Reducing anxiety and enhancing satisfaction in thyroid patients with DietLens application during radioactive iodine therapy: A quasi-experimental study.

Hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer significantly impact health, and often require Radioactive Iodine (RAI) therapy. Anxiety is common in patients undergoing RAI, particularly related to dietary compliance. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the mobile health application, DietLens in reducing anxiety and increasing satisfaction in patients preparing for RAI therapy, focusing on low-iodine diet (LID). A quasi-experimental study was conducted in a Singapore tertiary hospital outpatient department from March 13, 2019 to March 27, 2020, involving patients scheduled for their first RAI treatment. Participants were divided into a control group receiving standard care and an intervention group using DietLens alongside standard care. Anxiety levels were assessed using the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, and satisfaction levels were measured through self-reported questionnaires. In the study, 56 participants were initially divided into control (n = 28) and intervention (n = 28) groups. After accounting for dropouts, 50 participants finished the study, with each group comprising 25 individuals. Anxiety levels were similar between groups pre-intervention. Post-intervention, the intervention group displayed a significant decrease in anxiety levels compared to the control group (independent t-test: t (48) = 2.50, p = 0.02). The multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that being in the intervention group was significantly associated with a decrease in post-intervention anxiety score (ß = -4.03, 95 % CI: -7.33 to -0.72, p = 0.02). Fisher's Exact Test revealed a borderline significant difference in satisfaction with educational materials and the overall treatment process, with 100 % of the intervention group expressing satisfaction compared to 80 % in the control group, resulting in a p-value of 0.052 in both instances. DietLens was effective in reducing anxiety and enhancing satisfaction related to RAI therapy preparation, particularly in managing a LID, highlighting a beneficial role for digital interventions in healthcare settings.

Advancing Diabetes Self-Management: A Novel Smartphone Application Featuring a Scoring Algorithm for Tailored User Engagement.

Background: We developed and evaluated an intelligent diabetes assistant application (Diabetter) for the self-management of diabetes. It suggested that increasing the patient's interest and participation in using smartphone apps is important for the effectiveness of diabetes management apps. Methods: After evaluating all-encompassing features for diabetes management, we divided the selected factors into sub-factors for use in the application. Then, we created the first high-fidelity prototype using related programs and conducted early user testing to validate and improve Diabetter. To handle the user transaction time and keep them motivated, we designed and implemented a scoring system based on the nudge theory rules within the app. Results: To evaluate Diabetter's impact on diabetes self-management, we measured HbA1c levels after a prolonged period. The Diabetter prototype was developed and modified in a revised version for better user interaction with the app. The scoring system increased the input of users' information, which resulted in more analysis and recommendations to users. Clinical studies showed that as a result of continuous input of information from users who had been using the application for a longer period of time, their HbA1c levels were within the healthy range. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that the Diabetter application has been able to play an effective role in diabetes self-management by increasing users' app usage time. However, future study is needed to provide a better interpretation.

Designing sustainable mobile weight management applications: information technology (IT) experts perspectives.

Background: Weight management mobile applications have become increasingly popular as a tool for individuals to achieve their weight loss goals. However, key challenges with mobile weight management applications are sustaining user engagement and promoting long-term behavior change. This study examines the key functions and features of weight management mobile applications from the viewpoint of information technology (IT) experts. We have developed a framework that outlines the optimal design strategies for mobile apps to support sustainable weight management. Methods: We conducted face-to-face interviews with five experts to evaluate and give input on the proposed framework. Results: Eight specialized functionalities have been categorized and defined based on initial framework system features and recommended features based on experts' feedback: (I) customization; (II) usability; (III) integration; (IV) online support; (V) tracking; (VI) nutrition database; (VII) gamification; and (VIII) notification. In addition, common functionalities were identified as (I) registration/sign in; (II) data privacy; (III) security; and (IV) user feedback. An online discussion indicates the system functionality in four themes: (I) configuration; (II) data analytics; (III) support/performance; and (IV) platform: iOS, Android, Native. Conclusions: These functionalities and features will be incorporated into a framework to design mobile applications for sustainable weight management. Also, to be part of user interface development for the user experience experiments.

Effectiveness of spaced education pedagogy in enhancing Nurses' knowledge on emotional resilience-A quasi-experimental trial.

