Self-management Ability Research Articles

Abstract 4122840: Patient activation improves with a multi-component personalized mHealth intervention in older adults at risk of cardiovascular disease

Background: Patient activation, a person’s level of confidence, comprehension, and autonomy toward their health, is an essential goal of cardiovascular disease therapy. Previous research has shown a link between high levels of patient activation and better patient outcomes and experiences. However, whether individualized interventions such as a text-based mobile health (mHealth), improve patient activation is unclear. Research on patient activation in people at risk for cardiovascular disease and influential factors is minimal. Aims: This study aimed to 1) determine the effect of a multi-component mHealth intervention on patient activation and 2) examine its predictors among older adults at risk for cardiovascular disease. Methods: In this pilot randomized controlled trial, community-dwelling older adults with poor eating behaviors and reduced physical activity (n=54) were randomly assigned to the GetFIT (control) or GetFIT+ (intervention) groups, with three- and six-month follow-up periods. The GetFIT group received healthy lifestyle counseling from a licensed health coach, a free commercial mHealth app with push alerts on physical activity, and an activity tracker for physical activity monitoring. The GetFIT + group received the same components but had personalized text messages instead of push alerts. The 13-item Patient Activation Measure assessed patient activation; higher scores indicate better activation. Linear mixed-effects models were used to investigate between-group changes in outcomes across time. Results: The mean age was 65.4 ± 6.0 years; 61% were females and 61% were married. Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. Significant improvements were observed in the GetFIT+ group at three months (mean 3.53, 95% CI 0.11, 6.96; p=0.043) and six months (mean 4.37, 95% CI 0.91, 7.83; p=0.014), whereas improvements in the GetFIT group were non-significant. Adjusting for age, gender, education, employment, marital status, social support, smartphone confidence, and self-perceived health did not alter the results. Nevertheless, only social support was associated with higher patient activation overall (B=5.14, 95% CI 1.00, 9.27; p=0.015). Conclusions: People at risk for cardiovascular disease can improve their self-management abilities, knowledge, and confidence through personalized text messaging. Possessing social support is critical for maximizing the benefits of mHealth interventions.

Impact of continuous care on quality life of patients with inflammatory bowel disease based on multi-disciplinary cooperation on WeChat platform.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is characterized by chronic recurrent intestinal inflammation, and its primary clinical manifestations are abdominal pain, diarrhea, hematochezia, etc., which seriously affects patients' quality of life. To explore the impact of continuing empowerment education based on Roy's adaptation theory on disease uncertainty and self-management ability in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Sixty patients with inflammatory bowel disease admitted to the hospital from March 2022 to March 2023 were selected and randomly divided into an intervention group (n= 30) and a control group (n= 30). The intervention group received continuous care based on multidisciplinary Cooperation on the WeChat platform, while the control group received routine constant care. The disease uncertainty, hope level, self-care ability, nursing quality, and nursing satisfaction of two groups of patients were compared. Both patient groups had lower levels of ambiguity and complexity three months following discharge, with the intervention group exhibiting the lowest levels. On the other hand, the intervention group scored higher on sustaining close connections, taking good action, and having an attitude both now and in the future. The intervention group showed greater health awareness, self-concept, self-care competence, and self-care responsibility ratings. The intervention group also showed more significant attitude, pragmatism, thoroughness, and professionalism in their services. Continuous empowerment education based on Roy's adaptation theory is applied to patients with inflammatory bowel disease. It can enhance confidence, self-management ability, quality of life, and patient satisfaction.

