Computer-assisted Data Research Articles

Telemedicine-Based Specialized Care Improves the Outcome of Anticoagulated Individuals with Venous Thromboembolism-Results from the thrombEVAL Study.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a life-threatening disease with risk of recurrence. Oral anticoagulation (OAC) with vitamin K antagonists (VKA) is effective to prevent thromboembolic recurrence. We aimed to investigate the quality of OAC of VTE patients in regular medical care (RMC) compared to a telemedicine-based coagulation service (CS). The thrombEVAL study (NCT01809015) is a prospective, multi-center study to investigate OAC treatment (recruitment: January 2011–March 2013). Patients were evaluated using clinical visits, computer-assisted personal interviews, self-reported data and laboratory measurements according to standard operating procedures. Overall, 360 patients with VTE from RMC and 254 from CS were included. Time in therapeutic range (TTR) was higher in CS compared to RMC (76.9% (interquartile range [IQR] 63.2–87.1%) vs. 69.5% (52.3–85.6%), p < 0.001). Crude rate of thromboembolic events (rate ratio [RR] 11.33 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.85–465.26), p = 0.0015), clinically relevant bleeding (RR 6.80 (2.52–25.76), p < 0.001), hospitalizations (RR 2.54 (1.94–3.39), p < 0.001) and mortality under OAC (RR 5.89 (2.40–18.75), p < 0.001) were consistently higher in RMC compared with CS. Patients in RMC had higher risk for primary outcome (clinically relevant bleedings, thromboembolic events and mortality, hazard ratio [HR] 5.39 (95%CI 2.81–10.33), p < 0.0001), mortality (HR 5.54 (2.22–13.84), p = 0.00025), thromboembolic events (HR 6.41 (1.51–27.24), p = 0.012), clinically relevant bleeding (HR 5.31 (1.89–14.89), p = 0.0015) and hospitalization (HR 1.84 (1.34–2.55), p = 0.0002). Benefits of CS care were still observed after adjusting for comorbidities and TTR. In conclusion, anticoagulation quality and outcome of VTE patients undergoing VKA treatment was significantly better in CS than in RMC. Patients treated in CS had lower rates of adverse events, hospitalizations and lower mortality. CS was prognostically relevant, beyond providing advantages of improved international ratio (INR) monitoring.

Teaching outside your area of expertise: an opportunity for professional development

ABSTRACT As professional demands in an increasingly competitive academic environment are growing, professors are often assigned to teach outside their area of expertise. This paper investigates the experience of teaching new courses that are outside a faculty member’s immediate area of expertise. Key questions concern the extent to which faculty members appreciate the opportunity to be content novices and whether they accept to appear as such in front of their students. This paper uses an online qualitative survey of 70 international faculty members from diverse academic disciplines. It also employs the computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) package NVivo (Version 12) to conduct a series of qualitative analysis. Our findings suggest a fluctuation in the faculty members’ responses about the importance of mastering the subject matter and the joy of teaching as a content novice. The study finally provides practical suggestions on how to succeed in teaching outside one’s area of expertise.

Customer Involvement in Sustainable Tourism Planning at Lake Balaton, Hungary—Analysis of the Consumer Preferences of the Active Cycling Tourists

This study uses an innovative tourism product development approach, based on co-creation or customer involvement, related to Lake Balaton, a mass tourism-based destination in Hungary, from the point of view of the market segment of active cycling tourists. The investigation of opportunities for the development of cycling tourism first of all relies on the new approach of attraction and product development around the destination, in which it is important to take into consideration the consumer preferences of the most important related group of tourists—active cycling tourists. The sustainable approach of tourism product development also provides an opportunity to decrease the spatial and temporal concentration of tourism, which is largely concentrated on the summertime season. The aim of this study is to explore aspects of the customers’ demand for tourism development in terms of cycling tourism with the help of primary data collection, in order to provide adequate directions for sustainable tourism development in the destination. Revealing the demand side of active cycling tourism related to Lake Balaton, the authors used both qualitative (focus group discussions and structured interviews) and quantitative questionnaire survey (computer-assisted data collection) research methods. The latter online surveys were carried out in November and December, 2019, and resulted with an appraisable sample of 809 questionnaires. As for the method, descriptive statistics and relationship analyses were applied. More than five thousand (5050) possible relationships were examined between the closed answers of the questionnaire by Kendall’s rank correlation coefficient (τ) and Cramer’s V, depending on whether they could be measured on a nominal or ordinal scale. The results show that the content analysis of the primary research provides well determined directions for the sustainable tourism development of cycling tourism at Lake Balaton, so customer involvement seems to be a win-win situation both for the customers (tourists) and the decision makers.

