scholarly journals Editor's Note

2012 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-6
Author(s):  
Ellen R. Cohn ◽  
Jana Cason
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Software Systems ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Privacy And Security ◽  
Community Based Research ◽  
Therapeutic Services

The current issue of the International Journal of Telerehabilitation (IJT) contains original research evaluating the efficacy of telerehabilitation; an evaluation of a telerehabilitation system for community based research; and work that examines users’ perceptions of the privacy and security of the three top used consumer-based, free Voice and video over the Internet Protocol (VoIP) software systems (e.g., Skype  and others) used by health care providers to deliver therapeutic services via telerehabilitation. Two Brief Communications authored by speech-language pathologists present the possibilities for significant telehealth related cost-savings when telepractice is implemented in clinical practice.  Finally, this issue presents a report generated by a working group within the American Telemedicine Association’s Telerehabilitation Special Interest Group, and announcements from the American Telemedicine Association and the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC).

scholarly journals VoIP for Telerehabilitation: A Pilot Usability Study for HIPAA Compliance

2012 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valerie R. Watzlaf ◽  
Briana Ondich
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Software Systems ◽  
Usability Study ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Privacy And Security ◽  
Related Services ◽  
Security Applications ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Hipaa Compliance

Consumer-based, free Voice and video over the Internet Protocol (VoIP) software systems such as Skype and others are used by health care providers to deliver telerehabilitation and other health-related services to clients. Privacy and security applications as well as HIPAA compliance within these protocols have been questioned by practitioners, health information managers, and other healthcare entities. This pilot usability study examined whether four respondents who used the top three, free consumer-based, VoIP software systems perceived these VoIP technologies to be private, secure, and HIPAA compliant;  most did not.  While the pilot study limitations include the number of respondents and systems assessed, the protocol can be applied to future research and replicated for instructional purposes.  Recommendations are provided for VoIP companies, providers, and users. 

Critical Aspects of a Sustainable Clinical Research Program in the Community-Based Oncology Practice

2019 ◽  
pp. 176-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer L. Ersek ◽  
Stephanie L. Graff ◽  
Francis P. Arena ◽  
Neelima Denduluri ◽  
Edward S. Kim
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Research ◽  
Patient Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Research Program ◽  
Improve Patient Care ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Technological Infrastructure ◽  
Community Based Research ◽  
Research Programs

Increasing enrollment into clinical trials is a top priority across the field of oncology. Because the vast majority of those afflicted with cancer receive their care in the community, creating strong clinical research programs in the community-based setting is important. This article comprehensively outlines the most important elements of creating and sustaining a successful community-based research program. Establishing a clear mission and defining the scope of the research program in collaboration with key physicians and administrative leadership are critical to success. Standard operating procedures should detail operational processes. Ensuring sound financial planning and protected physician time are crucial for a healthy program. Providing mentorship opportunities to investigators and other team members will provide necessary guidance for junior investigators and long-term program stability. Prioritizing provider and patient volunteer engagement through education and awareness will potentially improve enrollment and research ownership. Incorporating administrative and clinical research staff and health care providers, including physicians, advanced practice providers, and pharmacists, will result in a multidisciplinary and unified approach and may also promote research as a routine part of patient care. Regular safety and scientific meetings will reduce regulatory complications and, most importantly, improve patient care. Other keys to a successful program include establishing a diverse trial portfolio, collaboration between different institutions, and ensuring appropriate technological infrastructure. Serial programmatic review provides opportunities to refine suboptimal practices and recognize successful strategies. Community-based research programs are critical to improve access to optimal cancer care. Implementation of successful programs is possible with a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach.

scholarly journals Design and Development of Smoking Cessation Apps Based on Smokers’ and Providers’ Perspectives in China: Survey Study (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junfang Xu ◽  
Jonathan Bricker ◽  
Xiaoxing Fu ◽  
Chunyan Su ◽  
Peicheng Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Strong Support ◽  
Health Behavior Change ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Privacy And Security