INTRODUCTION: Building resilience among nurses has been postulated as one of the key strategies to support nurses and retain them in the profession. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness, of spaced education pedagogy in enhancing Nurses' knowledge on emotional resilience. Secondary objectives include evaluation of the usability and acceptability of delivery of the training via a mobile application in one's own mobile device. DESIGN: A quasi-experimental study with single group pre-test and post-test trial was conducted. METHODS: Full-time registered nurses working in an acute care hospital were invited to participate from June 2021 to June 2022. The group used the mobile application daily for 1 month. Pre-test measurement includes socio-demographic data and baseline resilience level before the intervention. Post-test measurement includes resilience level, usability and acceptability of mobile-assisted cognitive-behavioral therapy measured upon completion of the training. The mobile application enabled the delivery of resilience educational content in small quantities through a repeating manner, with a concurrent evaluation of learner's understanding. RESULTS: When compared to their baseline (mean = 24.38, SD = 5.50), participants reported significant increase in the Connor-Davison Resilience Scale score (mean = 26.33, SD = 5.57) (t = -4.40, p < 0.001). Upon 1 month usage of the mobile application, a higher percentage of the participants reported intermediate to high level of resilience (57.4%), as compared to prior usage (54.7%). Respondents reported knowledge of most useful strategies for their daily lives including: (i) managing negative emotions (54.1%); (ii) psychoeducation about mental health and the risks of burnout (44.7%); (iii) achieving work and life balance (43.5%); and (iv) depiction of workplace scenarios to demonstrate what can be and cannot be controlled during times of change (43.5%). Participants reported usability of the mobile application with a mean SUS score 70.5 (SD = 13.0), which was considered "acceptable." Overall, 82.3% of the participants found the mobile application appealing, 64.7% reported they were likely to use the mobile application in the future and 72.9% would recommend it to other nurses. CONCLUSION: The mobile application provided nurses with the availability and convenience to access resilience building learning content integrated with the spaced education pedagogy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of mobile-assisted cognitive behavioral training can aid in increasing nurses' resilience level. Nurses provided acceptable usability ratings and satisfactory acceptance of receiving training via the mobile application, showing promising opportunities in the improvement of overall well-being.

Nurse-led proactive mobile application in symptom management for children with medical complexity: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

AIM: To investigate the effect of a nurse support using a proactive mobile app to enhance parental self-efficacy in symptom management for children with medical complexity. DESIGN: A single-blinded, randomized controlled trial with a two-armed repeated measures design. METHODS: Eligible parents and the children will be recruited from the special schools and non-government offices. They will be randomly assigned either to the intervention or control groups. Subjects in the study group will receive nurse parental support using a symptom management mobile app for 3 months. The control group will receive the usual care that is available in the community. Data will be collected pre-intervention (T1), immediately after the intervention (T2), and three-month after intervention (T3). The primary outcome is parental self-efficacy. The secondary outcomes include child's symptom burden and their health service utilization. Primary outcome will be compared across two groups in T2 and T3 using with control for the pre-test value of parental self-efficacy. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) will be used to address secondary objectives from T1 to T3 with appropriate link function. DISCUSSION: As a result of the successful implementation of this nurse-led symptom management, parental self-efficacy will be enhanced. Both the symptoms reported by the children and their health service utilization will be reduced. Findings of this study will help in service delivery improvements because it maximizes the availability and accessibility of paediatric health service to parents and the children in local communities. IMPACT: The evidence produced in this study will enlarge the knowledge base that supports evidence-based paediatric home nursing service with the use of health technology in symptom management. This evidence will also contribute to the development of other symptom management programs for other paediatric patient groups. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05765643 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier). PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Parents of children with medical complexity contributed in mobile application development by giving comments on the usability of mobile application. IMPACT WILL BE GENERATED THROUGH THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: Improve health service delivery: Home nursing service may not be sustainable in a long run in Hong Kong, as the health care system has been facing a serious nursing workforce shortage in recent years. Besides, these services are affected or even suspended during the community outbreak of infectious disease, like recent coronavirus disease pandemic. Nurse parental support in symptom management for the CMC using a proactive mobile health application will help in service delivery improvements because it maximizes the availability and accessibility of paediatric health service to parents and their CMC in local communities. Improve physical and psychological health of parents and their CMC: The success of program implementation will help to increase parental self-efficacy in symptom management for their CMC, as a result of decrease of children's symptom burden. Improve knowledge base: The evidence produced in this study will (1) enlarge the knowledge base that supports evidence-based paediatric community nursing service related to symptom management for the CMC. This evidence will contribute to the development of other symptom management programs for other paediatric patient groups.

