Feasibility Assessment Research Articles

Online Hearing Voices Peer Support Groups: Assessing Feasibility and Acceptability within UK NHS Settings

Abstract Background User-led hearing voices groups (HVGs) have existed for the past 40 years, but little research has been conducted into if and how this approach can be implemented in statutory mental health settings, and whether they can be delivered effectively when held online. The aim of this study was to conduct a feasibility and acceptability trial of an online HVG for the UK National Health Service (NHS) users who hear voices, to inform a future larger-scale trial. Methods A mixed-methods non-randomised feasibility study of an online HVG was conducted with nine participants. Participants attended weekly online meetings for six months, and completed measures of social connectedness, voice hearing, personal recovery, as well as semi-structured interviews, at baseline and 6-months follow-up. Primary outcomes were qualitative and quantitative assessments of feasibility and acceptability. Results 38 participants were referred to the trial, nine of whom were recruited (100% of target sample). The trial had high retention (100%) and engagement (mean = 13.2 groups attended). Participants reported positive features of attending this digital intervention, with 85% reporting it was helpful to meet other voice hearers, that the group helped them make sense of voice hearing experiences, that they received positive messages about recovery, and that the group represented a form of support they could not get elsewhere. Discussion The findings indicate it is feasible and acceptable to run an online HVG within an NHS setting. A larger trial is needed to further investigate the utility, efficacy and cost-effectiveness of running online HVGs in the NHS.

A Methodology for the Feasibility Assessment of Using Crop Residues for Electricity Production Through GIS-MCD and Its Application in a Case Study

Over recent decades, human activities have essentially depended on fossil fuels. The last Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports recommend a shift to renewables and a more energy-efficient economy. To fulfill the potential of bioenergy, tools are required to overcome the complexities of the decision-making processes for viable projects. This work presents a decision-making tool to select the most feasible biomass residues and a case study of the state of Minas Gerais, in Brazil. Among the 13 evaluated criteria, eucalyptus residues demonstrated the highest potential for electricity production, followed by sugarcane bagasse and coffee husks. The choice of Minas Gerais as a case study is important due to its diverse agricultural landscape and the potential for biomass residue generation. The presented methodology uses the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), a multi-criteria decision-making method (MCDM). Thirteen criteria were required to enable the best choice of biomass residue alternatives for electricity generation, which experts in the bioenergy field evaluated. The technical criterion was shown to be the one with the highest degree of importance. The results of the study identified that CO2eq emissions (11.46%) and electricity demand (ED) were the most relevant sub-criteria for prioritizing the viability of agricultural waste. Eucalyptus was ranked as the most promising biomass, followed by sugarcane bagasse and coffee husks. In addition, the use of GIS tools made it possible to map the regions with the greatest potential in Minas Gerais, providing a robust approach to identifying strategic sites for bioenergy.

Abstract TP114: Implementation of Evaluation and Treatment Package for Uniform Stroke Care and Outcomes in Medical Colleges in India (IMPETUSTROKE): Tele-Rehabilitation Model of Care for Post Stroke Patients