Analysis on the Enlightenment Effect of Sesame Street on Children's Personality Exploration and Self-identity

Abstract: In recent years, with the progress of social economy and the development of education, children's mental health has increasingly become the focus of attention. As an important medium of children's education, TV programs are very popular with children, and have a profound significance in the shaping of children's health. American television program Sesame Street as a popular children's program, from the plot content, role setting, theme selection, present form, etc., conforms to the preschool childrens acceptance preferences, and successfully utilizes the medium for the key period of childrens mental development, accurately grasps the mental health characteristics of preschool childrens love of imitation. The program plays a good enlightening role in guiding children to discover their own personality and construct the self identity. The concept of "personality exploration and self-identity" is related to "self". In the pursuit of personality and self-positioning, children are guided to establish self-awareness, cultivate self-management ability and self-respect feelings. This paper mainly analyzes the enlightenment effect of Sesame Street on children's personality exploration and self-identity. The program promotes children to establish confidence, form self-identity, constitute the supporting conditions of mental health, for children to lay a solid foundation, and promote the formation of children's mental health and sound personality. At the same time, as a successful TV program that is deeply loved by children and has the significance of health education, it provides examples and references for creating more high-quality children's TV programs.

The Effects of Recovery Resilience on Self-management and Perceived Athleticism in Skiers

Skiing is booming in Northeastern China, and skiers from Jilin, Liaoning, and Heilongjiang provinces have achieved success in domestic and international events. With the increase in training intensity, the recovery resilience of skiers has gradually become a key factor affecting their competitive performance and long-term development. This paper takes registered skiers from three provinces as the research object to explore the impact of recovery resilience on self-management ability and cognitive athletic ability and focuses on analyzing how to improve athletes’ self-management ability and enhance their decision-making and concentration by balancing training and rest and regulating their psychological state. At the same time, this paper also proposes specific methods to optimize recovery flexibility, which can provide strong support for ski athletes to improve their competitive performance.

The Effects of Health Education Model Based on Goal-setting Theory on lifestyle, Diet and Nutrition, and Psychological Regulation of Thyroid Cancer Patients after Surgery

Objective: The effects of a health education model based on goal-setting theory on lifestyle, diet and nutrition, and psychological regulation of thyroid cancer patients after surgery. Methods: A total of 60 thyroid cancer patients from the First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 1, 2020 ~ December 31, 2023 were selected and grouped.They were divided into 30 observation groups and 30 control groups based on the principle that baseline data between groups could be compared. Patients in both groups were given routine postoperative care for thyroid cancer, and on this basis, the control group was given routine health education intervention, and the observation group was given health education intervention based on goal-setting theory. Both groups were intervened until discharge, and both groups were followed up for 1 month after discharge. Before the intervention and one week after the intervention, the self-made disease knowledge questionnaire and the self-management assessment scale of cancer patients were used to evaluate the disease knowledge, self-management ability and quality of life of the two groups. The compliance of patients with rehabilitation exercises, hoarseness, tetany and quality of life before intervention and at the end of follow-up were observed. Results: After 1 month of intervention, there were significant differences between the observation group and the normal control group in terms of disease knowledge knowledge score, self-efficacy, control of daily living habits, treatment of disease symptoms, and management of psychological adjustment (P<0.05). In the process of intervention, the compliance of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group, and there was a significant difference, (P<0.05). At the end of the follow-up, the symptoms of hoarseness, tetany and dyspnea in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Finally, the two groups were significantly better than the control group in terms of physiological, psychological, functional exercise and special scores (P<0.05). Conclusion: Health education based on goal-setting theory has high application value in thyroid cancer surgery patients, which can improve patients' awareness of the disease, improve patients' rehabilitation compliance and self-management ability, and promote the recovery and improvement of postoperative living standards.

Development of a systematic referral model to primary care health interventions for patients with atrial fibrillation. a delphi study

