The use of information and communication technologies by adolescents living with a mental illness in the past 5 years: Scoping review.

The use of information and communication technologies (ICT) is a huge part of adolescents' lives, especially by those living with a mental illness. However, very few studies explore their experience with the use of ICT and how it affects their health. The purpose of this study was to better understand the use of ICT by adolescents living with a mental illness. A scoping review was undertaken using Arksey and O'Malley's method to explore this understudied topic. The following databases were searched: Medline, CINAHL and Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection. Studies published between 2017 and 2022 were included. Data were analysed using a data extraction and an analysis grid developed by the research team. Of 1984 articles, only seven met the inclusion criteria. These articles allowed for a better understanding of the type of mental illness these young ICT users had, the type of ICT they use and their overall experience using ICT. The diagnoses most associated with the use of these ICT were suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety and eating illnesss. Types of ICT used were very diverse and adolescents had both positive and negative experiences using these ICT. Very few interventions using ICT were developed according to the needs of adolescents with mental illness. These adolescents often cope with the help of ICT and can have an overall positive experience. Their experience can also be negative as some of them were exposed to suicide-related and violent content. Future research is needed to better understand the best ICT interventions for these young people.

Transforming health science libraries around the globe: The impact of technology.

This article presents an analysis of seven articles published within the International Perspectives and Initiatives regular feature series on the impact of technology on the provision of health information. The articles provide a road map of how technology is facilitating new and enhanced services for library users in seven countries: Australia, Bangladesh, China, England, Germany, Sweden and the United States. Although there are differences in how countries are implementing technological solutions, only one describes problems in leveraging technology to improve library services. Authors from the remaining six countries describe how they ensure that the 21st century library consults with its user groups and find way of using the latest applications.

A Technological Tool Aimed at Self-Care in Patients With Multimorbidity: Cross-Sectional Usability Study.

BACKGROUND: Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have been positioned as useful tools to facilitate self-care. The interaction between a patient and technology, known as usability, is particularly important for achieving positive health outcomes. Specific characteristics of patients with chronic diseases, including multimorbidity, can affect their interaction with different technologies. Thus, studying the usability of ICTs in the field of multimorbidity has become a key element to ensure their relevant role in promoting self-care. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the usability of a technological tool dedicated to health and self-care in patients with multimorbidity in primary care. METHODS: A descriptive observational cross-sectional usability study was performed framed in the clinical trial in the primary care health centers of Madrid Health Service of the TeNDER (Affective Based Integrated Care for Better Quality of Life) project. The TeNDER technological tool integrates sensors for monitoring physical and sleep activity along with a mobile app for consulting the data collected and working with self-management tools. This project included patients over 60 years of age who had one or more chronic diseases, at least one of which was mild-moderate cognitive impairment, Parkinson disease, or cardiovascular disease. From the 250 patients included in the project, 38 agreed to participate in the usability study. The usability variables investigated were effectiveness, which was determined by the degree of completion and the total number of errors per task; efficiency, evaluated as the average time to perform each task; and satisfaction, quantified by the System Usability Scale. Five tasks were evaluated based on real case scenarios. Usability variables were analyzed according to the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients. A logistic regression model was constructed to estimate the factors associated with the type of support provided for task completion. RESULTS: The median age of the 38 participants was 75 (IQR 72.0-79.0) years. There was a slight majority of women (20/38, 52.6%) and the participants had a median of 8 (IQR 7.0-11.0) chronic diseases. Thirty patients completed the usability study, with a usability effectiveness result of 89.3% (134/150 tasks completed). Among the 30 patients, 66.7% (n=20) completed all tasks and 56.7% (17/30) required personalized help on at least one task. In the multivariate analysis, educational level emerged as a facilitating factor for independent task completion (odds ratio 1.79, 95% CI 0.47-6.83). The median time to complete the total tasks was 296 seconds (IQR 210.0-397.0) and the median satisfaction score was 55 (IQR 45.0-62.5) out of 100. CONCLUSIONS: Although usability effectiveness was high, the poor efficiency and usability satisfaction scores suggest that there are other factors that may interfere with the results. Multimorbidity was not confirmed to be a key factor affecting the usability of the technological tool. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT05681065; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05681065.

