Media Use Behavior Mediates the Association Between Family Health and Intention to Use Mobile Health Devices Among Older Adults: Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: With the advent of a new era for health and medical treatment, characterized by the integration of mobile technology, a significant digital divide has surfaced, particularly in the engagement of older individuals with mobile health (mHealth). The health of a family is intricately connected to the well-being of its members, and the use of media plays a crucial role in facilitating mHealth care. Therefore, it is important to examine the mediating role of media use behavior in the connection between the family health of older individuals and their inclination to use mHealth devices. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the impact of family health and media use behavior on the intention of older individuals to use mHealth devices in China. The study aims to delve into the intricate dynamics to determine whether media use behavior serves as a mediator in the relationship between family health and the intention to use mHealth devices among older adults. The ultimate goal is to offer well-founded and practical recommendations to assist older individuals in overcoming the digital divide. METHODS: The study used data from 3712 individuals aged 60 and above, sourced from the 2022 Psychology and Behavior Investigation of Chinese Residents study. Linear regression models were used to assess the relationships between family health, media use behavior, and the intention to use mHealth devices. To investigate the mediating role of media use behavior, we used the Sobel-Goodman Mediation Test. This analysis focused on the connection between 4 dimensions of family health and the intention to use mHealth devices. RESULTS: A positive correlation was observed among family health, media use behavior, and the intention to use mHealth devices (r=0.077-0.178, P<.001). Notably, media use behavior was identified as a partial mediator in the relationship between the overall score of family health and the intention to use mHealth devices, as indicated by the Sobel test (z=5.451, P<.001). Subgroup analysis further indicated that a complete mediating effect was observed specifically between family health resources and the intention to use mHealth devices in older individuals with varying education levels. CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed the significance of family health and media use behavior in motivating older adults to adopt mHealth devices. Media use behavior was identified as a mediator in the connection between family health and the intention to use mHealth devices, with more intricate dynamics observed among older adults with lower education levels. Going forward, the critical role of home health resources must be maximized, such as initiatives to develop digital education tailored for older adults and the creation of media products specifically designed for them. These measures aim to alleviate technological challenges associated with using media devices among older adults, ultimately bolstering their inclination to adopt mHealth devices.

Aplicación de tecnologías móviles (m-Salud) y salud electrónica (e-Salud) en el manejo y en la prevención de la litiasis renal: revisión sistemática / Mobile and eHealth technologies in the management and prevention of nephrolithiasis: A systematic review

Introducción La litiasis renal (LR) es una enfermedad urológica común, que a menudo requiere de cuidados a largo plazo. Las tecnologías de salud móvil (m-Salud) y salud electrónica (e-Salud) tienen el potencial de mejorar el manejo de las enfermedades crónicas e impactar sobre los patrones de la conducta. Para evaluar la aplicabilidad de estas herramientas en la mejora del tratamiento y la prevención de la LR, nos propusimos evaluar los datos actuales sobre el uso, los beneficios y las limitaciones de la m-Salud y la e-Salud en la LR. Métodos Se realizó una revisión sistemática de los estudios de investigación primaria sobre m-Salud y e-Salud en la evaluación y tratamiento de la LR. Dos investigadores independientes examinaron las citas por título y resumen para determinar su pertinencia y, a continuación, se realizó una revisión del texto completo para obtener un resumen descriptivo de los estudios. Resultados Se incluyeron 37 artículos para el análisis. Las principales áreas de interés fueron: 1) botellas de agua «inteligentes» y aplicaciones de dispositivos móviles para el seguimiento del consumo de líquidos, que mostraron un aumento de la ingesta en la mayoría de los estudios; 2) plataformas de seguimiento de stent ureterales, que mejoraron la tasa de stent retenidos a largo plazo; 3) clínicas virtuales para el tratamiento de la LR, las cuales han mejorado el acceso, han reducido costes y han mostrado resultados satisfactorios; 4) plataformas de endoscopia para teléfonos inteligentes, que ofrecieron una buena calidad de imagen respecto a sus costes en entornos de recursos limitados, y 5) información sobre la LR en línea para pacientes, la cual generalmente se caracterizó por ser de mala calidad y/o precisión, particularmente en YouTube®. La mayoría de los estudios eran pruebas de concepto o estudios de intervención de un solo brazo, con una evaluación limitada de la eficacia o de los resultados clínicos a largo plazo. Conclusiones ... (AU)

