Adoption Of Health Technologies Research Articles

Investigating the impact of digital health technology adoption on female physicians’ work–life balance in Bahrain

Purpose This study aims to examine the impact of digital health technology adoption on female physicians’ work–life balance (WLB) in Bahrain. This study also examines the impact of two moderating variables: career stage, based on the kaleidoscope career model (KCM) and the presence of domestic workers, based on Becker’s theory of the allocation of time. Design/methodology/approach An electronic quantitative survey was administered to female physicians working in Bahrain. The survey gathered data on various aspects of digital health technology, WLB and demographic characteristics such as age and the presence of domestic workers. From a target population of approximately 1,000 female physicians in Bahrain, 102 participated in the survey. Findings The authors found that the effect of digital health technologies on WLB is positive in general and specifically for the early-career stage; however, it harms WLB in the middle and late-career stages. This is consistent with KCM predictions. In addition, there is no moderating effect of having domestic helpers. Originality/value This paper contributes to the theoretical understanding of the effect of technology on WLB by expanding the traditional model (KCM) to include an economic model of how female physicians allocate their time between work and home responsibilities, including the effect that a domestic worker can have on this allocation. Beyond these theoretical contributions, this paper is also the first to study technology and WLB in the health sector in Bahrain following the COVID-19 pandemic.

EMR-Based Interventions on HPV Vaccination Initiation, Completion, and Receiving the Next Dose: A Meta-Analytic Review

Despite the acknowledged importance of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in reducing HPV-related diseases, the influence of electronic medical records (EMR) on HPV vaccination uptake (HVU) remains underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of EMR-based interventions on HVU. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials were performed, focusing on studies that primarily used EMR-based interventions to measure initiation rates, completion rates, and receipt of the next required vaccine dose. Subgroup analyses were conducted to assess the differential effects of supplementary strategies, provider feedback, and parental education or reminders on these outcomes. The results of the comprehensive analysis provided robust evidence for the significant role of EMR interventions, demonstrating an average increase of 4.7% in vaccine initiation, 6.6% in vaccine completion, and 7.2% in receipt of the next HPV vaccine dose. Additionally, the subgroup analyses indicated that provider feedback and parental education could further enhance the effectiveness of EMR-based interventions. These findings support the broader adoption of digital health technologies in vaccination programs, offering vital insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and researchers, and emphasizing the need for continued technological innovation to improve public health outcomes.

Cancer Patients' Perspectives and Requirements of Digital Health Technologies: A Scoping Literature Review.

Digital health technologies have the potential to alleviate the increasing cancer burden. Incorporating patients' perspectives on digital health tools has been identified as a critical determinant for their successful uptake in cancer care. The main objective of this scoping review was to provide an overview of the existing evidence on cancer patients' perspectives and requirements for patient-facing digital health technologies. Three databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, Science Direct) were searched and 128 studies were identified as eligible for inclusion. Web-based software/platforms, mobile or smartphone devices/applications, and remote sensing/wearable technologies employed for the delivery of interventions and patient monitoring were the most frequently employed technologies in cancer care. The abilities of digital tools to enable care management, user-friendliness, and facilitate patient-clinician interactions were the technological requirements predominantly considered as important by cancer patients. The findings from this review provide evidence that could inform future research on technology-associated parameters influencing cancer patients' decisions regarding the uptake and adoption of patient-facing digital health technologies.

Acceptability of virtual reality to screen for dementia in older adults

BackgroundEarly detection of dementia and cognitive decline is crucial for effective interventions and overall wellbeing. Although virtual reality (VR) tools offer potential advantages to traditional dementia screening tools, there is a lack of knowledge regarding older adults’ acceptance of VR tools, as well as the predictors and features influencing their adoption. This study aims to (i) explore older adults’ perceptions of the acceptability and usefulness of VR diagnostic tools for dementia, and (ii) identify demographic predictors of adoption and features of VR applications that contribute to future adoption among older adults.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted involving community-dwelling older adults who completed online questionnaires covering demographics, medical history, technology acceptance, previous usage, and perceived usefulness and barriers to VR adoption. Multiple linear regression was employed to assess relationships between sociodemographic factors, prior technology use, perceived ease, usefulness, and intention to adopt VR-based diagnostic tools.ResultsOlder adults (N = 77, Mage = 73.74, SD = 6.4) were predominantly female and born in English-speaking countries. Perceived usefulness of VR applications and educational attainment emerged as significant predictors of the likelihood to use VR applications for dementia screening. Generally, older adults showed acceptance of VR applications for healthcare and dementia screening. Fully immersive applications were preferred, and older adults were mostly willing to share electronic information from screening with their healthcare providers.ConclusionsThe field of research on VR applications in healthcare is expanding. Understanding the demographic characteristics of populations that stand to benefit from healthcare innovations is critical for promoting adoption of digital health technologies and mitigating its barriers to access.