The Transformative Role of Information and Communication Technologies in Shaping Gender Norms and Empowering Women: Evidence From Pakistan and Nepal.

This study explores how information and communication technologies (ICTs) influence transforming attitudes toward intimate partner violence (IPV) and women's empowerment in Pakistan and Nepal. By analyzing data from married women using recent Demographic and Health Surveys, the research reveals that owning multiple ICTs is associated with decreased experiences of physical IPV and reduced acceptance of wife-beating. Notably, increased ownership of ICTs corresponds to heightened participation in household decisions. Furthermore, regular internet use further diminishes the likelihood of experiencing physical IPV and justifying wife-beating. These findings underscore ICTs' potential to empower women, reshape gender norms, and enhance decision-making autonomy. The study advocates for gender-inclusive policy interventions that leverage the transformative influence of ICTs in fostering positive sociocultural changes.

Exploring the impact of information and communication technologies on loneliness and social isolation in community-dwelling older adults: a scoping review of reviews.

BACKGROUND: Recognizing the escalating public health concerns of loneliness and social isolation in aging populations, this study seeks to comprehensively explore the potential of information and communication technology (ICT)-based interventions to address these issues among older adults. This scoping review of reviews aims to map and synthesize existing evidence on the effectiveness and scope of ICT interventions targeting loneliness and social isolation in community-dwelling older adults, elucidating types of technology, impacts, facilitators, barriers, and research gaps. METHODS: Following the Joanna Briggs Institute framework, we systematically searched eight diverse databases identifying relevant published reviews. We included English-written, peer-reviewed reviews of all types, with no limits regarding time of publication about ICTs targeting loneliness and/or social isolation for community-dwelling older adults. Eligible reviews were analysed and summarized, offering a holistic narrative of the reported types of ICTs and their impact, the identified facilitators and barriers influencing the implementation and adoption of ICT interventions, and the research gaps identified in the literature. RESULTS: The review included 39 publications published between 2012 and 2024, spanning systematic, scoping, and reviews of reviews. Various ICTs were reported, primarily social media virtual communities, followed by video-mediated friendly visits, conversational agents, social robots, exergames and online gameplay. Predominantly positive impacts on mitigating social isolation and loneliness were evident for these ICTs, although methodological diversity and contradictory findings complicated definite conclusions. Facilitators and barriers encompassed individual competencies, access and usage, and intervention design and implementation. Research gaps involved targeting specific subgroups, exploring innovative technologies, incorporating diverse study designs, improving research methodologies, and addressing usability and accessibility. Future research should focus on identifying elderly individuals who can benefit the most from ICT use, exploring novel technologies, using a wider range of study designs, and enhancing usability and accessibility considerations. CONCLUSIONS: This review sheds light on the diverse range of ICTs, their impact, and the facilitators and barriers associated with their use. Future investigations should prioritize refining outcome measures, addressing gender differences, and enhancing the usability and accessibility of interventions. The involvement of older adults in the design process and the exploration of technological training interventions hold promise in overcoming barriers.

5G and energy internet planning for power and communication network expansion.

Our research addresses the critical intersection of communication and power systems in the era of advanced information technologies. We highlight the strategic importance of communication base station placement, as its optimization is vital for minimizing operational disruptions in energy systems. Our study introduces a communications and power coordination planning (CPCP) model that encompasses both distributed energy resources and base stations to improve communication quality of service. This model facilitates optimal resource distribution, ensuring communication reliability over 96% and downlink transmission rates above 450 Mbps, enhancing network resilience and cost-effectiveness. Through case studies, we demonstrate CPCP's potential to significantly reduce planning costs, particularly with increased renewable energy integration, supporting the transition to low-carbon energy systems. Our findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the symbiotic relationship between communication and power networks, emphasizing the need for coordinated planning in building future-proof energy infrastructures.

The applications of internet of things in smart healthcare sectors: a bibliometric and deep study.