BACKGROUND Although there are more than 60 smartphone apps for smoking cessation in China, many of them do not include the content and features that health care professionals and smokers prefer—which may make them impractical, unengaging, and ineffective. Therefore, we investigated both health care providers’ and smokers’ preferences for features of future smoking cessation apps. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate Chinese health care providers’ and smokers’ desired features of a smoking cessation app, with the goal of providing design recommendations for app designers and researchers. METHODS Both Chinese smokers who own smartphones (n=357) and Chinese health care providers (n=224) responded to a survey collecting data on their sociodemographic characteristics and opinions on the importance of 20 smoking cessation app design features studied in previous US research. RESULTS Chinese health care providers expressed strong support of smoking cessation apps on a number of attitude indicators (range 153/224, 68.3% to 204/224, 91.1%). They rated nearly all (18/20) features as very or extremely important (range 52.2%-83.4%) and rated nearly all features (17/20) as more important than the smokers did. More than 60% of smokers rated the following 4 features as very or extremely important: allow sharing the process of smoking cessation with family members and friends (216/319, 67.7%), helping smokers track their progress (such as the amount of smoking per day; 213/319, 66.8%), helping with the side effects of medications and nicotine withdrawal symptoms (201/319, 63.0%), and adapting to ongoing needs and interests of smokers (194/319, 60.8%). Contrary to a similar study of US smokers and health care providers, Chinese smokers and providers rated reputation and ability to communicate with family members and friends as important features, whereas Chinese smokers rated privacy and security as less important. CONCLUSIONS The design of future smoking cessation and health behavior change apps should consider perspectives of both providers and smokers as well as the role of culture.

scholarly journals Design and Development of Smoking Cessation Apps Based on Smokers’ and Providers’ Perspectives in China: Survey Study

10.2196/12200 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. e12200
Author(s):  
Junfang Xu ◽  
Jonathan Bricker ◽  
Xiaoxing Fu ◽  
Chunyan Su ◽  
Peicheng Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Strong Support ◽  
Health Behavior Change ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Privacy And Security

Background Although there are more than 60 smartphone apps for smoking cessation in China, many of them do not include the content and features that health care professionals and smokers prefer—which may make them impractical, unengaging, and ineffective. Therefore, we investigated both health care providers’ and smokers’ preferences for features of future smoking cessation apps. Objective This study aimed to investigate Chinese health care providers’ and smokers’ desired features of a smoking cessation app, with the goal of providing design recommendations for app designers and researchers. Methods Both Chinese smokers who own smartphones (n=357) and Chinese health care providers (n=224) responded to a survey collecting data on their sociodemographic characteristics and opinions on the importance of 20 smoking cessation app design features studied in previous US research. Results Chinese health care providers expressed strong support of smoking cessation apps on a number of attitude indicators (range 153/224, 68.3% to 204/224, 91.1%). They rated nearly all (18/20) features as very or extremely important (range 52.2%-83.4%) and rated nearly all features (17/20) as more important than the smokers did. More than 60% of smokers rated the following 4 features as very or extremely important: allow sharing the process of smoking cessation with family members and friends (216/319, 67.7%), helping smokers track their progress (such as the amount of smoking per day; 213/319, 66.8%), helping with the side effects of medications and nicotine withdrawal symptoms (201/319, 63.0%), and adapting to ongoing needs and interests of smokers (194/319, 60.8%). Contrary to a similar study of US smokers and health care providers, Chinese smokers and providers rated reputation and ability to communicate with family members and friends as important features, whereas Chinese smokers rated privacy and security as less important. Conclusions The design of future smoking cessation and health behavior change apps should consider perspectives of both providers and smokers as well as the role of culture.

scholarly journals Understanding physical literacy in the context of health: a rapid scoping review