Effects of Tacit Knowledge on the Performance of Selected Universities in Kenya

Abstract Tacit knowledge (TK) is non-codified and personal (sticky) knowledge that is difficult to transfer. TK cannot be said to be significant if there is a lack of tangible contributions. Universities can only realize such returns when there is growth in terms of (financial base, products, processes, customer base, employees’ loyalty) financial and non-financial indicators. The main objective of the research was to evaluate the effect of TK on organizational performance in selected universities in Kenya. The study adopted a mixed research approach as informed by pragmatism research paradigm. Data was collected from a study population of 65 respondents from four study sites which were Kibabii University, University of Nairobi, KCA University, and the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to academic deans; directors of research, innovation, and ICT; and heads of library services as well as planning and administration. Qualitative data was analyzed through conversation analysis, content analysis, and R which is a computer-assisted data analysis software. Chi-square tests, as well as multinomial logistic regression, were used for the quantitative data analysis. The findings of this study indicate that universities value TK as a key asset for organizational performance. The study identified TK as an asset that has helped institutions to grow in terms of work processes, decision making, and the creation of new products and/or services.

Crisis, narratives, and the construction of US-Middle East relations: continuity and change in world history and Trump’s America First

ABSTRACT This article sets out a novel constructivist conception of how we can analyse continuity and change in US foreign policy, and sets out the US relationship with the Middle East within the context of world history. It shows how the US has worked towards an imperium and deployed an imperial right over the long durée. The Trump administration has maintained this tradition. However, by better understanding the role and impact of crises, it is argued that analysts can be far more sensitive to the role of ideas and how reasons for action shape foreign policy. It is shown that the Trump administration adopts an America first policy-paradigm that moves away from a focus on free trade imperialism and towards indirect rule through authoritarian strongmen. Using advanced computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software it is demonstrated that the Global Financial Crisis opened a period of paradigm contestation.

Variation in Serious Illness Communication among Surgical Patients Receiving Palliative Care.

Background: Natural language processing (NLP), a form of computer-assisted data abstraction, rapidly identifies serious illness communication domains such as code-status confirmation and goals of care (GOC) discussions within free-text notes, using a codebook of phrases. Differences in the phrases associated with palliative care for patients with different types of illness are unknown. Objective: To compare communication of code-status clarification and GOC discussions between patients with advanced pancreatic cancer undergoing palliative procedures and patients admitted with life-threatening trauma. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting/Subjects: Patients with in-hospital admissions within two academic medical centers. Measurements: Sensitivity and specificity of NLP-identified communication domains compared with manual review. Results: Among patients with advanced pancreatic cancer (n = 523), NLP identified code-status clarification in 54% of admissions and GOC discussions in 49% of admissions. The sensitivity and specificity for code-status clarification were 94% and 99% respectively, while the sensitivity and specificity for a GOC discussion were 93% and 100%, respectively. Using the same codebook in patients with life-threatening trauma (n = 2093), NLP identified code-status clarification in 25.9% of admissions and GOC discussions in 6.3% of admissions. While NLP identification had 100% specificity, the sensitivity for code-status clarification and GOC discussion was reduced to 86% and 50%, respectively. Adding dynamic phrases such as "ongoing discussions" and phrases related to "family meetings" increased the sensitivity of the NLP codebook for code status to 98% and for GOC discussions to 100%. Conclusions: Communication of code status and GOC differ between patients with advanced cancer and those with life-threatening trauma. Recognition of these differences can aid in identification in patterns of palliative care delivery.