The recent attention garnered by Internet of Things (IoT) technology for its potential to alleviate challenges faced by healthcare systems, such as those resulting from an aging population and the rise in chronic illnesses, has underscored the significance of smart healthcare. Surprisingly, no bibliometric study has been conducted on this subject to date. Consequently, this investigation aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the longitudinal state and knowledge structure of IoT in smart healthcare. To achieve this, a content analysis tool is employed for academic research, facilitating the identification of key study themes, the growth trajectory of the research topic, the top journal sources, and the distribution of nations based on subject areas. The bibliometric evaluation encompasses 614 publications published in 14 journals spanning the period from 2016 to 2022. Employing bibliographic coupling analysis, the latest developments in IoT have been uncovered within the domain of smart healthcare. The findings reveal 11 primary research topic areas that have been the focus of scholarly discourse during this period. This study highlights that the computing paradigm and network connectivity emerge as the most prominent topics within this research domain. Blockchain-based security in healthcare closely follows as the second-largest topic discussed by scholars. Additionally, the analysis indicates a significant increase in total publications for the most popular topic, peaking around 2018.

[Cybersecurity and use of ICT in the health sector]. / Ciberseguridad y uso de las TIC en el Sector Salud.

Cybercrime in the health sector is a growing threat in the digital age. With computerization of medical records and telemedicine on the rise, cyberattacks can have devastating consequences. Leaking sensitive data or hijacking systems can compromise patient's privacy and jeopardize healthcare. To counter this threat, robust cybersecurity measures are required as a protective measure. This article aims to expose the main dangers and threats faced by ICT, as well as present cybersecurity with its bioethical implications and, finally, the ideal scheme for it in the health sector in order to create a safer and more efficient environment. This article aims to address these issues and provide a comprehensive view of how cybersecurity and ICT can coexist safely and effectively in the healthcare field.

Exploring the role of information and communication technologies in allergic rhinitis in specialist centers: Patient perspectives on usefulness, value, and impact on healthcare.

INTRODUCTION: Information and communication technologies (ICTs) improve patient-centered care and are routinely used in Allergic Rhinitis (AR), but patients' preferences and attitudes are unexplored. This study examines AR-related information preferences and ICT use by AR patients. METHODS: A survey-based cross-sectional study was carried out in Ecuador from July to September 2019 in seven centers of reference for allergic disease. Participants were 18 years or older, diagnosed with AR and had access to ICT and the Internet. Descriptive and binomial logistic regressions were performed. A value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: 217 patients were included. 47% (n = 102) used ICTs to learn about AR, of which 38.2% (n = 83) found it useful. Most of participants (75%, n = 164) did not think that ICTs reduce their need to see a doctor. Individuals with poorer quality of life were more likely to utilize ICTs to contact their doctor (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.04-1.55), and more likely to be interested in AR-related content (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.00-1.52). Patients with long-term AR or other allergies were less likely to use ICTs (OR 0.92 and OR 0.40 respectively). Higher education and lower quality of life may increase AR apps adoption (OR 4.82, 95% CI 1.11-21.00). Academic preparation five-fold increased ICT use for health provider communication (OR 5.29, 95% CI 1.18-23.72). Mild-persistent AR enhanced the probabilities of using ICTs to share experiences and communicate with other patients (OR 12.59, 95% CI 1.32-120.35). CONCLUSIONS: Our study emphasizes the importance of tailoring digital resources to patient needs by considering factors such as quality of life, education, and specific subgroups within the AR patient population. Additionally, the findings suggest that while ICTs can play a valuable role in patient education and support, they should complement, rather than replace, traditional medical care for many AR patients.

What influences trust in and understanding of clinical trials? An analysis of information and communication technology use and online health behavior from the Health Information National Trends Survey.