Background and Aims: Globally, 87% of stroke patients are left with disability in low and middle-income countries. Continual rehabilitation is significant to maximize functional recovery. However, heterogeneity exists due to lack of guidelines, low prioritization of rehabilitation services, inadequate numbers of skilled rehabilitation specialists, limited health literacy, financial constraints and transportation limitations which leads to suboptimal rehabilitation. In this study we have presented tele-rehabilitation model of care for post stroke patients. Methods: IMPETUS stroke is an ongoing multicentric, prospective, multiphase, mixed-method, quasi- experimental implementation study intended to examine changes in a select set of stroke care-related indicators over time within 23 medical colleges in India. As a part of study, low cost model of tele-rehablitation services initiated using WhatsApp video communication. Periodic meetings with the collaborators and Rehabilitation teams had been done to outline the different strategies. Audio-visual training materials such as rehabilitation video and teaching manual are used as a study tool. Short specific videos had been crafted and finalized with the rehabilitation experts and collaborators specifically directed towards the post stroke recovery rehabilitation. Feasibility assessment will be done based upon the caregiver responses on the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire . Barthel Index, Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movemement (STREAM) assessment and Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) will be used to assess the motor and functional outcomes. Results: A total of 731 patients provided the telerehabilitation services through live WhatsApp video conferencing after discharge. Initial assessments were done using Barthel Index, Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement assessment and Modified Rankin Scale at the time of discharge. Tailor-made exercise programs were prepared for each patient based upon the impairments. Primary caregivers were trained through on-patient demonstration and rehabilitation videos. One on one interactive and guided sessions were conducted on the 7th, 15th, 30th day of discharge in one month and then every once in a month for the next 2 months. The patient outcome data will be presented. Conclusions: The aforementioned tele-rehabilitation model of care will help to optimize motor and functional outcomes of the patient. Understanding the limitations and success of these interventions will be helpful.

Assessment of economic feasibility and self-sufficiency of gaushalas in Uttar Pradesh

Assessment of economic feasibility and self-sufficiency of gaushalas in Uttar Pradesh

Evaluating the Co-Occurrence of Abnormal Behaviors in Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes).

For decades, welfare scientists have focused on investigating and mitigating the abnormal behaviors-including repetitive stereotypic behaviors and abnormal stances/postures-displayed by chimpanzees residing in professionally managed settings. In an effort to design feasible and practical welfare assessments, researchers often pool abnormal behaviors into subcategories. However, this approach can result in the creation of heterogeneous subcategories comprised of behaviors that do not statistically co-occur. This study examined the co-occurrence of abnormal behaviors in 41 adult chimpanzees living in 16 facilities accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Specifically, we employed principal component analysis and regression analyses to investigate the following behaviors: self-directed hair pluck, idiosyncratic body manipulations (e.g., eye-poking), and idiosyncratic movements/postures (e.g., rocking). We found: (1) none of the behaviors loaded onto the same component, and (2) no significant relationships were discovered by performing the regression analyses. These findings suggest that self-directed hair pluck, idiosyncratic body manipulations, and idiosyncratic movements/postures are heterogeneous and should be scored separately in future studies of adult chimpanzees. Though this study cannot provide insight into the potential triggers for these specific behaviors, the lack of positive associations suggests that they may have unrelated triggers and treatments. Ultimately, future research should attempt to reduce and eliminate abnormal behaviors by introducing tailored interventions to the husbandry routine and/or environment. The findings of this study can be extended to other taxa. Specifically, welfare researchers should analyze individual abnormal behaviors separately, instead of forming subcategories of abnormal behaviors, unless behaviors are found to statistically co-occur.

The truth about co-benefits: a multidimensional feasibility assessment for thailand and beyond

Abstract Research has yielded increasingly robust estimates of the co-benefits from mitigating climate change while reducing air pollution, improving health, and meeting other development needs. Though quantifying these often hidden benefits could ease cost concerns and lower technological constraints for development-friendly climate solutions, achieving co-benefits frequently requires overcoming difficult-to-measure social and institutional barriers. This study extends insights from research focusing on quantitatively assessing the feasibility of a 1.5oC future to build a multidimensional framework for measuring different barriers to achieving co-benefits. The framework offers a novel yet generalizable approach for bringing context-appropriate assessments of different dimensions of feasibility into the integrated assessment modelling that underpins work on co-benefits. It then outlines five steps for applying that framework to evaluate the size of different barriers for transport, agricultural and residential energy co-benefit solutions in Thailand. The results demonstrate that the sum of the delays from social/institutional barriers exceed economic/technological barriers for four out of six studied solutions. These delays also lead to increases of 24% to 31% in PM2.5 emissions relative to a no-barriers effective implementation scenario between 2015 and 2030 and 2040. The feasibility framework can be integrated into not only national policy scenarios but also project assessments, following trends in carbon finance. An international barriers database as well as strengthening links to work on barriers and technological diffusion, transaction costs, and multi-level transitions can also help spread multi-dimensional feasibility assessments across countries and scales.