Abstract Background The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation (AF) recommend integrated care in AF, combining medical treatment with lifestyle modifications and psychosocial management in a multi-disciplinary set-up. Research show that patients with AF can benefit from lifestyle interventions and psychosocial management, like patient education. According to World Health Organization recommendations, these health interventions are moving from hospitals to primary healthcare settings. Therefore, patients with AF should be systematically referred to these interventions. Yet, an evidence-based referral model that can support this transition is lacking. Purpose The purpose is to develop a systematic referral model for primary care health interventions for patients with AF. Methods We used the Delphi-technique with three rounds of questionnaires (figure 1). International and national clinical experts in AF across disciplines and health sectors were invited to participate. In the first round, the expert panel evaluated items that could be part of a referral model on relevance, improvability and self-reporting. In the second round, the expert panel evaluated each item as either an inclusion or exclusion criteria, important knowledge to have, or not relevant. In the third round, the expert panel evaluated the items according to data source and outcome status. A final model was drawn based on items reaching consensus. The study was reported according to the guidance on conducting and reporting Delphi studies (CREDES). Results In total, 69 of 139 invited experts accepted to participate (50%). These were mostly academics or clinicians (90%), stemming from primary sector (16%), secondary sector (35%) and research (32%). Most were medical doctors (36%) and nurses (35%). However physiotherapist, psychologists, dieticians, and other disciplines along with six patients with AF were also represented. The expert panel (60% females) had a mean age of 50 years, and 65% were from Denmark. For the final referral model (figure 2), AF symptom burden and impaired health-related quality of life, anxiety and poor medicine compliance combined with a risk factor profile were the main inclusion criteria. Furthermore, it was important to know about the patients’ mental well-being, self-management abilities and comorbidities. Conclusion Consensus was reached for a generic referral model, which can be further adjusted in the appropriate clinical context. The model includes inclusion criteria which closely correlate with guidelines for AF management focusing on reducing the patients’ symptom and risk factor burden. The referral model is expected to increase the number of patients with AF referred to primary care health interventions, which could lead to better quality of life, fewer hospital admissions and lowered health care costs in AF.

Acculturation and self-management abilities of well-being among older Moroccans in the Netherlands

Abstract Background Migration involves a variety of stressors. Their accumulation over time may negatively impact migrants’ well-being. The extent that older migrants can integrate into a host society may determine their readiness to adopt behaviors such as self-management of well-being. Research regarding this relation among older Moroccans, one of the largest migrant groups in the Netherlands, has not been examined. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between acculturation and self-management abilities of well-being among older Moroccans and to examine differences in subgroups. Methods This cross-sectional study included 290 older Moroccans (≥ 65) living in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Linear regression was applied to explore associations between acculturation (attachment to Moroccan and Dutch cultures) and self-management abilities of well-being. Independent samples t-tests were used to test differences between subgroups. Results Older Moroccans who received low education were found to be less attached to the Dutch culture [3.24 (0.72) vs. 3.54 (0.73); p = 0.016]. They were also poorer self-managers of their well-being [2.60 (0.59) vs. 2.86 (0.58); p = 0.012], along with those with multi-morbidity [2.55 (0.60) vs. 2.77 (0.54); p = 0.006] and those lacking comprehension of Dutch [2.46 (0.56) vs. 2.69 (0.59); p = 0.011]. Self-management abilities of well-being had a negative association with multi-morbidity (β = −0.18, p = 0.007) and lack of Dutch comprehension (β = −0.16, p = 0.031), and a positive association with attachment to Moroccan (β = 0.17, p = 0.012) and Dutch (β = 0.18, p = 0.010) cultures. Conclusions Findings indicate that attachment to Moroccan and Dutch cultures is beneficial for older Moroccans’ self-management of well-being. Efforts need to support older migrants’ integration for them to adequately function and feel at home. Interventions promoting integration and self-management need to consider the characteristics of older migrant populations Key messages • Attachment to origin and host cultures benefits older migrants’ self-management of well-being. The cultural context of older migrants needs to be considered when promoting values of self-management. • Differences in acculturation and self-management of well-being existed between older migrant subgroups. Interventions promoting these values should account for the diversity that exists among migrants.