Natural Language Processing Accurately Measures Adherence to Best Practice Guidelines for Palliative Care in Trauma

ContextThe Trauma Quality Improvement Program Best Practice Guidelines recommend palliative care (PC) concurrent with restorative treatment for patients with life-threatening injuries. Measuring PC delivery is challenging: administrative data are nonspecific, and manual review is time intensive. ObjectivesTo identify PC delivery to patients with life-threatening trauma and compare the performance of natural language processing (NLP), a form of computer-assisted data abstraction, to administrative coding and gold standard manual review. MethodsPatients 18 years and older admitted with life-threatening trauma were identified from two Level I trauma centers (July 2016—June 2017). Four PC process measures were examined during the trauma admission: code status clarification, goals-of-care discussion, PC consult, and hospice assessment. The performance of NLP and administrative coding were compared with manual review. Multivariable regression was used to determine patient and admission factors associated with PC delivery. ResultsThere were 76,791 notes associated with 2093 admissions. NLP identified PC delivery in 33% of admissions compared with 8% using administrative coding. Using NLP, code status clarification was most commonly documented (27%), followed by goals-of-care discussion (18%), PC consult (4%), and hospice assessment (4%). Compared with manual review, NLP performed more than 50 times faster and had a sensitivity of 93%, a specificity of 96%, and an accuracy of 95%. Administrative coding had a sensitivity of 21%, a specificity of 92%, and an accuracy of 68%. Factors associated with PC delivery included older age, increased comorbidities, and longer intensive care unit stay. ConclusionNLP performs with similar accuracy with manual review but with improved efficiency. NLP has the potential to accurately identify PC delivery and benchmark performance of best practice guidelines.

“Why was I not taught to use this software earlier?” A gendered exploration of university students’ beliefs towards their future use of CAQDAS

The use of computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) for the organization and analysis of qualitative data has been a hotly debated topic among qualitative researchers since the inception of the technology in the 1980s (Smith &amp; Hesse-Biber, 1996; and Bong, 2002). Proponents of the software claim that QDAS can help strengthen the validity, reliability, and accuracy of data analysis, whereas critics have cautioned that the use of such software distances the researchers from the data and attempts to make the data objective (Saldaña, 2013). The debates surrounding the use of qualitative software have contributed to a lack of student training in academic settings. Consequently, few studies have examined the student experience and decision-making process regarding the use of QDAS in the university setting (Paulus, Woods, Atkins, &amp; Mackin, 2015). Using reflective response data collected from participants of a beginner qualitative coding workshop, this paper adds to the limited literature on student experiences using QDAS by examining gender differences in how participants critically reflected on their first experience using QDAS and examines the likelihood that participants would use QDAS in their future work. Findings from this study indicate that participants who used QDAS for the first time perceived that there are more potential benefits to using QDAS versus manual coding. Gender differences were present with female participants strongly believing that the software would allow them to be more effective and efficient researchers, and male participants believing that they would be better able to gain deeper insights into their data.

How to conceptualize, represent, and analyze log\xa0data from technology-based assessments? A generic framework and an application to questionnaire items

Log data from educational assessments attract more and more attention and large-scale assessment programs have started providing log data as scientific use files. Such data generated as a by-product of computer-assisted data collection has been known as paradata in survey research. In this paper, we integrate log data from educational assessments into a taxonomy of paradata. To provide a generic framework for the analysis of log data, finite state machines are suggested. Beyond its computational value, the specific benefit of using finite state machines is achieved by separating platform-specific log events from the definition of indicators by states. Specifically, states represent filtered log data given a theoretical process model, and therefore, encode the information of log files selectively. The approach is empirically illustrated using log data of the context questionnaires of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). We extracted item-level response time components from questionnaire items that were administered as item batteries with multiple questions on one screen and related them to the item responses. Finally, the taxonomy and the finite state machine approach are discussed with respect to the definition of complete log data, the verification of log data and the reproducibility of log data analyses.

The effect of data-entry template design and anesthesia provider workload on documentation accuracy, documentation efficiency, and user-satisfaction

IntroductionCurrently, there are few evidence-based guidelines to inform optimal clinical data-entry template design that maximizes usability while reducing unintended consequences. This study explored the impact of data-entry template design and anesthesia provider workload on documentation accuracy, documentation efficiency, and user-satisfaction to identify the most beneficial data-entry methods for use in future documentation interface design. MethodologyA study using observational data collection and psychometric instruments (for perceived workload and user-satisfaction) was conducted at three hospitals using different methods of data-entry for perioperative documentation (auto-filling with unstructured data, computer-assisted data selection with semi-structured documentation, and paper-based documentation). Nurse anesthetists at each hospital (N = 30) were observed completing documentation on routine abdominal surgical cases. ResultsAuto-filling (61.2%) had the lowest documentation accuracy scores compared to computer-assisted (81.3%) and paper-based documentation (76.2%). Computer-assisted data-entry had the best documentation efficiency scores and required the least percentage of the nurse anesthetists’ time (9.65%) compared to auto-filling (11.43%) and paper-based documentation (15.23%). Paper-based documentation had the highest perceived workload scores (M = 288, SD = 88) compared to auto-filling (M = 160, SD = 93, U = 16.5, p < 0.01) and computer assisted data-entry (M = 93, SD = 50, U = 4.0, P < 0.001). ConclusionsAuto-filling with unstructured data needs to be used sparingly because of its low documentation accuracy. Computer-assisted data entry with semi-structured data needs to be further study because of its better documentation accuracy, documentation efficiency, and perceived workload.