Introduction Kidney stone disease (KSD) is a common urological condition that often requires long-term care. Mobile health (mHealth) and eHealth technologies have the potential to enhance chronic disease management and behavioral change. To assess opportunities to apply these tools to improve KSD treatment and prevention, we aimed to assess current evidence on the use, benefits, and limitations of mHealth and eHealth in KSD. Methods We performed a systematic review of primary research studies of mHealth and eHealth in the evaluation and management of KSD. Two independent researchers screened citations by title and abstract for relevance, then full-text review was performed for descriptive summary of the studies. Results A total of 37 articles were included for analysis. Primary domains of evidence included: 1) “smart” water bottles and mobile-device apps for tracking fluid consumption, which showed increased intake in most studies; 2) ureteral stent tracking platforms, which improved the rate of long-term retained stents; 3) virtual stone clinics, which have been suggested to increase access, lower costs, and have satisfactory outcomes; 4) smartphone-based endoscopy platforms, which offered cost-effective image quality in resource-limited settings; 5) patient information about KSD online, which was typically characterized as poor quality and/or accuracy, particularly on YouTube. Most studies were proof-of-concept or single-arm intervention designs, with limited assessment of effectiveness or long-term clinical outcomes. Conclusions Mobile and eHealth technologies have significant real-world applications to KSD prevention, intervention, and patient education. A lack of rigorous effectiveness studies currently limits evidence-based conclusions and incorporation in clinical guidelines. (AU)

An Evaluation of e-Health Service Performance through the Integration of 5G IoT, Fog, and Cloud Computing.

In recent years, Internet of Things (IoT) advancements have led to the development of vastly improved remote healthcare services. Scalability, high bandwidth, low latency, and low power consumption are all essential features of the applications that make these services possible. An upcoming healthcare system and wireless sensor network that can fulfil these needs is based on fifth-generation network slicing. For better resource management, organizations can implement network slicing, which partitions the physical network into distinct logical slices according to quality of service (QoS) needs. Based on the findings of this research, an IoT-fog-cloud architecture is proposed for use in e-Health services. The framework is made up of three different but interconnected systems: a cloud radio access network, a fog computing system, and a cloud computing system. A queuing network serves as a model for the proposed system. The model's constituent parts are then subjected to analysis. To assess the system's performance, we run a numerical example simulation using Java modelling tools and then analyze the results to identify the key performance parameters. The analytical formulas that were derived ensure the precision of the results. Finally, the results show that the proposed model improves eHealth services' quality of service in an efficient way by selecting the right slice compared to the traditional systems.

Desenvolvimento de aplicativo para higiene do sono em adultos / Development of an application for sleep hygiene in adults / Desarrollo de una aplicación para la higiene del sueño en adultos

Introdução: Diferentes condições clínicas podem afetar a quantidade e a qualidade do sono. As medidas de higiene do sono interferem diretamente na qualidade deste. Elas podem ser propagadas à população por meio de aplicativos. Objetivo: Desenvolver, avaliar e disponibilizar um aplicativo que contemple as medidas de higiene do sono e que seja capaz de gerar mudança e verificar a ocorrência de sonolência diurna excessiva. Metodologia: O aplicativo "Somnum" foi desenvolvido e 26 fonoaudiólogos certificados em Sono pela Associação Brasileira do Sono foram convidados a avaliar usando o questionário Emory e outro questionário elaborado pelas autoras. Após, 38 estudantes usaram o aplicativo e responderam antes e depois do uso o Índice de Qualidade do Sono de Pittsburgh e a Escala de Epworth. Resultados: Após seu desenvolvimento, o aplicativo foi avaliado por 4 fonoaudiólogas que contribuíram com suas sugestões e 38 universitários participaram respondendo os questionários, sendo que 6 deles participaram antes e após o uso do aplicativo. Sobre o Índice de qualidade de sono de Pittsburgh, foi observado na análise estatística, comparando o antes e após o uso do aplicativo, melhora da qualidade de sono (p=0,04). No que se refere ao questionário Epworth, foi verificado na situação após o uso do aplicativo "Somnum", que não houve diferença significativa. Conclusão: Após o uso do aplicativo, verificou-se possível melhora na qualidade de sono. Houve ocorrência de sonolência diurna excessiva. (AU)

