scholarly journals Assessment of mHealth Solutions Applied to Fall Detection for the Elderly

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fellipe Soares de Oliveira ◽  
Camila Carvalho da Silva ◽  
Talita Santos Pinheiro ◽  
Larissa Mayumi Yokoi ◽  
Pablo Deoclecia dos Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Fall Detection ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Assessment Methods ◽  
Rigorous Evaluation ◽  
Wide Availability

Mobile Health has been increasingly present in healthcare due to the wide availability of applications for smartphones, however, robust assessment methods must be considered, seeking to provide evidence for clinical practice and mHealth solutions. This research presents the assessment of applications aimed at detecting and preventing falls for the elderly, available for Android and IOS, through the Mobile App Rating Scale. Based on the results presented, it can be concluded that the fall detection and prevention applications for the elderly available for Android and IOS showed good quality after rigorous evaluation.

Nick Noguez and Michael Gonzalez Discuss their Research Project: Are Social Features in Mobile Health Apps Effective in Engaging Users? A Content Analysis of Smoking Cessation Mobile Apps

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nick Noguez And Michael Gonzalez
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
Social Features ◽  
Mobile Health Apps

  Despite the ubiquity of smartphone ownership and the increasing integration of social engagement features in smoking cessation apps to engage users, thesocial engagement features that exist in current smoking cessation apps and how effective these social features are in engaging users remain unclear. To fill the gap in the literature, a content analysis of free and paid smoking cessation mobile apps isconducted to examine a) the presence of socialengagement features(e.g., social support, social announcement, social referencing) and non-social engagement features (e.g., personal environmental changes, goal setting), and b) their relationship with user ratingsand engagement scores (e.g., Mobile App rating scale [MARS]). The findings will not only extend the mobile health apps engagement typology,but also inform smoking cessation mobile apps design.

scholarly journals Promoting Health via Mobile Health Applications: Adaptation and Validation of a French Version of the Mobile App Rating Scale (Preprint)

10.2196/30480 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ina Saliasi ◽  
Prescilla Martinon ◽  
Emily Darlington ◽  
Colette Smentek ◽  
Delphine Tardivo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Health ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
French Version ◽  
Mobile Health Applications ◽  
Health Applications

scholarly journals 1634. A Mobile Application for Management and Surveillance of Vector-borne Diseases in Cali, Colombia: An Evaluation of Usability and Acceptability in a Hospital Setting

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S596-S596
Author(s):  
Sarita Rodriguez ◽  
Ana M Sanz ◽  
Gonzalo Llano ◽  
Andres Navarro ◽  
Luis Gabriel Parra-Lara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Practitioners ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Hospital Setting ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Vector Borne Diseases ◽  
Vector Borne

Abstract Background Vector-borne diseases are a public health problem in Colombia, an area that has become hyperendemic for dengue virus. This situation has been aggravated by the introduction of other arboviruses such as chikungunya and Zika in the last 3 years. Mobile health (mHealth) offers new strategies for strengthening healthcare and surveillance systems. A large number of mHealth tools are available; however, very few have been evaluated regarding usability and acceptability. This study aimed to evaluate the usability and acceptability of a mobile application, FeverDX, as a support tool in the management of patients with febrile syndrome and suspected vector-borne infection by general practitioners from Colombia. Methods The usability and acceptability of FeverDX were evaluated using the modified version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS). The evaluation included aspects of content, user engagement, functionality, user-interface design, impact, and subjective quality. Results Between December 2016 and January 2017, a total of 20 general practitioners evaluated FeverDX. Seventy-five percent of the evaluators reported being aware of the Colombian Ministry of Health guidelines for diagnosis and management of arboviruses. 80% of evaluators partially or completely agreed the application information agreed with management guidelines. On uMARS scale, FeverDX excelled regarding impact (median = 5/5, IQR = 5–5); functionality (5/5, 4.8–5); and information and scientific basis (4/5, 4-4). FeverDX scored well regarding user feedback (median = 4/5, IQR = 4–4.5); design and esthetics (4/5, 4–4.3); and subjective assessment of quality (4.5/5, 4.3–4.8). Conclusion Despite a large number of mHealth tools available, the literature lacks evaluated and evidence-based mobile technology. Applying Information and Communications Technologies in health areas can strengthen care processes and facilitate the detection and reporting of reportable surveillance diseases. Assess the usability and acceptability of mobile health applications increases the reliability of these technologies. The mobile app, FeverDx, can improve adherence to guidelines for management and prevention of prevalent diseases. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals A Possible Mobile Health Solution in Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery: Development Protocol and User Evaluation of the Ankle Joint App (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florian Dittrich ◽  
David Alexander Back ◽  
Anna Katharina Harren ◽  
Marcus Jäger ◽  
Stefan Landgraeber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ankle Joint ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Interrater Reliability ◽  
Development Process ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Ankle Sprains ◽  
Rehabilitation Programs ◽  
Medical App ◽  
The Mean