BACKGROUND: Using information and communication technologies to seek, discuss, and share health-related information influences people's trust and knowledge of several health practices. However, we know little about the associations between individuals' information and communication technology use and their perceptions of trust and knowledge of clinical trials. Examining these associations may lead to the identification of target audiences and channels for developing effective educational interventions and campaigns about clinical trials. METHODS: In this study, we analyzed Health Information National Trends Survey data to document perceptions of clinical trial-related knowledge and trust that were recently added as questions in this annual national survey of US adults. We also examined correlates of these clinical trial perceptions that included sociodemographic factors and individuals' use of information and communication technologies to seek health information, discuss such information with their healthcare providers, and share the information in their network. RESULTS: More than 90% of participants had no or limited perceived knowledge about clinical trials. Knowledge was higher among those who seek or discuss health-related information online. Differences in perceived knowledge and trust emerged for some racial/ethnic subgroups and other demographic factors. Providers were considered the most trusted source of information (73.6%), followed by health organizations (19.4%) and social support (7.1%). Trust in health organizations compared to health providers was higher among those who used online resources to share health information online with others. Trust in social support was significantly higher among those who used information and communication technologies to communicate about health. CONCLUSION: Based on these findings, we recommend developing online resources about clinical trials to be distributed through social media. These resources should facilitate a dialogue and be targeted to several groups considering their information and communication technologies' use.

Mapas mentais e cartilhas no ensino remoto emergencial: uma proposta educacional inovadora frente à pandemia da Covid-19 / Mind maps and primers in emergency remote teaching: an innovative educational proposal in the face of the Covid-19 pandemicMapas mentales y primers en la enseñanza a distancia de emergencia: una propuesta educativa inovadora ante la pandemia Covid-19 / Mind maps and primers in emergency remote teaching: an innovative educational proposal in the face of the Covid-19 pandemicMapas mentales y primers en la enseñanza a distancia de emergencia: una propuesta educativa inovadora ante la pandemia Covid-19

Objetivo: Na perspectiva da formação continuada de professores universitários, o presente trabalho visa discutir os resultados obtidos através da aplicação de um tutorial virtual, com vistas à inovação da prática pedagógica docente. Método: Trata-se de um relato de experiência envolvendo a utilização de mapas mentais e cartilhas educativas em ambientes virtuais, no contexto do Ensino Remoto Emergencial (ERE), na Universidade Pública na Bahia. Resultados: Para tanto, por meio de trabalho colaborativo, foram realizadas atividades síncronas e assíncronas. Dois ambientes de aprendizagem foram utilizados, Google Classroom e Meet. Diferentes possibilidades para utilização dos mapas mentais e das cartilhas educativas foram apresentadas, considerando estudos anteriores da equipe proponente. Ademais, foram discutidas possibilidades para uso destas ferramentas didáticas durante o ERE. A atividade de capacitação docente envolveu doze professores universitários, os quais foram estimulados a inovarem as suas práticas pedagógicas, por meio da utilização das Tecnologias Digitais da Informação e Comunicação (TDICs). Conclusão: Diante da capacitação, os participantes atuaram como sujeitos reflexivos e ativos na vivência do processo de ensino-aprendizagem em ambientes virtuais. O tutorial, por meio de um processo educativo participativo, proporcionou ações de trabalho em equipe, com foco na inovação da prática pedagógica docente e na melhoria do processo de ensino-aprendizagem.

Objective:From the perspective of the continued training of university teachers, this work aims to discuss the results obtained through the application of a virtual tutorial, with a view to innovating teaching pedagogical practice. Method: This is an experience report involving the use of mind maps and educational booklets in virtual environments, in the context of Emergency Remote Teaching (ERE), at the Public University in Bahia. Results: To this end, through collaborative work, synchronous and asynchronous activities were carried out. Two learning environments were used, Google Classroom and Meet. Different possibilities for using mental maps and educational booklets were presented, considering previous studies by the proposing team. Furthermore, possibilities for using these teaching tools during the ERE were discussed. The teaching training activity involved twelve university professors, who were encouraged to innovate their pedagogical practices, through theuse of Digital Information and Communication Technologies (TDICs). Conclusion: During the training, participants acted as reflective and active subjects in experiencing the teaching-learning process in virtual environments. The tutorial, through a participatory educational process, provided teamwork actions, focusing on innovation in teaching pedagogical practice and improving the teaching-learning process.