Introduction: Different clinical conditions can affect the quantity and quality of sleep. Sleep hygiene measures directly affect the quality of sleep. They can be disseminated to the population by means of applications. Objective: To develop, evaluate and make available an application that approach sleep hygiene and that is able to generate changes and verify the occurrence of excessive daytime sleepiness. Methodology: The application "Somnum" was developed and 26 speech therapists certified in sleep by the Brazilian Sleep Association were invited to evaluate it using the Emory questionnaire and another questionnaire developed by the authors. Afterwards, 38 students used the application and answered before and after the use the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Epworth Scale. Results: After its development, the app was evaluated by 4 speech therapists who contributed with their suggestions, and 38 university students participated by answering the questionnaires, 6 of them before and after the use of the application. In the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, it was observed in the statistical analysis, comparing before and after using the application, improvement in sleep quality (p=0.04). In the Epworth questionnaire, it was verified in the situation after using the "Somnum" application, that there was not significant difference. Conclusion: After using the application, there was a possible improvement in sleep quality. There was occurrence of excessive daytime sleepiness. (AU)

Introducción: Diferentes condiciones clínicas pueden afectar a la cantidad y calidad del sueño. Las medidas de higiene del sueño afectan directamente a la calidad del mismo. Pueden propagarse a la población mediante aplicaciones. Objetivo: Desarrollar, evaluar y poner a disposición una aplicación que incluya medidas de higiene del sueño y que sea capaz de generar cambios y verificar la aparición de somnolencia diurna excesiva. Metodología: Se desarrolló la aplicación "Somnum" y se invitó a 26 fonoaudiólogos certificados en soeño por la Asociación Brasileña del Sonido a evaluarla utilizando el cuestionario Emory y otro cuestionario elaborado por los autores. Posteriormente, 38 estudiantes utilizaron la aplicación y respondieron antes y después del uso de la misma al Índice de Calidad del Sueño de Pittsburgh y a la Escala de Epworth. Resultados: Tras su desarrollo, la aplicación fue evaluada por 4 fonoaudiólogos que aportaron sus sugerencias y 38 estudiantes universitarios participaron respondiendo a los cuestionarios, 6 de ellos antes y después del uso de la aplicación. Sobre el Índice de Calidad del Sueño de Pittsburgh, se observó en el análisis estadístico, comparando antes y después del uso de la aplicación, mejoría en la calidad del sueño (p=0,04). Con respecto al cuestionario de Epworth, se verificó en la situación posterior al uso de la aplicación "Somnum", que no hubo diferencia significativa. Conclusión:Después de usar la aplicación, hubo uma posible mejora em la calidad del sueño. Hubo ocurrencia de somnolencia diurna excesiva. (AU)

Association of Remote Technology Use and Other Decentralization Tools With Patient Likelihood to Enroll in Cancer Clinical Trials.

