A Collaborative m-Health Platform for Evidence-Based Self-Management and Detection of Chronic Multimorbidity Development and Progression

Author(s):  
Kostas Giokas ◽  
Panagiotis Katrakazas ◽  
Dimitris Koutsouris

The ageing process of EU population has played a key role raising the prevalence of chronic disease, with more than 80% of people in the last age group (65-74) reported to be having three or more long-term Multimorbidity or Multiple Chronic Conditions (MCCs). The main problem is that currently, clinicians have limited guidance, as well as evidence of how to approach care decisions for such patients. As a consequence, the understanding of how to best take care of patients with multimorbidity conditions, may lead to improvements in Quality of Life (QoL), utilization of healthcare, safety, morbidity and mortality. The root of this problem is not narrowly confined to guidelines development and application, but is inherent throughout the translational path from the generation of evidence to the synthesis of the evidence upon which guidelines depend.

Author(s):  
Kostas Giokas ◽  
Panagiotis Katrakazas ◽  
Dimitris Koutsouris

The ageing process of EU population has played a key role raising the prevalence of chronic disease, with more than 80% of people in the last age group (65-74) reported to be having three or more long-term Multimorbidity or Multiple Chronic Conditions (MCCs). The main problem is that currently, clinicians have limited guidance, as well as evidence of how to approach care decisions for such patients. As a consequence, the understanding of how to best take care of patients with multimorbidity conditions, may lead to improvements in Quality of Life (QoL), utilization of healthcare, safety, morbidity and mortality. The root of this problem is not narrowly confined to guidelines development and application, but is inherent throughout the translational path from the generation of evidence to the synthesis of the evidence upon which guidelines depend.


2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 459 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beverley Ann Burrell ◽  
Jennifer Jordan ◽  
Marie Crowe ◽  
Amanda Wilkinson ◽  
Jonathan Williman ◽  
...  

Rationale, aims and objectives: Health management strategies are aimed at promoting self-management, healthy lifestyle choices to improve health status and quality of life while addressing cost-effectiveness in health services. We aimed to develop a Life-balance Self-management Programme (LBSP) to test whether taking a trans-diagnostic approach to education combined with presenting mindfulness concepts would enhance self-management with older people with at least one long term condition. This study aimed to test the feasibility of the LBSP in terms of its recruitment strategies, suitability of data collection tools and procedures and if it was acceptable to those receiving it via surveys. Methods: The study utilized a descriptive pre/post-test intervention design. Participants sought were community-based older adults (aged 65+) living with at least one long-term condition and resident in Canterbury, New Zealand. The data analysis was descriptive, correlation between baseline and follow-up were determined.Results: Participants (n=10) reported that they had learnt from the intervention, had adjusted approaches for healthier living and improved self-managing skills. Nil attrition supported the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention.A high correlation was found between measures taken at baseline and at 3 month post-intervention, suggesting meaningful change could be detected within a modest sample size. Conclusion The LBSP, based on empirical and theoretical knowledge, is feasible for trans-diagnostic groups of community-based older adults living with chronic disease. A larger intervention study is planned to test quality of life and functioning as the main outcomes of the programme promoting self-management and to adequately assess effectiveness


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca O’Hara ◽  
Heather Rowe ◽  
Jane Fisher

Abstract STUDY QUESTION What self-management factors are associated with quality of life among women with endometriosis? SUMMARY ANSWER Greater self-efficacy was associated with improved physical and mental quality of life. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Women with endometriosis have an impaired quality of life compared to the general female population. However, most studies have investigated quality of life in a hospital or clinic setting rather than a community setting and the association between self-management factors and quality of life have not, to date, been investigated. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A cross-sectional, population-based online survey was performed, which was advertised through women’s, community and endometriosis-specific groups. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS A total of 620 women completed the survey for this study. Mental and physical quality of life was assessed using the standardized SF36v2 questionnaire. Self-management factors included self-efficacy, partners in health (active involvement in managing the condition) and performance of self-care activities. Treatment approaches included the use of hormonal treatment, pain medications and complementary therapies and whether the participant had a chronic disease management plan. Hierarchical regression analyses were used to examine whether self-management and treatment factors were associated with quality of life. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Both physical and mental quality of life were significantly lower among women with endometriosis compared to the mean scores of the general Australian female population (P < 0.001). Physical quality of life was positively associated with income sufficiency (P < 0.001) and greater self-efficacy (P < 0.001), but negatively associated with age (P < 0.001), pain severity (P < 0.001), use of prescription medications (P < 0.001), having a chronic disease management plan (P < 0.05) and number of self-care activities (P < 0.05). Mental quality of life was positively associated with being older (P < 0.001), partnered (P < 0.001), having a university education (P < 0.05), increasing self-efficacy (P < 0.001) and higher partners in health scores (P < 0.001). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Results are derived from a cross-sectional study and can only be interpreted as associations not as causal relationships. The sample was more educated, more likely to speak English and be born in Australia than the general Australian female population of the same age, which may influence the generalizability of these results. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study investigated a knowledge gap by investigating quality of life of women with endometriosis in a large community sample. Self-efficacy was significantly associated with both physical and mental quality of life. Supporting women with endometriosis to improve self-efficacy through a structured chronic disease management programme may lead to improvements in this aspect of wellbeing. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) R.O. undertook this research as part of her PhD at Monash University, which was supported by an Australian Government Research Training Program Stipend. J.F. is the Finkel Professor of Global Public Health, which was supported by the Finkel Family Foundation. There are no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NA.