Correlation Between Symptom Clusters and Self-Management Among Maintenance Haemodialysis Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between symptom clusters and self-management among maintenance haemodialysis (MHD) patients. MHD patients experience disease progression and multiple symptom burdens that severely impact quality of life, and self-management of symptoms may significantly improve patient-reported outcomes. A cross-sectional study. This cross-sectional descriptive study included 194 patients undergoing MHD. The patients were assessed using the Dialysis Symptom Index (DSI) and the Haemodialysis Self-Management Instrument (HD-SMI). We used descriptive analysis, exploratory factor analysis, Pearson's correlation analysis and linear regression analysis to examine (1) the level of individual self-management, (2) the presence of symptom clusters by symptom severity and (3) the correlation between symptom clusters and self-management behaviours. This study was conducted in accordance with the STROBE checklist. The top five most severe symptoms among the patients were itching, feeling tired or lack of energy, difficulty sleeping, dry mouth and dry skin. We identified five groups of symptoms: (1) poor sleep, (2) neuromuscular, (3) gastrointestinal, (4) skin irritation and (5) psychological. In the present study, MHD patients reported low to moderate levels of self-management behaviours (50.84 ± 10.56), and low self-management ability was correlated with greater severity of the five symptom clusters (p < 0.01). Linear regression analysis revealed that all five symptom clusters were included in the regression equation, explaining 30% of the total variance in self-management skills among MHD patients. Enhanced awareness of symptom clusters and comprehensive symptom management are necessary to improve patients' quality of life. Nursing practices should incorporate comprehensive symptom assessments to help patients develop effective self-management strategies to improve quality of life.

Effects of self-management interventions based on the COM-B model on peri-implant condition in older adults with periodontitis: a randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesThis study evaluated the impact of self-management interventions based on the COM-B model on peri-implant conditions in older adults with periodontitis.Materials and methodsThe patients were randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 (control group) received only an oral health education (OHE) pamphlet. Group 2 (test group) performed a self-management intervention based on the COM-B model. Each patient was examined for the most inflammatory implant. The measurement parameters included self-efficacy, self-management ability, and clinical indicators such as probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), modified gingival index (mGI), modified plaque index (mPI), and peri-implant mucositis severity score (PMSS). The data was collected at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks.Results42 patients underwent testing for 3 months. After 12 weeks, the improvement of self-efficacy, self-management ability, and the reduction of BOP, mPI, and PMSS in the test group was significantly higher than in the control group.ConclusionThe study suggests that self-management interventions based on the COM-B model can enhance the self-management ability of older adults with periodontitis and reduce peri-implant inflammation. This method is more effective than distributing OHE pamphlets.Trial registrationThe randomized controlled clinical trial was registered on Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No. ChiCTR2400082660, Date: 03/04/2024).

Impact of Co-Management Mode on Diagnosis and Treatment Compliance in Community-Level Diabetic Patients with Retinopathy.

Aims/Background To implement a co-management mode among community-level diabetes patients and analyze its impact on diagnosis and treatment compliance and diabetic retinopathy of the patients. Methods A total of 80 patients who underwent diabetic retinopathy examination in Lanxi People's Hospital from January 2021 to March 2022 were retrospectively selected as the study objects. The clinical data of the patients were analyzed, including 40 patients who adopted the conventional diabetes management mode from January 2021 to August 2021 as the control group. From September 2021 to March 2022, 40 patients in the county medical service community diabetes management team model were adopted as the management group. The two groups of patients were compared in terms of diabetic retinopathy indictors, biochemical examination indicators, self-management ability, and nursing management satisfaction. Results Number of patients complying with treatment protocols in the management group was higher than that in the control group (p < 0.05). The blood spot area, macular thickness, hemangioma volume, and visual-field grayscale value in the management group at the last follow-up were all lower than those in the control group (p < 0.05). The levels of diastolic blood pressure (DBP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), fasting blood glucose (FBG), hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) in the management group at the last follow-up were all lower than those in the control group (p < 0.05). The scores of disease cognition ability, self-management ability, and nursing management satisfaction in the management group were all higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion By changing management concept and implementing the whole-process management and treatment mode for diabetic patients within the scope of the county medical service community, the diagnosis and treatment compliance of the patients can be improved, and the effective control of blood glucose, blood pressure, and blood lipid levels can be achieved, thereby improving the self-management ability and nursing management satisfaction of the patients and providing a new nursing mode for chronic disease management.

