Public's preferences for health science popularization short videos in China: a discrete choice experiment.

Background: Health science popularization short video disseminates health information to the public in an understandable way about health information. Objective: To investigate the preferences of Chinese residents for health science popularization short videos and provide suggestions for optimizing the production of short videos. Methods: An online survey of Chinese people was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire, and a discrete choice experiment (DCE) was used to explore the public's preferences for health science popularization short videos. Results: A total of 618 respondents were included, of which 306 (45.51%) were male and 312 (50.49%) were female, 271 (43.85%) were aged 18-25, 239 (38.67%) were aged 26-60, and 108 (17.48%) were aged 60 and above. Whether the video is charged or not (46.891%) and the account subject (28.806%) were both considered important. The results of the DCE revealed that the participants considered video free of charge as the most significant attribute of health science popularization short videos (OR 3.433, 95% CI 3.243-3.633). Overall, participants preferred and were more willing to pay for health science popularization short videos with a hospital account subject (OR 1.192, 95% CI 1.116-1.274), with the form of graphic narration (OR 1.062, 95% CI 1.003-1.126), free of charge (OR 3.433, 95% CI 3.243-3.633), with the content that satisfies their needs (very much needed: OR 1.253, 95% CI 95% CI 1.197-1.311; generally needed: OR 1.078, 95% CI 1.029-1.129), with platform certification (OR 1.041, 95% CI 1.011-1.073), without commercial advertisements (OR 1.048, 95% CI 1.018-1.080), with simple-to-understand content (OR 1.071, 95% CI 1.040-1.104), and with video content that evokes fear or dread of illness in the viewer (OR 1.046, 95% CI 1.015-1.078). Conclusion: Participants favor free health popularization short videos, which are hospital accounts, with content that is illustrated, understandable, meets their needs, and can serve as a warning. In the future, the production of health popularization short videos should focus on improving the diversity and relevance of video content, making it as easy to understand to achieve good science popularization effects.

A cost-effective approach to increasing participation in patient-reported outcomes research in cancer: A randomized trial of video invitations.

Maximizing participation in cancer research is important to improve the validity and generalizability of research findings. We conducted a four-arm randomized controlled trial to test the impact of a novel video invitation on participant response. We invited childhood cancer survivors and parents of survivors <16 years to complete questionnaires. We compared response rates to an invitation letter (control) vs receiving the letter plus a video invitation on a flash drive presented by a childhood cancer survivor, a pediatric oncologist or a researcher. We explored factors associated with viewing the video and examined the impact of enclosing the USB on study costs. Overall 54% (634/1176) of questionnaires were returned. Participants who received a video invitation on a USB were more likely to return the questionnaire than those who did not (58% vs 47%, P < .001). Participation rate did not significantly differ by video presenter. Forty-seven percent of participants who received a USB reported watching the video, of whom 48% reported that the video influenced their decision to participate. Participants with a lower income (OR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.25-0.74, P = .002) were more likely to report watching the video. Participants who received a video invitation required significantly fewer reminder calls than those who only received a written invitation (mean = 1.6 vs 1.1 calls, P < .001), resulting in a 25% recruitment cost-saving for the study. Adding a USB with a video study invitation to recruitment packages is a cost-effective way of improving study participation. This is important in an era of declining study participation and underrepresentation of vulnerable populations in research.

Impact and Cost Effectiveness of Videonystagmography.

