scholarly journals Patients and clinicians’ vision of a future Internet-of-things (IoT) systems to support asthma self-management: a mixed method study from the A4A+ group (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chi Yan Hui ◽  
Hilary Pinnock ◽  
Brian McKinstry ◽  
Olivia Fulton ◽  
Mark Buchner

BACKGROUND Supported self-management for asthma reduces acute attacks and improves control. The Internet-of-Things (IoT) could connect patients to their healthcare providers, the community services and their living environment to provide over-arching support for self-management. OBJECTIVE We aimed to identify patients’ and clinicians’ preferences for a future IoT system and explore their vision of its potential to support holistic self-management. METHODS We recruited patients from volunteer databases and charities’ social media. We purposively sampled participants for interviews about their vision of the design and utility of the IoT as a future strategy for supporting self-management; other respondents completed an online questionnaire about the features they wanted. Clinicians were recruited from professional networks. Interviews were transcribed and analysed thematically with reference to the PRISMS self-management taxonomy. RESULTS We interviewed twelve patients and twelve clinicians in the UK. 140 patients completed the questionnaires. Patients mostly wanted the system to log their asthma automatically and provide real-time advice to help them learn about their asthma, identify and avoid triggers and to advise on treatment adjustment and other actions. Peak flow (23.6%), environmental (pollen, humidity/air temperature) (23.6%), and asthma symptoms (17.9%) were the top three data types that patients most wanted. Information about asthma and text/email access to clinical advice, provided a feeling of ‘safety’ for patients. Clinicians wanted automated, objective logs about patients’ conditions that they could access during consultations. The potential reduction in face-to-face consultations was appreciated by clinicians, potentially saving patients’ travel time and health service resources. Lifestyle logs of fitness regimes or weight control were valued by some patients, though of less interest to clinicians. CONCLUSIONS An IoT system can address the range of components needed to support self-management for people with asthma. An automated IoT system requiring minimal input from the user could improve health outcomes and potentially conserve healthcare resources.

10.2196/22432 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. e22432
Author(s):  
Chi Yan Hui ◽  
Brian McKinstry ◽  
Olivia Fulton ◽  
Mark Buchner ◽  
Hilary Pinnock

Background Supported self-management for asthma reduces acute attacks and improves control. The internet of things could connect patients to health care providers, community services, and their living environments to provide overarching support for self-management. Objective We aimed to identify patients’ and clinicians’ preferences for a future internet-of-things system and explore their visions of its potential to support holistic self-management. Methods In an exploratory sequential mixed methods study, we recruited patients from volunteer databases and charities’ social media. We purposively sampled participants to interview them about their vision of the design and utility of the internet of things as a future strategy for supporting self-management. Respondents who were not invited to participate in the interviews were invited to complete a web-based questionnaire to prioritize the features suggested by the interviewees. Clinicians were recruited from professional networks. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed thematically using PRISMS self-management taxonomy. Results We interviewed 12 patients and 12 clinicians in the United Kingdom, and 140 patients completed the web-based questionnaires. Patients expressed mostly wanting a system to log their asthma control status automatically; provide real-time advice to help them learn about their asthma, identify and avoid triggers, and adjust their treatment. Peak flow (33/140, 23.6%), environmental (pollen, humidity, air temperature) (33/140, 23.6%), and asthma symptoms (25/140, 17.9%) were the specific data types that patient most wanted. Information about asthma and text or email access to clinical advice provided a feeling of safety for patients. Clinicians wanted automated objective data about the patients’ condition that they could access during consultations. The potential reduction in face-to-face consultations was appreciated by clinicians which they perceived could potentially save patients’ travel time and health service resources. Lifestyle logs of fitness regimes or weight control were valued by some patients but were of less interest to clinicians. Conclusions An automated internet-of-things system that requires minimal input from the user and provides timely advice in line with an asthma action plan agreed by the patient with their clinician was preferred by most respondents. Links to asthma information and the ability to connect with clinicians by text or email were perceived by patients as features that would provide a sense of safety. Further studies are needed to evaluate the usability and effectiveness of internet-of-things systems in routine clinical practice.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meghan Bradway ◽  
Rebecca L Morris ◽  
Alain Giordanengo ◽  
Eirik Årsand