Author(s):  
Jemma E Reid ◽  
Samar Reghunandanan ◽  
Ann Roberts ◽  
Naomi A Fineberg

This chapter reviews standard pharmacological treatments for OCD and the evidence supporting them. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) remain the pharmacological treatment of choice and are associated with improved health-related quality of life. Improvements are usually sustained over time as long as treatment is continued. Discontinuation is associated with relapse and loss of quality of life, implying that treatment should continue long-term. A substantial minority of patients who fail to respond to SSRIs may benefit from dose elevation, switch to clomipramine, or adjunctive antipsychotic, though long-term trials validating the effectiveness and tolerability of these strategies are relatively lacking.


2012 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 530-539 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fannie Gaston-Johansson ◽  
Jane M. Fall-Dickson ◽  
Joy P. Nanda ◽  
Elisabeth Kenne Sarenmalm ◽  
Maria Browall ◽  
...  

BMC Nursing ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Harmieke van Os-Medendorp ◽  
Elfie Deprez ◽  
Nele Maes ◽  
Sheila Ryan ◽  
Karina Jackson ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of key aspects of specialised dermatology nursing practice in the management of patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. The role of dermatology nurse specialists in supporting patients and promoting disease understanding, education and treatment adherence continues to evolve. As features of specialised nursing care can also inform other nursing staff in a wide range of care settings, an overview of key components is examined. Observations presented are from a pan-European perspective and represent the collected view of a group of dermatology nurse specialists, dermatologists and patient advocates following two round-table discussions. Main body Atopic dermatitis is a common, chronic, inflammatory disease characterised by erythematous/scaling skin lesions, with often intense pruritus. Disease course is cyclic with periodic disease flares of varying intensity, presenting management challenges to patients and families. Dermatology nurse specialists play a key role in providing education and substantial patient support to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life to patients and their family, delivered within a multidisciplinary team framework. Nurse-led education and 'eczema schools’ are of benefit in reducing disease severity and improving quality of life by enhancing self-management, adherence and patient engagement. eHealth tools, such as patient portals or online training platforms, can provide online learning, individualised education, and help to improve engagement. These and other initiatives, such as written action plans, are all essential to improve or maintain treatment adherence, self-management and quality of life. Conclusions Dermatology nurse specialists play a central role in the assessment and management of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis patients and families. This places them in an ideal position to build strong and often long-term relationships with patients and parents. Such engagement promotes trust, assists in setting realistic expectations of treatment and outcomes, and enhances self-management and engagement in their own care. Providing emotional support, as well as formal and systematic education (including individualised practical advice) all contribute to improved treatment adherence and can enhance the quality of life of patients and their families throughout the course of this long-term condition.


Author(s):  
Sajjad Saadat ◽  
Mehrdad Kalantari ◽  
Mohammad Bagher Kajbaf ◽  
Mozaffar Osseininezhad