Objetivo: Desde la perspectiva de la formación continua de docentes universitarios, este trabajo tiene como objetivo discutir los resultados obtenidos mediante la aplicación de una tutoría virtual, con miras a innovar la práctica pedagógica docente. Método: Se trata de un relato de experiencia sobre el uso de mapas mentales y folletos educativos en ambientes virtuales, en el contexto de la Enseñanza Remota de Emergencia (ERE), en la Universidad Pública de Bahía. Resultados: Para ello, a través del trabajo colaborativo, se realizaron actividades sincrónicas y asincrónicas. Se utilizaron dos entornos de aprendizaje, Google Classroom y Meet. Se presentaron diferentes posibilidades de uso de mapas mentales y folletos educativos, considerando estudios previos del equipo proponente. Además, se discutieron las posibilidades de utilizar estas herramientas didácticas durante el ERE. La actividad de formación docente involucró a doce profesores universitarios, quienes fueron incentivados a innovar en sus prácticas pedagógicas, mediante el uso de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación Digital (TDIC). Conclusión: Durante la capacitación, los participantes actuaron como sujetos reflexivos y activos al vivir el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje en ambientes virtuales. La tutoría, a través de un proceso educativo participativo, brindó acciones de trabajo en equipo, enfocando la innovación en la práctica pedagógica docente y la mejora del proceso deenseñanza-aprendizaje.

Designing Digital Therapeutic Content Using Chronic Disease Data: A Focus on Improving Urinary Dysfunction.

In recent years, advancements in information and communication technologies, including artificial intelligence, big data, virtual reality, and augmented reality, have driven substantial growth in the field of digital medical diagnosis and treatment, thereby enhancing quality of life. Beginning in the mid-2010s with the advent of digital healthcare applications, and further accelerated by the impact of coronavirus disease 2019, digital therapeutic products have profoundly influenced society. Nevertheless, the expansion of digital therapeutics has encountered challenges associated with regulatory hurdles, differentiation from general digital healthcare, and the necessity for trustworthiness, which have contributed to a slower rate of progress. This study proposes a 3P content model-encompassing pre-education, prediction/diagnosis/treatment, and postmanagement-to increase the trustworthiness of digital therapeutics. The design of the 3P content model includes a fundamental structure that establishes networks with healthcare institutions, aiming to increase the reliability of data utilization and to facilitate integration with medical decision support systems. For case development, the study introduces a prototype of a mobile application that utilizes chronic disease urinary dysfunction data, demonstrating the cyclical structure inherent in the 3P content model.

EASIER: A new model for online learning of minimally invasive surgery skills.

INTRODUCTION: Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) can provide the tools to safely master minimally invasive surgery (MIS) skills in patient-free environments and receive immediate objective feedback without the constant presence of an instructor. However, TEL-based systems tend to work isolated from one another, focus on different skills, and fail to provide contents without a sound pedagogical background. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this descriptive study is to present in detail EASIER, an innovative TEL platform for surgical and interventional training, as well as the results of its validation. METHODS: EASIER provides a Learning Management System (LMS) for institutions and content creators that can connect and integrate TEL "external assets" (virtual reality simulators, augmented box trainers, augmented videos, etc.) addressing different skills. The platform integrates all skills under an Assessment Module that measures skills' progress in different courses. Finally, it provides content creators with a pedagogical model to scaffold contents while retaining flexibility to approach course design with different training philosophies in mind. Three courses were developed and hosted in the platform to validate it with end-users in terms of usability, performance, learning results in the courses and student self-perception on learning. RESULTS: In total 111 volunteers completed the validation. The study was limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited access to external assets (virtual reality simulators). Nevertheless, usability was rated with 73.1 in the System Usability Scale. Most positive aspects on performance were easiness to access the platform, easiness to change the configuration and not requiring additional plug-ins to use the platform. The platform was rated above average in the six scales of the User Experience Questionnaire. Overall, student results improved significantly across the three courses (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides, within its limitations, evidence on the usefulness of the EASIER platform for distance learning of MIS skills. Results show the potential impact of the platform and are an encouraging boost for the future, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Information technology and changing role models in German libraries: The example of OPEN-CAM.

