scholarly journals Digital Companion Choice to Support Teachers’ Stress Self-Management: A systematic approach through taxonomy creation (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Bland Manning ◽  
Ann Blandford ◽  
Julian Edbrooke-Childs ◽  
Paul Marshall

BACKGROUND There are thousands of digital companions (DC) designed for emotional wellbeing and stress, including interactive websites, wearables and smartphone apps. Although public evaluation frameworks and ratings exist, they do not facilitate DC choice based on contextual or individual information such as occupation or personal management strategies. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to establish a process of creating a taxonomy to support systematic choice of DCs for teachers’ stress self-management. METHODS We employed a 4-step study design. In step 1, we identified the dimension of stress self-management and strategic classifications. In step 2 we identified the dimension of digital techniques and conceptual descriptions. In step 3 we created six criteria for inclusion of DCs. In step 4 we used the taxonomy framework created by steps 1 and 2 and populated it with DCs for stress self-management as identified in step 3. RESULTS First, in the dimension of stress self-management we identified 4 classes of strategies: educational, physiological, cognitive and social. Second, in the digital techniques dimension we derived 4 conceptual descriptions of DCs’ mechanisms of action: fostering reflection, suggesting treatment, peer-to-peer support and entertainment. Third, we created 6 criteria for DC inclusion in the taxonomy: suitability, availability, evaluation, security, validity and cost. Using the taxonomy framework and criteria, we populated it with DCs for stress management ahead of presentation to teachers in a stress study workshop. CONCLUSIONS We believe elements of our approach will generalise as principles for the creation of taxonomies for other occupations or conditions. Taxonomies such as this could be a valuable resource for individuals understanding what DC could be of help in their personal context.

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 314-325
Author(s):  
Kimberly F. Frazier ◽  
Jessica Collier ◽  
Rachel Glade

Background The aim of this study was to determine the clinical efficacy of combining self-management strategies and a social thinking approach to address the social performance and executive function of an adolescent female with autism spectrum disorder. Method This research examined the effects of a social knowledge training program, “Think Social,” as well as strategies to improve higher order cognitive abilities. Results and Conclusion Although quantitative improvement was not found, several qualitative gains in behavior were noted for the participants of this study, suggesting a benefit from using structured environmental cues of self-management strategies, as well as improved social understanding through social cognitive training.


Author(s):  
Shannon Phillips ◽  
Julie Kanter ◽  
Martina Mueller ◽  
Amy Gulledge ◽  
Kenneth Ruggiero ◽  
...  

Abstract Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited hemoglobinopathy that leads to blood vessel occlusion and multiorgan complications, including pain, that may be experienced daily. Symptom management often begins at home, and tools are needed to support self-management strategies that can be implemented by children with SCD and families. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of the mHealth self-management intervention (application) Voice Crisis Alert V2 for children with SCD and families. Feasibility assessment was guided by the Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance framework. Data were collected with 60 dyads (children with SCD/caregivers) at four time points. Self-management data were collected via application use, and postintervention interviews were conducted. Analyses included descriptive statistics and constant comparison with directed content analysis. Recruitment was completed in 28 weeks, with 82% retention at end-of-intervention. Mobile Application Rating Scale scores and interview data indicated high satisfaction. From baseline to mid-intervention, 94% of dyads used the application (75% of total use); 45% used the application from mid-intervention to the end-of-intervention. Dyads made 2,384 actions in the application; the most commonly used features were recording health history and recording and tracking symptoms. Few reported issues with the application; most issues occurred early in the study and were corrected. After the intervention period was completed, 37% continued to use the application. Feasibility was confirmed by meeting recruitment and retention goals, high adoption of the application, and high reported satisfaction with the application. Challenges with sustained use were encountered, and areas for improvement were identified.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (05) ◽  
pp. 769-784
Author(s):  
Ipek Ensari ◽  
Adrienne Pichon ◽  
Sharon Lipsky-Gorman ◽  
Suzanne Bakken ◽  
Noémie Elhadad

