scholarly journals Interdisciplinary Online Hackathons as an Approach to Combat the COVID-19 Pandemic: Case Study

10.2196/25283 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. e25283
Author(s):  
Katarina Braune ◽  
Pablo-David Rojas ◽  
Joscha Hofferbert ◽  
Alvaro Valera Sosa ◽  
Anastasiya Lebedev ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Global Economy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Interdisciplinary Teams ◽  
Road Map ◽  
Regional Collaboration ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Care Systems

Background The COVID-19 outbreak has affected the lives of millions of people by causing a dramatic impact on many health care systems and the global economy. This devastating pandemic has brought together communities across the globe to work on this issue in an unprecedented manner. Objective This case study describes the steps and methods employed in the conduction of a remote online health hackathon centered on challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to deliver a clear implementation road map for other organizations to follow. Methods This 4-day hackathon was conducted in April 2020, based on six COVID-19–related challenges defined by frontline clinicians and researchers from various disciplines. An online survey was structured to assess: (1) individual experience satisfaction, (2) level of interprofessional skills exchange, (3) maturity of the projects realized, and (4) overall quality of the event. At the end of the event, participants were invited to take part in an online survey with 17 (+5 optional) items, including multiple-choice and open-ended questions that assessed their experience regarding the remote nature of the event and their individual project, interprofessional skills exchange, and their confidence in working on a digital health project before and after the hackathon. Mentors, who guided the participants through the event, also provided feedback to the organizers through an online survey. Results A total of 48 participants and 52 mentors based in 8 different countries participated and developed 14 projects. A total of 75 mentorship video sessions were held. Participants reported increased confidence in starting a digital health venture or a research project after successfully participating in the hackathon, and stated that they were likely to continue working on their projects. Of the participants who provided feedback, 60% (n=18) would not have started their project without this particular hackathon and indicated that the hackathon encouraged and enabled them to progress faster, for example, by building interdisciplinary teams, gaining new insights and feedback provided by their mentors, and creating a functional prototype. Conclusions This study provides insights into how online hackathons can contribute to solving the challenges and effects of a pandemic in several regions of the world. The online format fosters team diversity, increases cross-regional collaboration, and can be executed much faster and at lower costs compared to in-person events. Results on preparation, organization, and evaluation of this online hackathon are useful for other institutions and initiatives that are willing to introduce similar event formats in the fight against COVID-19.

scholarly journals Interdisciplinary Online Hackathons as an Approach to Combat the COVID-19 Pandemic: Case Study. (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarina Braune ◽  
Pablo David de Rojas ◽  
Joscha Hofferbert ◽  
Alvaro Valera Sosa ◽  
Anastasiya Lebedev ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Global Economy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Interdisciplinary Teams ◽  
Road Map ◽  
Regional Collaboration ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Online Format ◽  
Functional Prototype

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 outbreak has affected the lives of millions of people by causing a dramatic impact on several healthcare systems and the global economy. This devastating pandemic has brought communities across the globe to work on this issue in an unprecedented manner. OBJECTIVE This case study describes the steps and methods employed in the conduction of a remote online health hackathon centered on challenges the COVID-19 pandemic poses. It aims to deliver a clear implementation road map for other organizations to follow. METHODS This 4-day hackathon was conducted in April 2020, based on 6 COVID-19-related challenges defined by frontline clinicians and researchers from various disciplines. An online survey was structured to assess: (i) individual experience satisfaction, (ii) level of interprofessional skill exchange, (iii) maturity of the projects realized, and (iv) overall quality of the event. At the end of the event, participants were invited to participate in an online survey with 17 (+5 optional) items, including multiple-choice and open-ended questions which assessed their experience regarding the remote character of the event and their individual project, interprofessional skill exchange, and their confidence in working on a digital health project before and after the hackathon. Complementary, mentors, who guided the participants through the event also provided feedback to the organizers through an online survey. RESULTS A total of 48 participants and 52 mentors based in 8 different countries participated and developed 14 projects. A total of 75 mentorship video sessions were held. Participants reported increased confidence in starting a digital health venture or a research project after successfully participating in the hackathon, and are likely to continue working on their projects. Of the participants that provided feedback, 60% (n=18) would not have started their project without this particular hackathon, and indicated that the hackathon encouraged and enabled them to progress faster, eg by building interdisciplinary teams, gaining new insights and feedback provided by the mentors, and creating a functional prototype. CONCLUSIONS This study provides insights into how online hackathons can contribute to solving the challenges and effects of a pandemic in several regions of the world. The online format fosters team diversity, increases cross-regional collaboration, and can be executed much faster and at lower costs compared to in-person events. Results on preparation, organization, and evaluation of this online hackathon are useful to other institutions and initiatives which are willing to introduce similar event formats in the fight against COVID-19.