Germany has a long tradition of health libraries. From their origin in monasteries, they became centres of knowledge and education. In modern times, this tradition has been continued by the Central Library of Medicine. In addition, as a specialty in Germany, special collection areas and special libraries that focus on one topic were established. Those services were transformed to specialized information services and portals as part of the digital transformation process. One of such projects is OPEN-CAM, which provides literature on integrative medicine in a specialist library and hosts the literature database CAMbase. Based on this example, we show how digital transformation has influenced the library landscape and its structures in Germany.

Technology adoption review for ageing well: analysis of technical solutions.

While several technological solutions are available for older adults to improve their wellbeing and quality of life, little is known about the gaps between the needs, provided solutions, and their adoption from a more pragmatic perspective. This paper reports on reviewing existing technological solutions for older adults, which span the work life, life in the community, and wellbeing at home. We analyzed 50 different solutions to uncover both negative and positive features of these solutions from the perspective of the impact of technology adoption on the quality of life of older adults. Our approach harnesses holistic reasoning to determine the most suitable technologies available today and provides suggestions for improvement toward designing and implementing better solutions.

A systematic review and knowledge mapping on ICT-based remote and automatic COVID-19 patient monitoring and care.

BACKGROUND: e-Health has played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic in primary health care. e-Health is the cost-effective and secure use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to support health and health-related fields. Various stakeholders worldwide use ICTs, including individuals, non-profit organizations, health practitioners, and governments. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, ICT has improved the quality of healthcare, the exchange of information, training of healthcare professionals and patients, and facilitated the relationship between patients and healthcare providers. This study systematically reviews the literature on ICT-based automatic and remote monitoring methods, as well as different ICT techniques used in the care of COVID-19-infected patients. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this systematic literature review is to identify the e-Health methods, associated ICTs, method implementation strategies, information collection techniques, advantages, and disadvantages of remote and automatic patient monitoring and care in COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: The search included primary studies that were published between January 2020 and June 2022 in scientific and electronic databases, such as EBSCOhost, Scopus, ACM, Nature, SpringerLink, IEEE Xplore, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, JMIR, Web of Science, Science Direct, and PubMed. In this review, the findings from the included publications are presented and elaborated according to the identified research questions. Evidence-based systematic reviews and meta-analyses were conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework. Additionally, we improved the review process using the Rayyan tool and the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA). Among the eligibility criteria were methodological rigor, conceptual clarity, and useful implementation of ICTs in e-Health for remote and automatic monitoring of COVID-19 patients. RESULTS: Our initial search identified 664 potential studies; 102 were assessed for eligibility in the pre-final stage and 65 articles were used in the final review with the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The review identified the following eHealth methods-Telemedicine, Mobile Health (mHealth), and Telehealth. The associated ICTs are Wearable Body Sensors, Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms, Internet-of-Things, or Internet-of-Medical-Things (IoT or IoMT), Biometric Monitoring Technologies (BioMeTs), and Bluetooth-enabled (BLE) home health monitoring devices. Spatial or positional data, personal and individual health, and wellness data, including vital signs, symptoms, biomedical images and signals, and lifestyle data are examples of information that is managed by ICTs. Different AI and IoT methods have opened new possibilities for automatic and remote patient monitoring with associated advantages and weaknesses. Our findings were represented in a structured manner using a semantic knowledge graph (e.g., ontology model). CONCLUSIONS: Various e-Health methods, related remote monitoring technologies, different approaches, information categories, the adoption of ICT tools for an automatic remote patient monitoring (RPM), advantages and limitations of RMTs in the COVID-19 case are discussed in this review. The use of e-Health during the COVID-19 pandemic illustrates the constraints and possibilities of using ICTs. ICTs are not merely an external tool to achieve definite remote and automatic health monitoring goals; instead, they are embedded in contexts. Therefore, the importance of the mutual design process between ICT and society during the global health crisis has been observed from a social informatics perspective. A global health crisis can be observed as an information crisis (e.g., insufficient information, unreliable information, and inaccessible information); however, this review shows the influence of ICTs on COVID-19 patients' health monitoring and related information collection techniques.

[Use of technology in old age: associations between acceptance, competence, control, interest and social indicators in individuals over 60 years old]. / Technologienutzung im Alter: Zusammenhänge zwischen Akzeptanz, Kompetenz, Kontrolle, Interesse und sozialen Indikatoren bei Personen über 60 Jahre.

