Developing an e-Prehabilitation System of Care for Young Adults Diagnosed With Cancer: User-Centered Design Study.

BACKGROUND: A diagnosis of cancer in adolescence or young adulthood can pose many different and unique challenges for individuals, as well as their families and friends. Drawing on the concept of prehabilitation, the provision of high-quality, accessible, timely, reliable, and appropriate information, care, and support for young adults with cancer and their families is critical to ensure that they feel equipped and empowered to make informed decisions relating to their treatment and care. Increasingly, digital health interventions offer opportunities to augment current health care information and support provision. Co-designing these digital health interventions can help to ensure that they are meaningful and relevant to the patient cohort, thereby maximizing their accessibility and acceptability. OBJECTIVE: This study had 4 primary interlinked objectives: understand the support needs of young adults with cancer at the time of diagnosis, understand the potential role of a digital health solution to assist in the delivery of prehabilitation for young adults with cancer, identify appropriate technologies and technological platforms for a digital prehabilitation system of care, and develop a prototype for a digital prehabilitation system of care. METHODS: This was a qualitative study using interviews and surveys. Young adults aged 16 to 26 years diagnosed with cancer within the last 3 years were invited to participate in individual user-requirement interviews or surveys. Health care professionals specializing in the treatment and care of young adults with cancer and digital health professionals working in the industry were also interviewed or completed a survey. Consensus feedback interviews were conducted with 3 young adults and 2 health care professionals after the development of the first generation of the prototype app. RESULTS: In total, 7 individual interviews and 8 surveys were completed with young adults with a range of cancer diagnoses. Moreover, 6 individual interviews and 9 surveys were completed with health care professionals, and 3 digital health professionals participated in one-on-one interviews. A prototype app with the working name of Cancer Helpmate was developed based on these collective participant data. Overall, feedback from participants across the data collection activities suggests that the concept for the app was positive during these developmental stages. Further insightful ideas for the app's future development were also identified. CONCLUSIONS: Young adults with cancer and health care professionals are responsive to the need for more digitally driven services to be developed. Further development of an app such as Cancer Helpmate, which incorporates key features and functionalities directly informed by users, could help to augment the support provided to young adults with cancer.

Building a Research Roadmap for Caregiver Innovation: Findings from a Multi-Stakeholder Consultation and Evaluation.

Across the world, informal (unpaid) caregiving has become the predominant model for community care: in the UK alone, there are an estimated 6.5 million caregivers supporting family members and friends on a regular basis, saving health and social care services approximately £132 billion per year. Despite our collective reliance on this group (particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic), quality of life for caregivers is often poor and there is an urgent need for disruptive innovations. The aim of this study was to explore what a future roadmap for innovation could look like through a multi-stakeholder consultation and evaluation. An online survey was developed and distributed through convenience sampling, targeting both the informal caregiver and professionals/innovators interested in the caregiver demographic. Data were analysed using both quantitative (summary statistics) and qualitative (inductive thematic analysis) methods in order to develop recommendations for future multi-stakeholder collaboration and meaningful innovation. The survey collected 174 responses from 112 informal caregivers and 62 professionals/innovators. Responses across these stakeholder groups identified that there is currently a missed opportunity to harness the value of the voice of the caregiver demographic. Although time and accessibility issues are considerable barriers to engagement with this stakeholder group, respondents were clear that regular contributions, ideally no more than 20 to 30 min a month could provide a realistic route for input, particularly through online approaches supported by community-based events. In conclusion, the landscape of digital health and wellness is becoming ever more sophisticated, where both industrial and academic innovators could establish new routes to identify, reach, inform, signpost, intervene and support vital and vulnerable groups such as the caregiver demographic. Here, the findings from a consultation with caregivers and professionals interested in informal caring are presented to help design the first stages of a roadmap through identifying priorities and actions that could help accelerate future research and policy that will lead to meaningful and innovative solutions.

Diurnal patterns of objectively measured sedentary time and interruptions to sedentary time are associated with glycaemic indices in type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate diurnal patterns of sedentary time and interruptions to sedentary time and their associations with achievement of pre-meal glucose, post-meal glucose, bedtime glucose and the dawn phenomenon targets and with duration of hypoglycaemia, euglycaemia, hyperglycaemia and above target range. DESIGN: Intensive longitudinal study. METHODS: In 37 adults with type 2 diabetes, the FreeStyle Libre and activPAL3 were used to monitor glucose and sedentary time and interruptions to sedentary time in the morning (07:00-12:00), afternoon (12:00-17:00) and evening (17:00-23:00) for 14 days. Diurnal patterns of sedentary behaviour and associations with glycaemic indices were assessed using repeated measures ANOVA and linear regressions. RESULTS: Sedentary time was significantly higher in the evening (43.47±7.37min/h) than the morning (33.34±8.44min/h) and afternoon (37.26±8.28min/h). Interruptions to sedentary time were significantly lower in the evening (2.64±0.74n/h) than the morning (3.69±1.08n/h) and afternoon (3.06±0.87n/h). Sedentary time in the morning and afternoon was associated with lower achievement of the dawn phenomenon target. Sedentary time in the evening was associated with lower achievement of post-lunch glucose target. Interruptions to sedentary time in the morning and afternoon were associated with higher achievement of pre-dinner glucose target. Interruptions to sedentary time in the evening showed beneficial associations with achievement of post-dinner glucose and bedtime glucose targets and euglycaemia. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged sedentary behaviour is high in the evening. Interruptions to sedentary time, particularly in the evening, have beneficial associations with glycaemic indices. Interventions targeting interruptions to sedentary time in the evening may be more clinically relevant.