Economic feasibility assessment of optimum grid-connected PV/battery systems to meet electricity demand for industrial buildings in Saudi Arabia

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the energy performance and economic feasibility of optimal power generation systems, including an electrical network and a grid-connected PV/battery system, designed to meet the electricity demands of an industrial building in Saudi ‘Arabia’s Eastern region. The building, located in Abqaiq City, spans approximately 29,000 m2 and has an average annual electrical consumption of 6,500 MWh. The primary focus is on assessing the economic feasibility of these systems under local grid conditions. Simulations using PVsyst software were conducted for three configurations: grid-connected PV and PV with battery. The findings indicate that bifacial PV modules increase energy harvesting in coastal arid climate regions, with specific production ranging from 2,235 to 2,158 kWh/kWp/year and a PR between 95.9 % and 92.6 %. The grid-connected PV system is more feasible under industrial electricity tariffs, with a levelized cost of energy of $0.016/kWh, an NPV of $4,233,274, an ROI of 426.5 %, and a payback period of 4.7 years. These systems achieve energy savings of approximately 66 % for grid-connected PV and 89 % for hybrid PV/battery systems. Additionally, commercial and global tariffs significantly enhance the NPV and ROI of both systems, reducing the payback period and improving economic feasibility. Under commercial tariffs, the grid-connected PV system excels in ROI and payback period, while the hybrid system outperforms in NPV under global tariffs. By addressing economic and climate challenges in harsh coastal environments, this work provides valuable insights for sustainable investment decisions in an industrial city context

The pre-processing InSAR feasibility assessment method for wide-area slope displacement monitoring

The pre-processing InSAR feasibility assessment method for wide-area slope displacement monitoring

Technical and economic feasibility assessment for hybrid energy system electricity and hydrogen generation: a case study

Technical and economic feasibility assessment for hybrid energy system electricity and hydrogen generation: a case study

Feasibility of a Mobile App-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Perinatal Skills Program: Protocol for Nonrandomized Pilot Trial.

Mental illness is one of the top causes of preventable pregnancy-related deaths in the United States. There are many barriers that interfere with the ability of perinatal individuals to access traditional mental health care. Digital health interventions, including app-based programs, have the potential to increase access to useful tools for these individuals. Although numerous mental health apps exist, there is little research on developing programs to address the unique needs of perinatal individuals. In an effort to fill this gap, a multidisciplinary team of experts in psychology, psychiatry, obstetrics, and pediatric primary care collaborated to develop the novel Perinatal Skills Program within Maya, a flexible and customizable cognitive-behavioral skills app. Maya-Perinatal Skills Program (M-PSP) uses evidence-based strategies to help individuals manage their mood and anxiety symptoms during pregnancy and post partum. This pilot study aims to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and usability of M-PSP and explore links between program use and symptoms of anxiety and low mood. This single-arm trial will recruit 50 pregnant or postpartum individuals with mild-to-moderate anxiety or mood symptoms. Participants will be recruited from a variety of public and private insurance-based psychiatry, obstetrics, and primary care clinics at a large academic medical center located in New York City. Participants will complete all sessions of M-PSP and provide feedback. Outcome measures will include qualitative and quantitative assessments of feasibility, acceptability, and usability, passively collected program usage data, and symptom measures assessing mood, anxiety, and trauma. Planned data analysis includes the use of the grounded theory approach to identify common themes in qualitative feedback, as well as an exploration of possible associations between quantitative data regarding program use and symptoms. The recruitment began on August 2023. As of October 2024, a total of 32 participants have been enrolled. The recruitment will continue until 50 participants have been enrolled. Digital health interventions, like M-PSP, have the potential to create new pathways to reach individuals struggling with their mental health. The results of this study will be the groundwork for future iterations of M-PSP in the hopes of providing an accessible and helpful tool for pregnant and postpartum individuals. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05897619; https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05897619. PRR1-10.2196/59461.