Effect of self-efficacy on self-management ability for colorectal cancer patients with stoma: a path analysis.

Colorectal cancer threatens health and causes heavy social burdens. The purpose of this study is to analyze the pathway model for the effect of self-efficacy on self-management ability in colorectal cancer patients with stoma. A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2022 to April 2023, with a convenience sample of 422 colorectal cancer patients with stoma at six tertiary grade A hospitals in Shandong Province, China. Statistical analysis was undertaken using SPSS 26.0 and Amos 24.0 software. A pathway model based on individual and family self-management theories was developed and analyzed by collecting data through onsite survey and online survey. Chinese colorectal cancer patient's self-management ability score is 105.19 (17.19), which shows medium-level self-management ability. The self-efficacy of colorectal cancer patients with a stoma is influenced by social support, which ultimately leads to changes in their self-management ability. The findings may help healthcare professionals to identify the factors that influence self-management skills of colorectal cancer patients with stoma and provide a basis for developing interventions.

Nutritional literacy of patients who underwent surgery for esophageal cancer based on Nutbeam's health literacy model: a qualitative study.

The level of nutritional literacy reflects the self-management ability of individuals for a healthy diet and serves as a foundation for effective nutritional interventions. This qualitative study aimed to gain a comprehensive insight into the nutritional literacy levels of patients with esophageal cancer who underwent surgery, obtaining information from both patients and medical staff through interviews. Based on Nutbeam's health literacy model, 27 participants were selected from December 2023 to February 2024. We used semi-structured interviews and directed content analysis. Sixteen patients who underwent surgery for esophageal cancer and 11 medical staff from the Department of Esophageal Cancer completed the interviews. There were five themes, including attitude and cognition, functional nutrition literacy, interactive nutrition literacy, critical nutrition literacy, and ways to improve patients' nutritional literacy. This study investigated the nutritional literacy levels of patients after esophageal cancer surgery from the perspectives of both patients and medical staff, offering comprehensive insights into the assessment of patients' nutritional literacy and the corresponding strategies for improvement. It emphasizes the hierarchical nature of nutritional literacy among patients after surgery and systematically outlines the different levels of nutritional literacy in this population. The results indicated that the level of nutrient literacy was low and exhibited marked differences. This finding suggests that future studies should be individualized, continuous, and comprehensive, following the Nutbeam's health literacy model, to improve patients' nutritional literacy levels.

Current Status and Factors Influencing Mental Health Literacy in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study aimed to investigate the current status of mental health literacy and related influencing factors in patients with coronary heart disease. Four hundred and thirty-five patients with coronary heart disease were recruited in this survey. Data collection was conducted using the General Information Questionnaire, the Chinese version of the Mental Health Literacy Scale, Coronary Artery Disease Self-Management Scale, Social Support Rating Scale, and Coronary Heart Disease Self-Efficacy Scale. Descriptive methods, independent samples t-test or one-way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression were used for data analysis. The results showed that the mean total mental health literacy score of patients with coronary heart disease was 96.42 ± 8.40; gender, age, education level, monthly per capita family income, first diagnosed with coronary heart disease, cardiac function classification, self-management ability, social support, and self-efficacy were the factors influencing the level of mental health literacy in patients with coronary heart disease (all p < 0.05). The study suggests that mental health literacy can improve patients' self-management ability and self-efficacy, and healthcare professionals should emphasize the strengthening of this aspect of health education in order to better improve patient's prognosis.

Effects of three-dimensional quality assessment nursing intervention on efficacy and disease management of patients undergoing esophageal cancer surgery.