Importance: Logistical challenges such as travel time and distance to a clinical trial site can be a barrier to patient participation. The association of remote technology use and other decentralization tools that can reduce these barriers with likelihood to enroll in cancer trials is not well understood. Objective: To assess the association of remote technology and other decentralization tools used to reduce participation-related time and travel with the likelihood to enroll in cancer clinical trials. Design, Setting, and Participants: Between July 6 and September 8, 2021, a 41-question, cross-sectional, internet-based survey was administered to patients with cancer and survivors of cancer in the US who had been diagnosed with or treated for cancer in the past 7 years. Main Outcomes and Measures: Increase in self-reported likelihood to enroll in cancer clinical trials that use remote technology and other decentralization tools to decrease the need for travel to the trial site. Results: There were 1183 survey respondents, with a mean (SD) age of 58.2 (12.5) years. Respondents self-reported their gender, race and ethnicity, cancer type, and treatment status. Of the 1183 respondents, 848 (72%) were female, 296 (25%) were male, 8 (1%) were other/nonbinary, and 31 (3%) declined to answer. With regard to race, 28 respondents (3%) were American Indian or Alaska Native, 25 (2%) were Asian, 234 (20%) were Black or African American, 20 (2%) were Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, 825 (70%) were White, and 51 (4%) declined to answer. With regard to ethnicity, 115 respondents (10%) were Hispanic, Latino/Latina, or of Spanish origin, whereas 1017 (86%) were not and 51 (4%) declined to answer. Regarding cancer type and treatment status, 483 respondents (41%) either had or had survived breast cancer and 325 (28%) were being treated for cancer during the survey period. Individuals older than 55 years were more likely to say that they would only participate in trials no farther from their home than their regular care health care practitioner compared with younger respondents (26% vs 16%, respectively; P = .02). Higher-income earners (ie, those in households earning >$125 000/y) were significantly more likely than lower-income earners (ie, those in households earning <$70 000/y) to say they would participate in trials requiring additional effort (62% vs 41%, respectively; P = .03). If given the opportunity to enroll in a cancer clinical trial that required travel farther than their regular care, a majority of respondents (range, 60%-85%) indicated that they would be more likely to participate if the trial used remote technology and other tools to decrease the need for travel to a trial site. Conclusions and Relevance: In this cross-sectional study, the survey findings suggest that cancer clinical trials leveraging remote technology and decentralization tools to reduce patient time and travel burden associated with participation may increase the patient consent rate.

Improving usability benchmarking for the eHealth domain: The development of the eHealth UsaBility Benchmarking instrument (HUBBI).

BACKGROUND: Currently, most usability benchmarking tools used within the eHealth domain are based on re-classifications of old usability frameworks or generic usability surveys. This makes them outdated and not well suited for the eHealth domain. Recently, a new ontology of usability factors was developed for the eHealth domain. It consists of eight categories: Basic System Performance (BSP), Task-Technology Fit (TTF), Accessibility (ACC), Interface Design (ID), Navigation & Structure (NS), Information & Terminology (IT), Guidance & Support (GS) and Satisfaction (SAT). OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study is to develop a new usability benchmarking tool for eHealth, the eHealth UsaBility Benchmarking Instrument (HUBBI), that is based on a new ontology of usability factors for eHealth. METHODS: First, a large item pool was generated containing 66 items. Then, an online usability test was conducted, using the case study of a Dutch website for general health advice. Participants had to perform three tasks on the website, after which they completed the HUBBI. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), we identified the items that assess each factor best and that, together, make up the HUBBI. RESULTS: A total of 148 persons participated. Our selection of items resulted in a shortened version of the HUBBI, containing 18 items. The category Accessibility is not included in the final version, due to the wide range of eHealth services and their heterogeneous populations. This creates a constantly different role of Accessibility, which is a problem for a uniform benchmarking tool. CONCLUSIONS: The HUBBI is a new and comprehensive usability benchmarking tool for the eHealth domain. It assesses usability on seven domains (BSP, TTF, ID, NS, IT, GS, SAT) in which a score per domain is generated. This can help eHealth developers to quickly determine which areas of the eHealth system's usability need to be optimized.

The effect of a decision-support mHealth application on maternal and neonatal outcomes in two district hospitals in Rwanda: pre - post intervention study.