BACKGROUND: In addition to sociodemographic factors, action-theoretical constructs, such as technology acceptance and competence play an important role in technology use. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the associations between technology use, sociodemographic factors, action-theoretical constructs, and technology interest. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data were collected from 585 study participants aged over 60 years from 14 surveys conducted between 2014 and 2020. A structural equation model was used to explain the relationships. RESULTS: The structural equation model with covariates of survey year, age, gender, and education (n = 585) yielded the following fit indices: comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.918, Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) = 0.894, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.056 [95 % confidence interval: 0.050-0.063], Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR) = 0.079, χ2 = 3051.936 (p < 0.001), χ2/degrees of freedom (df) = 18.499. The strongest associations with technology use were found for technology acceptance and competence. Additionally, technology competence showed a significant association with technology interest. Gender and technology interest were not related to technology use but it was observed that men had higher levels of technology acceptance, control, competence, and interest. DISCUSSION: Taking technology competence beliefs into account plays a crucial role in understanding the technology usage and interest of older individuals. Additionally, gender-specific differences in the theoretical constructs of action and interest in technology have been revealed in the context of the digital divide.

ICTs and interventions in telerehabilitation and their effects on stroke recovery.

Telerehabilitation (TR) is a new model to provide rehabilitation services to stroke survivors. It is a promising approach to deliver mainstream interventions for movement, cognitive, speech and language, and other disorders. TR has two major components: information and communication technologies (ICTs) and stroke interventions. ICTs provide a platform on which interventions are delivered and subsequently result in stroke recovery. In this mini-review, we went over features of ICTs that facilitate TR, as well as stroke interventions that can be delivered via TR platforms. Then, we reviewed the effects of TR on various stroke disorders. In most studies, TR is a feasible and effective solution in delivering interventions to patients. It is not inferior to usual care and in-clinic therapy with matching dose and intensity. With new technologies, TR may result in better outcomes than usual care for some disorders. One the other hand, TR also have many limitations that could lead to worse outcomes than traditional rehabilitation. In the end, we discussed major concerns and possible solutions related to TR, and also discussed potential directions for TR development.

Promoting employee wellbeing and preventing non-clinical mental health problems in the workplace: a preparatory consultation survey.

BACKGROUND: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face major financial losses due to mental health issues affecting employees at all levels but seldom apply programs to promote wellbeing and prevent mental health issues among employees. To support the development of a multi-country workplace-based mental health intervention for SMEs (MENTUPP), a multinational consultation study was conducted. The study aimed to examine the experiences and needs of SMEs concerning the promotion of employee wellbeing, and the prevention and management of non-clinical mental health problems in workplaces. METHODS: A survey consisting of open and closed questions was designed to assess key informants' opinion about the acceptability, the use, and the implementation of interventions to promote wellbeing and prevent mental health issues in the workplace. Academic experts and representatives of SME organisations, specific sector organisations, labour or advocacy groups, and occupational health organisations across the nine MENTUPP intervention countries (eight European countries and Australia) were invited to complete the survey. Data were collected via the online platform Qualtrics. Sixty-five of 146 informants responded, representing a 44.5% response rate. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the quantitative data and qualitative data were analysed through thematic analysis. RESULTS: Measures to create mentally healthy workplaces were most used in SMEs, while more specific mental health interventions, such as training staff on how to promote wellbeing, were hardly used. Managers lack resources to implement mental health interventions and are concerned about employees spending too much time on these interventions during working hours. Receiving information about the economic benefits of mental health interventions and hearing successful testimonials from other SMEs can persuade managers otherwise. Employees have concerns about confidentiality, discrimination and stigma, and career opportunities when using such interventions. CONCLUSIONS: The study identifies a variety of challenges, needs and possibilities related to implementing mental health interventions in SMEs. Employers need to be convinced that investing in mental health in the workplace is worth their time and money. This requires more studies on the (cost-)effectiveness of mental health interventions. Once employers are engaged, their knowledge and competencies about how to implement such interventions should be increased and privacy concerns of employees to participate in them should be addressed.