OBJECTIVE: Videonystagmography (VNG) is a commonly ordered test to evaluate patients with vestibular complaints. To date, there are no evidence-based guidelines for evaluating patients presenting with vestibular symptoms. This study evaluates the cost effectiveness of VNG and the impact of VNG findings on patient management. METHODS: Patient charts were reviewed from 3 institutions to collect the pre- and post-VNG ICD-9/10 diagnosis and treatment plan. VNG findings were recorded to calculate the incidence of abnormal findings and the incidence of change in diagnosis and/or treatment plan. The cost effectiveness of VNG was estimated based on these calculations. RESULTS: A total of 120 patient charts were reviewed. 69/120 (57.5%; 95% CI: 48.2%-66.5%) patients had abnormal findings on their VNG. A change in diagnosis was noted in 24/120 (20.0%; 95% CI: 13.3%-28.3%) patients. A change in treatment plan was noted in 62/120 (51.7%; 95% CI: 42.4%-60.9%) patients, and 11/120 (9.2%; 95% CI: 4.7%-15.8%) had a change in diagnosis that led to change in treatment plan. Using the average Medicare reimbursement for VNG, the cost effectiveness analysis showed a cost of $869.57 per VNG with abnormal findings and a cost of $5454.55 per VNG that lead to a change in diagnosis and treatment plan. CONCLUSIONS: VNG findings may not result in changes in clinical diagnosis. However, VNG is impactful at influencing treatment plan changes. VNG results are beneficial for counseling patients, guiding treatment plans, and managing patient expectations. When there is a clear indication, VNG testing can be cost effective in managing patients presenting with vestibular symptoms.

Development of a low-cost, user-customizable, high-speed camera.

High-speed imaging equipment can be an expensive investment, especially when certain applications require custom solutions. In this paper, we present a low-cost high-speed prototype camera built on a low-end Zynq-7000 System-on-Chip (SoC) platform and off-the-shelf components with the aim of removing the entry barrier into various high-speed imaging applications. The camera is standalone (does not require a host computer) and can achieve 211 frames per second (fps) at its maximum resolution of 1280x1024, and up to 2329 fps at a 256x256 resolution. With a current cost of only several hundred dollars and resource utilization of ~5%, the open-source design's modularity and customizability allows users with sufficient hardware or programming experience to modify the camera to suit their needs, potentially driving the cost lower. This can be done by utilizing the large remaining programmable logic for custom image processing algorithms, creating user interface software on the CPU, attaching extensions through the peripheral Module connections, or creating custom carrier or daughter boards. The development and design of the camera is described and a figure-of-merit is presented to provide a value assessment of some available commercial high-speed cameras against which our camera is competitive. Finally, the camera was tested to record low frequency spatial vibration and was found to be useful in investigating phenotypes associated with aging in a leading animal model, the nematode (worm) Caenorhabditis elegans.

A comparison of cost and quality of three methods for estimating density for wild pig (Sus scrofa).

A critical element in effective wildlife management is monitoring the status of wildlife populations; however, resources to monitor wildlife populations are typically limited. We compared cost effectiveness of three common population estimation methods (i.e. non-invasive DNA sampling, camera sampling, and sampling from trapping) by applying them to wild pigs (Sus scrofa) across three habitats in South Carolina, U.S.A where they are invasive. We used mark-recapture analyses for fecal DNA sampling data, spatially-explicit capture-recapture analyses for camera sampling data, and a removal analysis for removal sampling from trap data. Density estimates were similar across methods. Camera sampling was the least expensive, but had large variances. Fecal DNA sampling was the most expensive, although this technique generally performed well. We examined how reductions in effort by method related to increases in relative bias or imprecision. For removal sampling, the largest cost savings while maintaining unbiased density estimates was from reducing the number of traps. For fecal DNA sampling, a reduction in effort only minimally reduced costs due to the need for increased lab replicates while maintaining high quality estimates. For camera sampling, effort could only be marginally reduced before inducing bias. We provide a decision tree for researchers to help make monitoring decisions.

Applying a novel cost-evaluation framework to assess video-based neurosurgery education.

BACKGROUND: Analysis of comparative effectiveness uses different metrics to ensure that a new treatment is both effective and economical. However, there is a lack of financial frameworks to estimate the costs of introducing new technologies in medical and surgical education. METHODS: After conducting a literature review, we created and applied a framework ('REC') for the evaluation of three recent neurosurgery video modules aimed at medical students at Harvard Medical School. RESULTS: The most expensive component of these video-based education (VBE) modules was time cost. This cost was highly variable depending on the level of clinical seniority of the individuals involved in the video production process. CONCLUSION: Application of the REC framework to the three modules showed highly variable time and monetary cost differences between the modules. Usage of the REC framework will enable educators to institute effective planning, efficiently use resources, and clearly define a minimal viable education product to achieve desired learning outcomes.