BACKGROUND: Globally, mobile health (mHealth) applications are known for their potential to improve healthcare providers' access to relevant and reliable health information. Besides, electronic decision support tools, such as the Safe Delivery mHealth Application (SDA), may help to reduce clinical errors and to ensure quality care at the point of service delivery. The current study investigated the use of the SDA and its relationship to basic emergency obstetric and newborn care (BEmONC) outcomes for the most frequent complications in Rwanda; post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) and newborn asphyxia. METHODS: The study adopted a pre-post intervention design. A pre-intervention record review of BEmONC outcomes: Apgar score and PPH progressions, was conducted for 6 months' period (February 2019 - July 2019). The intervention took place in two district hospitals in Rwanda and entails the implementation of the SDA for 6 months (October 2019- March 2020), and included 54 nurses and midwives using the SDA to manage PPH and neonatal resuscitation. Six months' post-SDA intervention, the effect of the SDA on BEmONC outcomes was evaluated. The study included 327 participants (114 cases of PPH and 213 cases of neonatal complications). The analysis compared the outcome variables between the baseline and the endline data. Fisher's exact test was used to compare the proportions and test between-group differences and significance level set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Unstable newborn outcomes following neonatal resuscitation were recorded in 62% newborns cases at baseline and 28% newborns cases at endline, P-value = 0.000. Unstable maternal outcomes following PPH management were recorded in 19% maternal cases at baseline and 6% maternal cases at endline, P-value = 0.048. There was a significant association between the SDA intervention and newborns' and maternal' outcomes following neonatal resuscitation and PPH management, 6 months after baseline. CONCLUSION: The use of the SDA supported nurses and midwives in the management of PPH and neonatal resuscitation which may have contributed to improved maternal and neonatal outcomes during 6 months of the SDA intervention. The findings of this study are promising as they contribute to a broader knowledge about the effectiveness of SDA in low and middle income hospital settings.

The effect of display size on ultrasound interpretation.

OBJECTIVES: Ultrasound (US) is an essential component of emergency department patient care. US machines have become smaller and more affordable. Handheld ultrasound (HUS) machines are even more portable and easy to use at the patient's bedside. However, miniaturization may come with consequences. The ability to accurately interpret ultrasound on a smaller screen is unknown. This pilot study aims to assess how screen size affects the ability of emergency medicine clinicians to accurately interpret US videos. METHODS: This pilot study enrolled a prospective convenience sample of emergency medicine physicians. Participants completed a survey and were randomized to interpret US videos starting with either a phone-sized screen or a laptop-sized screen, switching to the other device at the halfway point. 50 unique US videos depicting right upper quadrant (RUQ) views of the Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (FAST) examination were chosen for inclusion in the study. There were 25 US videos per device. All of the images were previously obtained on a cart-based machine (Mindray M9) and preselected by the study authors. Participants answered "Yes" or "No" in response to whether they identified free fluid. The time that each participant took to interpret each video was also recorded. Following the assessment, participants completed a post-interpretation survey. The goal of the pilot was to determine the accuracy of image interpretation on a small screen as compared to a laptop-sized screen. Statistical analyses were performed using MATLAB (The MathWorks, Inc., Natick, MA). Nonparametric statistical tests were utilized to compare subgroups, with a Wilcoxon signed rank test used for paired data and a Wilcoxon rank sum test for unpaired data. RESULTS: 52 emergency medicine physicians were enrolled in the study. The median accuracy of US interpretation for phone versus laptop image screen was 88.0% and 87.6% (p = 0.67). The mean time to interpret with phone versus laptop screen was 293 and 290 s (p = 0.66). CONCLUSIONS: The study found no statistically significant difference in the accuracy of US interpretation nor time spent interpreting when the pre-selected RUQ videos generated on a cart-based ultrasound machine were reviewed on a phone-sized versus a laptop-sized screen. This pilot study suggests that the accuracy of US interpretation may not be dependent upon the size of the screen utilized.

Addressing Pediatric Developmental and Mental Health in Primary Care Using Tele-Education.

This study evaluates the effectiveness of an early childhood tele-education program in preparing community pediatric clinicians to manage developmental and mental health disorders in young children. Community pediatric clinicians from rural, underserved, or school-based health center practices in the mid-Atlantic region participated in a weekly tele-education videoconference. There was a significant knowledge gain evidenced by the percentage of questions answered correctly from pre- to post- didactic exposure (P < .001). Participants reported an increase in knowledge from pre- (P < .001) and in confidence from pre- to post- participation (P < .001). Practice management changes demonstrated an encouraging trend toward managing patients in the Medical Home, as compared with immediately deferring to specialists following participation. This early childhood tele-education videoconferencing program is a promising response to the urgent need to confidently increase the role of pediatricians in the provision of care for childhood developmental and mental health disorders.

Evaluation of free mobile health applications for pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence.

