Chatbots for Smoking Cessation: Scoping Review (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robyn Whittaker ◽  
Rosie Dobson ◽  
Katie Garner

BACKGROUND Despite significant progress in reducing tobacco use over the past two decades, tobacco still kills over 8 million people every year. Digital interventions such as text messaging have been found to help people quit smoking. Chatbots, or conversational agents, are newer digital tools that mimic instantaneous human conversation and therefore could extend the effectiveness of text messaging. OBJECTIVE This scoping review aims to assess the extent of research in the chatbot literature for smoking cessation and provide recommendations for future research in this area. METHODS Relevant studies were identified through searches conducted in MEDLINE, APA PsycINFO, Google Scholar and Scopus as well as an additional search on JMIR, Cochrane Library, Lancet Digital Health, and Digital Medicine. Studies were identified if they were conducted with tobacco smokers, were conducted between 2000 to 2021, were available in English and included a chatbot intervention. RESULTS Of the 323 studies identified, 10 studies were included in the review. Some studies noted an improvement in smoking cessation measures. However, the number of studies was limited and most had methodological or quality concerns. CONCLUSIONS More research is needed to make a firm conclusion of the efficacy of chatbots for smoking cessation. Researchers need to provide a more in-depth description of the chatbot functionality, mode of delivery, and theoretical underpinnings. CLINICALTRIAL na

Pain Medicine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daly Geagea ◽  
Zephanie Tyack ◽  
Roy Kimble ◽  
Lars Eriksson ◽  
Vince Polito ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective Inadequately treated pain and distress elicited by medical procedures can put children at higher risks of acute and chronic biopsychosocial sequelae. Children can benefit from hypnotherapy, a psychological tailored intervention, as an adjunct to pharmacological agents to address the multiple components of pain and distress. Despite providing evidence on the effectiveness and potential superiority of hypnotherapy to other psychological interventions, research on hypnotherapy for paediatric procedural pain and distress has been predominantly limited to oncology and needle procedures. Plus, there is a lack of reporting of intervention manuals, factors influencing hypnotic responding, pain unpleasantness outcomes, theoretical frameworks, adverse events, as well as barriers and facilitators to the feasibility of delivering the intervention and study procedures. The proposed review aims to map the range and nature of the evidence on hypnotherapy for procedural pain and distress in children to identify gaps in literature and areas requiring further investigation. Methods This review will follow the Arksey and O'Malley (2005) methodology and incorporate additional scoping review recommendations by The Joanna Briggs Institute and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses. Relevant studies will be identified through searching published literature databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus and Web of Science) and grey literature in addition to hand-searching of reference lists and key journals. Two authors will independently screen titles and abstracts of search results followed by full-texts review against eligibility criteria. Conclusion Findings are anticipated to guide future research and inform the development of tailored hypnotic interventions in children.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarina Åsberg ◽  
Marcus Bendtsen

Abstract Background Evidence suggests that unhealthy lifestyle behaviours are modifiable risk factors for postoperative complications. Digital behaviour change interventions (DBCIs), for instance text messaging programs and smartphone apps, have shown promise in achieving lifestyle behaviour change in a wide range of clinical populations, and it may therefore be possible to reduce postoperative complications by supporting behaviour change perioperatively using digital interventions. This scoping review was conducted in order to identify existing research done in the area of perioperative DBCIs for reducing alcohol consumption, improving dietary intake, increasing physical activity and smoking cessation. Main text This scoping review included eleven studies covering a range of surgeries: bariatric, orthopaedic, cancer, transplantation and elective surgery. The studies were both randomised controlled trials and feasibility studies and investigated a diverse set of interventions: one game, three smartphone apps, one web-based program and five text message interventions. Feasibility studies reported user acceptability and satisfaction with the behaviour change support. Engagement data showed participation rates ranged from 40 to 90%, with more participants being actively engaged early in the intervention period. In conclusion, the only full-scale randomised controlled trial (RCT), text messaging ahead of bariatric surgery did not reveal any benefits with respect to adherence to preoperative exercise advice when compared to a control group. Two of the pilot studies, one text message intervention, one game, indicated change in a positive direction with respect to alcohol and tobacco outcomes, but between group comparisons were not done due to small sample sizes. The third pilot-study, a smartphone app, found between group changes for physical activity and alcohol, but not with respect to smoking cessation outcomes. Conclusion This review found high participant satisfaction, but shows recruitment and timing-delivery issues, as well as low retention to interventions post-surgery. Small sample sizes and the use of a variety of feasibility outcome measures prevent the synthesis of results and makes generalisation difficult. Future research should focus on defining standardised outcome measures, enhancing patient engagement and improving adherence to behaviour change prior to scheduled surgery.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. e041894
Author(s):  
Joyce Kibaru ◽  
Pinky Kotecha ◽  
Abdulkarim Muhammad Iya ◽  
Beth Russell ◽  
Muzzammil Abdullahi ◽  
...  

