scholarly journals Efficacy, effectiveness, and quality of resilience-building mobile health apps for military, veteran and public safety personnel populations: a scoping literature review and app evaluation (Preprint)

10.2196/26453 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa Voth ◽  
Shannon Chisholm ◽  
Hannah Sollid ◽  
Chelsea Jones ◽  
Lorraine Smith-MacDonald ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Public Safety ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
Public Safety Personnel ◽  
Scoping Literature Review ◽  
Mobile Health Apps ◽  
Military Veteran ◽  
Safety Personnel

Efficacy, effectiveness, and quality of resilience-building mobile health apps for military, veteran and public safety personnel populations: a scoping literature review and app evaluation (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa Voth ◽  
Shannon Chisholm ◽  
Hannah Sollid ◽  
Chelsea Jones ◽  
Lorraine Smith-MacDonald ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Public Safety ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Public Safety Personnel ◽  
Scoping Literature Review ◽  
Mhealth Apps ◽  
Safety Personnel

BACKGROUND Globally, military members (MM) and public safety personnel (PSP) are vulnerable to occupational stress injuries (OSIs) due to their job demands. Consequently, when MM and PSP transition out of these professions, they may continue to experience mental health challenges. In response to this, resilience building programs are being developed and implemented with the goal of promoting empowerment and primary stress regulation. The development of mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) as an emergent mental health intervention platform has allowed for targeted, cost effective, and easily accessible treatment when in-person therapy may be limited or unavailable. However, current mHealth app development is not regulated, and often lacks both clear evidence-based research and the input of healthcare professionals. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this manuscript is to evaluate the evidence-based quality, efficacy, and effectiveness of resilience building mobile apps targeted towards MM, PSP, and veteran populations via: (1) a scoping literature review of the current evidence-base regarding resilience apps for these populations, and; (2) evaluation of free resilience apps designed for use amongst these populations. METHODS Studies were selected using a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, CINAHL Plus, PsycINFO, SocINDEX, Academic Search Complete, Embase, and Google and was guided by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The Alberta Rating Index for Apps (ARIA) was utilized to conduct a review of each of the identified apps. Inclusion criteria consisted of apps: 1) free to download in either Google Play or the App Store; 2) updated within the last 3 years; 3) available in English and in Canada; and 4) intended for use by MM and/or PSP. RESULTS Twenty-two apps met the inclusion criteria for evaluation. The resilience strategies offered by the majority of apps included psychoeducation, mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Eleven apps (50%) had been tested with randomized controlled trials, seven (31.8%) were evaluated using other research methods, and five (22.7%) had not been researched. Using the ARIA, apps scores ranged from 37 to 56 out of 72 with higher rated apps demonstrating increased useability and security features. CONCLUSIONS The mHealth apps reviewed are well suited to providing resilience strategies for MMs, PSP and veterans. They offer easy accessibility to evidence-based tools while working to encourage the use of emotional and professional support with safety in mind. While not intended to function as a substitute for professional services, research has demonstrated that mHealth apps have the potential to foster a significant reduction in symptom severity for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other stress-induced concerns. Within clinical practice, apps can be utilized to supplement treatment as well as provide clients with population-specific, confidential tools to increase engagement in the treatment process. CLINICALTRIAL N/A

scholarly journals The Mobile App Development and Assessment Guide (MAG): Delphi-Based Validity Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pere Llorens-Vernet ◽  
Jordi Miró
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
End Users ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
App Development ◽  
Mobile Health Apps

BACKGROUND In recent years, there has been an exponential growth of mobile health (mHealth)–related apps. This has occurred in a somewhat unsupervised manner. Therefore, having a set of criteria that could be used by all stakeholders to guide the development process and the assessment of the quality of the apps is of most importance. OBJECTIVE The aim of this paper is to study the validity of the Mobile App Development and Assessment Guide (MAG), a guide recently created to help stakeholders develop and assess mobile health apps. METHODS To conduct a validation process of the MAG, we used the Delphi method to reach a consensus among participating stakeholders. We identified 158 potential participants: 45 patients as potential end users, 41 health care professionals, and 72 developers. We sent participants an online survey and asked them to rate how important they considered each item in the guide to be on a scale from 0 to 10. Two rounds were enough to reach consensus. RESULTS In the first round, almost one-third (n=42) of those invited participated, and half of those (n=24) also participated in the second round. Most items in the guide were found to be important to a quality mHealth-related app; a total of 48 criteria were established as important. “Privacy,” “security,” and “usability” were the categories that included most of the important criteria. CONCLUSIONS The data supports the validity of the MAG. In addition, the findings identified the criteria that stakeholders consider to be most important. The MAG will help advance the field by providing developers, health care professionals, and end users with a valid guide so that they can develop and identify mHealth-related apps that are of quality.

