Smartphone applications and its role in foot and ankle surgery (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prashanth Nagaraj ◽  
Nafi Mehmet Dilaver 2nd ◽  
Amogh Patil ◽  
Maaz Akhter ◽  
Lokesh Bhambani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Customer Satisfaction ◽  
Medical Professional ◽  
Physician Education ◽  
Medical Professionals ◽  
Smartphone Apps ◽  
Foot And Ankle ◽  
Professional Involvement ◽  
App Store ◽  
Ankle Surgery ◽  
Google Play

BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic has exposed inherent weaknesses in global healthcare systems. Conversely, it has encouraged innovation, research and collaboration. Digital technology and AI has the ability to tackle these difficulties via the use of applications. However, the reliability and validity of unregulated medical applications must be questioned. The aim of this study was to review surgical foot and ankle themed applications and specifically assess the level of involvement from medical professionals in the design and content.The orthopaedic apps currently available have a variety of uses – they can be related to patient education, physician education, clinical evaluation, clinical treatment and surgical training. As of April 2020 there were 2.56 million apps available to download on Google Play, making it the largest app store on the market . Apple's app Store is the second-largest with approximately 1.85 million Apps available for iOS . Smartphone Apps provide platform for surgeons and software developers to collaborate and create novel tools to assist surgeons in practice and education. The purpose of this review is to identify and assess all smartphone apps related to the field of foot and ankle surgery. OBJECTIVE To summarize the most popular and useful foot and ankle apps. To provide an overview about app usage, customer satisfaction and availability. To provide recommendations to the foot and ankle community regarding medical profession involvement in the development of these apps. METHODS A team of reviewers searched the The App Store (iOS), Google Play (Android) and the BlackBerry App World (Blackberry) for foot and ankle themed applications. Due to Official shut down of blackberry World on 31st December 2019 and most of Blackberry devices since 2015 no longer used Blackberry 10operating system but used Android reviews were restricted to Android and iOS stores. The following search terms were used: bunions, ankle sprains, diabetic foot, foot and ankle deformities, pre-op templating, Patho-anatomy, post-operative rehab, gait, measurement of clinical angles of foot and ankle. A qualitative analysis of the data collected was performed. Data collected included target audience of the apps, patient and healthcare worker involvement and customer satisfaction reviews. The total number of applications and their availability in the UK were also noted RESULTS 35 individual foot and ankle themed applications were identified. 30 applications had customer satisfaction ratings, 11 applications were predominantly health-worker centric and 3 were patient centered. 23 applications had medical professional involvement in their development or content. CONCLUSIONS Lack of involvement of medical professionals and scientific validation is of major concern hence there should be Industry code of conduct for a balance for ensuring patient safety while supporting innovation in development. The benefits of applications are offset by the lack of Foot and ankle specification. There is relatively little medical professional involvement in their design. Increased regulation is required to improve accountability of application content

scholarly journals Smartphone Apps Targeting Physical Activity in People With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Systematic Quality Appraisal and Content Analysis

10.2196/18495 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. e18495 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsay M Bearne ◽  
Mandeep Sekhon ◽  
Rebecca Grainger ◽  
Anthony La ◽  
Mehrdad Shamali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Information Support ◽  
World Health ◽  
Smartphone Apps ◽  
High Quality ◽  
App Store ◽  
Google Play

Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disabling, inflammatory joint condition affecting 0.5%-1% of the global population. Physical activity (PA) and exercise are recommended for people with RA, but uptake and adherence tend to be low. Smartphone apps could assist people with RA to achieve PA recommendations. However, it is not known whether high quality, evidence-informed PA apps that include behavior change techniques (BCTs) previously identified as effective for PA adherence are available for people with RA. Objective This study aims to systematically identify apps that include goals to facilitate PA for adults with RA and assess app quality and content for the inclusion of relevant BCTs against recommendations for cardiorespiratory, resistance, flexibility, and neuromotor PA and exercise. Methods A systematic search of the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in the United Kingdom was conducted to identify English language apps that promote PA for adults with RA. Two researchers independently assessed app quality (mobile app rating scale [MARS]; range 0-5) and content (BCT Taxonomy version 1, World Health Organization, the American College of Sports Medicine, and the European League against Rheumatism recommendations for PA). The completeness of reporting of PA prescription was evaluated using a modified version of the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT; range 0-14). Results A total of 14,047 apps were identified. Following deduplication, 2737 apps were screened for eligibility; 6 apps were downloaded (2 on the Apple App Store and 4 on the Google Play Store), yielding 4 unique apps. App quality varied (MARS score 2.25-4.17). Only 1 app was congruent with all aspects of the PA recommendations. All apps completely or partially recommended flexibility and resistance exercises, 3 apps completely or partially advised some form of neuromotor exercise, but only 2 offered full or partial guidance on cardiorespiratory exercise. Completeness of exercise reporting was mixed (CERT scores 7-14 points) and 3-7 BCTs were identified. Two BCTs were common to all apps (information about health consequences and instruction on how to perform behavior). Higher quality apps included a greater number of BCTs and were more closely aligned to PA guidance. No published trials evaluating the effect of the included apps were identified. Conclusions This review identifies 4 PA apps of mixed quality and content for use by people with RA. Higher quality apps were more closely aligned to PA guidance and included a greater number of BCTs. One high-quality app (Rheumatoid Arthritis Information Support and Education) included 7 BCTs and was fully aligned with PA and exercise guidance. The effect of apps on PA adherence should be established before implementation.