Measuring self-regulated learning and online learning events to predict student academic performance

The aim of this study is to identify whether the combination of self-reported data that measure self-regulated learning (SRL) and computer-assisted data that capture student engagement with an online learning environment could be used to predict student academic achievement. Personally engaged study strategies focused on deep-level learning, the process of taking control, and the evaluation of students' own learning characterize SRL. Diverse theories on how students benefit from SRL underline its positive impact on student academic outcomes. Similarly, there is no doubt that the future trend in education leans towards the integration of technolog y into teaching in order to exploit its full potential. To benefit from both approaches, a combination of self-reported data and detailed online learning events obtained from an online learning environment were investigated in relation to their ability to predict student academic achievement. A case study of 54 university students enrolled in a blended-learning course showed that of the tested SRL variables and observed learning activities, student interaction with auxiliary materials that were part of the course helped to predict academic outcomes. Despite the relatively low ability of the model to explain why some students were able to become successful learners, the presented results highlight the importance of analysing online learning events in computer-assisted teaching and learning.

A Qualitative Evaluation of Clinical Audit in UK Dental Foundation Training.

Clinical Audit (CA) has been recognized as a useful tool for tool for improving service delivery, clinical governance, and the education and performance of the dental team. This study develops the discussion by investigating its use as an educational tool within UK Dental Foundation Training (DFT). The aim was to investigate the views of Foundation Dentists (FDs) and Training Programme Directors (TPDs) on the CA module in their FD training schemes, to provide insight and recommendations for those supervising and undertaking CA. A literature review was conducted followed by a qualitative research methodology, using group interviews. The interviews were transcribed and thematically analyzed using NVIVO, a Computer-Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis tool. CA was found to be a useful tool for teaching management and professionalism and can bring some improvement to clinical practice, but TPDs have doubts about the long-term effects on service delivery. The role of the Educational Supervisor (ES) is discussed and recommendations are given for those supervising and conducting CA.

Differences Between the Serum Protein Profile of Pancreatic Cancer and Chronic Pancreatitis

The purpose of this study was to identify differences in urine proteins between patients with interstitial cystitis (IC) and asymptomatic control (AC) subjects with the use of proteomic techniques.Nine patients with IC and their age-, race-, and sex-matched AC subjects volunteered a urine specimen. Urine proteins were separated with the use of 2-dimensional polyacrylamide gels. Differing proteins underwent digestion and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. Computer-assisted data analysis was used to identify the corresponding protein. Differences in urine protein responses between patients with IC and AC subjects were evaluated by the Mann-Whitney U test to account for the nonnormal frequency distribution of the parameter estimate or chi-square when data were bimodal.Four proteins differed significantly between patients with IC and AC subjects. The AC subjects had a greater concentration of a uromodulin (P = .019) and two kininogens (P = .023, .046). The patients with IC had a greater concentration of inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H4 (P = .019).These urine protein isoforms may be biomarkers for IC.

A qualitative thematic content analysis of medical students\u2019 essays on professionalism

BackgroundPhysicians in both Western and Eastern countries are being confronted by changes in health care delivery systems and medical professionalism values. The traditional concept of “In-Sul” (benevolent art) and the modern history of South Korea have led to cultural differences between South Korea and other countries in conceptualizing medical professionalism; thus, we studied medical students’ perceptions of professionalism as described in essays written on this topic.MethodsIn 2014, we asked 109 first-year medical students who were enrolled in a compulsory ethics course to anonymously write a description of an instance of medical professionalism that they had witnessed, as well as reflecting on their own professional context. We then processed 105 valid essays using thematic content analysis with computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software.ResultsThematic analysis of the students’ essays revealed two core aspects of professionalism in South Korea, one focused on respect for patients and the other on physicians’ accountability. The most common theme regarding physician–patient relationships was trust. By contrast, distributive justice was thought to be a non-essential aspect of professionalism.ConclusionsIn Western countries, physicians tend to promote justice in the health care system, including fair distribution of medical resources; however, we found that medical students in South Korea were more inclined to emphasize doctors’ relationships with patients. Medical educators should develop curricular interventions regarding medical professionalism to meet the legitimate needs of patients in their own culture. Because professionalism is a dynamic construct of culture, medical educators should reaffirm cultural context-specific definitions of professionalism for development of associated curricula.