IntroductionBladder cancer (BC) is the 10th common cancer worldwide and ranks seventh in Nigeria. This scoping review aims to identify the gaps in clinical care and research of BC in Nigeria as part of the development of a larger national research programme aiming to improve outcomes and care of BC.Methods and analysisThis review will be conducted according to Arksey and O’Malley scoping review methodology framework. The following electronic databases will be searched: Medline (using the PubMed interface), Ovid Gateway (Embase and Ovid), Cochrane library and Open Grey literature. Two independent reviewers will screen titles and abstracts and subsequently screen full-text studies for inclusion, any lack of consensus will be discussed with a third reviewer. Any study providing insight into the epidemiology or treatment pathway of BC (RCTs, observations, case series, policy paper) will be included. A data chart will be used to extract relevant data from the included studies. Results will be reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews. A consultation process will be carried out with a multidisciplinary team of Nigerian healthcare professionals, patients and scientists.Ethics and disseminationThe results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications. By highlighting the key gaps in the literature, this review can provide direction for future research and clinical guidelines in Nigeria (and other low-income and middle-income countries), where BC is more prevalent due to local risk factors and healthcare settings.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. e047034
Author(s):  
Javiera Navarrete ◽  
Nese Yuksel ◽  
Theresa J Schindel ◽  
Christine A Hughes

ObjectivesPharmacists are increasingly providing patient-focused services in community pharmacies, including in the area of sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Specific SRH areas have been the focus of research, but a broader perspective is needed to position pharmacists as SRH providers. This review explored research that described and evaluated professional pharmacy services across a broad range of SRH areas.DesignScoping reviewData sourcesMedline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library (January 2007–July 2020).Study selectionStudies reporting on the description and evaluation of professional pharmacy SRH services provided by community pharmacists.Data extractionTwo investigators screened studies for eligibility, and one investigator extracted the data. Data were analysed to primarily describe professional pharmacy services and intervention outcomes.ResultsForty-one studies were included. The main SRH areas and professional pharmacy services reported were sexually transmitted and bloodborne infections (63%) and screening (39%), respectively. Findings showed that pharmacists’ delivery of SRH services was feasible, able to reach vulnerable and high-risk groups, and interventions were highly accepted and valued by users. However, integration into daily workflow, pharmacist remuneration, cost and reimbursement for patients, and policy regulations were some of the barriers identified to implementing SRH services. Studies were primarily in specific areas such as chlamydia screening or hormonal contraception prescribing, while studies in other areas (ie, medical abortion provision, long-acting reversible contraception prescribing and vaccine delivery in pregnant women) were lacking.ConclusionThis scoping review highlights the expansion of pharmacists’ roles beyond traditional product-focused services in a number of SRH areas. Given the potential feasibility, users’ acceptability and reach, pharmacists are ideally situated to enhance SRH care access. Future research describing implementation and evaluation of professional pharmacy services in all SRH areas is needed to promote access to these services through community pharmacies and position pharmacists as SRH providers worldwide.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. e035269
Author(s):  
Ana Cristina De Castro ◽  
Ivan Ortega-Deballon