An Overview of Digital Health in the Transition of Pediatric to Adult Epilepsy Care

2020 ◽  
Vol 09 (04) ◽  
pp. 106-113
Author(s):  
Ysabeau Bernard-Willis ◽  
Emily De Oliveira ◽  
Shaheen E Lakhan
Keyword(s):  
Health Management ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Pediatric Care ◽  
Medical Mistrust ◽  
Patient Portals ◽  
Language Therapy ◽  
Adult Care ◽  
Care Systems

AbstractChildren with epilepsy often have impairments in cognitive and behavioral functioning which may hinder socio-occupational well-being as they reach adulthood. Adolescents with epilepsy have the added worry of health problems while starting the transition from family-centered pediatric care into largely autonomous adult care. If this transition is not appropriately planned and resourced, it may result in medical mistrust, nonadherence, and worsening biopsychosocial health as an adult. In recent years, there has been increased availability of digital health solutions that may be used during this stark change in care and treating teams. The digital health landscape includes a wide variety of technologies meant to address challenges faced by patients, caregivers, medical professionals, and health care systems. These technologies include mobile health products and wearable devices (e.g., seizure monitors and trackers, smartphone passive data collection), digital therapeutics (e.g., cognitive/behavioral health management; digital speech–language therapy), telehealth services (e.g., teleneurology visits), and health information technology (e.g., electronic medical records with patient portals). Such digital health solutions may empower patients in their journey toward optimal brain health during the vulnerable period of pediatric to adult care transition. Further research is needed to validate and measure their impact on clinical outcomes, health economics, and quality of life.

scholarly journals The Super-Wicked Problem of Antimicrobial Resistance

2020 ◽  
pp. 421-443
Author(s):  
Jasper Littmann ◽  
A. M. Viens ◽  
Diego S. Silva
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Modern Medicine ◽  
Social Consequences ◽  
Wicked Problem ◽  
Lost Productivity ◽  
Care Systems ◽  
To Come

Abstract Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) – the progressive process by which microbes, such as bacteria, through evolutionary, environmental and social factors develop the ability to become resistant to drugs that were once effective at treating them – is a threat from which no one can escape. It is one of the largest threats to clinical and global health in the twenty-first century – inflicting monumental health, economic and social consequences. All persons locally and globally, and even all future persons yet to come into existence, all suffer the shared, interdependent vulnerability to this threat that will have a substantial impact on all aspects of our lives. For example, while reliable data are hard to find, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has conservatively estimated that, in Europe alone, AMR causes additional annual cost to health care systems of at least €1.5 billion, and is responsible for around 25,000 deaths per year. Furthermore, AMR significantly increases the cost of treating bacterial infections with an increase in length of hospital stays and average number of re-consultations, as well as the resultant lost productivity from increased morbidity. With a combined cost of up to $100 trillion to the global economy – pushing a further 28 million people into extreme poverty – this is one of the most pressing challenges facing the world. Most troublingly, if we do not succeed in diminishing the progression of AMR, there is the very real potential for it to threaten common procedures and treatments of modern medicine, including the safety and efficacy of surgical procedures and immunosuppressing chemotherapy. Some experts are warning that we may soon be ushering in a post-antibiotic area.

Problems and Barriers related to the Use of Digital Health Applications: A Scoping Review Protocol (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Godwin Denk Giebel ◽  
Christian Speckemeier ◽  
Carina Abels ◽  
Kirstin Börchers ◽  
Jürgen Wasem ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Screening Process ◽  
Care Systems ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Review Protocol ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Health Applications

BACKGROUND Usage of digital health applications (DHA) is increasing internationally. More and more regulatory bodies develop regulations and guidelines to enable an evidence-based and safe use. In Germany, DHA fulfilling predefined criteria (Digitale Gesundheitsanwendungen (="DiGA")) can be prescribed and are reimbursable by the German statutory health insurance scheme. Due to the increasing distribution of DHA problems and barriers should receive special attention. OBJECTIVE This study aims to identify relevant problems and barriers related to the use of DHA fulfilling the criteria of DiGA. The research done in this area will be mapped and research findings will be summarized. METHODS Conduct of the scoping review will follow published methodological frameworks and PRISMA-Scr criteria. Electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO), reference lists of relevant articles and grey literature sources will be searched. Two reviewers will assess eligibility of articles by a two-stage (title/abstract and full-text) screening process. Only problems and barriers related to DHA fulfilling the criteria of DiGA are included for this research. RESULTS This scoping review serves to give an overview about the available evidence and to identify research gaps with regards to problems and barriers related to DiGA. Results are planned to be submitted to an indexed, peer-reviewed journal in the fourth quarter of 2021. CONCLUSIONS This is the first review identifying problems and barriers specifically to the use of the German definition of DiGA. Nevertheless, our findings can presumably be applied to other contexts and health care systems as well.