Camera-traps are a cost-effective method for surveying terrestrial squamates: A comparison with artificial refuges and pitfall traps.

INTRODUCTION: Fundamental data on the distributions, diversity, and threat status of terrestrial snakes and lizards (hereafter squamates) is limited. This is due to the cryptic nature of species in this faunal group, and to limitations in the effectiveness of the survey methods used to detect these species. Camera-traps are a useful tool for detecting numerous vertebrate species, yet their use for detecting squamates has been limited. Here, we apply recent methodological advancements in camera-trapping and assessed the utility of camera-traps for inventorying a squamate assemblage by comparing camera-trapping survey results with two widely used labour-intensive methods: artificial refuges and pitfall traps. METHODS: We conducted a 74-day survey using camera-traps and, concurrently, four by four-day surveys using labour-intensive methods. Given the duration and three detection methods, we compared seven variants of survey protocol, including using each method alone or all methods simultaneously. We compared both the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of each survey protocol by estimating the number of species detected at the transect level, and by calculating the costs of conducting those surveys. RESULTS: We found the camera-trapping survey was most cost-effective, costing 687 AUD (CI 534-912) per squamate species detected, compared with the 2975 AUD (CI 2103-4486) per squamate species detected with the labour-intensive methods. Using all methods together was less cost-effective than using camera-traps alone. Additionally, there was a 99% probability that camera-traps would detect more species per transect than the labour-intensive methods examined. DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION: By focusing the analysis at the level of the survey, rather than the level of the device, camera-traps are both a more effective and cost-effective technique for surveying terrestrial squamates. Where circumstances are appropriate, those wildlife researchers and managers currently using camera-traps for non-squamate surveys, can adopt the methods presented to incorporate squamate surveys with little upfront cost. Additionally, researchers currently using traditional techniques can be confident that switching to camera-traps will likely yield improved results. Still, camera-traps are not a panacea and careful consideration into the benefits and usefulness of these techniques in individual circumstances is required.

Yield and cost-effectiveness of tilt table tests combined with video-EEG.

To study the outcomes of a series of consecutive tilt table tests combined with video-EEG (TTVE) at a single center, and assess their cost-effectiveness compared with other neurophysiological tests. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients who underwent TTVE studies between March 1st, 2013 to April 1st, 2018. Detailed clinical history, including patient demographics, reasons for referral, anti-seizure medications, and neurophysiological studies obtained prior to the TTVE studies were extracted from chart reviews. The fee for each neurophysiological test was identified from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Fifty-two patients underwent TTVE studies. Thirteen patients (25%) were diagnosed with vasovagal syncope, two (3.8%) were diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, and three (5.8%) had psychogenic non-epileptic events during the test. Four out of 12 patients stopped anti-seizure medication(s) after the TTVE. Prior to referral for TTVE, an average of $3,748 per person was spent on neurophysiological tests, which were inconclusive. The average fee for one TTVE test was $535.32, and the fee per test affecting diagnosis or management (defined as the cost divided by the yield of the test) was $1,547. The TTVE test is cost-effective in evaluating refractory episodes of loss of consciousness, atypical of epileptic seizures. In addition to diagnosing syncope, TTVE can be valuable in identifying psychogenic events.

A low-cost 2-D video system can accurately and reliably assess adaptive gait kinematics in healthy and low vision subjects.

3-D gait analysis is the gold standard but many healthcare clinics and research institutes would benefit from a system that is inexpensive and simple but just as accurate. The present study examines whether a low-cost 2-D motion capture system can accurately and reliably assess adaptive gait kinematics in subjects with central vision loss, older controls, and younger controls. Subjects were requested to walk up and step over a 10 cm high obstacle that was positioned in the middle of a 4.5 m walkway. Four trials were simultaneously recorded with the Vicon motion capture system (3-D system) and a video camera that was positioned perpendicular to the obstacle (2-D system). The kinematic parameters (crossing height, crossing velocity, foot placement, single support time) were calculated offline. Strong Pearson's correlations were found between the two systems for all parameters (average r = 0.944, all p < 0.001). Bland-Altman analysis showed that the agreement between the two systems was good in all three groups after correcting for systematic biases related to the 2-D marker positions. The test-retest reliability for both systems was high (average ICC = 0.959). These results show that a low-cost 2-D video system can reliably and accurately assess adaptive gait kinematics in healthy and low vision subjects.

