Exploring the influence of a novel application for training and evaluating walking aid skills in walking aid users: A protocol for a pragmatic single-blind randomized controlled trial (Preprint)

Published: Jan. 10, 2025

Over 12% of the world's population and over 1 million Canadians use Walking Aids (WA) to assist mobility. Unsafe WA due lack training may lead injury risk falls. A novel interactive video-based feedback mobile application train fitting safe use, called ICanWALK©, was recently developed. The primary objective is explore efficacy skills on balance confidence users. Secondary objectives are influence mobility knowledge two-site single-blind pragmatic randomized controlled trial (RCT) proposed. Fifty-two adults who will be recruited through clinical community organizations. Participants complete measures (Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC, outcome), (6-Minute Walk test (6MWT), Timed up Go (TUG) fit (self-reported questionnaire) at baseline. then randomly assigned experimental (ICanWALK© app) or attention-matched control group (breathing activity app), two 20-minute sessions interacting with app. reassessed least 1-2 days later after intervention 4-weeks later. Analysis covariance (ANCOVA) performed for secondary outcomes using SPSS software. protocol second recruitment site approved by institutional review board June 10, 2024. feasibility study conducted from 2023 2024 included 27 participants across sites. At time submitting manuscript, in progress 12 have already been recruited. Using a approach, app hypothesized improve confidence, mobility, use. This structured educational program would balance, thus user's perception safety. Better should especially older adults, which increase independence social participation. Establishing an important first step before exploring how ICanWALK© used users clinicians settings. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05347875

Language: Английский

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There’s (not) an App for that: situating smartphones, Excel and the techno-political interfaces and infrastructures of digital solutions for COVID-19

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 12(1)

Published: Feb. 7, 2025

Language: Английский

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Handlungsempfehlungen zum Einsatz von Symptom-Checker-Apps im Gesundheitskontext – basierend auf den Ergebnissen aus dem Projekt CHECK.APP

Ethik in der Medizin, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 7, 2025

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Acceptability and Effectiveness of a Fully Web-Based Nutrition and Exercise Program for Individuals With Chronic Disease During COVID-19: Randomized Controlled Trial

Journal of Medical Internet Research, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 27, P. e57537 - e57537

Published: March 24, 2025

In-person nutrition and exercise interventions improve physical function in chronic diseases, yet the acceptability effectiveness of web-based delivery, especially with different levels personnel support, require further investigation. This study aims to evaluate a intervention delivered entirely digitally from recruitment trial completion. A randomized controlled was conducted using Heal-Me version 1 platform across 2 support (Light Intensive). Eligible adults history cancer, lung disease, or liver transplant; internet access; prior participation rehabilitation program were enrolled fully minimize barriers participation. Participants randomly assigned (1:1:1) 3 groups. The control group received detailed, self-directed digital guide. Light alongside dietitian specialist-led classes. Intensive intervention, classes, one-to-one sessions dietitians specialists. All participants wearable activity tracker. primary outcome adherence based on priori targets. change Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) score. Secondary outcomes included tests, which performed measured by videoconference. Questionnaires used assess well-being, quality life, food intake. Analyses adhered intention-to-treat principle. Of 216 participants, 202 (93.5%) completed (mean 61, SD 11 years; female: 130/202, 64.4%; cancer: 126/202, 62.4%). Adherence exceeded targets, 82% (105/128) attending >75% elements including postintervention tests. rated as "quite bit" "very" useful, similar ratings between (56/64, 88%) (51/58, groups (P=.69). No significant differences found for changes LEFS scores (control: mean 0.8, 7.7; Heal-Me: 0.3, 6.6; P=.53). Significant benefits favor combined versus controls 2-minute step test, World Health Organization-5 Well-Being Index, Short-Form-36 general, health role, energy fatigue scales, protein While arms, more intensive interaction (Heal-Me Intensive) led greater improvements perceived self-management. serious adverse events occurred. demonstrated satisfaction, adherence, highlight high web-based, semisupervised individuals disease. Future studies may benefit having baseline inclusion threshold, use sensitive measure, higher intensity exercise-experienced participants. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04666558; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04666558. RR2-10.1016/j.cct.2022.106791.