Abstract Background Self-tracking through mobile health technology can augment the electronic health record (EHR) as an additional data source by providing direct patient input. This can be particularly useful in the context of enigmatic diseases and further promote patient engagement. Objectives This study aimed to investigate the additional information that can be gained through direct patient input on poorly understood diseases, beyond what is already documented in the EHR. Methods This was an observational study including two samples with a clinically confirmed endometriosis diagnosis. We analyzed data from 6,925 women with endometriosis using a research app for tracking endometriosis to assess prevalence of self-reported pain problems, between- and within-person variability in pain over time, endometriosis-affected tasks of daily function, and self-management strategies. We analyzed data from 4,389 patients identified through a large metropolitan hospital EHR to compare pain problems with the self-tracking app and to identify unique data elements that can be contributed via patient self-tracking. Results Pelvic pain was the most prevalent problem in the self-tracking sample (57.3%), followed by gastrointestinal-related (55.9%) and lower back (49.2%) pain. Unique problems that were captured by self-tracking included pain in ovaries (43.7%) and uterus (37.2%). Pain experience was highly variable both across and within participants over time. Within-person variation accounted for 58% of the total variance in pain scores, and was large in magnitude, based on the ratio of within- to between-person variability (0.92) and the intraclass correlation (0.42). Work was the most affected daily function task (49%), and there was significant within- and between-person variability in self-management effectiveness. Prevalence rates in the EHR were significantly lower, with abdominal pain being the most prevalent (36.5%). Conclusion For enigmatic diseases, patient self-tracking as an additional data source complementary to EHR can enable learning from the patient to more accurately and comprehensively evaluate patient health history and status.


RMD Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. e001647
Author(s):  
Andréa Marques ◽  
Eduardo Santos ◽  
Elena Nikiphorou ◽  
Ailsa Bosworth ◽  
Loreto Carmona

ObjectiveTo perform a systematic review (SR) on the effectiveness of self-management interventions, in order to inform the European League Against Rheumatism Recommendations for its implementation in patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA).MethodsThe SR was conducted according to the Cochrane Handbook and included adults (≥18 years) with IA. The search strategy was run in Medline through PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, and PEDro. The assessment of risk of bias, data extraction and synthesis were performed by two reviewers independently. A narrative Summary of Findings was provided according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation.ResultsFrom a total 1577 references, 57 were selected for a full-text review, and 32 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria (19 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and 13 SRs). The most studied self-management components were specific interactive disease education in ten RCTs, problem solving in nine RCTs, cognitive–behavioural therapy in eight RCTs, goal setting in six RCTs, patient education in five RCTs and response training in two RCTs. The most studied interventions were multicomponent or single exercise/physical activity in six SRs, psychosocial interventions in five SRs and education in two SRs. Overall, all these specific components and interventions of self-management have beneficial effects on IAs-related outcomes.ConclusionsThe findings confirm the beneficial effect of the self-management interventions in IA and the importance of their implementation. Further research should focus on the understanding that self-management is a complex intervention to allow the isolation of the effectiveness of its different components.


Author(s):  
Rosa Town ◽  
Daniel Hayes ◽  
Peter Fonagy ◽  
Emily Stapley

AbstractThere is evidence that young people generally self-manage their mental health using self-care strategies, coping methods and other self-management techniques, which may better meet their needs or be preferable to attending specialist mental health services. LGBTQ+ young people are more likely than their peers to experience a mental health difficulty and may be less likely to draw on specialist support due to fears of discrimination. However, little is known about LGBTQ+ young people’s experiences and perceptions of self-managing their mental health. Using a multimodal qualitative design, 20 LGBTQ+ young people participated in a telephone interview or an online focus group. A semi-structured schedule was employed to address the research questions, which focussed on LGBTQ+ young people’s experiences and perceptions of self-managing their mental health, what they perceived to stop or help them to self-manage and any perceived challenges to self-management specifically relating to being LGBTQ+ . Reflexive thematic analysis yielded three key themes: (1) self-management strategies and process, (2) barriers to self-management and (3) facilitators to self-management. Participants’ most frequently mentioned self-management strategy was ‘speaking to or meeting up with friends or a partner’. Both barriers and facilitators to self-management were identified which participants perceived to relate to LGBTQ+ identity. Social support, LGBTQ+ youth groups and community support were identified as key facilitators to participants’ self-management of their mental health, which merits further investigation in future research. These findings also have important implications for policy and intervention development concerning LGBTQ+ young people’s mental health.


