data included 97,732 observations of meal logs submitted via app across 500 individuals. RESULTS Our data demonstrated a high degree of variability across users in their engagement patterns of the app. Receiving more messages on average had a greater effect on usage than sending messages, implying that being checked in on by clinicians may encourage users to engage more with their app. Data also demonstrated that there were multiple phenotypes in terms of preferences regarding communication – while a portion of users seemed to benefit, a large minority did not demonstrate a change in usage based on the frequency of communication. CONCLUSIONS Understanding usage phenotypes can be instrumental in helping clinician and apps understand who their user is. This work demonstrates that variability among the user population in terms of usage and communication styles, as well as usage and behavior. This information can ultimately be leveraged for guiding effective treatment delivery.

A digital health platform for assisting in diagnosing and monitoring disease progression of COVID-19: An adjuvant approach for augmenting the anti-viral response and reducing the immune-mediated target organ damage (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaron Ilan ◽  
Yuval Isahy ◽  
Assaf Potruch ◽  
Asaf Schwartz ◽  
Marc Berg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Target Organ Damage ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Organ Damage ◽  
Target Organ ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Viral Response ◽  
Monitoring Tools ◽  
Immune Mediated

BACKGROUND The outbreak of a coronavirus disease in 2019 (COVID-19) which is associated with respiratory-related illness and high mortality presents a major worldwide need. Problems of information availability to health care providers; difficulties in diagnosis and disease prognosis; and a lack of monitoring tools are some of the obstacles faced by the clinical community. Most importantly, the lack of valid therapies makes the pandemic a devastating universal problem. Current information points to a concept of dysregulation of the immune system which is unable to mount an effective anti-viral response, and on the other hand induces an uncontrolled immune-mediated response manifesting as ARDS, myocarditis and hepatitis.   OBJECTIVE In the present paper we describe a novel platform for providing information to physicians, and assisting in diagnosis and monitoring of patients with COVID-19. METHODS Review of the relevant literature publications RESULTS An adjuvant approach is presented, using compounds that can boost a beneficial anti-viral immune response while reducing the immune-mediated target organ damage associated with the virus. CONCLUSIONS Ensuring a prolonged beneficial effect is performed by implementing algorithm-based individualized variability measures into the treatment regimen.

Digital Health Engagement in the US Population: Insights From the 2018 Health Information National Trends Survey

2021 ◽  
pp. e1-e4
Author(s):  
Chelsea L. Ratcliff ◽  
Melinda Krakow ◽  
Alexandra Greenberg-Worisek ◽  
Bradford W. Hesse
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Smart Device ◽  
P Value ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Us ◽  
National Trends

Objectives. To examine prevalence and predictors of digital health engagement among the US population. Methods. We analyzed nationally representative cross-sectional data on 7 digital health engagement behaviors, as well as demographic and socioeconomic predictors, from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 5, cycle 2, collected in 2018; n = 2698–3504). We fitted multivariable logistic regression models using weighted survey responses to generate population estimates. Results. Digitally seeking health information (70.14%) was relatively common, whereas using health apps (39.53%) and using a digital device to track health metrics (35.37%) or health goal progress (38.99%) were less common. Digitally communicating with one’s health care providers (35.58%) was moderate, whereas sharing health data with providers (17.20%) and sharing health information on social media (14.02%) were uncommon. Being female, younger than 65 years, a college graduate, and a smart device owner positively predicted several digital health engagement behaviors (odds ratio range = 0.09–4.21; P value range < .001–.03). Conclusions. Many public health goals depend on a digitally engaged populace. These data highlight potential barriers to 7 key digital engagement behaviors that could be targeted for intervention. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print May 20, 2021: e1–e4. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306282 )

Eating Disorders in Adolescents

1988 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 37-47
Author(s):  
George D. Comerci
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Role Models ◽  
Chronically Ill ◽  
Treatment Team ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Personal Choice ◽  
Her Family ◽  
Chronically Ill Patients

Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa must be understood and appreciated to be chronic disorders. Too often pediatricians and other health care providers expect that the patient with an eating disorder will be quickly cured. We anticipate and readily accept patient relapses in other chronic conditions such as diabetes, cystic fibrosis, or rheumatoid arthritis, but we do not expect, nor do we tolerate, relapses in patients with eating disorders! Rather, we perceive the relapse as a treatment failure, often blaming ourselves and our lack of knowledge and skills, our treatment team, and, of course, the patient and his or her family. During medical school and residency training there are few good role models for the care of chronically ill patients. We have not learned to enjoy caring for people who do not rapidly improve and recover, especially when the illness is their "personal choice." Little wonder that so many pediatricians reject the responsibility to care for patients with an eating disorder and elect to refer them to others.

