A Review of Mobile Apps for Addressing Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Stubbings ◽  
Andy Watt ◽  
Raquel Moya Sánchez

BACKGROUND Mobile apps may present an opportunity to increase access to psychological interventions aimed at addressing Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI). OBJECTIVE To review virtual stores and published literature regarding mobile apps that are intended to address NSSI either directly or indirectly. METHODS The review in August 2019 was comprised of two stages; the first focused on searching iTunes and Google Play commercial app stores. The second involved identifying published articles in the following databases: The Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, ProQuest Central, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science. RESULTS Six apps had been specifically designed to treat NSSI. Four apps had been developed that were not specific to treating NSSI but could be potentially useful. Five apps aimed to facilitate a community forum resource for those with NSSI. Five apps had been created to provide informative resources specific to NSSI and a further eight apps were relevant to those who present with NSSI but were not specifically created for that population. One hundred and forty papers were identified in the literature search with eight being relevant to the review. A further six papers of relevance were identified when using the app name as the search term. CONCLUSIONS The evidence-base pertaining to the use of mobile apps to address NSSI is small but growing. Further research is needed before robust recommendations can be made. Many of the existing apps show potential for increasing access to evidence-based interventions, increasing social support and providing quick access to local supportive resources and information. CLINICALTRIAL N/A

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasamin Veziari ◽  
Saravana Kumar ◽  
Matthew Leach

Abstract Background Over the past few decades, the popularity of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has grown considerably and along with it, scrutiny regarding its evidence base. While this is to be expected, and is in line with other health disciplines, research in CAM is confronted by numerous obstacles. This scoping review aims to identify and report the strategies implemented to address barriers to the conduct and application of research in CAM. Methods The scoping review was undertaken using the Arksey and O’Malley framework. The search was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, EMCARE, ERIC, Scopus, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, JBI and the grey literature. Two reviewers independently screened the records, following which data extraction was completed for the included studies. Descriptive synthesis was used to summarise the data. Results Of the 7945 records identified, 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. Using the oBSTACLES instrument as a framework, the included studies reported diverse strategies to address barriers to the conduct and application of research in CAM. All included studies reported the use of educational strategies and collaborative initiatives with CAM stakeholders, including targeted funding, to address a range of barriers. Conclusions While the importance of addressing barriers to the conduct and application of research in CAM has been recognised, to date, much of the focus has been limited to initiatives originating from a handful of jurisdictions, for a small group of CAM disciplines, and addressing few barriers. Myriad barriers continue to persist, which will require concerted effort and collaboration across a range of CAM stakeholders and across multiple sectors. Further research can contribute to the evidence base on how best to address these barriers to promote the conduct and application of research in CAM.


2009 ◽  
Vol 99 (3) ◽  
pp. 260-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fiona Hawke ◽  
Joshua Burns ◽  
Karl B. Landorf

Due to the exponential increase in the quantity and quality of podiatric medicine–related research during the past decade, podiatric physicians are inundated with an insurmountable volume of research relevant to clinical practice. Systematic reviews can refine this literature by using explicit, rigorous, and reproducible methods to identify, critically appraise, and synthesize the best evidence from all clinical trials to answer clearly defined clinical questions. The Cochrane Collaboration is an international not-for-profit organization created to improve the user-friendliness and accessibility of medical literature mainly through preparing and maintaining systematic reviews of health-care interventions. The Cochrane Library currently contains more than 50 podiatric medicine–relevant systematic reviews summarizing and synthesizing evidence from many hundreds of randomized controlled trials evaluating interventions for foot problems. Although more than 60 countries worldwide have open online access to The Cochrane Library, in the United States, only the state of Wyoming has free access to full-text reviews. In an era demanding an evidence-based approach for every clinical intervention, high-quality systematic reviews streamline podiatric medical literature by reducing the time, cost, and training necessary to establish a solid evidence base for practice. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 99(3): 260–266, 2009)


2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 871-881 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine Dean ◽  
Gordon Wilcock

ABSTRACTBackground: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a relatively common condition and rates of diagnosis are likely to increase in the near future. Little is known about the experiences of patients with MCI and their carers nor about the most appropriate interventions to support this group.Methods: The existing literature on this topic up to July 2011 was identified via systematic searches of the Embase and Medline databases, the Cochrane Library and relevant sections of the National Electronic Library for Health. The main search term “mild cognitive impairment” was used in combination with other relevant terms. The reference lists of reviewed articles were also examined for any additional papers of significance. Papers identified by this method were examined and those deemed relevant were included in this review.Results: Twenty-one suitable papers were identified for inclusion in this review, a relatively small number. The studies reviewed suggest that patients with MCI and their carers face a variety of practical and emotional challenges. No interventional studies of support have been undertaken, but the authors of relevant observational studies have suggested provision of information, psychosocial support and strategies to enhance patient interaction with carers and social contacts.Conclusions: MCI results in significant challenges for both patients and their carers. Further work is required in order to establish the best way to help patients and carers meet these challenges.