2021 ◽  
pp. 136749352110136
Author(s):  
Logan J Camp-Spivey ◽  
Ayaba Logan ◽  
Michelle Nichols

The primary aim of this integrative review was to critically evaluate and synthesize published, peer-reviewed research to better understand self-management strategies of children and adolescents with chronic diseases. This review was guided by Whittemore and Knafl’s methodological framework. The Pediatric Self-management Model provided the theoretical framework for understanding how self-management behaviors operate within the domains of individual, family, community, and healthcare systems. In June 2019, the electronic databases of EBSCOhost, PubMed, and Scopus, along with reference lists of applicable studies, were searched for appropriate publications. The initial searches yielded 920 citations. Of these, 11 studies met inclusion criteria. A key finding was that involving children and adolescents in the design and delivery phases of interventions was most effective in improving self-management when the interventions did not outweigh cognitive ability or maturity level. In addition, incorporating self-efficacy promotion into self-management interventions may lead to greater sense of responsibility and improved health outcomes. In terms of intervention delivery of self-management strategies, the use of technological platforms and devices was revealed as a promising avenue for youth. A final implication was the importance of family members, peers, and healthcare providers in supporting children and adolescents in adopting self-management behaviors.


2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 645-656 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marion K. Slack ◽  
Ramon Chavez ◽  
Daniel Trinh ◽  
Daniel Vergel de Dios ◽  
Jeannie Lee

AbstractBackground and aimsAcute pain is differentiated from chronic pain by its sudden onset and short duration; in contrast, chronic pain is characterized by a duration of at least several months, typically considered longer than normal healing time. Despite differences in definition, there is little information on how types of self-management strategies or outcomes differ when pain is chronic rather than acute. Additionally, age and gender are thought to be related to types of strategies used and outcomes. However, strategies used and outcomes can be influenced by level of education, socioeconomic status, occupation, and access to the health care system, which can confound associations to type of pain, age or gender. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of strategies used for pain self-management and outcomes with type of pain, acute or chronic, age, or gender in a socioeconomically homogenous population, pharmacists.MethodsPharmacists with acute or chronic pain and a valid email completed an on-line questionnaire on demographic characteristics, pain characteristics, pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies for managing pain, and outcomes (e.g. pain intensity). Univariate analysis was conducted by stratifying on type of pain (acute or chronic), then stratifying on gender (men vs. women) and age (younger vs. older). Thea priorialpha level was 0.05.ResultsA total of 366 pharmacists completed the questionnaire, 212 with acute pain (average age=44±12.1; 36% men) and 154 with chronic pain (average age=53±14.0; 48% men). The chronic pain group reported substantially higher levels of pain before treatment, level of post-treatment pain, level of pain at which sleep was possible, and goal pain levels (effect sizes [ES’s]=0.37–0.61). The chronic pain group were substantially more likely to use prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS), opioids, and non-prescription pain relievers (ES’s=0.29–0.80), and non-medical strategies (ES’s=0.56–0.77). Participants with chronic pain also were less confident (ES=0.54) and less satisfied (ES=0.52). In contrast, there were no differences within either the acute or chronic pain groups related to gender and outcomes. In the acute pain group, there also were no gender differences related to management strategies. However, younger age in the acute pain group was associated with use of herbal remedies and use of rest. Within the chronic pain group, men were more likely to use NSAIDS and women more likely to use hot/cold packs or massage while older participants were more likely to use massage. Variability in post-treatment level of pain and percent relief was high in all groups (coefficient of variation=25%–100%).ConclusionsThe differences between acute and chronic pain were substantial and included differences in demographic characteristics, pain characteristics, management strategies used, and outcomes. In contrast, few associations between age and gender with either management strategies or outcomes were identified, although the variability was high.ImplicationsWhen managing or researching pain management, acute pain should be differentiated from chronic pain. Because of the substantial variability within the gender and age groups, an individual approach to pain management irrespective of age and gender may be most useful.


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