Family medicine physicians’ report strong support, barriers and preferences for Registered Dietitian Nutritionist care in the primary care setting

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren R Sastre ◽  
Leslie T Van Horn
Keyword(s):  
Family Medicine ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Interprofessional Collaboration ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Strong Support ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Registered Dietitian ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Care Systems

Abstract Background Previous studies have examined barriers (e.g. time) for Family Medicine Providers (FMPs) to provide nutrition and lifestyle counseling, however, to date no studies have examined access or interest to Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) care for patients. Objective The objective of this study was to explore FMP access, referral practices, barriers and preferences for RDN care. Methods A cross-sectional online survey, with content and face validation was conducted with Family Medicine Departments within large academic health care systems in the Southeastern United States. The main variables of interest included: FMP access, interest, current referrals and referral preferences for RDN care, barriers to referrals and overall perceptions regarding RDN care. Descriptive analysis of close-ended responses was performed with SPSS 26.0. Open-ended responses were analysed using inductive content analysis. Results Over half of the respondents (n = 151) did not have an RDN on-site (64%) yet were highly interested in integrating an RDN (94.9%), with reported preferences for full-time on-site, part-time on-site or off-site RDN care (49.1%, 39.5% and 11.4% respectively). The greatest reported barriers to RDN referrals were perceived cost for the patient (64.47%) and uncertainty how to find a local RDN (48.6%). The most consistent theme reported in the open-ended responses were concerns regarding reimbursement, e.g. ‘Insurance does not cover all of the ways I would like to use an RDN’. Conclusions FMPs report interest and value in RDN services despite multiple perceived barriers accessing RDNs care. Opportunities exist for interprofessional collaboration between dietetic and FMP professional groups to address barriers.

Implementing Distress Screening in a Community and Veteran’s Administration Oncology Clinic

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Montgomery ◽  
Nicole Thurston ◽  
Michelle Betts ◽  
C. Scott Smith
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Department Of Veterans Affairs ◽  
Distress Screening ◽  
Community Clinic ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Community Oncology ◽  
Care Systems

The complexities of cancer treatment present a myriad of life-altering impacts for patients. These impacts can be addressed only if health care systems have been designed to detect and address all of these challenges. One significant, but often hidden, challenge is distress. This reaction to the myriad obstacles that cancer presents can impact the quality of life, and influence outcomes, of patients with cancer. Health systems have been slow to address these problems, and a prime example is the implementation of a distress screening and management system. This case study summarizes distress screening in a community oncology clinic compared to a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) oncology clinic. The community clinic responded to accreditation and grant-driven initiatives, whereas the VA responded to mental health and integrated primary care initiatives. This case study explores the history and the ongoing challenges of distress screening in these community-based health care systems.

Health care and the future of economic growth: exploring alternative perspectives

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 419-439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Hensher ◽  
John Tisdell ◽  
Ben Canny ◽  
Craig Zimitat
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Expenditure ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
Global Financial Crisis ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Health Financing ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Gdp Growth ◽  
Care Systems

AbstractThe strong and positive relationship between gross domestic product (GDP) and health expenditure is one of the most extensively explored topics in health economics. Since the global financial crisis, a variety of theories attempting to explain the slow recovery of the global economy have predicted that future economic growth will be slower than in the past. Others have increasingly questioned whether GDP growth is desirable or sustainable in the long term as evidence grows of humanity's impact on the natural environment. This paper reviews recent data on trends in global GDP growth and health expenditure. It examines a range of theories and scenarios concerning future global GDP growth prospects. It then considers the potential implications for health care systems and health financing policy of these different scenarios. In all cases, a core question concerns whether growth in GDP and/or growth in health expenditure in fact increases human health and well-being. Health care systems in low growth or ‘post-growth’ futures will need to be much more tightly focused on reducing overtreatment and low value care, reducing environmental impact, and on improving technical and allocative efficiency. This will require much more concerted policy and regulatory action to reduce industry rent-seeking behaviours.

scholarly journals Novel Digital Architecture of a “Low Carb Program” for Initiating and Maintaining Long-Term Sustainable Health-Promoting Behavior Change in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