BACKGROUND: Technology is becoming increasingly integrated into healthcare, including the rapid development of mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) for various medical conditions such as urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse (POP). As patients turn to these sources more frequently, closer evaluation of the apps becomes more important. OBJECTIVES: To (1) evaluate free applications designed for POP and urinary incontinence using the Xcertia guidelines for medical app quality, (2) analyze user sentiment of the apps, and (3) evaluate app information for quality, understandability, and actionability with the DISCERN and the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) tools. METHODS: Mobile medical apps were identified on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store with keywords "pelvic organ prolapse," "incontinence," or "bladder." Exclusion criteria included 1) not free, 2) not updated in past year, 3) required a product for use, 4) not in English. Apps were evaluated using the Xcertia Guidelines. Categories included Operability, Privacy, Security, Content, and Usability. Ratings and sentiment of reviews were assessed, and associations analyzed with one-sided Fisher's exact test. Apps with an informational component were evaluated for quality, usability and actionability using DISCERN and PEMAT criteria. RESULTS: Overall, a total of 73 apps were found and 28 were included. There was an average number of ratings of 2341 and an average score of 3.39 for all the apps included. The average number of reviews was 216.2, with the majority of reviews having positive sentiment. A high number of ratings was associated with a high rating score (p < 0.05) and a high number of reviews was associated with a high percentage of positive reviews (p < 0.05). Based on Xcertia Guidelines, all apps met the guidelines for privacy, security, and usability. Regarding content, 67.9 % of apps incorporated an informational component, but only 17.9 % delineated sources. The average DISCERN score for information quality indicated good quality information (>3). The average PEMAT scores for Understandability and Actionability were 90.6 % and 86.6 %, respectively, which are good scores (≥75 %). CONCLUSIONS: Most free apps were functional and well received by users, however quality of app content varied. Only some apps had an informational component, and even fewer had sources listed. Providers recommending health apps should consider those that meet Xcertia guidelines, have reliable information, and have good understandability and actionability.

Implantable devices for heart failure monitoring.

Heart failure (HF) is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. The increasing prevalence of HF and inpatient HF hospitalization has a considerable burden on healthcare cost and utilization. The recognition that hemodynamic changes in pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and left atrial pressure precede the signs and symptoms of HF has led to interest in hemodynamic guided HF therapy as an approach to allow earlier intervention during a heart failure decompensation. Remote patient monitoring (RPM) utilizing telecommunication, cardiac implantable electronic device parameters and implantable hemodynamic monitors (IHM) have largely failed to demonstrate favorable outcomes in multicenter trials. However, one positive randomized clinical trial testing the CardioMEMS device (followed by Food and Drug Administration approval) has generated renewed interest in PAP monitoring in the HF population to decrease hospitalization and improve quality of life. The COVID-19 pandemic has also stirred a resurgence in the utilization of telehealth to which RPM using IHM may be complementary. The cost effectiveness of these monitors continues to be a matter of debate. Future iterations of devices aim to be smaller, less burdensome for the patient, less dependent on patient compliance, and less cumbersome for health care providers with the integration of artificial intelligence coupled with sophisticated data management and interpretation tools. Currently, use of IHM may be considered in advanced heart failure patients with the support of structured programs.

An Observational Analysis of a Novel Digital Rectoscope.