scholarly journals Smartphone Apps Targeting Physical Activity in People With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Systematic Quality Appraisal and Content Analysis (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsay M Bearne ◽  
Mandeep Sekhon ◽  
Rebecca Grainger ◽  
Anthony La ◽  
Mehrdad Shamali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Information Support ◽  
World Health ◽  
Smartphone Apps ◽  
High Quality ◽  
App Store ◽  
Google Play

BACKGROUND Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disabling, inflammatory joint condition affecting 0.5%-1% of the global population. Physical activity (PA) and exercise are recommended for people with RA, but uptake and adherence tend to be low. Smartphone apps could assist people with RA to achieve PA recommendations. However, it is not known whether high quality, evidence-informed PA apps that include behavior change techniques (BCTs) previously identified as effective for PA adherence are available for people with RA. OBJECTIVE This study aims to systematically identify apps that include goals to facilitate PA for adults with RA and assess app quality and content for the inclusion of relevant BCTs against recommendations for cardiorespiratory, resistance, flexibility, and neuromotor PA and exercise. METHODS A systematic search of the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in the United Kingdom was conducted to identify English language apps that promote PA for adults with RA. Two researchers independently assessed app quality (mobile app rating scale [MARS]; range 0-5) and content (BCT Taxonomy version 1, World Health Organization, the American College of Sports Medicine, and the European League against Rheumatism recommendations for PA). The completeness of reporting of PA prescription was evaluated using a modified version of the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT; range 0-14). RESULTS A total of 14,047 apps were identified. Following deduplication, 2737 apps were screened for eligibility; 6 apps were downloaded (2 on the Apple App Store and 4 on the Google Play Store), yielding 4 unique apps. App quality varied (MARS score 2.25-4.17). Only 1 app was congruent with all aspects of the PA recommendations. All apps completely or partially recommended flexibility and resistance exercises, 3 apps completely or partially advised some form of neuromotor exercise, but only 2 offered full or partial guidance on cardiorespiratory exercise. Completeness of exercise reporting was mixed (CERT scores 7-14 points) and 3-7 BCTs were identified. Two BCTs were common to all apps (information about health consequences and instruction on how to perform behavior). Higher quality apps included a greater number of BCTs and were more closely aligned to PA guidance. No published trials evaluating the effect of the included apps were identified. CONCLUSIONS This review identifies 4 PA apps of mixed quality and content for use by people with RA. Higher quality apps were more closely aligned to PA guidance and included a greater number of BCTs. One high-quality app (Rheumatoid Arthritis Information Support and Education) included 7 BCTs and was fully aligned with PA and exercise guidance. The effect of apps on PA adherence should be established before implementation.

scholarly journals Availability of orthodontic smartphone apps

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 235-241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nausheen Rashida Siddiqui ◽  
Samantha Hodges ◽  
Mohammad Owaise Sharif
Keyword(s):  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Target Audience ◽  
Smartphone Apps ◽  
Educational Content ◽  
App Store ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Google Play

Objective: To identify and profile the available orthodontic smartphone apps published on the UK Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Design: A review of available smartphone apps. Setting: London, UK Methods: The Apple App Store and Google Play Store were accessed in October 2018; all orthodontic apps with a title and description available in English were included. Each app was classified according to the following criteria: name; target audience (patient or clinician); focus; platform (Apple App Store and/or Google Play Store); cost; rating and number of ratings; size; creation date; country of development and developer. Results: A total of 305 orthodontic related apps were identified for inclusion. The majority of apps were aimed at patients (n = 241) and the most of these were focussed on gaming (n = 136), many apps were also found to be developed by specialist practices (n = 63) and to provide knowledge for patients (n = 56). Two hundred and ninety-five apps were free, with some of these including the option of paying for in-app purchases. Most apps were developed in the USA (n = 84). Conclusions: There has been an increase in the availability of orthodontic apps in recent years. The majority of available apps are patient-focused, most commonly games. A number of apps aim to elicit a behaviour change in our patients; therefore, there is a need to assess the quality and educational content of these.