Paw-Print Analysis of Contrast-Enhanced Recordings (PrAnCER): A Low-Cost, Open-Access Automated Gait Analysis System for Assessing Motor Deficits.

Gait analysis is used to quantify changes in motor function in many rodent models of disease. Despite the importance of assessing gait and motor function in many areas of research, the available commercial options have several limitations such as high cost and lack of accessible, open code. To address these issues, we developed PrAnCER, Paw-Print Analysis of Contrast-Enhanced Recordings, for automated quantification of gait. The contrast-enhanced recordings are produced by using a translucent floor that obscures objects not in contact with the surface, effectively isolating the rat's paw prints as it walks. Using these videos, our simple software program reliably measures a variety of spatiotemporal gait parameters. To demonstrate that PrAnCER can accurately detect changes in motor function, we employed a haloperidol model of Parkinson's disease (PD). We tested rats at two doses of haloperidol: high dose (0.30 mg/kg) and low dose (0.15 mg/kg). Haloperidol significantly increased stance duration and hind paw contact area in the low dose condition, as might be expected in a PD model. In the high dose condition, we found a similar increase in contact area but also an unexpected increase in stride length. With further research, we found that this increased stride length is consistent with the bracing-escape phenomenon commonly observed at higher doses of haloperidol. Thus, PrAnCER was able to detect both expected and unexpected changes in rodent gait patterns. Additionally, we confirmed that PrAnCER is consistent and accurate when compared with manual scoring of gait parameters.

Low-Cost Stereoscopic Recordings of Neurologic Surgery Operative Microscopy for Anatomic Laboratory Training.

OBJECTIVE: Stereoscopic video recordings of operative microscopy during neuroanatomic dissections are an important component of surgical training and research in well-financed medical schools and teaching hospitals. However, the high cost of the latest operative microscopes with integrated video recording equipment can be a limiting factor in their worldwide use. The aim of the present work is to provide a simple low-cost 3-dimensional (3D) stereoscopic operative microscope recording system that can be used even in economically and resource-limited locations. This is achieved by using readily available smartphones, smartphone accessories, and computer software. METHODS: Stereoscopic recording is accomplished by attaching and aligning matched or similar smartphones to the eyepieces of an operative microscope using readily available smartphone mounting connectors. Video recordings from the smartphones are then transferred to a personal computer and processed with a video-editing software to generate stereoscopic movies that are viewed on a smartphone using virtual-reality glasses. RESULTS: The setup time to mount and align the smartphone cameras typically requires 15-30 minutes. Video image quality and 3D depth presentation is more than sufficient for surgical training and research purposes. The implementation cost ranges from $1,315-$7,066, or much less if smartphones and a computer are already available. CONCLUSIONS: The 3D video system demonstrated herein can be implemented on any type of operative microscope, including older units for which commercial stereo recording systems are not available. The system and method presented herein can be readily and affordably implemented in low-budget environments for clinical training and research.

Low-Cost Self-Made Arthroscopic Training Camera Is Equally as Effective as Commercial Camera: A Comparison Study.

PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness of a low-cost self-made arthroscopic camera (LAC) in basic arthroscopic skills training compared with a commercial arthroscopic camera (CAC). METHODS: One hundred fifty-three orthopaedic residents were recruited and randomly assigned to either the LAC or CAC. They were allocated 2 practice sessions, with 20 minutes each, to practice 4 given arthroscopic tasks: task 1, transferring objects; task 2, stacking objects; task 3, probing numbers; and task 4, stretching rubber bands. The time taken for participants to complete the given tasks was recorded in 3 separate tests; before practice, immediately after practice, and after a period of 3 months. A comparison of the time taken between both groups to complete the given tasks in each test was measured as the primary outcome. RESULTS: Significant improvements in time completion were seen in the post-practice test for both groups in all given arthroscopic tasks, each with P < .001. However, there was no significant difference between the groups for task 1 (P = .743), task 2 (P = .940), task 3 (P = .932), task 4 (P = .929), and total (P = .944). The outcomes of the tests (before practice, after practice, and at 3 months) according to repeated measures analysis of variance did not differ significantly between the groups in task 1 (P = .475), task 2 (P = .558), task 3 (P = .850), task 4 (P = .965), and total (P = .865). CONCLUSIONS: The LAC is equally as effective as the CAC in basic arthroscopic skills training with the advantage of being cost-effective. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In view of the scarcity in commercial arthroscopic devices for trainees, this low-cost device, which trainees can personally own and use, may provide a less expensive and easily available way for trainees to improve their arthroscopic skills. This might also cultivate more interest in arthroscopic surgery among junior surgeons.

Challenges in Collecting Big Data in A Clinical Environment with Vulnerable Population: Lessons Learned from A Study Using A Multi-modal Sensors Platform.

Agitation is one of the most common behavioural and psychological symptoms in people living with dementia (PLwD). This behaviour can cause tremendous stress and anxiety on family caregivers and healthcare providers. Direct observation of PLwD is the traditional way to measure episodes of agitation. However, this method is subjective, bias-prone and timeconsuming. Importantly, it does not predict the onset of the agitation. Therefore, there is a need to develop a continuous monitoring system that can detect and/or predict the onset of agitation. In this study, a multi-modal sensor platform with video cameras, motion and door sensors, wristbands and pressure mats were set up in a hospital-based dementia behavioural care unit to develop a predictive system to identify the onset of agitation. The research team faced several barriers in the development and initiation of the study, namely addressing concerns about the study ethics, logistics and costs of study activities, device design for PLwD and limitations of its use in the hospital. In this paper, the strategies and methodologies that were implemented to address these challenges are discussed for consideration by future researchers who will conduct similar studies in a hospital setting.

Recent Advances in Delivering Mental Health Treatment via Video to Home.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Telemental health has rapidly evolved as technology and policy advances have allowed new and innovative approaches, including the remote delivery of services directly to patients' homes. This review examined the literature on video to home (VTH) delivery of mental health services to synthesize information regarding (1) the comparative clinical effectiveness of VTH to in-person mental health treatment, (2) impact of VTH on treatment adherence, (3) patient and provider satisfaction with VTH, (4) cost effectiveness of VTH, and (5) clinical considerations for VTH use. RECENT FINDINGS: Clinical effectiveness, treatment adherence, and patient satisfaction outcomes are comparable for VTH and in-person delivery of psychotherapy and psychiatric consultation services. Clinical applications for VTH have expanded in an effort to provide mental health care to difficult to reach, underserved populations. VTH is less costly than in-person care when assuming that patients could employ existing personal technologies. VTH delivery offers a safe and effective option for increasing access to mental health care for patients who face logistical and stigma-related barriers to receiving in-person treatment. VTH should be routinely offered to patients as an option for receiving care, maximizing patient choice, and coordination of care.

Inexpensive, scalable camera system for tracking rats in large spaces.

Most studies of neural correlates of spatial navigation are restricted to small arenas (≤1 m2) because of the limits imposed by the recording cables. New wireless recording systems have a larger recording range. However, these neuronal recording systems lack the ability to track animals in large area, constraining the size of the arena. We developed and benchmarked an open-source, scalable multicamera tracking system based on low-cost hardware. This "Picamera system" was used in combination with a wireless recording system for characterizing neural correlates of space in environments of sizes up to 16.5 m2. The Picamera system showed substantially better temporal accuracy than a popular commercial system. An explicit comparison of one camera from the Picamera system with a camera from the commercial system showed improved accuracy in estimating spatial firing characteristics and head direction tuning of neurons. This improved temporal accuracy is crucial for accurately aligning videos from multiple cameras in large spaces and characterizing spatially modulated cells in a large environment. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Studies of neural correlates of space are limited to biologically unrealistically small spaces by neural recording and position tracking hardware. We developed a camera system capable of tracking animals in large spaces at a high temporal accuracy. Together with the new wireless recording systems, this system facilitates the study of neural correlates of space at biologically relevant scale. This increased temporal accuracy of tracking also improves the estimates of spatiotemporal correlates of neural activity.