Minimum elements for reporting a feasibility assessment of algorithms based on routinely collected health data for multi-jurisdiction use: Health Data Research Network Canada recommendations

BackgroundResearch and surveillance using routinely collected health data rely on algorithms or definitions to ascertain disease cases or health measures. Whenever algorithm validation studies are not possible due to the unavailability of a reference standard, algorithm feasibility studies can be used to create and assess algorithms for use in more than one population or jurisdiction. Publication of the methods used to conduct feasibility studies is critical for reproducibility and transparency. Existing guidelines applicable to feasibility studies include the STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) and REporting of studies Conducted using Observational Routinely collected health Data (RECORD) guidelines. These guidelines may benefit from additional elements that capture aspects particular to multi-jurisdiction algorithm feasibility studies and ensure their reproducibility. The aim of this paper is to identify the minimum elements for reporting feasibility studies to ensure reproducibility and transparency. MethodsA subcommittee of four individuals with expertise in routinely collected health data, multi-jurisdiction health research, and algorithm development and implementation was formed from Health Data Research Network (HDRN) Canada's Algorithms and Harmonized Data Working Group (AHD-WG). The subcommittee reviewed items within the STROBE and RECORD guidelines and evaluated these items against published feasibility studies. Items to ensure transparent reporting of feasibility studies not contained within STROBE or RECORD guidelines were identified through consensus by subcommittee members using the Nominal Group Technique. The AHD-WG reviewed and approved these additional recommended elements. ResultsEleven new recommended elements were identified: one element for the title and abstract, one for the introduction, five for the methods, and four for the results sections. Recommended elements primarily addressed reporting jurisdictional data variabilities, data harmonization methods, and algorithm implementation techniques. SignificanceImplementation of these recommended elements, alongside the RECORD guidelines, is intended to encourage consistent publication of methods that support reproducibility, as well as increase comparability of algorithms and their use in national and international studies.

Techno-Economic and Feasibility Assessment of Membrane-Based Wastewater Treatment and Reuse in the Automotive Industry

The gradual increase in water scarcity due to depletion and/or inadequate use of water resources has affected the automotive sector. In this context, possibilities for water reuse in the pre-treatment tunnel in an automotive painting process were studied and compared with the primary goal of finding the most appropriate and economically viable water recovery solutions, considering a circular economy metric approach. To this end, an experimental campaign of aqueous effluent characterization, with determinations of most relevant chemical and physical parameters, was conducted in a company in the automotive industry sector. To reduce alkalinity and remove surfactants from the effluent of the washing phase, a cation exchange on a weak-acid-based resin was proposed along with a microfiltration membrane system with a recovery efficiency of 88%. The inclusion of subsequent ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis steps proved to be the most suitable for removing salts and biocides from the water of the cooling towers, treating approximately 68% of the water. The techno-economic feasibility was comprehensively evaluated according to the type of treatment used. A cost of EUR 245 thousand was estimated for the treatment of water from the degreasing washing phase (EUR 1.06 per manufactured car), and a cost of EUR 582 thousand was estimated for the treatment of the cooling towers’ water (EUR 2.52 per car). The estimated water income after the treatment systems’ implementation was estimated to be equal to EUR 0.07 per car for the washing stage and EUR 0.13 per car for the cooling towers. Ultimately, this study clearly demonstrated the beneficial contribution of using membrane treatment in the automotive sector’s environmental policy, leading to water reuse and much lower effluent discharge according to the principles of the circular economy.