Abstract Background: Individuals with diabetes are using mobile health (mHealth) to make and track their decisions regarding self-management. However, individuals can understand even more about their diabetes by sharing these patient-gathered data (PGD) with health professionals. We conducted experience-based co-design (EBCD) workshops, with the aim of gathering end-users’ needs and expectations for a PGD-sharing system. Methods: The first workshop (2017) included patients with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) (n=4) and general practitioners (GPs) (n=3). The second workshop (2018) included patients with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) (n=5), diabetes specialists (n=2) and a nurse. The workshops involved two sessions: separate morning sessions for patients and healthcare providers (HCPs), followed by a joint lunch and afternoon session for all participants together. A discussion guide was used to gather input regarding end-users’ expectations for the system. Participants then created and explained their own ideas for a data-sharing system, using paper-prototypes. Workshops were audio recorded, transcribed and translated from Norwegian to English. Inductive thematic analysis was performed. Results: The main emergent themes were mHealth technologies’ impacts on end-users, and functionalities of a data-sharing system. Patients and providers agreed that PGD could be used by HCPs to provide more concrete self-management recommendations. Participants made paper-prototypes to explain which data types to gather and display, and how the systems could be used to facilitate shared-decision making. However, all also agreed that a data-sharing system alone was not enough to achieve the full effect of mHealth. Conclusion: Participants’ feedback revealed that both patients and HCPs alike acknowledge that for mHealth integration to be successful, not only must the technology be validated but feasible changes throughout the healthcare education and practice must be addressed. Only then can both sides be adequately prepared for mHealth data-sharing in diabetes consultations. Subsequently, the design of the joint workshop sessions demonstrated that involving both participant groups in the same sessions led to efficient and concrete discussions about realistic solutions and limitations of sharing mHealth data in consultations.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Meghan Bradway ◽  
Rebecca L. Morris ◽  
Alain Giordanengo ◽  
Eirik Årsand

Abstract Background Individuals with diabetes are using mobile health (mHealth) to track their self-management. However, individuals can understand even more about their diabetes by sharing these patient-gathered data (PGD) with health professionals. We conducted experience-based co-design (EBCD) workshops, with the aim of gathering end-users’ needs and expectations for a PGD-sharing system. Methods N = 15 participants provided feedback about their experiences and needs in diabetes care and expectations for sharing PGD. The first workshop (2017) included patients with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) (n = 4) and general practitioners (GPs) (n = 3). The second workshop (2018) included patients with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) (n = 5), diabetes specialists (n = 2) and a nurse. The workshops involved two sessions: separate morning sessions for patients and healthcare providers (HCPs), and afternoon session for all participants. Discussion guides included questions about end-users’ perceptions of mHealth and expectations for a data-sharing system. Activities included brainstorming and designing paper-prototypes. Workshops were audio recorded, transcribed and translated from Norwegian to English. An abductive approach to thematic analysis was taken. Results Emergent themes were mHealth technologies’ impacts on end-users, and functionalities of a data-sharing system. Within these themes, similarities and differences between those with T1D and T2D, and between HCPs, were revealed. Patients and providers agreed that HCPs could use PGD to provide more concrete self-management recommendations. Participants’ paper-prototypes revealed which data types should be gathered and displayed during consultations, and how this could facilitate shared-decision making. Conclusion The diverse and differentiated results suggests the need for flexible and tailorable systems that allow patients and providers to review summaries, with the option to explore details, and identify an individual’s challenges, together. Participants’ feedback revealed that both patients and HCPs acknowledge that for mHealth integration to be successful, not only must the technology be validated but feasible changes throughout the healthcare education and practice must be addressed. Only then can both sides be adequately prepared for mHealth data-sharing in diabetes consultations. Subsequently, the design and performance of the joint workshop sessions demonstrated that involving both participant groups together led to efficient and concrete discussions about realistic solutions and limitations of sharing mHealth data in consultations.


2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 149-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carrie A. McAiney ◽  
Loretta M. Hillier ◽  
Janice Paul ◽  
Jane McKinnon Wilson ◽  
Anna Tersigni Phelan ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTBackground:Limited continuity of care, poor communication between healthcare providers, and ineffective self-management are barriers to recovery as seniors transition back to the community following an Emergency Department (ED) visit or hospitalization. The intensive geriatric service worker (IGSW) role is a new service developed in southern Ontario, Canada to address gaps for seniors transitioning home from acute care to prevent rehospitalization and premature institutionalization through the provision of intensive support and follow-up to ensure adherence to care plans, facilitate communication with care providers, and promote self-management. This study describes the IGSW role and provides preliminary evidence of its impact on clients, caregivers and the broader health system.Methods:This mixed methods evaluation included a chart audit of all clients served, tracking of the achievement of goals for IGSW involvement, and interviews with clients and caregivers and other key informants.Results:During the study period, 632 clients were served. Rates of goal achievement ranged from 25%–87% and in cases where achieved, the extent of IGSW involvement mostly exceeded recommendations. IGSWs were credited with improving adherence with treatment recommendations, increasing awareness and use of community services, and improving self-management, which potentially reduced ED visits and hospitalizations and delayed institutionalization.Conclusions:The IGSW role has the potential to improve supports for seniors and facilitate more appropriate use of health system resources, and represents a promising mechanism for improving the integration and coordination of care across health sectors.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meghan Bradway ◽  
Rebecca L Morris ◽  
Alain Giordanengo ◽  
Eirik Årsand