BACKGROUND Ankle sprains are one of the most frequent sports injuries. With respect to the high prevalence of ankle ligament injuries and patients’ young age, optimizing treatment and rehabilitation is mandatory to prevent future complications such as chronic ankle instability or osteoarthritis. OBJECTIVE In modern times, an increasing amount of smartphone usage in patient care is evident. Studies investigating mobile health (mHealth)–based rehabilitation programs after ankle sprains are rare. The aim of this study was to expose any issues present in the development process of a medical app as well as associated risks and chances. METHODS The development process of the Ankle Joint App was defined in chronological order using a protocol. The app’s quality was evaluated using the (user) German Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS-G) by voluntary foot and ankle surgeons (n=20) and voluntary athletes (n=20). RESULTS A multidisciplinary development team built a hybrid app with a corresponding backend structure. The app’s content provides actual medical literature, training videos, and a log function. Excellent interrater reliability (interrater reliability=0.92; 95% CI 0.86-0.96) was obtained. The mean overall score for the Ankle Joint App was 4.4 (SD 0.5). The mean subjective quality scores were 3.6 (surgeons: SD 0.7) and 3.8 (athletes: SD 0.5). Behavioral change had mean scores of 4.1 (surgeons: SD 0.7) and 4.3 (athletes: SD 0.7). The medical gain value, rated by the surgeons only, was 3.9 (SD 0.6). CONCLUSIONS The data obtained demonstrate that mHealth-based rehabilitation programs might be a useful tool for patient education and collection of personal data. The achieved (user) MARS-G scores support a high quality of the tested app. Medical app development with an a priori defined target group and a precisely intended purpose, in a multidisciplinary team, is highly promising. Follow-up studies are required to obtain funded evidence for the ankle joints app’s effects on economical and medical aspects in comparison with established nondigital therapy paths.

scholarly journals A Possible Mobile Health Solution in Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery: Development Protocol and User Evaluation of the Ankle Joint App

10.2196/16403 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. e16403
Author(s):  
Florian Dittrich ◽  
David Alexander Back ◽  
Anna Katharina Harren ◽  
Marcus Jäger ◽  
Stefan Landgraeber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ankle Joint ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Interrater Reliability ◽  
Development Process ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Ankle Sprains ◽  
Rehabilitation Programs ◽  
Medical App ◽  
The Mean