scholarly journals The Mobile App Development and Assessment Guide (MAG): Delphi-Based Validity Study

10.2196/17760 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. e17760 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pere Llorens-Vernet ◽  
Jordi Miró
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
End Users ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
App Development ◽  
Mobile Health Apps

Background In recent years, there has been an exponential growth of mobile health (mHealth)–related apps. This has occurred in a somewhat unsupervised manner. Therefore, having a set of criteria that could be used by all stakeholders to guide the development process and the assessment of the quality of the apps is of most importance. Objective The aim of this paper is to study the validity of the Mobile App Development and Assessment Guide (MAG), a guide recently created to help stakeholders develop and assess mobile health apps. Methods To conduct a validation process of the MAG, we used the Delphi method to reach a consensus among participating stakeholders. We identified 158 potential participants: 45 patients as potential end users, 41 health care professionals, and 72 developers. We sent participants an online survey and asked them to rate how important they considered each item in the guide to be on a scale from 0 to 10. Two rounds were enough to reach consensus. Results In the first round, almost one-third (n=42) of those invited participated, and half of those (n=24) also participated in the second round. Most items in the guide were found to be important to a quality mHealth-related app; a total of 48 criteria were established as important. “Privacy,” “security,” and “usability” were the categories that included most of the important criteria. Conclusions The data supports the validity of the MAG. In addition, the findings identified the criteria that stakeholders consider to be most important. The MAG will help advance the field by providing developers, health care professionals, and end users with a valid guide so that they can develop and identify mHealth-related apps that are of quality.

scholarly journals Quality Assessment Criteria for Mobile Health Apps: A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (8) ◽  
pp. 745-759
Author(s):  
Wilasinee HONGSANUN ◽  
Suppachai INSUK
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Quality Assessment ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Security And Privacy ◽  
Assessment Criteria ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
Mobile Health Apps

Summative evidences on the criteria for user assessment of health apps are still limited. In order to determine an assessment method for mobile health apps, rigorous and appropriate criteria must be chosen. The aim of this study is to review the existing quality assessment criteria that are being used to assess the quality of mobile health apps focusing on users’ perspectives. In addition, a procedure for the quality assessment of health apps is also presented. A systematic review was conducted utilizing 5 databases; PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, CENTRAL and IEEE Xplore from 2008 to 2017. Search terms were; “mHealth”, “Applications”, “iOS OR Android”, “smartphones”, “quality”, etc. Papers that assessed the quality of health apps by users were selected. The PRISMA guideline was followed to complete the list of final studies. Likewise, a data extraction form was based on the PICO framework. From 6,514 studies, 69 studies met the eligibility criteria. Four hundred and forty-one quality assessment criteria for users were classified into 15 domains: Ease of use, Usability, Aesthetics, Connectivity, Functionality, Information, User satisfaction, Acceptability, Error occurrence, Motivation, Engagement, Data management, Undesirable events, Credentials and Security and privacy. An “ease of use” domain was found common in the included studies. The 15 domains were suggested as criteria for further study of the quality assessment and development of mHealth apps. Moreover, five recommended steps were presented for future research of quality of mobile health apps.