scholarly journals Factors Influencing Sustained Engagement with ECG Self-Monitoring: Perspectives from Patients and Health Care Providers

2018 ◽  
Vol 09 (04) ◽  
pp. 772-781 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meghan Reading ◽  
Dawon Baik ◽  
Melissa Beauchemin ◽  
Kathleen Hickey ◽  
Jacqueline Merrill
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Major Barrier ◽  
Utaut Model ◽  
History Of ◽  
Mhealth Technology

Background Patient-generated health data (PGHD) collected digitally with mobile health (mHealth) technology has garnered recent excitement for its potential to improve precision management of chronic conditions such as atrial fibrillation (AF), a common cardiac arrhythmia. However, sustained engagement is a major barrier to collection of PGHD. Little is known about barriers to sustained engagement or strategies to intervene upon engagement through application design. Objective This article investigates individual patient differences in sustained engagement among individuals with a history of AF who are self-monitoring using mHealth technology. Methods This qualitative study involved patients, health care providers, and research coordinators previously involved in a randomized, controlled trial involving electrocardiogram (ECG) self-monitoring of AF. Patients were adults with a history of AF randomized to the intervention arm of this trial who self-monitored using ECG mHealth technology for 6 months. Semistructured interviews and focus groups were conducted separately with health care providers and research coordinators, engaged patients, and unengaged patients. A validated model of sustained engagement, an adapted unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), guided data collection, and analysis through directed content analysis. Results We interviewed 13 patients (7 engaged, 6 unengaged), 6 providers, and 2 research coordinators. In addition to finding differences between engaged and unengaged patients within each predictor in the adapted UTAUT model (perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, facilitating conditions), four additional factors were identified as being related to sustained engagement in this population. These are: (1) internal motivation to manage health, (2) relationship with health care provider, (3) supportive environments, and (4) feedback and guidance. Conclusion Although it required some modification, the adapted UTAUT model was useful in understanding of the parameters of sustained engagement. The findings of this study provide initial requirement specifications for the design of applications that engage patients in this unique population of adults with AF.

scholarly journals Susceptibility to Eating Disorders Among Collegiate Female Student–Athletes

2014 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 406-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cherilyn N. McLester ◽  
Robin Hardin ◽  
Stephanie Hoppe
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Body Image ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Student Athletes ◽  
Female Student ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
The Body ◽  
Self Concept ◽  
Care Providers

Context: Research has suggested that the prevalence of young women with eating disorders (EDs) is increasing, but determining the exact prevalence of EDs within the female student–athlete (FS-A) population is difficult. Looking at certain traits may help us to identify their level of susceptibility to developing an ED. Objective: To determine the susceptibility of FS-As to EDs in relation to self-concept, including self-esteem and body image. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Athletic training and health centers at National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I, II, and III institutions via e-mail questionnaire correspondence. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 439 FS-As from 17 participating institutions completed the questionnaires. The sample was primarily white (83.1%) and underclass (61.8%). Main Outcome Measure(s): The questionnaire consisted of 4 parts: 3 subscales of the Eating Disorder Inventory-2, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Body Cathexis Scale, and demographic items. Results: A total of 6.8% of FS-As were susceptible to anorexia and 1.8% were susceptible to bulimia. The majority of FS-As (61%) reported normal self-esteem levels, whereas 29.4% had high self-esteem. Overall, 64.5% were satisfied and 23% were very satisfied with their body image. Conclusions: These results are generally positive in that they suggest FS-As have high levels of self-concept and are at low risk to develop EDs. However, these findings do not mean that all concerns should be dismissed. Although more than 90% of the respondents were not susceptible to an ED, there are still FS-As who may be. Athletic departments should evaluate their FS-As' levels of self-concept so that their susceptibility to EDs can be addressed. The emotional aspect of health care should be included in providing holistic care for student–athletes. Athletic trainers often are the primary health care providers for FS-As, so they should be made aware of this concern.