IntroductionNodding syndrome (NS) is an encephalopathy of unknown origin that affects children aged between 3 and 15 years old. Cases have been reported since the 1950 in Tanzania and South Sudan, the most heavily affected population is the Acholi community in Uganda. In response to the high incidence of the disease, the Ugandan Government has developed a management algorithm, but access to such measures in affected communities is limited. There is little funding for research on the disease, consequently, few studies have been conducted to date. Nevertheless, the number of scientific publications on NS has increased since 2013, reporting several aetiological hypotheses, management algorithms and cases of stigmatisation; however, none has obtained conclusive results.This document describes a protocol for a scoping review of NS to date aimed at obtaining a broad overview of the disease. The results will identify gaps in knowledge in order to better guide future research, intervention strategies, health policies in areas at risk and cooperation and development programmes.Methods and analysisTo identify the relevant data, we will conduct a literature search using the electronic databases PubMed/Medline, Embase, Social Science Citation Index Scopus, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Literatura Latinoamericana y del Caribe en Ciencias de la Salud (LILACS), Social Science Citation Index Expanded and The Cochrane Library. We will also include grey literature. The search strategy will be designed by a librarian.Two members of the team will work independently to identify studies for inclusion and perform data extraction. The search results will be assessed by two independent reviewers and data from the included studies will be charted and summarised in duplicate. The data will be summarised in tables and figures to present the research landscape and describe and map gaps.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required. The scoping review will adhere to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews andMeta-Analyses-ScR guidelines. The results will be disseminated at scientific congresses and meetings.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mona Vestbøstad ◽  
Klas Karlgren ◽  
Nina Rydland Olsen

Abstract Background Today, there are fewer opportunities for health care students and staff for skills training through direct patient contact. The World Health Organization therefore recommends learning about patient safety through hands-on experience and simulation. Simulation has the potential to improve skills through training in a controlled environment, and simulation has a positive effect on knowledge and skills, and even patient-related outcomes. Reviews addressing the use of simulation across the different radiography specialties are lacking. Further knowledge on simulation in radiography education is needed to inform curriculum design and future research. The purpose of this scoping review is to explore, map, and summarize the extent, range, and nature of published research on simulation in radiography education. Methods We will follow the methodological framework for scoping reviews originally described by Arksey and O’Malley. We will search the MEDLINE, Embase, Epistemonikos, The Cochrane Library, ERIC, Scopus, and sources of grey literature. A comprehensive search strategy for Ovid MEDLINE was developed in collaboration with a research librarian. An example of a full electronic search from the Ovid MEDLINE (1641 articles records, January 9, 2020) is provided and will be used to adapt the search strategy to each database. Two independent review authors will screen all abstracts and titles, and full-text publications during a second stage. Next, they will extract data from each included study using a data extraction form informed by the aim of the study. A narrative account of all studies included will be presented. We will present a simple numerical analysis related to the extent, nature, and distribution of studies, and we will use content analysis to map the different simulation interventions and learning design elements reported. Any type of simulation intervention within all types of radiography specializations will be included. Our search strategy is not limited by language or date of publication. Discussion An overview of publications on simulation in radiography education across all radiography specialties will help to inform future research and will be useful for stakeholders within radiography education using simulation, both in the academic and clinical settings. Systematic review registration Open Science Framework (OSF). Submitted on October 18, 2020


2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. 1622-1626 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cendrine D Robinson ◽  
Kara P Wiseman ◽  
Monica Webb Hooper ◽  
Sherine El-Toukhy ◽  
Emily Grenen ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Text-messaging programs for smoking cessation improve abstinence outcomes in the general population. However, little is known about engagement and abstinence outcomes among African Americans in text-messaging smoking cessation programs. The current study compares engagement and abstinence between Blacks and Whites in the National Cancer Institute’s SmokefreeTXT program. Method Data were from Blacks (n = 1333) and Whites (n = 7154) who enrolled in the 6-week SmokefreeTXT program between August 2017 and June 2018. We assessed the association between race and program initiation and completion; responses to weekly smoking cessation, mood, and craving assessments; and self-reported abstinence using multivariable logistic regression. Results Blacks and Whites initiated the program at a similar frequency, yet Blacks were more likely to complete the program (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.43 to 2.06). Blacks were less likely to respond to all seven abstinence, mood, and craving assessments (eg, AOR of quit day responses = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.51 to 0.77; 6-week AOR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.34 to 0.72). Self-reported abstinence was lower among Blacks for all seven smoking assessments (eg, quit day abstinence AOR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.41 to 0.68; 6-week abstinence AOR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.38 to 0.89). Conclusion Although Blacks were more likely than Whites to complete the SmokefreeTXT program, they were less likely to engage with the program by responding to assessment questions and had lower abstinence rates. Qualitative research may reveal unique barriers to engagement among Blacks. Implications Black smokers enrolled in a nationwide mobile smoking cessation program at a rate comparable to White smokers. However, they were significantly less likely to engage with the program or quit smoking. This study highlights the need to examine barriers to cessation for Black smokers.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. e036203
Author(s):  
Aislinn Conway ◽  
Jessica Reszel ◽  
Mark C Walker ◽  
Jeremy M Grimshaw ◽  
Sandra I Dunn