Health Technology Assessment: A Practical Tool for Advancing Equity in Universal Health Coverage

Background: Health technology assessment (HTA) plays a crucial role in enhancing equity within universal health coverage (UHC) by making sure that health technologies are accessible, effective, and affordable for all groups, including those historically underserved. HTA informs policy-making concerning the adoption and prioritization of health technologies to fulfill the needs of the populace, particularly those afflicted with rare ailments and those residing in low- and middle-income nations. Through assessing both the clinical and cost- effectiveness of health technologies, HTA identifies the most appropriate options for the needs of the community, thereby facilitating a fairer allocation of resources. Furthermore, HTA ensures the development and evaluation of health technologies are conducted impartially, incorporating the viewpoints and necessities of at-risk groups such as women, children, and the elderly. HTA is instrumental in mitigating healthcare disparities by pinpointing and tackling the elements that hinder equal access to health technologies. For instance, it evaluates the availability and accessibility of health technologies across various regions and demographic groups, identifies obstacles to access, and formulates recommendations to overcome these challenges. HTA is vital in advancing equity in UHC, ensuring that health technologies meet the accessibility, effectiveness, and affordability needs of all, particularly marginalized groups. By addressing healthcare disparities and considering the perspectives of vulnerable populations, HTA promotes transparency and accountability in decision-making and suggests ways to rectify inequities in access to health technologies.

Person-Generated Health Data in Women's Health: Scoping Review.

The increased pervasiveness of digital health technology is producing large amounts of person-generated health data (PGHD). These data can empower people to monitor their health to promote prevention and management of disease. Women make up one of the largest groups of consumers of digital self-tracking technology. In this scoping review, we aimed to (1) identify the different areas of women's health monitored using PGHD from connected health devices, (2) explore personal metrics collected through these technologies, and (3) synthesize facilitators of and barriers to women's adoption and use of connected health devices. Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines for scoping reviews, we searched 5 databases for articles published between January 1, 2015, and February 29, 2020. Papers were included if they targeted women or female individuals and incorporated digital health tools that collected PGHD outside a clinical setting. We included a total of 406 papers in this review. Articles on the use of PGHD for women steadily increased from 2015 to 2020. The health areas that the articles focused on spanned several topics, with pregnancy and the postpartum period being the most prevalent followed by cancer. Types of digital health used to collect PGHD included mobile apps, wearables, websites, the Internet of Things or smart devices, 2-way messaging, interactive voice response, and implantable devices. A thematic analysis of 41.4% (168/406) of the papers revealed 6 themes regarding facilitators of and barriers to women's use of digital health technology for collecting PGHD: (1) accessibility and connectivity, (2) design and functionality, (3) accuracy and credibility, (4) audience and adoption, (5) impact on community and health service, and (6) impact on health and behavior. Leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic, the adoption of digital health tools to address women's health concerns was on a steady rise. The prominence of tools related to pregnancy and the postpartum period reflects the strong focus on reproductive health in women's health research and highlights opportunities for digital technology development in other women's health topics. Digital health technology was most acceptable when it was relevant to the target audience, was seen as user-friendly, and considered women's personalization preferences while also ensuring accuracy of measurements and credibility of information. The integration of digital technologies into clinical care will continue to evolve, and factors such as liability and health care provider workload need to be considered. While acknowledging the diversity of individual needs, the use of PGHD can positively impact the self-care management of numerous women's health journeys. The COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in increased adoption and acceptance of digital health technology. This study could serve as a baseline comparison for how this field has evolved as a result. RR2-10.2196/26110.