Language: Английский

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A qualitative study of students’ perspectives on barriers to and challenges in health informatics research in Iran

BMC Health Services Research, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 25(1)

Published: April 9, 2025

Health Informatics (HI) is a crucial field of study that combines computer science, medical and information science to develop produce systems software support healthcare providers. As multidisciplinary area, it presents specific challenges for research. This aimed identify the barriers faced by HI researchers. qualitative was conducted in 2023. The population consisted students from Information Management Medical who were actively engaged Data collection carried out through interviews using voice recorder, with process continuing until data saturation achieved. analysis performed content validity method. Barriers classified into four main themes 13 categories. categories included teaching, data, time, finances, relationships cooperation, individual factors, organizational aspects, project management, instruments infrastructure, cultural influences, methodological concerns, laws procedures. Research faces both global region-specific barriers, such as sanctions ambiguous roles within systems, necessitating international collaboration targeted policy frameworks. Strengthening problem-solving skills, fostering professional mentorship, adopting interdisciplinary approaches can enhance student engagement research quality. By emphasizing HI's critical role advancing leveraging successful case studies, opportunities innovation growth this be unlocked.

Language: Английский

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Positive impact of mobile educational platforms on blood glucose control in patients with nephrotic syndrome and steroid-induced diabetes mellitus: a randomized controlled study

BMC Endocrine Disorders, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 25(1)

Published: April 27, 2025

Steroid-induced diabetes mellitus (SDM) is a common complication in patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS) undergoing steroid therapy. Effective blood glucose control critical for improving outcomes these patients. This study evaluates the impact of mobile educational platforms on and patient adherence NS combined SDM. A randomised controlled was conducted involving 56 SDM at Shanxi People's Hospital between April 2019 December 2020. Participants were recruited using convenient sampling randomly assigned to either intervention group (n = 28) or 28). The received routine health management, whereas experimental provided management via platform. Blood levels (fasting postprandial glucose), self-management efficacy treatment assessed over 6-month period. participants included had mean age 69.0 ± 10.5 years an average duration 7.2 3.5 years. At end 6 months, showed significant reductions fasting (P < 0.001). Self-management efficacy, Diabetes Self-Efficacy Scale, improved significantly post-intervention (4.42 0.53 vs. 4.15 0.56, P 0.020). Additionally, by 25% compared group. use resulted better glycemic These findings suggest that integrating technologies into care can enhance disease optimise outcomes. retrospectively registered "ISRCTN23135945" 05/11/2024.

Language: Английский

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Strategic Approaches and Proven Methods in Smartphone Pandemic Applications: Examining Collaborative Efforts and Knowledge Sharing in Mobile App Best Practices and Solutions (Preprint)

Published: July 3, 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the crucial role of smartphone applications in managing public health crises, explicitly developed for lockdowns and social distancing. These apps faced challenges broad acceptance, trust, rapid integration sensitive medical data. COMPASS initiative, part German government's Network University Medicine (NUM) projects, aimed to establish a modular platform coordinated development use focusing on ease use, free availability, sustainability, data security, deployment. initiative sought create collaborative framework leveraging science, technology, legislative experience deploy efficient, effective, research-ready scenarios. In this viewpoint, we examine how utilized an interdisciplinary approach, combining expertise from nine university hospitals external partners develop app components, guidelines, templates management. project focused governance, best practices, regulatory ethical compliance, research compatibility, interoperability, technology platform. Data study like Mainz Gutenberg Study Covid-19 App SentiSurv were analyzed assess user engagement effectiveness. successfully implemented study-related applications, technical applied non-technical findings, generating nearly 1 million points with over 25,000 participants. Achievements included questionnaire editor, key component improvements, contributions projects digital InnovationHub CAEHR. emphasized protection, open-source solutions future crises. represents paradigm shift utilizing mobile management, integrating ethics, engagement, setting precedent innovations healthcare communication epidemic response.