HIV Bio-behavioral Risk Study Implementation in Resource-poor Military Settings

ObjectiveWe present lessons learned from over a decade of HIV bio-behavioral risk study implementation and capacity-building inAfrican militaries.IntroductionCircumstances within the military environment may place militarypersonnel at increased risk of contracting sexually transmittedinfections (STI) including HIV. HIV bio-behavioral risk studiesprovide a critical source of data to estimate HIV/STI prevalenceand identify risk factors, allowing programs to maximize impact byfocusing on the drivers of the epidemic.MethodsSince 2005, RTI has provided technical assistance (TA) to supportHIV/STI Seroprevalence and Behavioral Epidemiology Risk Surveys(SABERS) in 14 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.SABERS are cross-sectional studies consisting of a survey to assessknowledge, attitudes and behaviors related to HIV, coupled with rapidtesting for HIV and other STIs. RTI tailored each survey instrument tobe culturally appropriate in content and methodology, trained militarypersonal to serve as data collection staff, and provided logisticalsupport for study implementation.ResultsKey lessons learned are summarized below:Data collection mode varied from paper-based to computer-assisted surveys, depending on country preference, in-country staffcapabilities, and the country’s technological capacity. Computer-assisted data collection systems were preferable because theyimproved data quality through the use of programmed skip patterns,range, and consistency checks. By eliminating the need for data entry,computer-assisted systems also saved program resources and enabledfaster access to the data for analysis.Survey administration method varied from self-administeredto interviewer-administered surveys. Literacy rates, technologicalfamiliarity, and confidentiality concerns were key drivers indetermining the best data collection method. Self-administeredsurveys such as computer-assisted self-interview (CASI) werepreferable due to the high-level of confidentiality they provide,but required a high-level of literacy and computer familiarity.If confidentiality was a big concern in low-literacy settings, audiocomputer-assisted self-interview (ACASI) was used if the populationhad some computer familiarity. Interviewer-administered surveyssuch as computer-assisted personal interview (CAPI) were used inmost low-literacy settings.Tailoring the survey instrument and administration for culturalappropriateness was vital to the acquisition of sound, viable data.Sexual behaviors and the definition of “regular sexual partner”and other terms varied according to local custom. The sensitivenature of the survey questions also impacted survey administrationoperationally. The preference for same-sex or opposite sexinterviewers varied by country and military setting. It was imperativeto pre-test the survey.A skilled workforce and staff retention are essential to providehigh quality data. Literacy levels, technological familiarity, HIVknowledge, and time commitments must all be considered whenselecting data collection staff. Retention of staff throughout theduration of data collection activities can be a major issue especiallyamong military personnel who were often called away from studyactivities to perform military duties.Host military ownership was integral to the success of the SABERSprogram. By engaging military leadership early and involving themin all decision making processes we ensured the partner military wasinvested in the study and its success and found value in the resultingdata and findings. Host militaries were actively involved in SABERSby providing staff for data collection, leading sensitization activities,and monitoring data collection activities in the field.Inclusion of capacity building elements during studyimplementation led to increased host military buy-in. Capacitybuilding included staff trainings and practical experience in surveymethodology, use of electronic data collection instruments, studylogistics and data monitoring.Confidentiality of survey data and HIV test results was of increasedconcern given that these studies were conducted in a work placeenvironment. For this reason, it was imperative to assure participantsthat disclosures of drug or alcohol use and positive HIV/STI testresults would remain confidential and would not affect their militaryemployment.ConclusionsBased on our experience, the following are required for thesuccessful implementation of an HIV Bio-behavioral Risk Study inresource-poor military settings: (1) selection of a data collection modeand survey administration method that is context-appropriate, (2)utilization of local wording and customs, (3) a skilled workforce, (4)local buy-in/partnership, (5) inclusion of capacity building elements,and (6) assurance of confidentiality.