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katie Cornish ◽  
Gloria Fox ◽  
Trina Fyfe ◽  
Erica Koopmans ◽  
Anne Pousette ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Physical Literacy ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background Physical literacy is a multidimensional concept that describes a holistic foundation for physical activity engagement. Understanding the utilization and effectiveness of physical literacy in the context of health and the health care setting will support clinical and population health programming. The purpose of this rapid scoping review was to: 1) map the conceptualization of physical literacy as it relates to health; 2) identify and describe the utilization of physical literacy in the context of health and engagement of health care providers; and 3) better understand the relationship between physical literacy, physical activity, and health. Methods Following established scoping review methods adapted for a rapid review approach, we searched electronic databases Medline OVID, CINAHL Ebsco, PsycInfo Ebsco, Web of Science ISI, and ERIC Ebsco from conception until September 2019. Tabulation coding was used to identify the key themes across included articles and synthesize findings. The review follows an integrated knowledge translation approach based on a partnership between the health system, community organizations, and researchers. Results Following removal of duplicates, our search identified 475 articles for title and abstract screening. After full text review, 17 articles were included (12 original research papers and five conceptual or review papers). There was near consensus among included papers with 16 of 17 using the Whiteheadian definition of physical literacy. There was limited involvement of health care providers in the concept of physical literacy. Physical literacy was connected to the following health indicators: BMI and body weight, waist circumference, cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity, and sedentary behaviour. The primary demographic focus of included studies was children and there was a conceptual focus on the physical domain of physical literacy. Conclusions Despite growing popularity, the empirical evidence base linking physical literacy and health outcomes is limited and the relationship remains theoretical. Physical literacy may present a novel and holistic framework for health-enhancing physical activity interventions that consider factors vital to sustained participation in physical activity across the life course. Future work should continue to explore the nature and direction of the relationship between physical activity and physical literacy to identify appropriate focused approaches for health promotion.

Management of Heart Failure in the Older Adult: Treatment and Opportunities

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 169-186
Author(s):  
Kimberly J. Won ◽  
Laressa Bethishou ◽  
Laura V. Tsu
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Improve Patient Care ◽  
Transitions Of Care ◽  
Care Process ◽  
Research Review ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Geriatric Population

OBJECTIVE: To provide a review of the available evidence regarding pharmacotherapy and areas of pharmacist intervention in transitions of care (TOC) for the geriatric population with heart failure (HF).<br/> DATA SOURCES: A PubMed search of articles published from 1995 through July 2018 was performed using a combination of the following words: heart failure, geriatric, elderly, (TOC), multidisciplinary, pharmacist.<br/> STUDY SELECTION/DATA EXTRACTION: Relevant original research, review articles, and guidelines were assessed for the management of elderly patients with HF. References from the above literature were also evaluated. Articles were selected for inclusion based on relevance to the topic, detailed methods, and complete results.<br/> DATA SYNTHESIS: HF is a common cause of morbidity, mortality, and hospitalizations in the elderly population. While it is important that patients adhere to evidencebased medications for HF, there are additional precautions and monitoring recommendations for this population because of a higher risk of adverse effects. Elderly patients with HF also require additional care during the transition of care process because they are at high risk for readmission during this time because of a variety of factors, including medication changes, barriers to medication use, and lack of communication between health care providers. As part of a multidisciplinary team, pharmacists can help to identify and address issues.<br/> CONCLUSION: Pharmacists can improve patient care outcomes in patients with HF by providing updated recommendations on pharmacotherapy and being involved in the TOC process.<br/>

Simplifying Glasgow Coma Scale Use for Nurses

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 69
Author(s):  
Hamza AL-Quraan ◽  
Mohannad AbuRuz
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Glasgow Coma Scale ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Gold Standard Method ◽  
Coma Scale