Modified Pure Endoscopic Approach to Pineal Region: Proof of Concept of Efficient and Inexpensive Surgical Model Based on Laboratory Dissections.

OBJECTIVE: In recent decades endoscopic techniques have been increasingly used in neurosurgery as they may offer a valuable close-up view of the working area through a minimally invasive surgical corridor. Herein, we present an inexpensive and efficient endoscopic surgical model using a borescope, which was used for a "modified pure endoscopic approach" to the pineal region. METHODS: A borescope video camera was connected to a 16-inch personal computer monitor. A standard midline suboccipital craniotomy was performed on 2 cadaveric heads in the Concorde position. Then, a "borescopic" supracerebellar infratentorial approach was executed, thus reaching the pineal region, which was exposed through an extensive arachnoid dissection. RESULTS: Using the previously described model, we were able to provide excellent exposure of the main neurovascular structures of the pineal region, as shown by the intraoperative videos. In 1 specimen we identified an incidental pineal cyst that was meticulously dissected and removed. CONCLUSIONS: Our proposed "borescopic" surgical model may represent an inexpensive and efficient alternative to conventional endoscopic techniques and could be used for training purposes, as well as even for clinical procedures, after a proper validation, particularly in economically challenging environments.

Me & My Wishes: Lessons Learned From Prototyping Resident Centered Videos About Care Preferences.

Me & My Wishes are facilitated, resident-centered video-recorded conversations to communicate current and end-of-life care preferences. We describe the video production process of two prototypes in the long-term care (LTC) setting and discuss lessons learned around developing this type of intervention. Partnering with an LTC community allowed us to create videos on-site, document staff time, handle any barriers with video production, and evaluate the process. In this article, we will describe the process of two residents creating Me & My Wishes videos. Both residents responded positively to viewing their edited video (about 20 min), saying the videos would be "good for family or staff to hear feelings about preferences." Staff members also responded positively to the videos. We discuss two key issues to consider: the possibility that resident preferences may change and the resources to produce and view videos.

Preventing enduring behavioural problems in young children through early psychological intervention (Healthy Start, Happy Start): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Behavioural problems are common in early childhood, and can result in enduring costs to the individual and society, including an increased risk of mental and physical illness, criminality, educational failure and drug and alcohol misuse. Most previous research has examined the impact of interventions targeting older children when difficulties are more established and harder to change, and have rarely included fathers. We are conducting a trial of a psychological intervention delivered to families with very young children, engaging both parents where possible. METHODS: This study is a two-arm, parallel group, researcher-blind, randomized controlled trial, to test the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a parenting intervention, Video Feedback Intervention to Promote Positive Parenting and Sensitive Discipline (VIPP-SD) for parents of young children (12-36 months) at risk of behavioural difficulties. VIPP-SD is an evidence-based parenting intervention developed at Leiden University in the Netherlands which uses a video-feedback approach to support parents, particularly by enhancing parental sensitivity and sensitive discipline in caring for children. The trial will involve 300 families, who will be randomly allocated into either an intervention group, who will receive the video-feedback intervention (n = 150), or a control group, who will receive treatment as usual (n = 150). The trial will evaluate whether VIPP-SD, compared to treatment as usual, leads to lower levels of behavioural problems in young children who are at high risk of developing these difficulties. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, and 5 and 24 months post-randomization. The primary outcome measure is a modified version of the Preschool Parental Account of Child Symptoms (Pre-PACS), a structured clinical interview of behavioural symptoms. Secondary outcomes include caregiver-reported behavioural difficulties, parenting behaviours, parental sensitivity, parental mood and anxiety and parental relationship adjustment. An economic evaluation will also be carried out to assess the cost-effectiveness of the intervention compared to treatment as usual. DISCUSSION: If shown to be effective, the intervention could be delivered widely to parents and caregivers of young children at risk of behavioural problems as part of community based services. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN Registry: ISRCTN58327365 . Registered 19 March 2015.