JMIR Diabetes ◽  
10.2196/15030 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. e15030 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte Summers ◽  
Kristina Curtis
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Behavior Change ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
Digital Architecture ◽  
Care Systems ◽  
Long Term Impact

Globally, the burden of noncommunicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes is crippling health care systems. Type 2 diabetes, a disease linked with obesity, affects 1 in every 30 people today and is expected to affect 1 in 10 people by 2030. Current provisions are struggling to manage the trajectory of type 2 diabetes prevalence. Offline, face-to-face education for patients with type 2 diabetes has shown to lack long-term impact or the capacity for widespread democratized adoption. Digitally delivered interventions have been developed for patients with type 2 diabetes, and the evidence shows that some interventions provide the capacity to support hyperpersonalization and real-time continuous support to patients, which can result in significant engagement and health outcomes. However, digital health app engagement is notoriously difficult to achieve. This paper reviews the digital behavior change architecture of the Low Carb Program and the application of health behavioral theory underpinning its development and use in scaling novel methods of engaging the population with type 2 diabetes and supporting long-term behavior change.

scholarly journals Trends and Visibility of “Digital Health” as a Keyword in Articles by JMIR Publications in the New Millennium: Bibliographic-Bibliometric Analysis

10.2196/10477 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (12) ◽  
pp. e10477 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alireza Ahmadvand ◽  
David Kavanagh ◽  
Michele Clark ◽  
Judy Drennan ◽  
Lisa Nissen
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Bibliometric Analysis ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Internet Research ◽  
Translational Science ◽  
Science Center ◽  
The Past ◽  
Care Systems ◽  
Research Networking

Background Digital health has become an advancing phenomenon in the health care systems of modern societies. Over the past two decades, various digital health options, technologies, and innovations have been introduced; many of them are still being investigated and evaluated by researchers all around the globe. However, the actual trends and visibility of peer-reviewed publications using “digital health” as a keyword to reflect the topic, published by major relevant journals, still remain to be quantified. Objective This study aimed to conduct a bibliographic-bibliometric analysis on articles published in JMIR Publications journals that used “digital health” as a keyword. We evaluated the trends, topics, and citations of these research publications to identify the important share and contribution of JMIR Publications journals in publishing articles on digital health. Methods All JMIR Publications journals were searched to find articles in English, published between January 2000 and August 2019, in which the authors focused on, utilized, or discussed digital health in their study and used “digital health” as a keyword. In addition, a bibliographic-bibliometric analysis was conducted using the freely available Profiles Research Networking Software by the Harvard Clinical and Translational Science Center. Results Out of 1797 articles having “digital health” as a keyword, published mostly between 2016 and 2019, 277 articles (32.3%) were published by JMIR Publications journals, mainly in the Journal of Medical Internet Research. The most frequently used keyword for the topic was “mHealth.” The average number of times an article had been cited, including self-citations, was above 2.8. Conclusions The reflection of “digital health” as a keyword in JMIR Publications journals has increased noticeably over the past few years. To maintain this momentum, more regular bibliographic and bibliometric analyses will be needed. This would encourage authors to consider publishing their articles in relevant, high-visibility journals and help these journals expand their supportive publication policies and become more inclusive of digital health.

scholarly journals Internet of things based vital signs monitoring system: A prototype validity test

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 962
Author(s):  
Osman Yakubu ◽  
Emmanuel Wireko
Keyword(s):  
Internet Of Things ◽  
Monitoring System ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Vital Signs ◽  
Data Repository ◽  
Storage Unit ◽  
Cloud Data ◽  
Vital Signs Monitoring ◽  
Care Systems

The advent of the internet of things (IoT) has resulted in an upsurge in the deployment of digital health care systems enabling patients’ health conditions to be remotely monitored. This article presents an intelligent and automated IoT-based vital signs monitoring system to aid in patient care. A the oretical framework was established to guide the development of a prototype. It encompasses the patient, IoT sensors, input and storage unit and data processing, analysis and data transmission. The prototype is equipped with the capability of sensing a patient’s body temperature, heart rate, and respiration rate in real time and transmits the data to a cloud data repository for storage and analysis. Alerts are sent to caregivers using SMS, email and voice calls where urgent attention is required for the patient. The voice call isto ensure a caregiver does not miss the alert since SMS and email may not be checked on time. To ensure privacy of patients, a caregiver has to be biometrically verified by either fingerprint or facial pattern. The experimental results confirmed the accuracy of the data gathered by the prototype, privacy of patients is also guaranteed compared to other benchmark systems.

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