<p>Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was introduced in 1974 as a tool to standardize the assessment of the level of consciousness of patients. Since it was introduced and used, GCS was considered to be the gold standard method for this purpose. Despite plenty of strengths GCS has (i.e. objectivity and easy communication on the results between the health care providers); GCS was considered to be ambiguous and confusing for nurses and infrequent users. Moreover, lack of knowledge and training about GCS might affect the accuracy and inter-rater reliability among health care professionals. The purpose of this paper was to simplify the use of GCS step by step for the beginner health care professionals.</p><p>This literature review was done by searching the following search engines: Pubmed, Midline, CINHAL, Ebsco host, and Google Scholar for the key words of: Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), flow chart, nurses, and consciousness.Types of articles included: original research, literature review and meta-analysis. This review included the following sections:</p><p>1)     Definition of the related concepts</p><p>2)     The historical development of the GCS</p><p>3)     How to score the GCS</p><p>4)     Recommendation for clinical settings, and</p><p>5)     Conclusion</p>

scholarly journals Android and iPhone Mobile Apps for Psychosocial Wellness and Stress Management: Systematic Search in App Stores and Literature Review (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy Lau ◽  
Alison O'Daffer ◽  
Susannah Colt ◽  
Joyce P Yi-Frazier ◽  
Tonya M Palermo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Stress Management ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Self Help ◽  
Efficacy Studies

BACKGROUND In an oversaturated market of publicly available mobile apps for psychosocial self-care and stress management, health care providers, patients, and consumers interested in mental health–related apps may wonder which, if any, are efficacious. Readily available metrics for consumers include user popularity and media buzz rather than scientific evidence. OBJECTIVE This systematic review aimed to (1) examine the breadth of therapeutic contents and features of psychosocial wellness and stress management apps available to self-help seekers for public download and (2) determine which of these apps have original research support. METHODS First, we conducted a systematic review of publicly available apps on the iPhone App Store (Apple Inc) and Android Google Play (Google LLC) platforms using conventional self-help-seeking search terms related to wellness and stress. The results were limited to English-language apps available for free download. In total, 2 reviewers independently evaluated all apps and discussed the findings to reach 100% consensus regarding inclusion. Second, a literature review was conducted on the included apps to identify supporting studies with original data collection. RESULTS We screened 3287 apps and found 1009 psychosocial wellness and stress management apps. Content varied widely. The most common evidence-based strategy was mindfulness-meditation, followed by positive psychology and goal setting. Most apps were intended to be used as self-help interventions, with only 1.09% (11/1009) involving an electronic therapist and 1.88% (19/1009) designed as a supplement to in-person psychotherapy. Only 4.66% (47/1009) of apps targeted individuals with psychological disorders, and less than 1% of apps (6/1009, 0.59%) targeted individuals with other chronic illnesses. Approximately 2% (21/1009, 2.08%) were supported by original research publications, with a total of 25 efficacy studies and 10 feasibility studies. The <i>Headspace</i> mindfulness app had the most evidence, including 8 efficacy studies. Most other scientifically backed apps were supported by a single feasibility or efficacy study. CONCLUSIONS Only 2.08% (21/1009) of publicly available psychosocial wellness and stress management mobile apps discoverable to self-help seekers have published, peer-reviewed evidence of feasibility and/or efficacy. Clinicians and investigators may use these findings to help patients and families navigate the volume of emerging digital health interventions for stress management and wellness.

scholarly journals Android and iPhone Mobile Apps for Psychosocial Wellness and Stress Management: Systematic Search in App Stores and Literature Review

10.2196/17798 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. e17798 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy Lau ◽  
Alison O'Daffer ◽  
Susannah Colt ◽  
Joyce P Yi-Frazier ◽  
Tonya M Palermo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Stress Management ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Self Help ◽  
Efficacy Studies