Therapies go digital. What drives physicians' acceptance?

National healthcare systems face multiple challenges, including the increasing demand for care and decreasing availability of healthcare professionals. Digital health technologies represent opportunities that offer improved efficiency, accessibility, and patient care. In this scenario, Digital Therapeutics are technological advancements to treat or alleviate a disease and deliver a medical intervention with evidence-based therapeutic impacts and regulatory approval. Digital Therapeutics are a paradigm shift for physicians, who exercise caution in terms of trust and wide usage. Digital Therapeutics represents an opportunity and a challenge in healthcare system integration. The research investigates the factors explaining physicians' acceptance of Digital Therapeutics. A research model that combines organizational mechanisms derived from Institutional Theory and rational factors derived from the Technology Acceptance model was developed. The model was tested through 107 responses from a survey distributed to the members of the leading Italian scientific society in Diabetology. Literature-based hypotheses were empirically tested through Structural Equation Modelling. The analysis confirmed the influence of Perceived Ease of Use on Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Usefulness on the Intention To Use Digital Therapeutics. Rules and norms impact Perceived Usefulness when considering the influence of the scientific society. Culture and mindset towards innovation within the hospital positively affect Perceived Ease of Use. The readiness of hospital facilities enhances the extent to which physicians perceive the ease of employing Digital Therapeutics in their daily practice. Instead, esteemed colleagues' opinions and guidelines from the scientific society reveal to physicians the value of Digital Therapeutics in patients' care pathways. Institutions should prioritize cultural, normative, and regulative aspects to accelerate physicians' endorsement of Digital Therapeutics. Findings advance the theoretical knowledge around clinicians' adoption of innovative digital health technologies, unveiling the interaction between rational and institutional factors. The results highlight practical implications for healthcare institutions and Digital Therapeutics manufacturers willing to promote their adoption.

Community-Dwelling Older Adults' Readiness for Adopting Digital Health Technologies: Cross-Sectional Survey Study.

Digital health technologies offer the potential to improve the daily lives of older adults, maintain their health efficiently, and allow aging in place. Despite increasing evidence of benefits and advantages, readiness for adopting digital interventions among older people remains underexplored. This study aims to explore the relationships between sociodemographic-, health-, and lifestyle-related factors and technology use in everyday life and community-dwelling older adults' readiness to adopt telemedicine, smartphones with texting apps, wearables, and robotics. This was a cross-sectional, population-based survey study with a stratified probabilistic sample of adults aged 75 years or older living in South Tyrol (autonomous province of Bolzano/Bozen, Italy). A random sample of 3600 community-dwelling older adults living at home was invited to complete a questionnaire including single items (older adults' readiness to use health technology) and scales (PRISMA-7; Program of Research on Integration of Services for the Maintenance of Autonomy). Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed to analyze the data. In total, 1695 community-dwelling older adults completed the survey (for a response rate of 47%). In terms of potential digital health technology adoption, wearable devices were favored by 33.7% (n=571), telemedicine by 30.1% (n=510), smartphones and texting apps by 24.5% (n=416), and assistant robots by 13.7% (n=232). Sociodemographic-, health- and lifestyle-related factors, as well as the use of technology in everyday life, played a significant role in explaining readiness to adopt digital health technologies. For telemedicine, age ≥85 years (odds ratio [OR] 0.74, 95% CI 0.56-0.96), financial constraints (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.49-0.95), and less than 2 hours of physical activity per week (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.58-0.98) were associated with nonreadiness, while Italian-speaking participants (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.16-2.05) and those regularly using computers (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.16-2.60), smartphones (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.22-2.35), and the internet (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.47-3.49) reported readiness for adoption. Community-dwelling older adults display varied readiness toward the adoption of digital health technologies, influenced by age, mother tongue, living situation, financial resources, physical activity, and current use of technology. The findings underscore the need for tailored interventions and educational programs to boost digital health technology adoption among community-dwelling older adults.