2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 108-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyrie A. Sweeney ◽  
Kate Cogill ◽  
Katrina Davis ◽  
Jacqueline I. Jauncey-Cooke

Abstract Aim: This review aims to present a case series on pressure injury (PI) formation secondary to limb-splinting for preservation of peripheral intravascular catheter (PIVC) access in neonatal and pediatric patients. A literature review was undertaken to analyze the existing knowledge base on this phenomenon. Background: Medical devices and attachments are considered a risk factor for PI development in neonates, infants, and children. Three cases of PI formation caused by contact with limb boards used to preserve PIVC access were identified in an Australian tertiary pediatric facility during 2016. Methods: A literature search was conducted during December 2017 using the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health, Excerpta Medica database, MEDLINE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library. Keywords used were pressure injury(ies), pressure ulcer, pressure ulcers, decubitus ulcer, and decubitus ulcers. Articles were excluded if published before 2006, patients were adolescents or adults, and if injuries were not caused by PIVC-associated limb-splinting. Patients included in the case series were identified through screening of admissions in one ward of a tertiary paediatric hospital. Results: Five low-quality studies were included in the literature review. Three children were included in the case series. Each child acquired a PI subsequent to limb-splinting and taping adjacent to a PIVC. Hydration, nutritional state, and oxygenation did not appear to contribute to PI development in these cases. Conclusions: There is a gap in the evidence base pertaining to PIVC splinting and its involvement with PI formation in neonates, infants, and children. The existing literature provides low-quality evidence this problem exists; thus, further research is recommended.


Author(s):  
Jennifer Martin ◽  
Marg Liddell ◽  
Susan Roberts ◽  
Emily Greenwood

Abstract Background There are a variety of residential and community service models of therapeutic interventions for people using substances. The focus of much of the currently available research is on adult populations with relatively little known about effective therapeutic interventions for adolescents. The aim of this paper is to identify the most effective therapeutic interventions for Australian adolescents using substances by conducting a systematic scoping literature review. Methods We followed the PRISMA guidelines to conduct a systematic scoping review that included searches of nine electronic databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE, EBSCO Host, APA PsycNet, SocIndex, Social Science Abstracts, Proquest Central Informit) and grey literature searches of government department and alcohol and other drugs peak body and service provider websites, Google Scholar and the Cochrane library. Results A total of 21 studies were identified. These studies included biological, psychological, social and technological therapeutic interventions targeted at different population groups and different substances. The review findings are limited and should considered with caution due to the inability to disaggregate the combinations of interventions provided and the low quality of most of the studies included. Conclusions This scoping review highlights the paucity of quality research on effective therapeutic interventions for Australian adolescents using substances. This is primarily due to the available studies not controlling for all of the therapeutic interventions provided. While there is an evidence-base for some of these interventions, others such as encounter groups and journaling require further and more substantive research for use with adolescents. This is necessary to enable informed service design and delivery decision-making and fiscal accountability.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel Herrera Montano ◽  
Javier Pérez Pacho ◽  
Santos Gracia Villar ◽  
Silvia Aparicio Obregon ◽  
José Breñosa ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND To address the current pandemic, multiple studies have focused on the development of new mHealth applications to help curb the number of infections, these applications aim to accelerate the identification and self-isolation of people exposed to SARS-CoV- 2, the coronavirus known to cause COVID-19, by being in close contact with infected individuals. OBJECTIVE The main objectives of this paper are: 1)To analyze the current status of COVID-19 apps available the main virtual stores: Google Play Store and App Store, and 2)To propose a novel mobile application based on the limitations of the analyzed apps. METHODS The search for apps in this research was carried out in the main virtual stores: Google Play Store and App Store, until May 2021. After the analysis of the selected apps, a novel app is proposed whose main function will be the multiple transmission of information about the patient's symptoms from the application, without the need for phone calls or chat in real time. For its development, the flowchart shown in this session is followed. RESULTS The search yielded a total of 50 apps, of which 24 were relevant to this study. It is important to note that 23 of the apps analyzed are free. Of the total number of apps, 54% are available for Android and iOS operating systems. 50% of the apps have more than 5 thousand downloads. This means that Covid-19 related apps are in high demand among mobile device users today. The developed app is called COVINFO and its name comes from the union of the words COVID-19 and information, inserted in such a way that the user can get an idea of the app's functionality just by listening or reading the resulting name. The application has been created for mobile devices with Android operating system, being compatible with Android 4.4 and higher. CONCLUSIONS Of the apps found, 37.5% only offer information about the virus and the necessary measures to avoid infection. During the analysis it was detected that 12.5% of the apps are focused on locating outbreaks and that none of them have been successful for the following reasons: not being interconnected to share data; and the request for access to the user's geolocation, generating distrust on the part of the user who, consequently, rejects them. This work addresses the development of an application for the transmission of the user's symptoms to his regular doctor, based on the fact that only 16.6% of the existing applications have this functionality. The COVINFO app offers a service that no other application on the market has: doctor-patient interaction without the need for calls or chat in real time for constant monitoring by the doctor of the patient's condition and evolution.