Enhancing Driving Safety through User Experience Evaluation of the C-ITS Mobile Application: A Case Study of the DARS Traffic Plus App in a Driving Simulator Environment.

The paper evaluates the DARS Traffic Plus mobile application within a realistic driving simulator environment to assess its impact on driving safety and user experience, particularly focusing on the Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS). The study is positioned within the broader context of integrating mobile technology in vehicular environments to enhance road safety by informing drivers about potential hazards in real time. A combination of experimental methods was employed, including a standardised user experience questionnaire (meCUE 2.0), measuring quantitative driving parameters and eye-tracking data within a driving simulator, and post-experiment interviews. The results indicate that the mobile application significantly improved drivers' safety perception, particularly when notifications about hazardous locations were received. Notifications displayed at the top of the mobile screen with auditory cues were deemed most effective. The study concludes that mobile applications like DARS Traffic Plus can play a crucial role in enhancing road safety by effectively communicating hazards to drivers, thereby potentially reducing road accidents and improving overall traffic safety. Screen viewing was kept below the safety threshold, affirming the app's efficacy in delivering crucial information without distraction. These findings support the integration of C-ITS functionalities into mobile applications as a means to augment older vehicle technologies and extend the safety benefits to a broader user base.

Designing a mobile application to promote physical activity in spousal care partners of persons living with dementia and their care-recipient.

Background: Care partners of persons living with dementia and their care-recipient have low levels of physical activity. Mobile applications have demonstrated effectiveness in promoting physical activity among older adults. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of spousal care partners of persons with dementia and their care-recipient on the design and content of a mobile application intended to promote physical activity.Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 care partners and their care-recipient. After the interviews were transcribed verbatim, thematic analysis was performed.Results: Four themes emerged from the participants' responses related to the design and content of a mobile application to promote physical activity: 1) exercise preferences and habits, 2) barriers to exercise, 3) motivations for exercise, and 4) mobile application preferences and supportive features.Conclusion: Findings lay the foundation for designing an effective user-friendly mobile application to promote physical activity that caters to the diverse needs, preferences, and challenges among spousal care partners of persons with dementia and their care-recipient.

A mobile app-based intervention improves anthropometry, body composition and fitness, regardless of previous active-inactive status: a randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: The use of mobile apps to promote physical activity in adolescents can improve health-related parameters. However, previous studies have not evaluated whether the benefits depend on the users' prior active or inactive status. Therefore, the main objective was to analyze differences in physical activity levels, adherence to the Mediterranean diet (AMD), anthropometry, body composition, and physical fitness between active and inactive adolescents. Methods: The study was conducted through a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with 462 adolescents, divided into experimental (EG) and control groups (CG), further categorized as active and inactive. Variables of physical activity, kinanthropometry, body composition, and physical fitness were measured before (pre-test) and after (post-test) a 10-week intervention using step-tracking apps (Strava, Pacer, MapMyWalk, and PokémonGo) at least three times per week. Results: The results showed that inactive EG adolescents significantly increased their physical activity levels, body mass, and muscle mass, and improved in all fitness variables except the countermovement jump (CMJ). The sum of three skinfolds also significantly decreased. Active EG adolescents increased body and muscle mass and improved in all fitness variables. Additionally, they significantly reduced fat mass and the sum of three skinfolds. All covariates, mainly gender and maturity, had significant effects on the study variables. Comparing changes between the active EG and CG groups, significant differences were found in body mass index (BMI) and CMJ in favor of the EG. However, while significant differences were observed in the study variables when analyzing each app individually, there were no differences between the changes produced by each app in these variables. Conclusion: After a 10-week program of physical activity promoted through step-tracking apps, improvements were observed in fat variables, cardiorespiratory fitness, and curl-up performance. Furthermore, only inactive adolescents perceived an increase in their level of physical activity. The measurement protocol was registered prior to the start of the intervention at ClinicalTrials.gov (code: NCT04860128).