Introdution: Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease in the nervous system; It has many problems due to its chronic and promising nature. The treatment of this disease includes medical care and empowerment interventions for symptom management. The purpose of this study was to review the empowerment interventions in these patients. Methods: This study was conducted in a Systematic Reviewperiod from January 2000 to June 2018. On indexing sites “Magiran, PubMed, Google Scholar and Science Direct” searched the key words of Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Disease, Quality of Life, Self-care, Self-management, Rehabilitation, Empowerment, Psychotherapy, Psychological interventions, Clinical Trials, and Randomized Clinical Trial. Out of 1855 articles found, 33 articles were selected for review. Results: The results of this study showed that empowerment interventions in people with MS can be divided into four categories of self-care, self-management, rehabilitation and psychotherapy interventions. Lack of attention to empowerment interventions in people with MS, especially in the Iran, low attention to male patients in implementing interventions, failure to consider the theoretical framework in the formulation of interventions, lack of follow-up test and non-use of virtual intervention methods (Such as using DVDs, consulting and telephone training, etc.) in Iranian studies, is one of the most respected points in previous studies. Conclusion: Empowerment studies have provided significant results in reducing symptoms and improving the quality of life of patients, which can help improve these interventions by considering some of the points.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin E Michalak ◽  
Emma Morton ◽  
Steven J Barnes ◽  
Rachelle Hole ◽  
Greg Murray ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Self-management is increasingly recognized as an important method through which individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) may cope with symptoms and improve quality of life. Digital health technologies have strong potential as a method to support the application of evidence-informed self-management strategies in BD. Little is known, however, about how to most effectively maximize user engagement with digital platforms. OBJECTIVE The aims of this study were (1) to create an innovative Web-based Bipolar Wellness Centre, (2) to conduct a mixed-methods (ie, quantitative and qualitative) evaluation to assess the impact of different sorts of engagement (ie, knowledge translation [KT]), and (3) to support engagement with the self-management information in the Bipolar Wellness Centre. METHODS The project was implemented in 2 phases. In phase 1, community-based participatory research and user-centered design methods were used to develop a website (Bipolar Wellness Centre) housing evidence-informed tools and strategies for self-management of BD. In phase 2, a mixed-methods evaluation was conducted to explore the potential impact of 4 KT strategies (Web-based webinars, Web-based videos, Web-based one-to-one Living Library peer support, and in-person workshops). Quantitative assessments occurred at 2 time points—preintervention and 3 weeks postintervention. Purposive sampling was used to recruit a subsample of participants for the qualitative interviews, ensuring each KT modality was represented, and interviews occurred approximately 3 weeks postintervention. RESULTS A total of 94 participants were included in the quantitative analysis. Responses to evaluative questions about engagement were broadly positive. When averaged across the 4 KT strategies, significant improvements were observed on the Bipolar Recovery Questionnaire (F1,77=5.887; P=.02) and Quality of Life in Bipolar Disorder (F1,77=8.212; P=.005). Nonsignificant improvements in positive affect and negative affect were also observed. The sole difference that emerged between KT strategies related to the Chronic Disease Self-Efficacy measure, which decreased after participation in the webinar and video arms but increased after the Living Library and workshop arms. A subsample of 43 participants was included in the qualitative analyses, with the majority of participants describing positive experiences with the 4 KT strategies; peer contact was emphasized as a benefit across all strategies. Infrequent negative experiences were reported in relation to the webinar and video strategies, and included technical difficulties, the academic tone of webinars, and feeling unable to relate to the actor in the videos. CONCLUSIONS This study adds incremental evidence to a growing literature that suggests digital health technologies can provide effective support for self-management for people with BD. The finding that KT strategies could differentially impact chronic disease self-efficacy (hypothesized as being a product of differences in degree of peer contact) warrants further exploration. Implications of the findings for the development of evidence-informed apps for BD are discussed in this paper.


Author(s):  
Maanickha Chelvi ◽  
Rajesh Kumar ◽  
Rajendra Kumar A

<p>ABSTRACT<br />Introduction: Siddha medicine, one among the ancient indigenous medical systems of India, has a repository of classical formulations as internal<br />medication and various other unique techniques/therapies as external usage. Varmam is one among such therapies used to treat multiple ailments,<br />especially related to musculoskeletal and neurological deficits. Sometimes, varmam therapy is used along with internal medications and external<br />applications as well.<br />Objective: Adhesive capsulitis or periarthritis may be correlated with kumbavatham which is one of the vatha diseases mentioned in the Siddha<br />literature Yugi Vaithya Chinthamani. Kumbavatham is one of the most common rheumatological problems in old age group, especially those in<br />diabetic participants. It is the most common long-term complication next to osteoarthritis in diabetes mellitus patients.<br />Methods: The present intervention was done in kumbavatham patients who volunteered to undergo the varmam therapy with regular outpatient<br />department medications, and the results were presented. The effect of varmam therapy on kumbavatham was assessed in accordance with shoulder<br />pain and disability index.<br />Result and Conclusion: The result of the current study concludes that the varmam therapy might be useful in the management of kumbavatham<br />diseases and thus improves the quality of life of the patients.<br />Keywords: Kumbavatham, Adhesive capsulitis, Varmam therapy, Diabetes mellitus, Siddha.</p>


2019 ◽  
Vol 119 (10) ◽  
pp. 1632-1641 ◽  
Author(s):  
Una Ørvim Sølvik ◽  
Elisabeth Løkkebø ◽  
Ann Helen Kristoffersen ◽  
Ellen Brodin ◽  
Maria Averina ◽  
...  

Background Studies from several countries show that self-management of vitamin K antagonist (e.g., warfarin) therapy reduce the risk of complications compared with conventional management. Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the quality of warfarin management when patients were transferred from conventional management to self-management in Norway. In addition, quality of life (QoL) before and after 2 years of warfarin self-management was investigated. Materials and Methods The study was longitudinal with a retrospective and prospective design where 126 patients on conventional management of long-term warfarin therapy underwent a 21-week training program of warfarin self-management followed by 2 years of self-management. The outcomes of the study were time in therapeutic range (TTR), the variance of international normalized ratio (INR) values, extreme INR values (INR ≤ 1.5 and ≥ 5), complications, and QoL, comparing the 2-year period of the conventional management with the 2-year period with the self-management. Results The median TTR was higher during self-management compared with conventional management (78.1% vs. 65.9%, respectively, p < 0.001). In addition, self-management resulted in lower INR variance (0.22 vs. 0.33, p < 0.001), reduced percentage of extreme INR values (1.8% vs. 5.3%, p < 0.001), less complications (0% vs. 5.6%), and improved QoL (p < 0.001) compared with conventional management. Conclusion We used five different measures and found improved quality of warfarin self-management 2 years after patients were transferred from the conventional management.


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