Contingency management for smoking cessation among individuals with type 2 diabetes: protocol for a multi-center randomized controlled feasibility trial.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who smoke are at increased risk for many types of cancers as well as an accelerated progression of microvascular and macrovascular complications. Smoking cessation is recommended as a standard treatment for T2D; however, individuals with T2D are faced with competing lifestyle changes. Glycemic and blood pressure control often take precedence over smoking cessation, and patients are often unmotivated to quit. Contingency management in combination with standard smoking cessation treatment has been demonstrated to improve cessation outcomes in various populations. The purpose of this randomized controlled feasibility trial is to explore the feasibility of contingency management and biochemical verification using a remote smartphone-based carbon monoxide monitor for smoking cessation among individuals with T2D. METHODS: A three-arm, randomized controlled feasibility trial will be conducted in two study sites that include the USA and UK. We will recruit 60 participants who will each receive usual care smoking cessation treatment (counseling and nicotine replacement therapy) and be randomized to a short term incentives (6 weeks), long term incentives (12 weeks), or no incentives (control) group. Participants will receive a smartphone and carbon monoxide monitor to complete daily remote assessments throughout the 12 weeks and will complete an exit interview at the end of the study. The primary outcomes for this feasibility study include completion of the protocol and proportion of daily assessments completed. Secondary outcomes include recruitment measures, acceptability, and smoking abstinence. DISCUSSION: We will explore the feasibility of recruiting smokers with T2D and their engagement in the program, particularly related to the use of the remote biochemical verification and smartphone application. In addition, we will evaluate the intervention content, study procedures, data collection methods, and follow-up and will qualitatively assess the participants' acceptability of the program. The results of this study will inform the design of a larger trial to test the efficacy of the contingency management program for improving smoking cessation outcomes among individuals with T2D. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This randomized controlled feasibility trial has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with an ID NCT03527667 on May 4, 2018.

Impact of free-living pattern of sedentary behaviour on intra-day glucose regulation in type 2 diabetes.

PURPOSE: To investigate how the pattern of sedentary behaviour affects intra-day glucose regulation in type 2 diabetes. METHODS: This intensive longitudinal study was conducted in 37 participants with type 2 diabetes (age, 62.8 ± 10.5 years). Glucose and sedentary behaviour/physical activity were assessed with a continuous glucose monitoring (Abbott FreeStyle Libre) and an activity monitor (activPAL3) for 14 days. Multiple regression models with generalised estimating equations (GEEs) approach were used to assess the associations of sedentary time and breaks in sedentary time with pre-breakfast glucose, pre-lunch glucose, pre-dinner glucose, post-breakfast glucose, post-lunch glucose, post-dinner glucose, bedtime glucose, the dawn phenomenon, time in target glucose range (TIR, glucose 3.9-10 mmol/L) and time above target glucose range (TAR, glucose > 10 mmol/L). RESULTS: Sedentary time was associated with higher pre-breakfast glucose (p = 0.001), pre-dinner glucose (p < 0.001), post-lunch glucose (p = 0.005), post-dinner glucose (p = 0.013) and the dawn phenomenon (p < 0.001). Breaks in sedentary time were associated with lower pre-breakfast glucose (p = 0.023), pre-dinner glucose (p = 0.023), post-breakfast glucose (p < 0.001) and the dawn phenomenon (p = 0.004). The association between sedentary time and less TIR (p = 0.022) and the association between breaks in sedentary time and more TIR (p = 0.001) were also observed. CONCLUSIONS: Reducing sedentary time and promoting breaks in sedentary time could be clinically relevant to improve intra-day glucose regulation in type 2 diabetes.