Current status and future prospects of Chinese mobile apps for hypertension management.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the current situation of Chinese mobile apps for hypertension management and explore patients' real requirements for app use, providing a theoretical basis for the future improvement of hypertension apps. METHODS: We reviewed hypertension management apps from mobile app platforms, and summarized their functional characteristics. In addition, we conducted an online survey among 1000 hypertensive patients, collected valid responses, and analyzed the feedback data. RESULTS: Forty hypertension management apps were analyzed, with 72.5% offering no more than six functions, indicating limited coverage of advanced and comprehensive functionalities. Among the 934 valid survey responses, patients emphasized four main functions in apps for hypertension management: long-term dynamic blood pressure monitoring, scientific lifestyle management, strict medication management and systematic health knowledge delivering. CONCLUSION: The existing hypertension management apps mainly serve as "Digital Health" tools with unclear clinical efficacy. The future development of these apps lies in how they transition to "Digital Therapeutics" solutions to better meet patients' needs and provide clear clinical advantages.

Smartphone Use by Caregivers for Patients With Heart Failure During Hospitalization: An Investigation.

This study investigated the use of smartphones by family caregivers for hospitalized patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). In total, 120 patients and their unpaid family caregivers participated in this study. The caregivers were divided into two groups based on the perceived importance of smartphones in patient care. Both groups completed the General Demographic Information Survey, Problematic Mobile Phone Use Questionnaire, Barthel Index Scale, Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS), Johns Hopkins Fall Risk Assessment Tool (JH-FRAT), and Family Burden Scale of Diseases Survey. Moreover, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and stroke volume (SV) were measured in all participants. The age of hospitalized patients with CHF was correlated with the Barthel Index Scale, MEWS, and JH-FRAT, whereas LVEF and SV were correlated with MEWS. The important group had a much higher financial burden than the nonimportant group. Linear regression analysis revealed that financial burden and mental health had a remarkable impact on the content of mobile calls about treatment. Furthermore, the economic status of family caregivers determined the importance of smartphone calls in the care of patients with CHF during hospitalization.

SunCloud: A mobile application for children with urinary incontinence.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Urinary incontinence is an important problem with potentially adverse effects on the psychological, social and personality development of children. Today, with the developing technology, the use of information and communication technologies such as wearable technology, message services and mobile applications has become widespread in solving health problems. In this study, it was aimed to develop a mobile application that facilitates the follow-up of children, increases their compliance with treatment and ensures the continuity of communication between them and the health worker. The methodology, design and preliminary evaluation results of the mobile application are presented in this article. METHODS: During the development process of the mobile application, the content was first created in line with the literature review. After the content was determined, the interface design was made on MS Word and Photoshop software. At this stage, six experts were consulted for content and design. The mobile application, finalised in design, was implemented on Android and IOS platforms. After the mobile application was created, 10 children and their families were interviewed. RESULTS: Nine of the families (90%) found the developed mobile application useful and easy to use. Families' suggestions to improve the mobile application were to make it more interesting for children and to enrich its content. CONCLUSION: In line with the feedback, the mobile application was updated and finalised. Preliminary results are promising that the developed mobile application can be used as an aid to treatment in children with urinary incontinence. With the mobile application developed, urotherapy training was not limited to the time they visited the hospital. This suggests that the mobile application can eliminate the problem of partial or omitted treatment. This research has shown that leveraging technology can be a good option to increase treatment success. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: NCT05815940.

Fast and accurate distal locking of interlocked intramedullary nails using computer-vision and a 3D printed device.