A Methodological Approach to Measuring the Impact of TAK-003 for the Prevention of Dengue in Dourados, Brazil: Optimizing Strategies for Public Health

Background/Objectives: Takeda’s tetravalent dengue vaccine TAK-003 has been approved by the Brazilian regulatory agency ANVISA for dengue disease prevention in individuals aged 4 to 60 years. Dourados, in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, became the world’s first city to implement a mass vaccination campaign targeting approximately 120,000 individuals. An ongoing collaborative, observational, population-based study using national surveillance and vaccination data was planned to measure the impact of the vaccine on the reduction in dengue incidence. Methods: In this manuscript, the study’s methodology, including its programmatic steps and public health relevance, is described. A collaborative assessment with multidisciplinary researchers in Brazil was conducted to identify key programmatic areas for the successful implementation of the study. These areas included feasibility and site selection assessment, methodology selection, vaccination program implementation, and public health importance. Results/Conclusions: Identification of the public health problem and understanding the disease burden, local healthcare infrastructure, and strategic partnerships were critical for a robust feasibility assessment. One of the feasibility criteria identified was the ability of the Dourados Municipal Health Secretary and the principal investigator to conduct an active vaccination campaign, utilizing extramural activities and diverse communication channels to increase vaccine acceptance and coverage. The selection of analytical methods, such as time series analysis, was dependent on the national and local structures of the databases and data availability.

Waste harvesting: lessons learned from the development of waste-to-energy power plants in Indonesia

Purpose The purpose of this research is to analyse the development and implementation of waste-to-energy (WtE) power plants as a strategy to manage municipal solid waste (MSW) in Indonesia. It aims to identify key determinants for the successful adoption of WtE technology in developing countries, focusing on the Benowo WtE power plant, Indonesia’s first large-scale WtE project. Design/methodology/approach This study reviews the development of the Benowo WtE power plant, examining political, regulatory and financial factors influencing its implementation. It analyses the roles of national and local government institutions, highlighting critical elements for the successful deployment of WtE projects in a developing country context. Findings The review shows that the success of WtE projects in Indonesia is significantly influenced by strong local government commitment, supported by political, financial and regulatory backing from the national government. The Benowo WtE power plant’s development demonstrates that with adequate support, WtE can be a viable solution for managing MSW and generating energy in developing countries. The study also identifies barriers to broader WtE adoption in similar contexts. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to 12 WtE projects in Indonesia, with in-depth analysis focused on a single case, potentially overlooking challenges and opportunities in other regions. Furthermore, the study does not include an economic analysis, such as a feasibility assessment. Future research could expand to multiple WtE projects and incorporate primary data collection to provide more comprehensive findings, including feasibility studies of each project. Practical implications The findings provide practical guidance for policymakers and stakeholders in developing countries, identifying critical areas for successful WtE deployment and offering a blueprint based on the Benowo WtE power plant. Social implications Implementing WtE projects can improve waste management, reduce pollution, enhance public health, create jobs and stimulate local economies. The study underscores the importance of government and community collaboration in addressing environmental challenges and fostering shared responsibility. Originality/value This research offers novel insights into WtE technology development in a developing country, specifically focusing on Indonesia’s first large-scale WtE power plant. By analysing the Benowo WtE power plant, the study provides valuable lessons and strategies for other developing nations aiming to adopt WtE solutions for MSW management, emphasising the critical role of government support.

Study protocol for the development and pilot-testing of a Self-assessment tool for the implementation of the European Standards of Care for Newborn Health (ESCNH)

IntroductionIn Europe, disparities exist in having access to optimal neonatal care. With the European Standards of Care for Newborn Health (ESCNH), evidence-based reference standards are available which provide guidance to...

Development of Digital Scrapbook Media Based on Problem-Based Learning in an Effort to Increase Learning Motivation and Science Literacy of Elementary School Students

