App-solutley fabulous for children’s oral health - or not? A systematic review of Apps to promote oral care. (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teresa CY Ho ◽  
Colman McGrath ◽  
Cynthia KY Yiu ◽  
Gillian Lee
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Search Strategy ◽  
Oral Care ◽  
Code Of Conduct ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Scientific Basis ◽  
Point Scale ◽  
Google Play ◽  
Children’S Oral Health

BACKGROUND Increasingly Apps are being used to promote oral care. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to systematically review and assess Apps that promote oral care/hygiene for children. METHODS A broad search strategy (13 keywords) was developed to identify Apps from Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store. After reviewing the App’s ‘title and summary/abstract’, ‘potentially effective’ Apps were downloaded for viewing. RESULTS More than 3,000 Apps were identified and 52 ‘effective’ Apps informed the review. The quality of the Apps according to HONcode (Health on the Net Foundation Code of Conduct) criteria was generally low. Mean HONcode scores was 1.8 / 8.0. A quarter of the Apps had a HONcode score of zero (25.9%, 14). The Scientific Basis of Oral Self-Care of the Apps was evaluated based on a 6-point scale (SBOSC). Mean SBOSC score was 1.5 / 6.0; 18.5% (10) of the Apps had a score of zero. There was a significant and positive correlation between HONcode and SBOSC scores (r 0.37, p<0.01). More CONCLUSIONS There are many Apps to promote oral self-care among children. The quality and scientific basis of these Apps are low. More new apps are of higher quality in terms of scientific basis. There is an urgent need to ensure quality and scientific-based Apps be available. The effectiveness of Apps in terms of oral care and clinical outcomes among children needs to be evaluated.

Evaluation of Persian language epilepsy-related mobile apps: A systematic review and quality assessment with a focus on content (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mina Zibaei ◽  
Reza Khajouei
Keyword(s):  
Information Quality ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Keywords Epilepsy ◽  
Limited Health Literacy ◽  
Persian Language ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Limited Health ◽  
Google Play

BACKGROUND In Iran, around 0.05 of population suffer from epilepsy. Poorer health outcomes stem from limited health literacy. The use of mHealth, especially for educating patients in terms of self-care can be very effective. But the important thing is the content that is presented by apps, especially when unreliable or biased information can negatively affect the patient-doctor relationship, causing anxiety or stress. Also, usability of mHealth apps and their impact on behavior change are the other important issues that should be considered. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to assess the quality of Persian language epilepsy-related mobile applications in terms of functionality and quality with a focus on content. METHODS The Persian equivalent of the keywords 'epilepsy' and 'seizure' were searched in the Google Play, Cafe Bazaar and IranApps app stores and the Persian language applications about epilepsy were extracted. These apps were evaluated by two trained reviewers independently using the uMARS scale and DISCERN instrument. Also apps’ prices and the number of installations were assessed. RESULTS A total of 659 applications were retrieved, 78 of which were epilepsy-related. After exclusion of non-Persian language and duplicate apps, there remained 11 relevant apps. The overall mean uMARS score was 2.8 out of 5 while six out of 11 apps (54%) scored higher than 3. The mean figures for the section-specific scores were as follows: engagement 2.2, functionality 4.0, aesthetics 3.3, and information 2.3. The overall DISCERN scores ranged from 26 to 40 out of 80, while the mean score was 34.5. The mean score of reliability was 18.5. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that the overall information quality of the epilepsy apps is poor. The most important missing characteristics of these apps include lack of functionalities for self-care, missing entry date, lack of details about additional sources and inexistence of the risks/benefits of each treatment. The findings suggest that more efforts should be made to develop evidence-based epilepsy-related apps to cover broader domains of self-care and behavioral change techniques.