INTRODUCTION: Distal locking is a challenging and time-consuming step in interlocked intramedullary nailing of long bone fractures. Current methods have limitations in terms of simplicity, universality, accuracy, speed, and safety. We propose a novel device and software for distal locking using computer vision. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The device consists of an universal ancillary clamp, a telescopic arm, a viewfinder clamp, and a radio-opaque cross. The software uses a camera photo from the C-arm intensifier and adjusts for geometric projection deformities. The software employs edge detection, Hough transform, perspective interpolation, and vector calculation algorithms to locate the distal hole center. The device and software were designed, manufactured, and tested using 3D CAD, FEM, DRR, and performance testing on phantom bones. RESULTS: The device and software showed high accuracy and precision of 98.7% and 99.2% respectively in locating the distal hole center and calculating the correctional vector. The device and software also showed high success ratio in drilling the hole and inserting the screw. The device and software reduced the radiation exposure for the surgeon and the patient. The success ratio of the device and software was validated by the physical testing, which simulated the real clinical scenario of distal locking. The radiation exposure was as low as 5 s with a radiation dose of 0.2mSv, drastically reducing radiation exposure during distal locking. DISCUSSION: Our device and software have several advantages over other distal locking methods, such as simplicity, universality, accuracy, speed, and safety. Our device and software also have some disadvantages, such as reliability and legislation. Our device and software can be compared with other distal locking methods based on these criteria. Our device and software have some limitations and challenges that need to be addressed in the future, such as clinical validation, and regulatory approval. CONCLUSION: The device showed promising results in terms of low-cost, reusability, low radiation exposure, high accuracy, fast distal locking, high stiffness, and adaptability. The device has several advantages over other distal locking techniques, such as free-hand technique, mechanical aiming devices, electromagnetic navigation systems, and computer-assisted systems. We believe that our device and software have the potential to revolutionize the distal locking technique and to improve the outcomes and quality of life of the patients with long bone fractures.

A Mobile Application for Enhancing Caregiver Support and Resource Management for Long-Term Dependent Individuals in Rural Areas.

The "SmartCaregivers" 1.0 mobile application is a beacon of hope for caregivers (CG) in rural areas, often facing limited access to facilities and support. This study, conducted from February to August 2021, aimed to comprehensively analyze the need for developing a database system and a mobile application tailored to enhance caregiver support and resource management for long-term dependent individuals in the rural areas of Maha Sarakham province, Thailand. The research followed a rigorous research and development (R & D) approach, specifically the ADDIE model (analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation). Data were collected from 402 caregivers and 10 key informants through surveys and interviews, as well as from 402 caregivers during the implementation and evaluation phases. The application's impact was assessed using a quasi-experimental design with a one-group pre-post-test, and its acceptance was evaluated through the technology acceptance model (TAM). The application significantly improved caregivers' knowledge scores, with a mean increase from 10.49 ± 2.53 to 12.18 ± 2.76 post-intervention. High scores for perceived usefulness (4.36 ± 0.62) and ease of use (4.31 ± 0.59) reassure the audience about the application's effectiveness in providing rapid access to health information, aiding decision-making, and improving care coordination. The system quality was also highly rated, with users appreciating the variety of functions and structural design. This potential for transformation and improvement instills hope and optimism for the future of caregiving in rural areas.

Development and Validation of a Mobile Phone Application for Measuring Knee Range of Motion.

BACKGROUND: Knee range of motion (ROM) is an important indicator of knee function. Outside the clinical setting, patients may not be able to accurately assess knee ROM, which may impair recovery following trauma or surgery. This study aims to validate a smartphone mobile application developed to measure knee ROM compared to visual and goniometer ROM measurements. METHODS: A knee ROM Android mobile application was developed to measure knee ROM. Patients ≥ 18 years old presenting to an orthopedic clinic with native knee complaints were approached to participate. Knee ROM was measured bilaterally by an arthroplasty-trained surgeon using 1) vision, 2) goniometer, and 3) the mobile application. Measurements were compared in flexion and extension using a one-way ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey test (alpha = 0.05). RESULTS: 84 knee ROM measurements (40 left, 44 right) were obtained in 47 patients. Median Kellgren-Lawrence grade from available radiographs was grade 3. In flexion, mobile application (117.6 ± 14.7°) measurements were not significantly different from visual (116.1 ± 13.6°) or goniometer (116.2 ± 13.6°) measurements. In extension, mobile application (4.8 ± 7.3°) measurements were significantly different from visual (1.9 ± 4.1°) measurements on post-hoc analysis (p < 0.01), while no differences were present compared to goniometer (3.1 ± 5.8°) measurements. CONCLUSION: Our study found that a mobile application for evaluating knee ROM was non-inferior to goniometer-based measurements performed by an arthroplasty-trained surgeon. Future studies will investigate this application's utility in 1) remote patient care, 2) accelerating recovery during rehabilitation, 3) detecting early postoperative complications including arthrofibrosis, and 4) adding additional functionalities to the application to provide more detail-oriented descriptive analyses of patient knee function.

Promoting vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (vilpa) in middle-aged adults: an evaluation of the movsnax mobile app.