IntroductionOptimising the safety of obstetric patient care is a primary concern for many hospitals. Performance indicators measuring aspects of patient care processes can lead to improvements in health systems and the prevention of harm to the patient. We present our protocol for a scoping review to identify indicators for obstetric safety in low risk births. We aim to identify indicators addressing preventable hospital harms, to summarise the data and synthesise results.Methods and analysisWe will use methods described by Arksey and O’Malley and further expanded by Levacet al. We will search electronic databases such as Medline, Embase, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library, and websites from professional bodies and other organisations, using an iterative search strategy.Two reviewers will independently screen titles and abstracts of search results to determine eligibility for inclusion. If eligibility is not clear, the reviewers will screen the full text version. If reviewers’ decisions regarding eligibility differ, a third reviewer will review the record. Two reviewers will independently extract data from records that meet our inclusion criteria using a standardised data collection form. We will narratively describe quantitative data, such as the frequency with which indicators are identified, and conduct a thematic analysis of the qualitative data. We will compile a comprehensive list of patient safety indicators and organise them according to concepts that best suit the data such as the Donabedian model or the Hospital Harm Framework. We will discuss the implications for future research, clinical practice and policy-making. We will report the conduct of the review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews checklist.Ethics and disseminationThe sources of information included in this scoping review will be available to the public. Therefore, ethics approval is not warranted. We will disseminate results in a peer-reviewed publication, conference/event presentation(s) and stakeholder communications.


Author(s):  
Tessa Scheffers-van Schayck ◽  
Roy Otten ◽  
Rutger C.M.E. Engels ◽  
Marloes Kleinjan

A recent Dutch efficacy trial showed the efficacy of a telephone smoking cessation counseling tailored to smoking parents. Currently, it is unknown whether such telephone counseling would be effective under more real-world conditions. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of parent-tailored telephone smoking cessation counseling in a two-arm randomized controlled effectiveness trial and whether the effectiveness depended on the recruitment approaches that were used to recruit parents (mass media vs. health care). In total, 87 parents received either telephone counseling (intervention) or a self-help brochure (control). Parents were asked to complete questionnaires at baseline and three months post-intervention. Results showed that the odds of reporting 7-day point-prevalence abstinence at three months post-intervention was 7.54 higher for parents who received telephone counseling than for parents in the control condition (53.3% vs. 13.2%, 95% CI = 2.49–22.84). Because inclusion was lower than anticipated, interaction-effects of condition and recruitment approach could not be interpreted. The present study demonstrates that the parent-tailored smoking cessation telephone counseling is effective in helping parents to quit smoking. Yet, before large-scale implementation, future research should focus on how recruitment of parents via the recruitment approaches could be improved.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. e054308
Author(s):  
Michelle Iris Jakobsen ◽  
Ole Jakob Storebø ◽  
Stephen Fitzgerald Austin ◽  
Jimmi Nielsen ◽  
Erik Simonsen

IntroductionThe atypical antipsychotic clozapine has shown superior efficacy compared with other antipsychotics and is the gold standard for treating otherwise treatment resistant schizophrenia. However, multiple studies have found that clozapine is underutilised in most parts of the world. A few reviews of literature addressing barriers to clozapine prescribing have been conducted. While there is some variation in the literature included in these reviews, a common feature of the studies included is that they primarily focus on clinical staff’s attitudes and perceived barriers for prescribing. Studies of patient perspectives are only sparsely included. A preliminary literature search revealed though, that additional literature on the subject exists, including literature on patient perspectives. It is therefore difficult to conclude if the formerly synthesised literature is representative of current evidence or if the topic has been adequately investigated to inform clinical practice. A scoping review is warranted in order to map and synthesise primary literature on patients’ and psychiatrists’ perspectives on clozapine treatment, and to identify gaps for future research.Methods and analysisThe electronic databases Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Web of Science, Psychinfo, MEDLINE and EMBASE will be searched for relevant publications, supplied with searches of Google scholar, The Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations and OpenGrey. Citation tracking of selected studies will furthermore be undertaken. Two researchers will independently screen and extract data. Data will be collated to provide a descriptive summary of the literature, along with a qualitative content analysis of key findings. Identified gaps in research will be accompanied by recommendations for future investigations.Ethics and disseminationFindings will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed journal and conference presentations. The scoping review does not require ethics approval.


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