Background In an oversaturated market of publicly available mobile apps for psychosocial self-care and stress management, health care providers, patients, and consumers interested in mental health–related apps may wonder which, if any, are efficacious. Readily available metrics for consumers include user popularity and media buzz rather than scientific evidence. Objective This systematic review aimed to (1) examine the breadth of therapeutic contents and features of psychosocial wellness and stress management apps available to self-help seekers for public download and (2) determine which of these apps have original research support. Methods First, we conducted a systematic review of publicly available apps on the iPhone App Store (Apple Inc) and Android Google Play (Google LLC) platforms using conventional self-help-seeking search terms related to wellness and stress. The results were limited to English-language apps available for free download. In total, 2 reviewers independently evaluated all apps and discussed the findings to reach 100% consensus regarding inclusion. Second, a literature review was conducted on the included apps to identify supporting studies with original data collection. Results We screened 3287 apps and found 1009 psychosocial wellness and stress management apps. Content varied widely. The most common evidence-based strategy was mindfulness-meditation, followed by positive psychology and goal setting. Most apps were intended to be used as self-help interventions, with only 1.09% (11/1009) involving an electronic therapist and 1.88% (19/1009) designed as a supplement to in-person psychotherapy. Only 4.66% (47/1009) of apps targeted individuals with psychological disorders, and less than 1% of apps (6/1009, 0.59%) targeted individuals with other chronic illnesses. Approximately 2% (21/1009, 2.08%) were supported by original research publications, with a total of 25 efficacy studies and 10 feasibility studies. The Headspace mindfulness app had the most evidence, including 8 efficacy studies. Most other scientifically backed apps were supported by a single feasibility or efficacy study. Conclusions Only 2.08% (21/1009) of publicly available psychosocial wellness and stress management mobile apps discoverable to self-help seekers have published, peer-reviewed evidence of feasibility and/or efficacy. Clinicians and investigators may use these findings to help patients and families navigate the volume of emerging digital health interventions for stress management and wellness.

scholarly journals Selecting Communicative Interventions Targets for School-Aged participants with ASD and ID: A Single-Case Experimental Design Meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jay Ganz ◽  
James E Pustejovsky ◽  
Joe Reichle ◽  
Kimberly Vannest ◽  
Margaret Foster ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Effect Size ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Response Ratio ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Complex Communication Needs ◽  
Log Response Ratio ◽  
Communication Needs

Objective: This meta-analysis reviews the literature on communication modes, communicative functions, and types of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interventions for school-age participants with autism spectrum disorders and/or intellectual disabilities who experience complex communication needs. Considering potential differences related to outcomes that were targeted for intervention could help identify the most effective means of individualizing AAC interventions. Methods: We performed a systematic literature search using Academic Search Ultimate, ERIC, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Proquest Dissertations &amp; Theses Global to retrieve research conducted between 1978 and the beginning of 2020. Studies included in the synthesis are (a) in English; (b) has one or more participants with an intellectual delay, developmental disability(ies); (c) reported the results of an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention to supplement or replace conventional speech for people with complex communication needs; (d) was a SCED; (e) measured social-communicative outcomes. We synthesized results across studies using multi-level meta-analyses of two case-level effect size metrics, Tau and log response ratio. We conducted moderator analyses using meta-regression with robust variance estimation.Results: Across 114 included studies with 330 participants and 767 effect size, overall Tau effects were moderate, Tau = 0.72, 95% CI [0.67, 0.77], and heterogeneous. For the subset of data series where log response ratio could be estimated, the overall average effect was LRR = 1.86, 95% CI [1.58, 2.13], and effects were highly heterogeneous. There were few statistically significant differences found between moderator categories, which included communication mode, communicative function, and type of AAC implemented.Conclusions: This meta-analysis highlights the potential differences related to outcomes that were targeted for AAC interventions for individuals with ASD and IDD. AAC intervention has been shown to improve communication outcomes in this population. However, there was a lack of sufficient data to analyze for some potential moderators such as insufficient descriptive information on participant characteristics. This is likely due to the heterogeneity of the participants and implementation factors; however, these factors were frequently underreported by original study authors which disallowed systematic analysis. That said, there is a need for more detailed participant characteristic descriptions in original research reports to support future aggregation across the literature. Sponsorship: We received funding for the review from the Institute of Education Sciences.Protocol: The review protocol was registered in the PROSPERO system (CRD42018112428).

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