Individual and organizational influences of the professional quality of life of Florida public safety personnel

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 221-235
Author(s):  
Anastasia Miller ◽  
Lynn Unruh
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Support ◽  
Public Safety ◽  
Coping Mechanisms ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Coworker Support ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Professional Quality ◽  
Public Safety Personnel ◽  
Safety Personnel

Purpose Public safety personnel (law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical services and dispatchers) face work environments which are high stress. These can lead to burnout, secondary traumatic stress and a reduction of compassion satisfaction. However, very little is known about what individual and work factors influence these negative coping mechanisms in public safety personnel. It is also unknown how perceived organizational and coworker support, debriefing methods, or individual characteristics are associated with the aforementioned coping mechanisms. The differences between these fields are also unknown. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional administration of surveys to Florida public safety personnel was done. A total of 1,360 public safety individuals completed the survey. Three regression analyses were carried out, utilizing the three Professional Quality of Life Version 5 subscales as the dependent variables. The Perceived Coworker Support Survey, Survey of Perceived Organizational Support, the Brief Resilience Survey and questions regarding debriefing practices were included. Findings Public safety personnel cannot be treated as a singular population for many things. An exception of this was that perceived organizational support and psychological resilience were associated with positive outcomes, albeit, to varying degrees in all fields. The other individual and organizational factors had very distinct impacts on the varying fields. Research limitations/implications There are limitations due to the nature of cross-sectional survey design and due to the sample size. Originality/value This study displays statistical relationships between factors which public safety agencies could use to increase employee job satisfaction and potentially reduce turnover. It was the only study the authors could find which include dispatchers when comparing these four public safety fields.

scholarly journals The experience of key stakeholders during the implementation and use of trauma therapy via digital health for military, veteran, and public safety personnel: A qualitative thematic analysis (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorraine Smith-MacDonald ◽  
Chelsea Jones ◽  
Phillip Sevigny ◽  
Allison White ◽  
Alexa Laidlaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Public Safety ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Trauma Therapy ◽  
Public Safety Personnel ◽  
Qualitative Thematic Analysis ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Military Veteran ◽  
Safety Personnel

BACKGROUND bckground OBJECTIVE ob METHODS metholds RESULTS resukts CONCLUSIONS con

scholarly journals AN EXPLORATORY EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF THE QUALITY OF MOBILE HEALTH APPS

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aude Cabrera ◽  
Mayoni Ranasinghe ◽  
Cedric Frossard ◽  
Nicolas Postel-Vinay ◽  
Celia Boyer
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Analysis ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
Mobile Health Apps

scholarly journals Mobile health applications for managing atrial fibrillation for healthcare professionals and patients: a systematic review

EP Europace ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (10) ◽  
pp. 1567-1578
Author(s):  
Deirdre A Lane ◽  
Naoimh McMahon ◽  
Josephine Gibson ◽  
Jo C Weldon ◽  
Michal M Farkowski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
User Engagement ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
Mobile Health Applications ◽  
Mobile Health Apps ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health Applications

Abstract Aims A plethora of mobile health applications (m-health apps) to support healthcare are available for both patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs) but content and quality vary considerably and few have undergone formal assessment. The aim is to systematically review the literature on m-health apps for managing atrial fibrillation (AF) that examine the impact on knowledge of AF, patient and HCP behaviour, patients’ quality-of-life, and user engagement. Methods and results MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsychInfo were searched from 1 January 2005 to 5 September 2019, with hand-searching of clinical trial registers and grey literature. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they reported changes in any of the following: (i) knowledge of AF; (ii) provider behaviour (e.g. guideline adherence); (iii) patient behaviour (e.g. medication adherence); (iv) patient quality-of-life; and (v) user engagement. Two reviewers independently assessed articles for eligibility. A narrative review was undertaken as included studies varied widely in their design, interventions, comparators, and outcomes. Seven studies were included; six m-health apps aimed at patients and one at HCPs. Mobile health apps ranged widely in design, features, and method of delivery. Four studies reported patient knowledge of AF; three demonstrated significant knowledge improvement post-intervention or compared to usual care. One study reported greater HCP adherence to oral anticoagulation guidelines after m-health app implementation. Two studies reported on patient medication adherence and quality-of-life; both showed improved quality-of-life post-intervention but only one observed increased adherence. Regarding user engagement, five studies reported patient perspectives on usability, three on acceptability, and one on feasibility; overall all m-health apps were rated positively. Conclusion Mobile health apps demonstrate improvements in patient knowledge, behaviour, and quality of life. Studies formally evaluating the impact of m-health on HCP behaviour are scarce and larger-scale studies with representative patient cohorts, appropriate comparators, and longer-term assessment of the impact of m-health apps are warranted.

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