Dose-response between frequency of breaks in sedentary time and glucose control in type 2 diabetes: A proof of concept study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate dose-response between frequency of breaks in sedentary time and glucose control. DESIGN: Randomised three-treatment, two-period balanced incomplete block trial. METHODS: Twelve adults with type 2 diabetes (age, 60±11years; body mass index, 30.2±4.7kg/m2) participated in two of the following treatment conditions: sitting for 7h interrupted by 3min light-intensity walking breaks every (1) 60min (Condition 1), (2) 30min (Condition 2), and (3) 15min (Condition 3). Postprandial glucose incremental area under the curves (iAUCs) and 21-h glucose total area under the curve (AUC) were measured using continuous glucose monitoring. Standardised meals were provided. RESULTS: Compared with Condition 1 (6.7±0.8mmolL-1×3.5h-1), post-breakfast glucose iAUC was reduced for Condition 3 (3.5±0.9 mmolL-1×3.5h-1, p˂0.04). Post-lunch glucose iAUC was lower in Condition 3 (1.3±0.9mmolL-1×3.5h-1, p˂0.03) and Condition 2 (2.1±0.7mmolL-1×3.5h-1, p˂0.05) relative to Condition 1 (4.6±0.8mmolL-1×3.5h-1). Condition 3 (1.0±0.7mmolL-1×3.5h-1, p=0.02) and Condition 2 (1.6±0.6mmolL-1×3.5h-1, p˂0.04) attenuated post-dinner glucose iAUC compared with Condition 1 (4.0±0.7mmolL-1×3.5h-1). Cumulative 10.5-h postprandial glucose iAUC was lower in Condition 3 than Condition 1 (p=0.02). Condition 3 reduced 21-h glucose AUC compared with Condition 1 (p<0.001) and Condition 2 (p=0.002). However, post-breakfast glucose iAUC, cumulative 10.5-h postprandial glucose iAUC and 21-h glucose AUC were not different between Condition 2 and Condition 1 (p˃0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There could be dose-response between frequency of breaks in sedentary time and glucose. Interrupting sedentary time every 15min could produce better glucose control.

The associations of sedentary time and breaks in sedentary time with 24-hour glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes.

The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of accelerometer-assessed sedentary time and breaks in sedentary time with 24-h events and duration of hypoglycaemia (<3.9 mmol/l), euglycaemia (3.9-7.8 mmol/l), hyperglycaemia (>7.8 mmol/l) and above target glucose (>9 mmol/l). Thirty-seven participants with type 2 diabetes (age, 62.8 ±â€¯10.5 years; body mass index, 29.6 ±â€¯6.8 kg/m2) in Glasgow, United Kingdom were enrolled between February 2016 and February 2017. Participants wore an activity monitor (activPAL3) recording the time and pattern of sedentary behaviour and a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM, Abbott FreeStyle Libre) for up to 14 days. Linear regression analyses were used to investigate the associations. Participants spent 3.7%, 64.7%, 32.1% and 19.2% of recording h/day in hypoglycaemia, euglycaemia, hyperglycaemia and above target, respectively. There was a negative association between sedentary time and time in euglycaemia (ß = -0.44, 95% CI -0.86; -0.03, p = 0.04). There was a trend towards a positive association between sedentary time and time in hyperglycaemia (ß = 0.36, 95% CI -0.05; 0.78, p = 0.08). Breaks in sedentary time was associated with higher time in euglycaemia (ß = 0.38, 95% CI 0.00; 0.75, p = 0.04). To conclude, in individuals with type 2 diabetes, more time spent in unbroken and continuous sedentary behaviour was associated with poorer glucose control. Conversely, interrupting sedentary time with frequent breaks appears to improve glycaemic control. Therefore, this should be considered as a simple adjunct therapy to improve clinical outcomes in type 2 diabetes.

An e-Prehabilitation System of Care for Teenagers and Young Adults Diagnosed With Cancer: Protocol for a Qualitative Co-Design Study.

BACKGROUND: A diagnosis of cancer in young adulthood can pose many different and unique challenges for individuals. The provision of adequate and appropriate information as well as care and support for teenagers and young adults at the time of diagnosis is central to their health care experience going forward. Moreover, appropriate and accessible information provision is critical to ensure that young individuals with cancer feel equipped and empowered to make decisions about, and be involved in, their treatment and recovery throughout their experience; this is a concept known as prehabilitation. As digital interventions and resources that support teenagers and young adults with cancer are an increasingly desirable part of health care provision, this study will focus on the development of an age- and population-appropriate electronic prehabilitation (e-Prehabilitation) system of care. OBJECTIVE: We will conduct an exploratory, co-design research project that will inform the development of an e-Prehabilitation system of care to support teenagers and young adults diagnosed with cancer. A collaborative approach to data collection and prototype design will ensure that a patient-centered approach is embedded throughout. METHODS: A qualitative, co-design study utilizing surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions is being conducted with teenagers and young adults, health care professionals, and technologists. RESULTS: This research study is in progress; recruitment and data collection activities have commenced and findings are expected in early 2019. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study will have important implications for informing the future development and evaluation of an e-Prehabilitation system of care to support teenagers and young adults diagnosed with cancer. REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER: RR1-10.2196/10287.

Methods for combining continuously measured glucose and activity data in people with Type 2 diabetes: Challenges and solutions.

AIMS: To present the novel application of combining continuously measured glucose with continuous accelerometer measured physical activity and sedentary behaviour data and discusses the principles used and challenges faced in combining and analysing these two sets of data in the context of diabetes management. METHODS: The background and rationale for exploring glucose, physical activity and sedentary behaviour in people with Type 2 diabetes is presented, the paper outlines the technologies used, the individual data extraction and finally the combined data analysis. A case study approach is used to illustrate the application of the combined data processing and analysis. RESULTS: The data analytic principles used could be transferred to different conditions where continuous data sets are being combined to help individuals or health professionals better manage and care for people with long term conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Future work should focus on generating validated techniques to visualise combined data sets and explore ways to present data back to the individual in an effective way to support health care management and rehabilitation.