scholarly journals Proposing an Ecosystem of Digital Health Solutions for Teens With Chronic Conditions Transitioning to Self-Management and Independence: Exploratory Qualitative Study (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emre Sezgin ◽  
Monica Weiler ◽  
Anthony Weiler ◽  
Simon Lin
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Access To Health Care ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Chronically Ill ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Component Solution ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
Transition To Independence

BACKGROUND Chronic disease management is critical to quality of life for both teen patients with chronic conditions and their caregivers. However, current literature is largely limited to a specific digital health tool, method, or approach to manage a specific disease. Guiding principles on how to use digital tools to support the transition to independence are rare. Considering the physiological, psychological, and environmental changes that teens experience, the issues surrounding the transition to independence are worth investigating to develop a deeper understanding to inform future strategies for digital interventions. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to inform the design of digital health solutions by systematically identifying common challenges among teens and caregivers living with chronic diseases. METHODS Chronically ill teens (n=13) and their caregivers (n=13) were interviewed individually and together as a team. Verbal and projective techniques were used to examine teens’ and caregivers’ concerns in-depth. The recorded and transcribed responses were thematically analyzed to identify and organize the identified patterns. RESULTS Teens and their caregivers identified 10 challenges and suggested technological solutions. Recognized needs for social support, access to medical education, symptom monitoring, access to health care providers, and medical supply management were the predominant issues. The envisioned ideal transition included a 5-component solution ecosystem in the transition to independence for teens. CONCLUSIONS This novel study systematically summarizes the challenges, barriers, and technological solutions for teens with chronic conditions and their caregivers as teens transition to independence. A new solution ecosystem based on the 10 identified challenges would guide the design of future implementations to test and validate the effectiveness of the proposed 5-component ecosystem.

scholarly journals Facilitators and Barriers to Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG) in Diabetic Patients

2020 ◽  
pp. 119-127
Author(s):  
Asif Hakim Brohi ◽  
Arsalan Hakim ◽  
Shafi Muhammad Wassan ◽  
Abdul Majeed Soomro ◽  
Wasim Sarwar Bhatti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Glucose ◽  
Family Medicine ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Hospital Data ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Facilitators And Barriers

Objective: To determine factors that facilitate and are barriers to self-monitoring of blood glucose in type 2 diabetic patients visiting family medicine clinics at a tertiary care teaching hospital Karachi Pakistan. Methods: Approximately 255 patients were consecutively recruited from the clinics during April 2018 to May 2019 at Family Medicine outpatient clinics at the Aga Khan University Hospital. Data on socio-demographic status, facilitators and barriers to SMBG were extracted through a questionnaire, after obtaining an informed written consent. Data was entered and analyzed in SPSS version 19. Results: Among study participants 47.5% were above 50 years and 51.4% were males. About 30.2% of the participants were practicing SMBG at least once a month and 26% were practicing it daily. Fear of complications was the biggest facilitator (80.1%) and being expensive (51.4%) was barrier for SMBG. Over half of the SMBG practicing participants (59.7%) were diagnosed with diabetes for more than 05 years (p: 0.63). Conclusion: Assessment of blood glucose is a critical component of diabetes treatment and management. It can motivate patients to become active participants in their own care. Health care providers should communicate and educate the patients about the advantages of SMBG.

scholarly journals Using 360-Degree Video as a Research Stimulus in Digital Health Studies: Lessons Learned

10.2196/15422 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e15422
Author(s):  
Brittany A Zulkiewicz ◽  
Vanessa Boudewyns ◽  
Catherine Gupta ◽  
Ari Kirschenbaum ◽  
Megan A Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Rapid Change ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Online Study ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Health Studies

Due to the accessibility of omnidirectional cameras to record 360-degree videos and the technology to view the videos via mobile phones and other devices, 360-degree videos are being used more frequently to place people in different contexts and convey health-related information. Increasingly, 360-degree videos are being employed in health marketing because they have the potential to enhance health-related attitudes and behaviors. As a case study on how this technology may be used for health-related information and its effect on health care providers, we created a 360-degree video that portrays the experience of a migraine sufferer to be used as a stimulus in an online study. We describe the challenges and lessons learned in designing and implementing a 360-degree video as part of an online experiment focused on inducing empathy among clinicians for understanding patient experience. Given the rapid change in digital technology, future research can use this knowledge to design and implement 360-degree video studies more effectively.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document