App review of anxiety and depression chatbots and their self-care features (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arfan Ahmed ◽  
Nashva ALi ◽  
Sarah Aziz ◽  
Alaa A Abd-Alrazaq ◽  
Asmaa Hassan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Conversational Agents ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
On Demand ◽  
User Ratings ◽  
Google Play

BACKGROUND Anxiety and depression rates are at an all-time high along with other mental health disorders. Smartphone-based mental health chatbots or conversational agents can aid psychiatrists and replace some of the costly human based interaction and represent a unique opportunity to expand the availability and quality of mental health services and treatment. Regular up-to-date reviews will allow medics and individuals to recommend or use anxiety and depression related smartphone based chatbots with greater confidence. OBJECTIVE Assess the quality and characteristics of chatbots for anxiety and depression available on Android and iOS systems. METHODS A search was performed in the App Store and Google Play Store following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) protocol to identify existing chatbots for anxiety and depression. Eligibility of the chatbots was assessed by two individuals based on predefined eligibility criteria. Meta-data of the included chatbots and their characteristics were extracted from their description and upon installation by 2 reviewers. Finally, chatbots quality information was assessed by following the mHONcode principles. RESULTS Although around 1000 anxiety and depression related chatbots exist, only a few (n=11) contained actual chatbots that could provide the user a real substitute for a human-human based interaction, even with today's Artificial Intelligence advancements, only one of these chatbots had voice as an input/output modality. Of the selected apps that contained chatbots all were clearly built with a therapeutic human substitute goal in mind. The majority had high user ratings and downloads highlighting the popularity of such chatbots and their promising future within the realm of anxiety and depression. CONCLUSIONS Anxiety and depression chatbot apps have the potential to increase the capacity of mental health self-care providing much needed assistance to professionals. In the current covid-19 pandemic, chatbots can also serve as a conversational companion with the potential of combating loneliness, especially in lockdowns where there is a lack of social interaction. Due to the ubiquitous nature of chatbots users can access them on-demand at the touch of a screen on ones’ smartphone. Self-care interventions are known to be effective and exist in various forms and some can be made available as chatbot features, such as assessment, mood tracking, medicine tracking, or simply providing conversation in times of loneliness.

scholarly journals Key elements of interventions for heart failure patients with mild cognitive impairment or dementia: A systematic review

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-19
Author(s):  
Louise Hickman ◽  
Caleb Ferguson ◽  
Patricia M Davidson ◽  
Sabine Allida ◽  
Sally Inglis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Heart Failure ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Heart Failure Patients

Background: The purpose of this systematic review was to (a) examine the effects of interventions delivered by a heart failure professional for mild cognitive impairment and dementia on cognitive function, memory, working memory, instrumental activities of daily living, heart failure knowledge, self-care, quality of life and depression; and (b) identify the successful elements of these strategies for heart failure patients with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Methods and results: During March 2018, an electronic search of databases including CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO was conducted. All randomised controlled trials, which examined an intervention strategy to help heart failure patients with mild cognitive impairment or dementia cope with self-care, were included. An initial search yielded 1622 citations, six studies were included ( N= 595 participants, mean age 68 years). There were no significant improvements in cognitive function and depression. However, significant improvements were seen in memory ( p=0.015), working memory ( p=0.029) and instrumental activities of daily living ( p=0.006). Nurse led interventions improved the patient’s heart failure knowledge ( p=0.001), self-care ( p<0.05) and quality of life ( p=0.029). Key elements of these interventions include brain exercises, for example, syllable stacks, individualised assessment and customised education, personalised self-care schedule development, interactive problem-solving training on scenarios and association techniques to prompt self-care activities. Conclusions: Modest evidence for nurse led interventions among heart failure patients with mild cognitive impairment or dementia was identified. These results must be interpreted with caution in light of the limited number of available included studies.

scholarly journals Association between sleep quality and self-care in adults with heart failure: A systematic review

2020 ◽  
pp. 147451512094136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentina Spedale ◽  
Michela Luciani ◽  
Alessandro Attanasio ◽  
Stefania Di Mauro ◽  
Rosaria Alvaro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Sleep Disturbance ◽  
Self Care ◽  
The Other ◽  
Heart Failure Patients ◽  
Meta Analyses

Background: Sleep disturbance is one of the most common symptoms among heart failure patients. Sleep disturbance reduces quality of life and leads to higher rates of mortality. It may affect the ability of patients to perform adequate self-care. Although some research has evaluated the association between sleep quality and heart failure self-care, a synthesis of the most recent available evidence is lacking. Aims: This systematic review aimed to assess the association between sleep quality and self-care in adults with heart failure. Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses methodology was used. Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO and SCOPUS were searched. Observational, case-control and cohort studies were considered. The quality of the studies was evaluated with the Joanna Briggs Institute’s Critical Appraisal Tools. Results: Six articles were included. Association between sleep quality and self-care was reported by three studies. One of these did not find an association between sleep disturbance and heart failure self-care, while the other two studies did. An association between sleep quality and medication adherence was reported by three studies. All three of these studies found associations between these two variables. Studies have measured similar but different constructs. Two studies assessed sleep quality, while four other studies measured excessive daytime sleepiness. Half of the studies examined self-care, while the other half measured medication adherence. Conclusions: Although the evidence should be strengthened, sleep quality seems to affect self-care in heart failure patients. The mechanism underlying the effect of sleep quality on heart failure self-care remains unclear. Future longitudinal interaction analyses could be useful to clarify this mechanism.