BACKGROUND: Most adults fail to meet the moderate to vigorous physical activity-based recommendations needed to maintain or improve health. Vigorous Intermittent Lifestyle Physical Activity (VILPA) refers to short (1-2 min) high-intensity activities that are integrated into activities of daily living. VILPA has shown strong potential to improve health and addresses commonly reported barriers to physical activity. However, it is unknown how VILPA can best be promoted among the adult population. This study aimed to evaluate the usability, user engagement, and satisfaction of a mobile application (MovSnax) designed to promote VILPA. METHODS: A concurrent mixed methods design was used. It comprised four parts. Part A was a survey with n = 8 mHealth and physical activity experts who had used the app over 7-10 days. Part B was think-aloud interviews with n = 5 end-users aged 40-65 years old. Part C was a survey with a new group of 40-65-year-old end-users (n = 35) who had used the MovSnax app over 7-10 days. Part D was semi-structured interviews with n = 18 participants who took part in Part C. Directed content analysis was used to analyze the results from Parts A, B, and D, and descriptive statistics were used to analyze findings from Part C. RESULTS: Participants reported positive views on the MovSnax app for promoting VILPA but also identified usability issues such as unclear purpose, difficulties in manual data entry, and limited customization options. Across the different data collections, they consistently emphasized the need for more motivational features, clearer feedback, and gamification elements to enhance engagement. Quantitative assessment showed satisfactory scores on objective measures but lower ratings on subjective aspects, possibly due to unfamiliarity with the VILPA concept and/or technical barriers. CONCLUSIONS: The MovSnax app, tested in the present study, is the world's first digital tool aimed specifically at increasing VILPA. The findings of the present study underscore the need for further app refinement, focusing on clarifying its purpose and instructions, boosting user engagement through personalization and added motivational elements, enhancing accuracy in detecting VILPA bouts, implementing clearer feedback mechanisms, expanding customization choices (such as font size and comparative data), and ensuring transparent and meaningful activity tracking.

Connected health services: Health professionals' role as seen by parents of a child with inflammatory bowel disease.

Objective: Connected health services will change the scope of health professionals' roles. It is unclear how parents of a child with inflammatory bowel disease perceive the role of health professionals in relation to these services and what their experiences and needs are. The purpose of this study is to highlight parents' experiences with this role. Furthermore, it aims to outline the fundamental needs that parents have regarding this role, in order to promote audience-specific access to these services and derive overarching action measures. Methods: Fourteen parents of children with inflammatory bowel disease from seven different clinics in Switzerland were recruited. Between August 2022 and February 2023, these parents were interviewed in semi-structured interviews. The interviews were analyzed using a structured qualitative content analysis. Results: Five main categories were identified, with few parents having prior experience with the role of health professionals in this area. Parents saw health professionals in the role of gatekeepers, transferers of knowledge and in a supporting function for these services. From the parents' perspective, health professionals should recognize the limitations of these services and use them as a complement to standard treatment. Conclusion: The role of health professionals in relation to connected health services needs to be adapted from the parents' perspective. To meet the needs of parents, health professionals must have access to these services. In addition to health professionals' personal engagement with these services, institutional and policy changes, as well as research on role development from the perspective of other stakeholders are needed.

Empowering WHISE women: usability testing of a mobile application to enhance blood pressure control.

Background: High blood pressure (hypertension) disproportionately affects African American/Black (Black) women. Previous research suggests that self-managing hypertension may be challenging, yet mobile applications (apps) can help to empower patients and increase medication adherence. We developed questions to test the usability of evaluating the WHISE (Wellness, Hypertension, Information Sharing, Self-Management, Education) mobile app for Black women with hypertension. Methods: Fifteen participants completed usability testing; five were potential app users (Black women with hypertension); each invited two of their peers to participate. Each testing session (n=5) included a brief overview of the app, time for participants to complete surveys and have an active discussion about the app (concurrent and retrospective think-aloud, concurrent and retrospective probing, per usability.gov), and observation of participants' body language during the session. Testing sessions were designed to familiarize participants with the app's features and examine their navigating ability. Results: The app received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with 80% of participants finding it to be a valuable tool in hypertension management. Participants praised the app's user-friendliness and educational value, with one stating, 'It is a good educational piece for helping people manage hypertension, at least to understand its basics.' Another participant highlighted the potential for community support, saying, 'Having a community, having some people to be accountable, to check in with and see how things are going, could encourage and motivate people to be more diligent about managing their hypertension.' Some participants also provided constructive feedback, suggesting font size adjustments (73%) and color scheme changes (60%) for certain screens. Conclusions: Based on the feedback we received, we were able to mitigate the participants' concerns about font size and color and create tutorial videos to guide future users in using the app. We completed these changes prior to deploying the app in our randomized clinical controlled trial.