This research aims to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of digital media, specifically digital scrapbooks, based on problem-based learning. The research design used is Research & Development (R&D) research with a 4D development model. The stages carried out are the definition stage (Define), the planning stage (Design), the development stage (Develop), and the dissemination stage (Disseminate). questionnaire, Feasibility Assessment Sheet, and documentation. The data analysis techniques used are feasibility analysis, analysis of scientific literacy questions, analysis of learning motivation, and analysis of student responses. The research results show that the average score for the feasibility assessment is 74.7 in the very good category. Digital scrapbook media is also effective in increasing students' learning motivation with an average score of 42.9. Apart from that, a significant value was obtained for the control class and experimental class after using digital scrapbook media in increasing students' science literacy, namely 0.000 < 0.05. This shows that there are differences in students' scientific literacy abilities before and after implementing learning using digital scrapbook media based on problem-based learning, so it can be concluded that there is a significant influence on the application of digital scrapbook media based on problem-based learning on students' scientific literacy abilities. Keywords: Scrapbook Digital Media, Problem-Based Learning, Learning Motivation, Scientific Literacy

Environmental risk assessment methodology for urban tropical lagoons based on feasible lines of evidence under limited resources conditions: Jacarepaguá Lagoon/Brazil.

Determining environmental risk levels posed to different urban lagoon can provide an important overview regarding the relative severity of the environmental degradation of these ecosystems, increasing the risks visibility, which can be used as an important decision-making tool to prioritize investments. Jacarepaguá Lagoon (JPAL) is part of a coastal lagoon system comprising four interconnected lagoons in Rio de Janeiro city, Southeastern Brazil. Real estate speculation and insufficient sanitation infrastructure resulted in untreated sewage discharge into this ecologically sensitive lagoon system. An Environmental Risk Assessment for Jacarepaguá lagoon was carried out integrating three Lines of Evidence (LoE): (i) Water Quality LoE; (ii) Ecotoxicological LoE; (iii) Ecological LoE to estimate an Environmental Risk Index (EnvRI) for this area. Surface water samples were collected during four bimonthly campaigns at five JPAL sampling points as well as an upstream reference area. The Water Quality LoE based on physicochemical parameters was used to estimate the Water Quality Risk Index (WQRI); the Ecotoxicological LoE based on two chronic ecotoxicity bioassays was used to estimate the Ecotoxicological Risk Index (EcotoxRI); and the Ecological LoE based on the richness and the abundance of phytoplankton taxa was used to estimate the Ecological Risk Index (EcoRI). The final EnvRI was then estimated by integrating these three Risk Indices. The WQRI (0.79 ± 0.07), as well as the EcotoxRI (0.80 ± 0.21), and the EcoRI (0.78 ± 0.13), were all in the range classified as very high. The EnvRI for JPAL was consequently also very high (0.81 ± 0.12), which indicates urgent intervention. EnvRI combined with high concentrations of organic compounds directly affected the diversity of phytoplankton species; however, it was observed that the high content of phytoplankton biomass also represents a part of the organic matter in question. The final goal was achieved: a feasible risk assessment tool available for comparison of different aquatic ecosystems, to facilitate decision making establishing priorities of investments under a limited resources scenario.

Efficacy of treatment options for complicated urinary tract infections including acute pyelonephritis: a systematic literature review and network meta-analysis.

Aim: Compared with uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), complicated UTIs (cUTIs) including acute pyelonephritis (AP) present with significant morbidity, a higher risk of treatment failure and typically require longer courses of treatment, or alternative antibiotics. The emergence of drug-resistant organisms represents a considerable challenge in the treatment of patients with cUTIs/AP and has limited antibiotic options. Carbapenems are considered the current last line of therapy, however, carbapenem resistance represents a growing problem. Although several established and novel treatment options are available, direct comparative evidence is lacking. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified by systematic literature review of Embase®, MEDLINE® and Cochrane databases (database inception to 15th June 2022). Relevant conference proceedings (2020-2022) were also reviewed. Following feasibility assessment to verify network connectivity at an overall level, outcome specific networks were prepared. Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) was performed (using R version 4.2.1) to determine the relative efficacy of various treatments for cUTI/AP, including cefepime+enmetazobactam. Convergence was assessed by visual inspection of trace plots. The accuracy of the posterior estimates was assessed using the Monte Carlo error for each parameter. Published study results were included in the synthesis of the relative risk (RR) of efficacy end points, using a logit link with binomial likelihood distribution. Results: Feasibility assessment was conducted for 40 RCTs identified, to assess the viability of constructing a network of interlinked RCTs. Of those, 28 studies were included in the master NMA network. A fixed effects model (FEM) was selected due to low statistical heterogeneity, according to I2 values. For composite outcome at test of cure (TOC), ceftolozane+tazobactam, cefepime+enmetazobactam, cefiderocol, levofloxacin and plazomicin demonstrated significantly higher RRs versus carbapenems. For microbiological eradication at TOC, cefepime+enmetazobactam, plazomicin, cefiderocol, fosfomycin, meropenem+vaborbactam and ceftazidime+avibactam demonstrated significantly higher RRs versus carbapenems. RRs for cefepime+enmetazobactam were also significantly higher versus several established and novel treatment options for composite outcome, microbiological eradication and clinical cure. Conclusion: Against the backdrop of increasing bacterial resistance, these findings suggest that cefepime+enmetazobactam may represent an effective carbapenem-sparing treatment option in patients with cUTI including AP.