Language: Английский

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Impact of the ActTeens Program on physical activity and fitness in adolescents: a cluster randomized controlled trial

BMC Pediatrics, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 24(1)

Published: July 11, 2024

Abstract Background The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact ActTeens Program on physical activity and health-related fitness among adolescents in Brazil. Methods “ActTeens Program” conducted using a cluster-randomized controlled trial during 24-week school term. sample consisted 317 (52.7% girls; 13.61 ± 0.70 years) from four secondary schools that were randomly assigned intervention group ( N = 169) or control 148). This school-based (PA) involved two components: (i) structured sessions delivered within education (PE) (ii) healthy lifestyle guidance (mHealth). primary outcome PA assessed Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A); outcomes included muscular (MF) cardiorespiratory (CRF) 90-push-up, handgrip dynamometer, standing long jump, 20 m PACER shuttle run test. Assessments at baseline, 12- 24-week. Intervention effects linear mixed models (LMM). Results For (PA), no significant group-by-time observed based-PA (0.3 score; 95%CI: -0.1; 0.6; − 0.01 -0.03; 0.03, 12-wk 24-wk respectively) total (-0.02 -0.2; 0.2; 0.01score; 0.2, 12 24 weeks respectively). After weeks, we by time lower body (12.9 cm; 95%CI, 3.2 22.2). Conclusion implementation aerobic muscle-strengthening exercises used did not lead improvements activity. resulted improved fitness, however, found differences upper fitness.

Language: Английский

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Acceptance of mobile application-based clinical guidelines among health professionals in Northwestern Ethiopia: A mixed-methods study

Digital Health, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 10

Published: Jan. 1, 2024

Background Globally, healthcare providers have faced significant difficulties in adhering to clinical guidelines. Applying mobile health systems is a crucial strategy for enhancing the dissemination and accessibility of This study aimed assess acceptance app-based primary guidelines associated factors among professionals central Gondar centers. Methods A cross-sectional supplemented with qualitative data was conducted on 403 workers. Data were collected using pre-test structured printed questionnaire entered into EpiData version 4.6. Analysis Stata 14, which included bivariable multivariable logistic regression analyses. For data, thematic analysis Open Code v.4.2. Results Approximately 28% (95% confidence interval (CI): 23%–32%) had utilized The availability IT support (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.51, 95% CI: 1.82–6.78), good knowledge (AOR 3.46, 1.5–6.78), perceived usefulness 2.21, 1.00–4.99), m-Health app exposure 2.34, 1.2–4.50), ease use 5.77, 2.50–13.32) significantly guideline. In lack training supervision access smartphones barriers Conclusion summary, currently low. However, it can be increased by improving workplace, offering supervision, smartphones.

Language: Английский

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Development of an mHealth App by Experts for Queer Individuals’ Sexual-Reproductive Health Care Services and Needs: Nominal Group Technique Study

JMIR Formative Research, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 8, P. e59963 - e59963

Published: Aug. 21, 2024

Background Queer individuals continue to be marginalized in South Africa; they experience various health care challenges (eg, stigma, discrimination, prejudice, harassment, and humiliation), mental issues suicide depression), an increased spread of HIV or AIDS sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs; chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis). Mobile (mHealth) apps have the potential resolve deficits experienced by providers when managing queer accessing sexual-reproductive services needs, thus ensuring inclusivity promotion well-being. Studies proven that nominal group technique (NGT) could used solve different social problems develop innovative solutions. This ensures voices are represented during decision-making processes leads robust results. Objective study aims identify important contents include development mHealth app for addressing needs individuals. Methods We invited a 13 experts from fields, such as researchers, activists, sexual reproductive experts, private practicing providers, innovators, stakeholders, take part face-to-face NGT. The NGT was conducted form workshop with 1 moderator, 2 research assistants, principal investigator. lasted approximately hours 46 minutes 55 seconds. followed applied 5 steps reach consensus. main question were expected answer follows: Which content should included individuals? guided user demographics background, education information, privacy security, accessibility inclusivity, functionality menu options, personalization engagement, service integration partnerships, feedback improvement, cultural sensitivity ethical considerations, legal regulatory compliance, connectivity data use. Results Overall, voted ranked following icons: options (66 points), security (39 engagement (27 information hub (26 (20 (16 partnerships (10 functionalities (7 points). Conclusions Conducting possessing vast skill sets, knowledge, expertise, enabled us obtain targeted on address approach emphasized usefulness multidisciplinary perspective inform our demonstrated future need continuity using this other digital innovations interventions.

Language: Английский

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