Background Ankle sprains are one of the most frequent sports injuries. With respect to the high prevalence of ankle ligament injuries and patients’ young age, optimizing treatment and rehabilitation is mandatory to prevent future complications such as chronic ankle instability or osteoarthritis. Objective In modern times, an increasing amount of smartphone usage in patient care is evident. Studies investigating mobile health (mHealth)–based rehabilitation programs after ankle sprains are rare. The aim of this study was to expose any issues present in the development process of a medical app as well as associated risks and chances. Methods The development process of the Ankle Joint App was defined in chronological order using a protocol. The app’s quality was evaluated using the (user) German Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS-G) by voluntary foot and ankle surgeons (n=20) and voluntary athletes (n=20). Results A multidisciplinary development team built a hybrid app with a corresponding backend structure. The app’s content provides actual medical literature, training videos, and a log function. Excellent interrater reliability (interrater reliability=0.92; 95% CI 0.86-0.96) was obtained. The mean overall score for the Ankle Joint App was 4.4 (SD 0.5). The mean subjective quality scores were 3.6 (surgeons: SD 0.7) and 3.8 (athletes: SD 0.5). Behavioral change had mean scores of 4.1 (surgeons: SD 0.7) and 4.3 (athletes: SD 0.7). The medical gain value, rated by the surgeons only, was 3.9 (SD 0.6). Conclusions The data obtained demonstrate that mHealth-based rehabilitation programs might be a useful tool for patient education and collection of personal data. The achieved (user) MARS-G scores support a high quality of the tested app. Medical app development with an a priori defined target group and a precisely intended purpose, in a multidisciplinary team, is highly promising. Follow-up studies are required to obtain funded evidence for the ankle joints app’s effects on economical and medical aspects in comparison with established nondigital therapy paths.

scholarly journals A Content Analysis of Free, Popular Plant-Based Mobile Health Apps

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1003-1003
Author(s):  
Jennifer Lee ◽  
Mavra Ahmed ◽  
Rim Mouhaffel ◽  
Mary L'Abbe
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Acquisition ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Quality Score ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Search Term ◽  
Mhealth Apps

Abstract Objectives There has been an increased emphasis on plant-based foods and diets in numerous dietary guidelines worldwide. Although mobile technology has the potential to be a convenient and cost-effective tool to aid adherence to dietary guidelines, little is known about the content and the quality of available mobile Apps on plant-based diets. Therefore, the objective of the study was to assess free, popular mobile health (mHealth) Apps supporting plant-based diets for Canadians. Methods Using pre-defined search terms, Apple iTunes and GooglePlay App stores were searched on December 22, 2020; the top 100 returns for each search term were screened for eligibility. Free and popular (≥3 out of 5 ratings; ≥100 total reviews) mHealth Apps available in English, primarily marketed to help users follow plant-based diets were included. Included Apps were downloaded and assessed for quality by three research assistants/dietitians using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) and the App Quality Evaluation (AQEL) tool. Results Of the 998 Apps screened, 16 Apps (mean ratings ± SEM = 4.5 ± 0.08) met the eligibility criteria for assessment, comprising 10 recipe manager and meal planners, 2 food scanners, 2 vegan community builders, 1 restaurant identifier, and 1 sustainability-focused App. All included Apps targeted the general population and focused on changing behaviours using education (14 Apps), skills training (14 Apps), and/or goal setting (5 Apps). Vegan, vegetarian or other plant-based (e.g., pescatarian, flexitarian) settings were available in 13 Apps, while 3 Apps offered no plant-based diet settings. The MARS (rated out of 5) revealed a high overall App quality score (3.84 ± 0.66) and subjective quality score (3.63 ± 0.62), but low credibility score (2.09 ± 0.36). The AQEL (rated out of 10) revealed high scores in App function (8.29 ± 0.47), purpose (8.11 ± 0.39), and behavioral change potential (8.35 ± 0.45), but a low score in support of knowledge acquisition (4.82 ± 0.43). Conclusions Although a variety of free plant-based Apps with different focuses and behavioural change techniques are available to help Canadians follow plant-based diets, our findings suggest a need for credible Apps and other resources to complement the low support of knowledge acquisition in plant-based Apps. Funding Sources Banting & Best Diabetes Centre.