scholarly journals Relationship between cognition and frailty in elderly: A systematic review

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 110-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allan Gustavo Brigola ◽  
Estefani Serafim Rossetti ◽  
Bruna Rodrigues dos Santos ◽  
Anita Liberalesso Neri ◽  
Marisa Silvana Zazzetta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Search Strategy ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cognitive Domains ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The Relationship

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between cognition and frailty in the elderly. METHODS: A systematic review on the currently existing literature concerning the subject was carried out. The search strategy included LILACS, SCOPUS, SciELO, PsycINFO, PubMed and Web of Science databases. RESULTS: A total of 19 studies were selected for review, from which 10 (52.6%) were cross-sectional and 9 (47.4%) longitudinal, and the majority Brazilian. All of the studies established a link between cognition and frailty. There was a relationship between components of frailty and the cognitive domains. Risk of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), dementia and mortality were all evidenced in the relationship between frailty and cognitive impairment. CONCLUSION: The theory remains limited, but results show the variables that appear to be linked to cognition and frailty in elderly. This data can help in implementing actions to improve the quality of life among elderly.

scholarly journals COVID-19:Major Metabolic and Immunological Relationships in Obesity

2021 ◽  
pp. 26-31
Author(s):  
Mariana Tolentino Chaves ◽  
Ana Paula Tolentino Chaves
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Scientific Basis ◽  
The Body ◽  
Important Predictor ◽  
Inflammatory Factors ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Current Prevalence ◽  
Medium Quality ◽  
Review Model

Introduction: In the scenario of chronic non-communicable diseases, obesity stands out as a multifactorial disease that can cause several public health problems. Currently, about 30% of the world's population is overweight or obese. Estimates suggest that the prevalence of severe obesity in 2030 will be 11%, approximately twice the current prevalence. By 2025, Brazil will be in fifth place in the world ranking, with an estimated 18.0 million people. The appearance of the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), which causes the disease COVID-19, has worsened the comorbidities of obesity. Objective: to explore, through a concise systematic review, the main metabolic and immunological relationships in obesity, especially in the presence of COVID-19. Methods: The present study followed a concise systematic review model (PRISMA). The search strategy was carried out in the databases PubMed, Embase, Ovid and Cochrane Library, Web Of Science, and Scopus. The quality of the studies was based on the GRADE instrument and the risk of bias was analyzed according to the Cochrane instrument. Results: A total of 76 studies were found that were submitted to the eligibility analysis, and, after that, 15 studies of high to medium quality and with risks of bias were selected that do not compromise the scientific basis of the studies, we found that obesity is an important predictor of worsening SARS-CoV-2 pathology. There are a complex interaction between multiple metabolic, immunological and inflammatory factors that result in meta-inflammation. It has been shown that obesity causes dysfunction in the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections and death from sepsis, and increased oxidative stress in the body. SARS-CoV-2 amplifies the inflammatory response, enabling greater propensity to alveolar thrombotic microangiopathy and pulmonary thromboembolism. Meta-inflammation and insulin resistance with hyperinsulinemia is the main baseline changes in obesity. Conclusion: In the COVID-19 scenario, obesity is an important predictor of the worsening of SARS-CoV-2 pathology, mainly due to the worsening of metainflammation.

scholarly journals Glycaemic control at risk? - Impact of temperature, humidity and other physical factors on the analytical quality of point of care testing of blood glucose, a systematic review protocol

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cilia Maria Katharina Sindt ◽  
Lene Noehr-Jensen
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Blood Glucose ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Search Strategy ◽  
Critical Appraisal ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Review Protocol ◽  
Comprehensive Search