Differences in influencing mechanism of clinicians’ adoption behavior for liver cancer screening technology between the leading and subordinate hospitals within medical consortiums

BackgroundMedical consortiums have been extensively established to facilitate the integration of health resources and bridge the technical gap among member institutions. However, some commonly appropriate technologies remain stagnant in subordinate hospitals, although they have been routinely applied in leading hospitals. Besides, the mechanism underlying differences in clinicians’ adoption behavior at different levels of institutions was unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the differences in influencing mechanisms of clinicians’ hepatic contrast-enhanced ultrasound technology (CEUS) utilization behavior between leading and subordinate hospitals within medical consortiums, thus providing clues for expanding effective and appropriate technologies within integrated care systems.MethodsA self-designed scale was developed based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB). A multistage sampling method was applied to investigate clinicians who were aware of CEUS and worked in liver disease-related departments within the sampled medical institutions. The final sample size was 289. AMOS 24.0 software was used to construct multi-group structural equation modeling (SEM) to validate the hypotheses and determine the mechanism of hepatic CEUS utilization.ResultsIt revealed that behavioral intention significantly influenced adoption behavior, regardless of whether it was in leading hospitals or subordinate hospitals (β = 0.283, p < 0.001). Furthermore, behavioral attitude (β = 0.361, p < 0.001) and perceived behavioral control (β = 0.582, p < 0.001) exerted significant effects on adoption behavior through behavioral intention. However, in leading hospitals, subjective norm had a significant positive effect on behavioral intention (β = 0.183, p < 0.01), while it had a significant negative impact on behavioral intention in the subordinate hospitals (β = -0.348, p < 0.01).ConclusionTo effectively translate the adoption intention into actual behavior, it is recommended to elucidate the demand and facilitators involved in the process of health technology adoption across leading and subordinate hospitals. Additionally, bolstering technical support and knowledge dissemination within subordinate hospitals while harnessing the influential role of key individuals can further enhance this transformative process.

Evaluating Experts’ Perspectives on Utilizing mHealth for Data Services in HIV Program Implementation in Cameroon

&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Introduction&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: The widespread adoption of mobile health (mHealth) technology has become a crucial aspect of healthcare delivery, particularly in regions with limited access to traditional healthcare systems. Cameroon, a Central African nation grappling with a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, presents a suitable context for mHealth interventions. This study aims to assess expert opinions on the application of mHealth for data services in implementing HIV programs in Cameroon. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Methods&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: Employing a mixed-methods approach, we utilized a quantitative cross-sectional design (via a survey questionnaire) and a qualitative design (through in-depth interviews). The purposive sample technique was employed to recruit health specialists from diverse organizations and healthcare facilities across the country. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Results&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: Analysis of responses from mHealth experts revealed that 76% held a positive perspective on using mHealth for data services in HIV program implementation in Cameroon, while 24% expressed a negative opinion. Statistical analysis did not reveal a significant association (p = 0.265) between qualifications and perspectives on mHealth. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&amp;E) experts exhibited a notable association (94.1%) with positive perspectives on mHealth utilization. In contrast, IT specialists and public health experts demonstrated slightly lower percentages (78.6% and 60%, respectively). &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Conclusion&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: Experts in mHealth conveyed optimism about using mHealth to provide data services for implementing HIV programs in Cameroon. The study discovered that mHealth users&amp;apos; perceptions were positively correlated with age group and work position. However, there was no discernible relationship between the attitudes of mHealth users and gender or educational attainment.

Identification of gynecological pathologies by applying classification algorithms: Results of a local study

Purpose: Vaginal infections are prevalent causes of gynecological consultations. This study introduces and evaluates the efficacy of four Machine Learning algorithms in detecting vaginitis cases in southern Mexico. Methods: Utilizing Simple Perceptron, Naïve Bayes, CART, and AdaBoost, we conducted classification experiments to identify four vaginitis subtypes (gardnerella, candidiasis, trichomoniasis, and chlamydia) in 600 patient cases. Results: The outcomes are promising, with a majority achieving 100% accuracy in vaginitis identification. Conclusion: The successful implementation and high accuracy of these algorithms demonstrate their potential as valuable diagnostic tools for vaginal infections, particularly in southern Mexico. It is crucial in a region where health technology adoption lags behind, and intelligent software support is limited in gynecological diagnoses.

Tanzania's and Germany's Digital Health Strategies and Their Consistency With the World Health Organization's Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020-2025: Comparative Policy Analysis.