[To study the effectiveness and impact on the quality of life of patients with subclinical and clinically pronounced anxiety disorder of a mobile application in combination with Adaptol therapy]. / Izuchenie effektivnosti i vliyaniya na kachestvo zhizni patsientov s subklinicheskim i klinicheski vyrazhennym trevozhnym rasstroistvom mobil'nogo prilozheniya v sochetanii s terapiei preparatom Adaptol.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effectiveness and the quality of life impact of the mobile application Zdorovye.ru in people with subclinical and clinical anxiety disorder (AD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: 200 patients with more than 7 points on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were included. Participants were randomized into two groups: experimental one (EG, n=133) - to receive standard treatment with temgicoluril (Adaptol), 500 mg (Olainfarm JSC, Latvia) and the Zdorovye.ru application; control group (CG, n=52) - standard treatment with temgicoluril (Adaptol). RESULTS: There were a significant decrease in the HADS-A score, PSS-10 score and an increase in the visual analog scale EQ-5D score in both groups after 3 months of treatment (p<0.001). Clinical improvement was noticeable after 1.5 months in EG group: a decrease in HADS-A scores (p=0.001) and in tension and stress on PSS-10 subscales (p<0.001) were noted. This effect was not observed in the CG. After 3 months, all participants noted an improvement in quality of life (p<0.001), without a statistically significant difference between groups (p=0.233). The application left a positive impression on users and doctors - most respondents rated it as useful and clear. CONCLUSION: Taking temgicoluril (Adaptol) for 3 months led to symptoms decrease and the quality of life and well-being improvement in patients with AD. Using the mobile application Zdorovye.ru in conjunction with drug therapy made it possible to achieve a clinical effect earlier, in 1.5 months.

Tracking Usage Patterns of a Mobile Application for Dementia Risk Assessment in Elderly Individuals.

Among elderly individuals, dementia stands as a prominent contributor to disability. However, multidomain lifestyle interventions have emerged as a promising approach for enhancing cognition. Taking a progressive step, integrating digital elements such as a mobile intervention application for elderly participants becomes crucial. Hence, it's crucial to identify the usage patterns of intervention features. Our aim was to implement a usage tracking mechanism and analyze usage trends and feature preferences over the initial six months of a clinical trial across various clinical sites, comparing intervention and control groups. Our findings reveal the differences in usage between the groups and highlight the most used features.

A mobile application for STEMI care optimization: Pilot implementation project report.

BACKGROUND: Clinical outcomes of patients presenting with STEMI are significantly improved by reducing time from vessel occlusion to coronary blood flow restoration. In an effort to improve outcomes, we developed a secure mobile application, STEMIcathAID, and designed a pilot project implementing the app into the workflow for STEMI patients transfer. The aim of the study is to assess the impact of the app on key metrics for STEMI transfer before (historic) and after app launch. METHODS: The pilot project included physicians, nurses and technicians from the Emergency Medicine and Nursing Departments at the referring center, the catheterization laboratory and transfer center. From July 2021 to February 2023, the referring center activated STEMIcathAID alarms in parallel with the previously established STEMI activation with traditional phone call to transfer center. RESULTS: One hundred eleven suspected STEMI calls were activated through the app with 66 accepted and 45 rejected cases; thirty-one STEMI cases with available device time were compared with 42 STEMIs activated through the traditional pathway before the app implementation. Median door-to-device time for STEMIcathAID-assisted transfer decreased from 106 to 86 min (p < 0.001). The significant improvement, 20 min (19%), of the key metric for interhospital transfer resulted in all STEMI cases meeting the AHA goal of door-to-device time ≤ 120 min. In addition, median door-in-door-out time at the referral hospital decreased from 56 to 50 min (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a mobile app into STEMI workflow of a large urban healthcare system significantly improved the quality of care for transfer of STEMI patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: AHA Get With The Guidelines-Coronary Artery Disease® (GWTG-CAD) registry is a national quality improvement program and is not subject to the institutional review board approval.