Abstract Background: Individuals with diabetes are using mobile health (mHealth) to track their self-management. However, individuals can understand even more about their diabetes by sharing these patient-gathered data (PGD) with health professionals. We conducted experience-based co-design (EBCD) workshops, with the aim of gathering end-users’ needs and expectations for a PGD-sharing system. Methods: N=15 participants provided feedback about their experiences and needs in diabetes care and expectations for sharing PGD. The first workshop (2017) included patients with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) (n=4) and general practitioners (GPs) (n=3). The second workshop (2018) included patients with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) (n=5), diabetes specialists (n=2) and a nurse. The workshops involved two sessions: separate morning sessions for patients and healthcare providers (HCPs), and afternoon session for all participants. Discussion guides included questions about end-users’ perceptions of mHealth and expectations for a data-sharing system. Activities included brainstorming and designing paper-prototypes. Workshops were audio recorded, transcribed and translated from Norwegian to English. An abductive approach to thematic analysis was taken. Results: Emergent themes were mHealth technologies’ impacts on end-users, and functionalities of a data-sharing system. Within these themes, similarities and differences between those with T1D and T2D, and between HCPs, were revealed. Patients and providers agreed that HCPs could use PGD to provide more concrete self-management recommendations. Participants’ paper-prototypes revealed which data types should be gathered and displayed during consultations, and how this could facilitate shared-decision making. Conclusion: The diverse and differentiated results suggests the need for flexible and tailorable systems that allow patients and providers to review summaries, with the option to explore details, and identify an individual’s challenges, together. Participants’ feedback revealed that both patients and HCPs acknowledge that for mHealth integration to be successful, not only must the technology be validated but feasible changes throughout the healthcare education and practice must be addressed. Only then can both sides be adequately prepared for mHealth data-sharing in diabetes consultations. Subsequently, the design and performance of the joint workshop sessions demonstrated that involving both participant groups together led to efficient and concrete discussions about realistic solutions and limitations of sharing mHealth data in consultations.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meghan Bradway ◽  
Rebecca L Morris ◽  
Alain Giordanengo ◽  
Eirik Årsand

Abstract Background Individuals with diabetes are using mobile health (mHealth) to make decisions regarding self-management. However, individuals can understand even more about their diabetes by sharing these patient-gathered data (PGD) with health professionals. We conducted experience-based co-design (EBCD) workshops, with the aim of gathering end-users’ needs and expectations for a PGD-sharing system.Methods The first workshop (2017) included patients with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) (n=4) and general practitioners (GPs) (n=3). The second workshop (2018) included patients with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) (n=5), diabetes specialists (n=2) and a nurse. The workshops involved two sessions: separate morning sessions for patients and healthcare providers (HCPs), followed by a joint lunch and afternoon session for all participants together. A discussion guide was used to gather input regarding end-users’ expectations for the system. Participants then created and explained their own ideas for a data-sharing system, using paper-prototypes. Workshops were audio recorded, transcribed and translated from Norwegian to English. Inductive thematic analysis was performed.Results The main emergent themes were mHealth technologies’ impacts on end-users, and functionalities of a data-sharing system. Patients and providers agreed that PGD could be used by HCPs to provide more concrete self-management recommendations. Participants made paper-prototypes to explain which data types to gather and display, and how the systems could be used to facilitate shared-decision making. However, all also agreed that a data-sharing system alone was not enough to achieve the full effect of mHealth.Conclusion While seemingly contradictory, these results revealed that by bringing both together in the joint sessions, they were also able to equally elaborate their understanding of realistic limitations and solutions for mHealth integration. These workshops not only demonstrated the value of involving both parties together in co-design, they enabled participants to highlight that mHealth integration requires both validation of the technology as well as research into feasible changes throughout health care education and practice.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meghan Bradway ◽  
Rebecca L Morris ◽  
Alain Giordanengo ◽  
Eirik Årsand