In recent years, the fast-paced adoption of digital health (DH) technologies has transformed health care delivery. However, this rapid evolution has also led to challenges such as uncoordinated development and information silos, impeding effective health care integration. Recognizing these challenges, nations have developed digital health strategies (DHSs), aligning with their national health priorities and guidance from global frameworks. The World Health Organization (WHO)'s Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020-2025 (GSDH) guides national DHSs. This study analyzes the DHSs of Tanzania and Germany as case studies and assesses their alignment with the GSDH and identifies strengths, shortcomings, and areas for improvement. A comparative policy analysis was conducted, focusing on the DHSs of Tanzania and Germany as case studies, selected for their contrasting health care systems and cooperative history. The analysis involved a three-step process: (1) assessing consistency with the GSDH, (2) comparing similarities and differences, and (3) evaluating the incorporation of emergent technologies. Primary data sources included national eHealth policy documents and related legislation. Both Germany's and Tanzania's DHSs align significantly with the WHO's GSDH, incorporating most of its 35 elements, but each missing 5 distinct elements. Specifically, Tanzania's DHS lacks in areas such as knowledge management and capacity building for leaders, while Germany's strategy falls short in engaging health care service providers and beneficiaries in development phases and promoting health equity. Both countries, however, excel in other aspects like collaboration, knowledge transfer, and advancing national DHSs, reflecting their commitment to enhancing DH infrastructures. The high ratings of both countries on the Global Digital Health Monitor underscore their substantial progress in DH, although challenges persist in adopting the rapidly advancing technologies and in the need for more inclusive and comprehensive strategies. This study reveals that both Tanzania and Germany have made significant strides in aligning their DHSs with the WHO's GSDH. However, the rapid evolution of technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning presents challenges in keeping strategies up-to-date. This study recommends the development of more comprehensive, inclusive strategies and regular revisions to align with emerging technologies and needs. The research underscores the importance of context-specific adaptations in DHSs and highlights the need for broader, strategic guidelines to direct the future development of the DH ecosystem. The WHO's GSDH serves as a crucial blueprint for national DHSs. This comparative analysis demonstrates the value and challenges of aligning national strategies with global guidelines. Both Tanzania and Germany offer valuable insights into developing and implementing effective DHSs, highlighting the importance of continuous adaptation and context-specific considerations. Future policy assessments require in-depth knowledge of the country's health care needs and structure, supplemented by stakeholder input for a comprehensive evaluation.

Inequalities in Uptake and Use of Digital Applications for Home-Monitoring of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration in an Elderly Visually Impaired Population: The MONARCH Study.

To describe inequalities in the Monitoring for Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration Reactivation at Home (MONARCH) diagnostic test accuracy study for: recruitment; participants' ability to self-test; and adherence to testing using digital applications during follow-up. Home-monitoring vision tests included two tests implemented as software applications (apps: MyVisionTrack and MultiBit) on an iPod Touch device. Patients were provided with all hardware required to participate (iPod and MIFI device) and trained to use the apps. Regression models estimated associations of age, sex, Index of Multiple Deprivation, strata of time since first diagnosis, and baseline visual acuity at study entry on outcomes of willingness to participate, ability to perform tests, and adherence to weekly testing. A minority of patients who were approached were willing-in-principle to participate. Increasing age was associated with being unwilling-in-principle to participate. Patients from the most deprived areas had a 47% decrease in odds of being willing compared to those from the middle quintile deprived areas (odds ratio, 0.53; 95% confidence interval = 0.32, 0.88). Increasing age and worse deprivation were not consistently associated either with ability to self-monitor with the index tests, or adherence to weekly testing. Associations of increasing age and worse deprivation index were associated with unwillingness-in-principle to participate despite the provision of hardware' highlighting the potential for inequality with interventions of the kind evaluated. The clear evidence of inequalities in participation should prompt future research on ways to encourage adoption of mobile health technologies by underserved populations.