Mobile Applications for Health Management of Older Adults: A Scoping Review (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nurul Asilah Ahmad ◽  
Shahrul Azman Mohd Noah ◽  
Arimi Fitri Mat Ludin ◽  
Suzana Shahar ◽  
Noorlaili Mohd Tohit
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Goal Setting ◽  
Mobile Applications ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Personalized Feedback ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
App Store ◽  
Evidenced Based ◽  
Google Play

BACKGROUND Currently, the use of smartphones to deliver health-related content has experienced a rapid growth, with more than 165,000 mobile health (mHealth) applications currently available in the digital marketplace such as iOS store and Google Play. Among these, there are several mobile applications (mobile apps) that offer tools for disease prevention and management among older generations. These mobile apps could potentially promote health behaviors which will reduce or delay the onset of disease. However, no review to date that has focused on the app marketplace specific for older adults and little is known regarding its evidence-based quality towards the health of older adults. OBJECTIVE The aim of this review was to characterize and critically appraise the content and functionality of mobile apps that focuses on health management and/or healthy lifestyle among older adults. METHODS An electronic search was conducted between May 2019 to December 2019 of the official app store for two major smartphone operating systems: iPhone operating system (iTunes App Store) and Android (Google Play Store). Stores were searched separately using predetermined search terms. Two authors screened apps based on information provided in the app description. Metadata from all included apps were abstracted into a standard assessment criteria form. Evidenced based strategies and health care expert involvement of included apps was assessed. Evidenced based strategies included: self-monitoring, goal setting, physical activity support, healthy eating support, weight and/or health assessment, personalized feedback, motivational strategies, cognitive training and social support. Two authors verified the data with reference to the apps and downloaded app themselves. RESULTS A total of 16 apps met the inclusion criteria. Six out of 16 (37.5%) apps were designed exclusively for the iOS platform while ten out of 16 (62.5%) were designed for Android platform exclusively. Physical activity component was the most common feature offered in all the apps (9/16, 56.3%) and followed by cognitive training (8/16, 50.0%). Diet/nutrition (0/16, 0%) feature, however, was not offered on all reviewed mobile apps. Of reviewed apps, 56.3% (9/16) provide education, 37.5% (6/16) provide self-monitoring features, 18.8% (3/16) provide goal setting features, 18.5% (3/16) provide personalized feedback, 6.3% (1/16) provide social support and none of the reviewed apps offers heart rate monitoring and reminder features to the users. CONCLUSIONS All reviewed mobile apps for older adults in managing health did not focused on diet/nutrition component, lack of functional components and lack of health care professional involvement in their development process. There is also a need to carry out scientific testing prior to the development of the app to ensure cost effective and its health benefits to older adults. Collaborative efforts between developers, researchers, health professionals and patients are needed in developing evidence-based, high quality mobile apps in managing health prior they are made available in the app store.

scholarly journals Ultrasound-Guided Popliteal Nerve Block with Short-Acting Lidocaine in the Surgical Treatment of Ingrown Toenails

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 5059
Author(s):  
Beom Suk Kim ◽  
Kyungho Kim ◽  
Jonathan Day ◽  
Jesse Seilern Und Seilern Und Aspang ◽  
Jaeyoung Kim
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Nerve Block ◽  
Skin Penetration ◽  
Sensory Block ◽  
Foot And Ankle ◽  
Ingrown Toenail ◽  
Ankle Surgery ◽  
Ingrown Toenails ◽  
Digital Nerve Block

Background: Digital nerve block (DB) is a commonly utilized anesthetic procedure in ingrown toenail surgery. However, severe procedure-related pain has been reported. Although the popliteal sciatic nerve block (PB) is widely accepted in foot and ankle surgery, its use in ingrown toenail surgery has not been reported. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the safety and effectiveness of PB in the surgical treatment of ingrown toenails. Methods: One-hundred-ten patients surgically treated for an ingrown toenail were enrolled. Sixty-six patients underwent DB, and 44 underwent PB. PB was performed under ultrasound-guidance via a 22-gauge needle with 15 mL of 1% lidocaine in the popliteal region. The visual analogue scale was used to assess pain at two-time points: pain with skin penetration and pain with the solution injection. Time to sensory block, duration of sensory block, need for additional injections, and adverse events were recorded. Results: PB group demonstrated significantly lower procedure-related pain than the DB group. Time to sensory block was significantly longer in the PB group (20.8 ± 4.6 versus 6.5 ± 1.6 minutes). The sensory block duration was significantly longer in the PB group (187.9 ± 22.0 versus 106.5 ± 19.1 minutes). Additional injections were required in 16 (24.2%) DB cases, while no additional injections were required in PB cases. Four adverse events occurred in the DB group and two in the PB group. Conclusion: PB was a less painful anesthetic procedure associated with a longer sensory block duration and fewer repeat injections compared with DB. The result of this study implicates that PB can be an alternative anesthetic option in the surgical treatment of ingrown toenails.

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