Abstract Background: Individuals with diabetes are using mobile health (mHealth) to track their self-management. However, individuals can understand even more about their diabetes by sharing these patient-gathered data (PGD) with health professionals. We conducted experience-based co-design (EBCD) workshops, with the aim of gathering end-users’ needs and expectations for a PGD-sharing system. Methods: N=15 participants provided feedback about their experiences and needs in diabetes care and expectations for sharing PGD. The first workshop (2017) included patients with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) (n=4) and general practitioners (GPs) (n=3). The second workshop (2018) included patients with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) (n=5), diabetes specialists (n=2) and a nurse. The workshops involved two sessions: separate morning sessions for patients and healthcare providers (HCPs), and afternoon session for all participants. Discussion guides included questions about end-users’ perceptions of mHealth and expectations for a data-sharing system. Activities included brainstorming and designing paper-prototypes. Workshops were audio recorded, transcribed and translated from Norwegian to English. An abductive approach to thematic analysis was taken. Results: Emergent themes were mHealth technologies’ impacts on end-users, and functionalities of a data-sharing system. Within these themes, similarities and differences between those with T1D and T2D, and between HCPs, were revealed. Patients and providers agreed that HCPs could use PGD to provide more concrete self-management recommendations. Participants’ paper-prototypes revealed which data types should be gathered and displayed during consultations, and how this could facilitate shared-decision making. Conclusion: The diverse and differentiated results suggests the need for flexible and tailorable systems that allow patients and providers to review summaries, with the option to explore details, and identify an individual’s challenges, together. Participants’ feedback revealed that both patients and HCPs acknowledge that for mHealth integration to be successful, not only must the technology be validated but feasible changes throughout the healthcare education and practice must be addressed. Only then can both sides be adequately prepared for mHealth data-sharing in diabetes consultations. Subsequently, the design and performance of the joint workshop sessions demonstrated that involving both participant groups together led to efficient and concrete discussions about realistic solutions and limitations of sharing mHealth data in consultations.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrienne Milner ◽  
Rebecca Nielsen ◽  
Emma Norris

Abstract Background Quantitative evidence suggests that Brexit has had a severe and negative impact on European doctors, with many medical staff leaving the UK. This study provides a detailed examination of European doctors’ feelings towards Brexit, their intentions to leave the UK, and factors that may contribute to their potential decisions to migrate. Methods An online questionnaire which included three optional free-text questions explored self-identifying UK-based, European doctors’ views of Brexit. The three questions prompted responses on how Brexit has impacted their personal lives, their professional lives, and their future migration decisions. Fifty-nine doctors participated in the questionnaire with 52 (88.1%) providing one or more responses to the three free-text questions. Twenty-seven doctors provided answers to all three free-text questions (51.9% of included sample). Thematic analysis was used to analyse this qualitative data. Results Brexit was reported by the majority of participants to have a profound impact, although some respondents felt it was too soon to assess the potential consequences. Five themes emerged including: feeling unwelcome in the UK, Brexit as racism, uncertainty on legal ability to work, strain on relationships, and in contrast, a current lack of concern about Brexit. Conclusions To mitigate the adverse personal and professional impact of Brexit, healthcare providers should provide financial and legal support to doctors applying for settlement in the UK, ensure they are addressing issues of racial and ethnic inequality in hiring, promotion, and pay, and work towards making clinical work environments inclusive for all staff and patients.


Author(s):  
Sharafat Hussain ◽  
Prof. Mohd. Abdul Azeem

Adoption of social media amongst health care organizations is thriving. Healthcare providers have begun to connect with patients via social media. While some healthcare organizations have taken the initiative, numerous others are attempting to comprehend this new medium of opportunity. These organizations are finding that social networking can be an effective way to monitor brand, connecting with patients, community, and patient education and acquiring new talent. This study is conducted to identify the purpose of using social media, concerns, policy and its implementation and the overall experience of healthcare organizations with social media. To collect first hand data, online questionnaire was sent via LinkedIn to 400 US healthcare organizations and representatives out of which 117 responded and were taken further for analsysis. The results of this study confirm the thriving adoption, increased opportunities and cautious use of social media by healthcare organizations. The potential benefits present outweigh the risk and concerns associated with it. Study concluded that social media presence will continue to grow into the future and the field of healthcare is no exception.


2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (12) ◽  
pp. 610-614
Author(s):  
Garry Cooper-Stanton

There are various opportunities and challenges in the delivery of care to those diagnosed with chronic oedema/lymphoedema. Service provision is not consistent within the UK, and non-specialist nurses and other health professionals may be called on to fill the gaps in this area. The latest best practice guidance on chronic oedema is directed at community services that care for people within their own homes in primary care. This guide was developed in order to increase awareness, knowledge and access to an evidence base. Those involved in its creation cross specialist fields (lymphoedema and tissue viability), resulting in the document covering a number of areas, including an explanation of chronic oedema, its assessment and management and the association between chronic oedema and wet legs. The document complements existing frameworks on the condition and its management and also increases the available tools within chronic oedema management in the community. The present article provides an overview of the guidance document and discusses its salient features.


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