Barriers and facilitators to health technology adoption by older adults with chronic diseases: an integrative systematic review

BackgroundIn recent years, healthcare systems have progressively adopted several technologies enhancing access to healthcare for older adults and support the delivery of efficient and effective care for this specific population. These technologies include both assistive technologies designed to maintain or improve the independence, social participation and functionality of older people at home, as well as health information technology developed to manage long-term conditions. Examples of such technologies include telehealth, wearable devices and mobile health. However, despite the great promise that health technology holds for promoting independent living among older people, its actual implementation remains challenging.MethodsThis study aimed to conduct an integrative systematic review of the research evidence on the factors that facilitate or hinder the adoption of different types of technology by older individuals with chronic diseases. For this purpose, four electronic databases (PsycArticles, Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed) were queried to search for indexed published studies. The methodological quality of the selected papers has been assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT).ResultsTwenty-nine articles were selected, including 6.213 adults aged 60 or older. The studies have been synthesised considering the types of technological interventions and chronic diseases, as well as the main barriers and facilitators in technology acceptance. The results revealed that the majority of the selected articles focused on comorbid conditions and the utilisation of telemedicine tools. With regard to hindering and facilitating factors, five main domains were identified: demographic and socioeconomic, health-related, dispositional, technology-related and social factors.ConclusionThe study results have practical implications not only for technology developers but also for all the social actors involved in the design and implementation of healthcare technologies, including formal and informal caregivers and policy stakeholders. These actors could use this work to enhance their understanding of the utilisation of technology by the ageing population. This review emphasises the factors that facilitate technology adoption and identifies barriers that impede it, with the ultimate goal of promoting health and independent living.

Attempts at] Solving the Interoperability Conundrum

HL7 Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR), along with recent regulatory changes, have created significant excitement and opportunity for Clinical Data Management organizations to integrate directly with EHRs. However, barriers to wide-scale adoption of FHIR (or any other interoperability mechanism) still remain. Many parallels can be drawn to previous legislative efforts to drive wide-scale adoption of digital health technology and interoperability.This paper discusses the history of interoperability standards and regulations, along with an analysis on why previous efforts have been met with limited success. It presents paths forward based on lessons learned from directly implementing interoperability within EHRs and leveraging integrations to empower Health Information Exchanges and Population Health Management projects across the country.

Breaking the silence – Group discussions and the adoption of menstrual health technologies

Stigma can hinder the adoption of beneficial and affordable technologies, particularly in sensitive health areas. Menstruation is a heavily stigmatized biological process, and managing menstruation with dignity and hygiene is a challenge in low-income settings. In this study, we conducted a randomized control trial to explore the impact of discussion-based interventions on breaking the silence around menstruation and shifting practices related to menstrual products. Our findings demonstrate a significant increase in the willingness to pay for well-known menstrual products and in the adoption of novel technologies post-intervention. The key driver of these outcomes is the reduction of menstruation-related stigma at the moment of the acquisition of the technologies.

Legal issues in digital oral health: a scoping review

BackgroundThis scoping review aims to systematically and critically describe the numerous legal challenges brought about by the utilization of digital oral health in the delivery of oral healthcare.MethodsA systematic search was conducted. The following electronic databases were reviewed from inception up to March 2023: MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and LILACS. The search included any scientific document and paper in English, Spanish, or Portuguese on legal issues raised using digital health in oral healthcare delivery. Two reviewers conducted the selection process and data extraction. Legal issues raised concerning the adoption of digital health technology were analysed using the modified Mars’ framework.ResultsSeventeen studies were included. Most of the documents identified and covered generic aspects of delivering digital oral healthcare (n = 11) without explicitly referring to any dental specialty. The most mentioned legal issues were data security (n = 15); liability and malpractice (n = 14); consent (n = 12); and confidentiality (n = 12). To a lower extent, patient-practitioner relationship (n = 11); and license and jurisdiction (n = 11) were also covered. These were followed by privacy of information (n = 10); adequacy of records (n = 9); and e-referrals (n = 8). On the other hand, fewer studies commented on social media use (n = 3), authentication (n = 2); or e-prescriptions (n = 2). Before implementing any digital health solution, practitioners need to be aware of the many legal issues that the introduction of these technologies involves, be clear where the responsibility lies, and apply extreme caution in following national guidelines. Current literature concentrates on a few well-known legal issues. Issues around authentication, use of social media, and e-prescriptions received less attention.

Lifecycle evaluation of medical devices: supporting or jeopardizing patient outcomes? A comparative analysis of evaluation models.