BACKGROUND: This is an analysis of the first 50 in-human uses of a novel digital rigid sigmoidoscope. The technology provides digital image capture, telemedicine capabilities, improved ergonomics, and the ability to biopsy under pneumorectum while maintaining the low cost of conventional rigid sigmoidoscopy. The primary outcome was adverse events, and the secondary outcome was diagnostic view. PRELIMINARY RESULTS: Fifty patients underwent outpatient (n = 25) and surgical rectal assessment (n = 25), with a mean age of 60 years. This included 31 men and 19 women with 12 different clinical use indications. No adverse events were reported, and no defects were reported with the instrumentation. Satisfactory diagnoses were obtained in 48 (96%) of 50 uses, images were captured in 48 (96%) of 50 uses, and biopsies were successfully taken in 13 uses (26%). No adverse events were recorded. Independent reviewers of recorded videos agreed on the quality and diagnostic value of the images with a κ of 0.225 (95% CI, 0.144-0.305) when assessing whether the target pathology was adequately visualized. IMPACT OF INNOVATION: The improved views afforded by digital rectoscopy facilitated a satisfactory clinical diagnosis in 96% of uses. The device was successfully deployed in the operating room and outpatients irrespective of bowel preparation method, where it has the potential to replace flexible sigmoidoscopy for specific use cases. The technology provides a high-quality image and video that can be securely recorded for documentation and medicolegal purposes with agreement between blinded users despite a lack of standardized training and heterogenous pathology. We perceive significant impact of this technology for the assessment of colorectal anastomoses, the office management of colitis, "watch and wait," and for diagnostic support in rectal cancer diagnosis. The technology has significant potential to facilitate proctoring and training, and it now requires prospective trials to validate its diagnostic accuracy against more costly flexible sigmoidoscopy systems.

Application of telemedicine in the COVID-19 epidemic: An analysis of Gansu Province in China.

This paper analyzes the application of various telemedicine services in Gansu Province, China during the COVID-19 epidemic, and summarizes the experiences with these services. In addition, the satisfaction levels of patients and doctors with the application of telemedicine in COVID-19 were investigated, the deficiencies of telemedicine in Gansu were determined, and recommendations for modification were proposed. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has broken out in China, and Gansu Province in Northwest of China has not been spared. To date, there are 91 local COVID-19 cases and 42 imported cases. 109 hospitals were selected as designated hospitals during the COVID-19 outbreak, and most of them were secondary hospitals. However, it was unsatisfactory that the ability of medical services is relatively low in most of secondary hospitals and primary hospitals. Therefore, we helped the secondary hospitals cope with COVID-19 by means of remote consultation, long-distance education, telemedicine question and answer (Q&A). Our practical experience shows that telemedicine can be widely used during the COVID-19 epidemic, especially in developing countries and areas with lagging medical standards.

Changes in sleep phase and body weight of mobile health App users during COVID-19 mild lockdown in Japan.

OBJECTIVE AND METHOD: The stay-at-home order during the COVID-19 pandemic has restricted individuals' social behaviors, and therefore, effected their lifestyle including sleep, diet, and physical activity. Using the cross-sectional study design with a large sample size (N = 30,275) from the mobile health App users in Japan, we show age-dependent lifestyle changes during a nonpunitive "mild lockdown" (from April to May 2020). RESULTS: Sleep onset and offset were delayed on work-days but not on free-days with increased sleep duration and decreased social jetlag, and the changes were more evident in the younger population. Although average weight change was close to none because of the users' characteristic (95% of App users try to lose weight), we investigated an association between lifestyle change and body-weight change. Participants who reported advanced sleep phase during mild lockdown described a weight decrease. In contrast, the delayed sleep phase reported a weight gain. The results were significant after adjustment of confounding factors including physical activity and meal changes. CONCLUSIONS: Although there is cumulative evidence showing a relationship between late chronotype and obesity, it is still unclear about the potential benefit of the chronotype management to control body weight. Thus, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the association between chronotype and weight changes by leveraging a large cohort.

The Performance of Digital Monitoring Devices for Oxygen Saturation and Respiratory Rate in COPD: A Systematic Review.

Healthcare access and delivery for individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who live in remote areas or who are susceptible to contracting communicable diseases, such as COVID-19, may be a challenge. Telehealth and remote monitoring devices can be used to overcome this issue. However, the accuracy of these devices must be ensured before forming healthcare decisions based on their outcomes. Therefore, a systematic review was performed to synthesize the evidence on the reliability, validity and responsiveness of digital devices used for tracking oxygen saturation (SpO2) and/or respiratory rate (RR) in individuals with COPD, in remote settings. Three electronic databases were searched: MEDLINE (1996 to October 8, 2020), EMBASE (1996 to October 8, 2020) and CINAHL (1998 to October 8, 2020). Studies were included if they aimed to evaluate one or more measurement properties of a digital device measuring SpO2 or RR in individuals with COPD. Six-hundred and twenty-five articles were identified and after screening, 7 studies matched the inclusion criteria; covering 11 devices measuring SpO2 and/or RR. Studies reported on the reliability (n = 1), convergent validity (n = 1), concurrent validity (n = 2) and predictive validity (n = 2) of SpO2 devices and on the convergent validity (n = 1), concurrent validity (n = 1) and predictive validity (n = 1) of RR devices. SpO2 and RR devices were valid when compared against other respiration monitoring devices but were not precise in predicting exacerbation events. More well-designed measurement studies are needed to make firm conclusions about the accuracy of such devices.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/15412555.2021.1945021 .