2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (03) ◽  
pp. 183-191
Author(s):  
Michael Pfeifer ◽  
Yannis Dionyssiotis

AbstractWith increasing longevity, hip fractures become more and more a serious burden not only for societies in developed civilization, but also for emerging countries. According to world-wide projections 1.5 million people are affected each year. Although a lot of research has been performed over the last decade, there is still a lack of standardized and evidence-based approaches for prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of this worst complication of osteoporosis.Therefore, the evidence base for this article was synthesized in accordance with SIGN methodology. Databases searched include Medline, Embase, Cinahl and the Cochrane Library between March 1999 and March 2019. The following terms are used: osteoporosis, hip fracture, rehabilitation, falls, muscle strength, nutrition, exercise, balance, sway, and hip protectors. Moreover, reference lists from included studies were checked and author`s names were searched for additional studies.Possibly, the best approach to rehabilitation after hip fracture is a multi-disciplinary team co-ordinating medical, social, educational and vocational measure for training or retraining the individual to the highest possible level of function. In order to prevent thromboembolism low-dose anti-coagulation therapy (e. g. fondaparinux, rivaroxaban) may be used for approximately two weeks after surgery. This should be accompanied by a daily nutritional intake of at least 20 g protein, 1200 mg of elemental calcium and 800 I. U. of vitamin D, whereas in severe vitamin D insufficiencies recommendations may be certainly higher.After surgical repair of the hip fracture, an anti-resorptive medication may be started. While balance training and performing of Tai Chi has been shown to reduce fall risk and thereby also decrease hip fracture risk, the use of hip protectors is still under evaluation and cannot be generally advocated.


2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Vennila ◽  
A. Tomar ◽  
M. N. Bhatt ◽  
K. Murari ◽  
S. K. Yadav ◽  
...  

In agriculture, methods of crop protection are too many making dissemination difficult. Mobile apps presenting information needs of client solutions and help in wider outreach. Prediction of pest incidence, synthesis of information on integrated pest management and selection cum calculation of appropriate pesticides in the area of crop protection have been used as information base in mobile apps. Mobile apps on pest forewarning (Pest-predict EMS and RBS), insecticide and fungicide calculators (IFCs) for 16 crops and on IPM for 4 crops that are android based have been developed. All the developed apps are hosted under “Google Play Store”. Desired mobile app can be downloaded using search term ‘ICAR-NCIPM’ under “Google Play Store” followed by the selection and installation of required mobile app. Feedback options and additional information are also inbuilt in the mobile apps.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clare R Foster ◽  
Fiona Campbell ◽  
Lindsay Blank ◽  
Anna Cantrell ◽  
Michelle Black ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundThe SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has led to the swift introduction of population testing programmes in many countries across the world, using testing modalities such as drive-through, walk-through, mobile and home visiting programmes. Here, we provide an overview of the literature describing the experience of implementing population testing for SARS-CoV-2.MethodsWe conducted a scoping review using Embase, Medline and the Cochrane Library in addition to a grey literature search. We identified indicators relevant to process, quality and resource outcomes related to each testing modality.Results2,999 titles were identified from the academic literature and the grey literature search, of which 22 were relevant. Most studies were from the USA and the Republic of Korea. Drive-through testing centres were the most common testing modality evaluated and these provided a rapid method of testing whilst minimising resource use.ConclusionsThe evidence base for population testing lacks high quality studies, however, the literature provides evaluations of the advantages and limitations of different testing modalities. There is a need for robust evidence in this area to ensure that testing is deployed in a safe and effective manner in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.


VASA ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jakob Martin Burgstaller ◽  
Johann Steurer ◽  
Ulrike Held ◽  
Beatrice Amann-Vesti

Abstract. Background: Here, we update an earlier systematic review on the preventive efficacy of active compression stockings in patients with diagnosed proximal deep venous thrombosis (DVT) by including the results of recently published trials. The aims are to synthesize the results of the original studies, and to identify details to explain heterogeneous results. Methods: We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Scopus, and Medline for original studies that compared the preventive efficacy of active compression stockings with placebo or no compression stockings in patients with diagnosed proximal DVT. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Results: Five eligible RCTs with a total of 1393 patients (sample sizes ranged from 47 to 803 patients) were included. In three RCTs, patients started to wear compression stockings, placebo stockings or no stockings within the first three weeks after the diagnosis of DVT. The results of two RCTs indicate a statistically significant reduction in post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) of 50% or more after two or more years. The result of one RCT shows no preventive effect of compression stockings at all. Due to the heterogeneity of the study results, we refrained from pooling the results of the RCTs. In a further RCT, randomization to groups with and without compression stockings took place six months after the diagnosis of DVT, and in another RCT, only patients with the absence of PTS one year after the diagnosis of DVT were analyzed. One RCT revealed a significant reduction in symptoms, whereas another RCT failed to show any benefit of using compression stockings. Conclusions: At this time, it does not seem to be justifiable to entirely abandon the recommendations regarding compression stockings to prevent PTS in patients with DVT. There is evidence favoring compression stockings, but there is also evidence showing no benefit of compression stockings.


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