Lack of evidence regarding safety and effectiveness at market entry is driving the need to consider adopting a lifecycle approach to evaluating medical devices, but it is unclear what lifecycle evaluation means. This research sought to explore the tacit meanings of "lifecycle" and "lifecycle evaluation" as embodied within evaluation models/frameworks used for medical devices. Drawing on qualitative evidence synthesis methods and using an inductive approach, novel methods were developed to identify, appraise, analyze, and synthesize lifecycle evaluation models used for medical devices. Data was extracted (including purpose; audience; characterization; outputs; timing; and type of model) from key texts for coding, categorization, and comparison, exploring embodied meaning across four broad perspectives. Fifty-two models were included in the synthesis. They demonstrated significant heterogeneity of meaning, form, scope, timing, and purpose. The "lifecycle" may represent a single stage, a series of stages, a cycle of innovation, or a system. "Lifecycle evaluation" focuses on the overarching goal of the stakeholder group, and may use a single or repeated evaluation to inform decision-making regarding the adoption of health technologies (Healthcare), resource allocation (Policymaking), investment in new product development or marketing (Trade and Industry), or market regulation (Regulation). The adoption of a lifecycle approach by regulators has resulted in the deferral of evidence generation to the post-market phase. Using a "lifecycle evaluation" approach to inform reimbursement decision-making must not be allowed to further jeopardize evidence generation and patient safety by accepting inadequate evidence of safety and effectiveness for reimbursement decisions.

Impact of Digital Learning Platforms on Behaviour Change Communication in Public Health Education

This conceptual research explores the transformative potential of digital learning platforms in the realm of behaviour change communication within the context of public health education. With the rapid advancement of digital technology, the traditional methods of health communication are being reimagined, offering new opportunities and challenges for promoting healthier behaviours and lifestyles. The research seeks to understand the evolving landscape of digital learning platforms and their integration into public health education programs. It investigates how these platforms can be leveraged to design and disseminate behaviour change communication interventions effectively. The study examines the theoretical foundations that underpin behaviour change communication and the ways in which digital learning platforms can enhance these foundations. Furthermore, the research addresses the critical issue of accessibility and inclusivity, as digital platforms have the potential to bridge the gap between diverse populations in terms of health literacy, socio-economic status, and geographical location. By employing a conceptual framework that combines elements of health communication theory, pedagogy, and technology adoption models, this study aims to provide insights into the effective utilization of digital learning platforms for behaviour change communication. Findings indicate that the use of digital learning platforms has led to increase engagement in public health education. This exploration is expected to shed light on the potential of these platforms to drive positive health behaviour change among diverse populations and pave the way for more informed strategies in the field of public health education. Ultimately, this research aims to encourage further exploration and development of digital learning tools for behaviour change communication in public health, with the potential to make a significant impact on global health outcomes.

GENDER DIFFERENCE IN USING DIGITAL HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES AMONG OLDER ADULTS WITH CANCER: A PILOT QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract Digital technologies hold promises to improve health and care delivery for various populations, including older adults with cancer. However, older adults’ adoption of digital health technology is less optimal. While age and gender can interfere with people’s technology behavioral intention, it is unknown how gender differences may influence older adults with cancer’s technology use experiences. This pilot qualitative study investigated gender differences in older adults’ experiences using digital technologies to manage their cancer and care. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 older adults with breast, colorectal, lung, or prostate cancer (men=7 and women=9) aged 65 to 78 years. Thematic data analysis revealed that older men favored the adjustability and efficiency of using technology to save time and cost compared to in-person visits. Also, they perceived that technology facilitated their adherence to treatment plans. Older women, however, preferred technology-supported individualized care and perceived being able to review their medical notes as beneficial. Women were comfortable using technology to timely communicate with their trusted care providers. However, they preferred to see their providers in person if they experienced severe condition changes or unanticipated symptoms. Despite all these different preferences, both genders were comfortable using video calls with their providers, using the portal to keep track of their medical records and share decision-making with clinicians. These pilot results demonstrated gender differences in experiences and perceptions of using digital technology among older adults with cancer and suggested integrating gender preferences into technology design and development to facilitate personalized user experience and improve patient engagement.