Abstract Background Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by increased blood glucose concentration. Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is a corner stone in lowering the risk of vascular complications of diabetes and requires reliable measurements by the blood glucose meter and test strips (BG System). Environmental factors as temperature, humidity, altitude, and electromagnetic radiation may affect the measurement of blood glucose to a level that might compromise the glycaemic control. Manufactures often restrict the validation and approved use a limited span of environmental conditions and there is a considerable risk of exposing the equipment to temperature outside the range recommended by manufacturers. This systematic review aims to explore, aggregate, and present the current knowledge of the effect of environmental factors on the quality of results measured by BG systems. Methods Relevant studies will be found by using a comprehensive search strategy in the following databases: EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL, Academic Search Premier, SweMed+, DANS Easy and Cochrane Library. The search strategy will assess if there is an impact on precision and accuracy of BG systems under varying environmental conditions compared to precision recommended by manufacturers. Both authors will screen titles and in case of disagreement, the study will be included for screening by abstract. After screening of all titles, the procedure will be repeated for screening and reading of abstracts. Full text of papers selected by abstract will be assessed according to in- and exclusions criteria. Homogenous results will be pooled and summarized statistically for meta-analysis. Narrative synthesis will be performed for heterogeneous data that cannot be pooled for meta-analysis. Reporting will follow the Preferred Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis 2020 (PRISMA 2020). The risk of bias will be evaluated by choosing an appropriate tool from acknowledged institutions I.e., Joanna Briggs Critical Appraisal for Systematic Reviews Checklist tools or the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP). Discussion This systematic review protocol utilizes rigorous methodology to provide a comprehensive search for outcomes of the impact of environmental factors on BG systems. The outcomes will be examined, and a summary of the current knowledge will be provided.

scholarly journals 2050

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (S1) ◽  
pp. 42-43
Author(s):  
Melissa L. Rethlefsen ◽  
Mellanye Lackey ◽  
Michelle Fiander ◽  
Mary McFarland
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Search Strategy ◽  
Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Translational Science ◽  
University Of Utah ◽  
The Core ◽  
The University ◽  
Strategy Design

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: To improve the quality of evidence synthesis projects, including systematic reviews and other comparative effectiveness reviews, at the University of Utah. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Systematic reviews and other types of evidence syntheses are best when collaborative teams with expertise in multiple disciplines participate, including content experts, librarians and information specialists, systematic review methodologists, and statisticians. The Center for Clinical & Translational Science (CCTS), due to its interdisciplinary nature, connectivity to clinical experts, and existing Cores of methodologists, presented an opportune location for a Systematic Review Core. We designed the Systematic Review Core to focus on 2 primary aspects of evidence synthesis support: overall systematic review methodology guidance and in-depth information retrieval planning and execution. After establishing a conceptual partnership, a new position, Evidence Retrieval and Synthesis Librarian, was created to build capacity within the Core. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Close connections with the CCTS’s Population Health Research Foundation have led to better interdisciplinary coverage of systematic reviews and other evidence syntheses produced by the University of Utah. We are able to partner with statisticians and clinical experts from formulating the question to completing the final manuscript. Hourly rates charged through a cost recovery model have enabled us to grow our staff able to work on the Core, as well as offset costs for major databases and resources these bibliographic data-heavy research methods require. After 1 year of existence, the Core is already at maximum capacity, with no sign of slowing. Projects have ranged from brief consultations to highly intense interactions for the duration of the research spectrum. We have also been added as key personnel to grants with systematic review components. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: Systematic reviews and other evidence syntheses are a labor-intense, interdisciplinary team effort that fit well within the scope of CTSA’s. They are a key component of the translation of science to practice, and can be used at all stages of the translational science spectrum. Quality of systematic reviews remains poor, particularly surrounding protocol development, sensitive search strategy design and reporting, and overall reporting. Librarians and information specialist involvement has been shown to positively correlate to the search strategy design and reporting aspects of systematic reviews, and librarians and information specialists increasingly act as systematic review methodologists. By including librarians and information specialists as part of the CTSA’s official Core structure, these systematic review methodologists are able to connect with statisticians, other methodologists, and clinical experts in a nexus of interdisciplinarity. At the University of Utah, the visibility and structure provided by the CCTS helps the Systematic Review Core with promotion, creating connections and opportunities for collaboration across the campus. This partnership has already led to increased uptake in services, and over time, we believe it will increase the quality of the science produced. CTSA’s have a natural partner with their health science library colleagues in translational science, as shown by this model.

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