Workshop Report: CAQDAS Projects and Digital Repositories' Best Practices

An increasing number of qualitative researchers are relying on dedicated software for the analysis of qualitative data, often referred to as CAQDAS — computer-assisted qualitative data analysis — applications. These applications allow users to annotate, analyze, and visualize qualitative data. To understand and work towards solutions to the challenges of sharing CAQDAS data, the Qualitative Data Repository (QDR) convoked a one-day workshop with CAQDAS developers, practitioners, and repository specialists, on October 28, 2016. This report describes the workshop sessions, participants' areas of interest, and future challenges.

Conference Report: 18th Conference on Computer-Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis (CAQD) 2016: MAXQDA User Conference

In der ersten Marzwoche 2016 trafen sich ca. 120 Forschende aus 12 Landern (u.a. Japan, Syrien, den USA und der Turkei) in Berlin, um sich uber Nutzungsmoglichkeiten qualitativer Software zu informieren. Die 18. Conference on Computer-Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis (CAQD) erlaubte im Rahmen verschiedener Workshops sowie mittels einer Poster-Session und von Nutzer/innenforen, Best-Practice-Beispiele (auch informell) zu diskutieren. Hinzu kamen Keynotes von John CRESWELL bzw. Udo KUCKARTZ und Stefan RADIKER, die uber Potenziale des Softwareeinsatzes im Themenfeld Mixed Methods informierten. URN: http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs170146

Resilience of Buddhist sexual minorities related to sexual orientation and gender identity

Many individuals with non-heterosexual orientation or gender non-conformity are afflicted by prejudice, discrimination and isolation. This issue has been discussed in the religious field; however, little research has explored it from a Buddhist perspective. This qualitative inquiry investigates the coping strategies of Buddhist sexual minorities, including American, British, Chinese and Malay LGBTs, to overcome adversity in a heterosexual-dominated context. It uses semi-structured interviews to collect data that are analysed by interpretative phenomenological analysis, with the aid of a computer-assisted qualitative data analysis package. Member-checking is utilised to enhance academic trustworthiness. The participants address the importance of self-acceptance (part of self-compassion) through their narratives, together with support resources, when they attain a better understanding of the nature of suffering, impermanence, karma and mindfulness. It also unveils the importance of support from religious leaders, peers and family. These significantly help them strengthen their resilience and improve mental health, resulting in well-being.

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing in systolic heart failure: from basic to advanced practice.

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is a specialized subtype of exercise testing that provides a more accurate and objective measure of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). CPET relies on measurement of ventilatory gases during exercise, i.e., a non-invasive procedure that involves the acquisition of expired ventilation and concentrations of oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) during progressive exercise. The non-invasive measurement of ventilation and expired gases permits the most accurate and reproducible quantification of CRF, a grading of the etiology and severity of impairment, and an objective assessment of the response to an intervention. Moreover, a particularly large volume of research has been directed toward the utility of CPET as a prognostic tool; CPET is a scientifically sound and therefore clinically valuable method for accurately estimating prognosis in various disease states. Although still underutilized, CPET has gained popularity not only due to the recognition of its clear value in the functional assessment of patients with cardiovascular, pulmonary and musculoskeletal disease/disorders, but also because technological advances (e.g., rapid response analyzers and computer-assisted data processing) have made this modality easier to use.

Revealing sensitive information in personal interviews: Is self-disclosure easier with humans or avatars and under what conditions?

Despite the many advantages of computer-assisted data collection, it is unclear if, when, or under what conditions embodied conversational agents (i.e., ECA, virtual humans) can replace human interviewers to collect personal information in interviews, especially for topics that might be regarded as ‘sensitive’. This paper presents results from an exploratory study designed to investigate how topic sensitivity affects individuals' preference to disclose to a human or an ECA interviewer. A convenience sample of 203 undergraduate business students completed a scenario-based survey that asked them to rate the sensitivity of various interview topics and indicate their preference to disclose such sensitive information to human or ECA interviewers. Open-ended questions revealed factors behind preferences for interviewer choice. Findings show a preference for ECAs when topics are highly sensitive and more likely to evoke negative self-admissions. For topics rated low in sensitivity or more likely to evoke positive self-admissions, human interviewers are preferred. Specifically, participants stated that they would feel more comfortable discussing sensitive topics with an ECA interviewer because it could not judge them. This indicates that the evaluative capability of the interviewer plays a factor in the amount of sensitive information elicited from interviewees. Overall, results contribute to an understanding of when and why ECA interviewers can effectively replace human interviewers.