Validity of the Elderly Behavior Assessment for Relatives (EBAR)

2000 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lina Pezzuti ◽  
Caterina Laicardi ◽  
Marco Lauriola
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Mini Mental State Examination ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Good Health ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Behavior Assessment ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Behavior Rating Scale ◽  
Components Analysis ◽  
State Examination

Summary: An Elderly Behavior Assessment for Relatives (EBAR), updating the GERRI ( Schwartz, 1983 ), was administered to relatives (or significant others) of 349 elderly persons, from 60 to over 80 years of age, living at home, in good health and without cognitive impairment. A trained psychologist administered subjects the Life Satisfaction for Elderly Scale (LSES), the Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL), the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), and personally answered to an overall elderly behavior rating scale (RA). EBAR items were first examined. The more attractive and less discriminative statements were excluded. A principal components analysis was carried out on the remaining EBAR items. Three factors were extracted. After varimax rotation they were tentatively labeled: Everyday Cognitive Functioning, Depression, and Hostility. Factor-driven EBAR subscales were designed, taking into account simpler items in the factor matrix. Results provide evidence for EBAR construct validity. Everyday Cognitive Functioning is connected to the IADL and the RA scores; Depression is very highly related to the LSES; Hostility is weakly related to RA, IADL, and MMSE, indicating that the scale needs further investigation.

Application of mobile health to support the elderly during the COVID-19 outbreak: A systematic literature review (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saeedeh Fehresti ◽  
Elham Monaghesh
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Mental Health Consultation ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Current Crisis ◽  
Health Service Provision ◽  
Positive Effects

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 outbreak has affected the elderly's physical and mental health. The application of information and communication technology, such as mobile health (m-health), can play a significant role in combating this pandemic by changing the behavior and lifestyle of the elderly during this time of crisis. OBJECTIVE This systematic review aimed to synthesize m-health capabilities in providing health services to the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to identify the factors associated with the success of these tools. METHODS To find the relevant studies, a search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, and Google Scholar. The inclusion criteria were: studies in English that used m-health intervention in all aspects of elderly healthcare during the COVID-19 outbreak, published in peer-reviewed journals from 31 December 2019, and had any research design and methodology. Two authors independently took all the steps of this review, and finally performed narrative synthesis to report the findings. RESULTS Our initial search identified 421 studies, of which 10 met the inclusion criteria. The data analysis showed that all the m-health interventions had positive effects on the health of the elderly. The m-health services for the elderly during the current pandemic were used for therapy, information provision, self-help, monitoring, and mental health consultation purposes. The results also indicated that various factors affected the elderly's use of m-health tools. CONCLUSIONS The application of m-health keeps the elderly and healthcare providers safe, accelerates health service provision, reduces the costs of service delivery, and decreases the risk of morbidity and mortality during the COVID-19 outbreak. The successful use of m-health tools for the elderly in health programs during the current crisis greatly depends on supporting the elderly and overcoming the barriers.

scholarly journals AnkFall—Falls, Falling Risks and Daily-Life Activities Dataset with an Ankle-Placed Accelerometer and Training Using Recurrent Neural Networks

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 1889
Author(s):  
Francisco Luna-Perejón ◽  
Luis Muñoz-Saavedra ◽  
Javier Civit-Masot ◽  
Anton Civit ◽  
Manuel Domínguez-Morales
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Person ◽  
Fall Detection ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Daily Life Activities ◽  
Learning Classifier ◽  
The People ◽  
Activity Types ◽  
Remote Monitoring Systems ◽  
Secondary Study

Falls are one of the leading causes of permanent injury and/or disability among the elderly. When these people live alone, it is convenient that a caregiver or family member visits them periodically. However, these visits do not prevent falls when the elderly person is alone. Furthermore, in exceptional circumstances, such as a pandemic, we must avoid unnecessary mobility. This is why remote monitoring systems are currently on the rise, and several commercial solutions can be found. However, current solutions use devices attached to the waist or wrist, causing discomfort in the people who wear them. The users also tend to forget to wear the devices carried in these positions. Therefore, in order to prevent these problems, the main objective of this work is designing and recollecting a new dataset about falls, falling risks and activities of daily living using an ankle-placed device obtaining a good balance between the different activity types. This dataset will be a useful tool for researchers who want to integrate the fall detector in the footwear. Thus, in this work we design the fall-detection device, study the suitable activities to be collected, collect the dataset from 21 users performing the studied activities and evaluate the quality of the collected dataset. As an additional and secondary study, we implement a simple Deep Learning classifier based on this data to prove the system’s feasibility.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document