Chronic disease management in heart failure: focus on telemedicine and remote monitoring.

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, many barriers to telemedicine disappeared. Virtual visits and telemonitoring strategies became routine. Evidence is accumulating regarding the safety and efficacy of virtual visits to replace in-person visits. A structured approach to virtual encounters is recommended. Telemonitoring includes patient reported remote vital sign monitoring, information from wearable devices, cardiac implantable electronic devices and invasive remote hemodynamic monitoring. The intensity of the monitoring should match the risk profile of the patient. Attention to cultural and educational barriers is important to prevent disparities in telehealth implementation.

Constructing a Smartphone-Controlled Semiautomatic Theranostic System for Glucose Homeostasis in Diabetic Mice.

With the development of mobile communication technology, smartphones have been used in point-of-care technologies (POCTs) as an important part of telemedicine. Using a multidisciplinary design principle coupling electrical engineering, software development, synthetic biology, and optogenetics, the investigators developed a smartphone-controlled semiautomatic theranostic system that regulates blood glucose homeostasis in diabetic mice in an ultraremote-control manner. The present chapter describes how the investigators tailor-designed the implant architecture "HydrogeLED," which is capable of coharboring a designer-cell-carrying alginate hydrogel and wirelessly powered far-red light LEDs. Using diabetes mellitus as a model disease, the in vivo expression of insulin or human glucagon-like peptide 1 (shGLP-1) from HydrogeLED implants could be controlled not only by pre-set ECNU-TeleMed programs, but also by a custom-engineered Bluetooth-active glucometer in a semiautomatic and glycemia-dependent manner. As a result, blood glucose homeostasis was semiautomatically maintained in diabetic mice through the smartphone-controlled semiautomatic theranostic system. By combining digital signals with optogenetically engineered cells, the present study provides a new method for the integrated diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Rationale and design of a digital trial using smartphones to detect subclinical atrial fibrillation in a population at risk: The eHealth-based bavarian alternative detection of Atrial Fibrillation (eBRAVE-AF) trial.

Current guidelines recommend opportunistic screening for subclinical atrial fibrillation (AF) taking advantage of e-health-based technologies. However, the efficacy of a fully scalable e-health-based strategy for AF detection in a head-to-head comparison with routine symptom-based screening is unknown. eBRAVE-AF is an investigator-initiated, digital, prospective, randomized, siteless, open-label, cross-over study to evaluate an e-health-based strategy for detection of AF in a real-world setting. 67,488 policyholders of a large German health insurance company (Versicherungskammer Bayern, Germany) selected by age ≥ 50 years and a CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥ 1 (females ≥2) are invited to participate. Subjects with known AF or on treatment with oral anticoagulation are excluded. After obtaining electronic informed consent, at least 4,400 participants will be randomly assigned to an e-health-based screening strategy or routine symptom-based screening. The e-health-based strategy consists of repetitive one-minute photoplethysmographic (PPG) pulse wave assessments using a certified smartphone app (Preventicus Heartbeats, Preventicus, Jena, Germany), followed by a confirmatory 14-day ECG patch (CardioMem CM 100 XT, Getemed, Teltow, Germany) in case of abnormal findings. After 6 months, participants are crossed over to the other study arm. Primary endpoint is the incidence of newly diagnosed AF leading to oral anticoagulation indicated by an independent physician. Clinical follow-up will be at least 12 months. In both groups, follow-up is performed by 4-week app-based questionnaires, personal contact in case of abnormal findings, and matching with claim-based insurance data and medical reports. At time of writing enrollment is completed. First results are expected to be available in mid-2021.