Universal mental health training for frontline professionals (UMHT)’s feasibility analysis

Background Universal Mental Health Training for Frontline Professionals (UMHT) is an educational programme developed and piloted in Ukraine in 2021-2023. The UMHT trains frontline professionals (FLPs) to interact with, support, and refer individuals with mental health conditions for professional help. Methods To assess the UMHT feasibility in four focus areas (programme’s demand, acceptability, adaptability, and extendability), we used statistics on the actual use of the programme, as well as data from satisfaction and usability surveying of 144 programme deliverers and 714 trained frontline professionals. A combination of Kruskal-Wallis and Post Hoc Dunn tests was used to identify statistically significant intergroup differences in the UMHT usability. Results Programme’s demand increased through years of implementation (2021, 2022, 2023) in terms of the numbers of training events (27, 35, 90), trained frontline professionals (596, 779, 1548), involved donors and supporters (1, 4, 9) and implementers (2, 10, 18). The UMHT acceptability as satisfaction with the programme content and delivery, measured out of 5, is 4.81 (SD=0.291) for the UMHT trainers and 4.78(SD=0.434) for trained FLPs. The UMHT preparedness to use trained skills after participation in the training events, on the same scale, is 4.57 (SD=0.438) for the UMHT trainers and 4.46 (SD=0.650) for trained FLPs. The highest levels of usability of all UMHT skills on a scale from 0 to 1 were found for educators (0.68 [SD=0.118]), police officers (0.67 [SD=0.098]), and social workers (0.66 [SD=0.113]). Conclusions The UMHT offers a universal frame of interaction with people with mental health conditions for frontline professionals. Assessment of the UMHT feasibility shows the programme’s potential for further development and implementation. Programme trainers as its deliverers and frontline professionals as its recipients report high satisfaction with training content and delivery as well as preparedness to apply gained knowledge and skills in practice.

From ideation to real context of use of a digital solution to promote physical and cognitive training for older adults

This study describes the process of designing and developing the user interface of a digital solution aiming to promote physical and cognitive training (DanceMove) and testing for its usability by community-dwelling older adults. This study is subdivided into four phases: (i) concept and ideation, (ii) design and development of the prototype, (iii) testing of the functional mock-ups, and (iv) testing of the prototype in the laboratory and in the real context of use. Through the different phases of the study technological and healthcare professionals and users were involved. The testing of the prototype included a usability assessment at the laboratory with 14 older adults and a four-week feasibility assessment with five older adults using the digital solution at their homes. The results indicated that the digital solution was well-suited for older adults, with high levels of acceptance, self-reported usability, and satisfaction. The four-week usage evaluation demonstrated that using the digital solution at home was feasible, had good levels of usability and acceptance, and was found to be pleasant by older adults using it at home. The study shows the design and prototyping process that enabled the development of DanceMove, a digital solution tailored to the needs and expectations of end users. The high usability, acceptance, and feasibility indicate that DanceMove can be used at home, for promoting physical and cognitive training.