Esophageal cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors. The three-dimensional quality structure model is a quality assessment theory that includes three dimensions: Structure, process, and results. To investigate the effects of nursing interventions with three-dimensional quality assessment on the efficacy and disease management ability of patients undergoing esophageal cancer surgery. In this prospective study, the control group received routine nursing, and the intervention group additionally received a three-dimensional quality assessment intervention based on the above routine care. Self-efficacy and patient disease management abilities were evaluated using the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) and Exercise of Self-Care Agency scale, respectively. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 17.0, was used for the data processing. This study recruited 112 patients who were assigned to the control and experimental groups (n = 56 per group). Before the intervention, there was no significant difference in GSES scores between the two groups (P > 0.05). After the intervention, the GSES scores of both groups increased, with the experimental group showing higher values (P < 0.05). At the time of discharge and three months after discharge, the scores for positive attitudes, self-stress reduction, and total score of health promotion in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The implementation of a three-dimensional quality structure model for postoperative patients with esophageal cancer can effectively improve their self-management ability and self-efficacy of postoperative patients.

Influencing factors of self-management ability among dry eye patients in west China.

To investigate the current situation and influencing factors of self-management ability in dry eye patients in west China. A total of 265 patients clinically diagnosed with dry eye received a convenience survey questionnaire at West China Hospital of Sichuan University. All participants completed the rating scale of health self-management skill for adults (AHSMSRS), Huaxi Emotional-Distress Index (HEI), e-health literacy scale (e-HEALS) and Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (Brief-IPQ). A generalized linear model was employed to establish a multivariate linear model with demographic data, psychological state, e-HEALS, and illness perception as independent variables and health self-management skill score as the dependent variable. The mean score for health self-management skill was 165.58±15.79. Multivariate analysis revealed that advanced age, better illness perception and improved psychological state were associated with better health self-management ability among dry eye patients. Furthermore, the health self-management ability of patients with a disease duration less than 1y was found to be higher compared to those with a disease duration exceeding 1y. The health self-management ability of dry eye patients in west China is relatively high. Age, duration of disease, illness perception and psychological state are the influencing factors on the health self-management ability of dry eye patients.

Exploring medication self-management in polypharmacy: a qualitative systematic review of patients and healthcare providers perspectives.

Purpose: Polypharmacy presents many challenges to patient medication self-management. This study aims to explore the self-management processes of medication in polypharmacy from the perspectives of both patients and healthcare providers, which can help identify barriers and facilitators to effective management. Methods: A systematic review of qualitative studies was performed by searching seven databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and MEDLINE, from their establishment until August 2024. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool was employed to evaluate the quality of the studies included. The extracted data were then analysed thematically and integrated into The Taxonomy of Everyday Self-management Strategies (TEDSS) framework. Results: A total of 16 studies were included, involving 403 patients and 119 healthcare providers. Patient management measures were mapped into TEDSS framework, including categories such as medical management, support-oriented domains, and emotional and role management. Conclusion: Enhancing patients' proactive health awareness, improving medication literacy, balancing lifestyle adjustments with medication therapy, dynamically reviewing and optimizing medications, strengthening patients' social support networks, and helping patients integrate medication management into their daily life are the key elements that can effectively assist patients in self-managing their medications. Future interventions to improve patient medication self-management ability should be designed for these issues. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42024524742.

Open-label placebos reduce weight in obesity: a randomized controlled trial

Obesity is a major public health problem worldwide. Different approaches are known to face this problem, for example, dieting, surgery, or drug interventions. It has also been shown that placebos may help to reduce weight and hunger feelings, but the use of placebos is linked to problems with respect to the patient-healthcare-provider relationship. However, recent studies demonstrated that even placebos without deception (open-label placebos) affect symptoms such as pain, anxiety, or emotional distress. Here we aimed to examine whether an open-label placebo may help to lose weight in obesity. Our study included fifty-seven overweight and obese patients who aimed to lose weight using a combination of diet and sports. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Participants in the open-label placebo group received two placebos each day. A treatment-as-usual group received no pills. Primary outcome included changes of body weight. Secondary outcomes were change of eating behavior and self-management abilities. After 4 weeks we found that participants in the open-label placebo condition lost more weight than the treatment-as-usual group. Furthermore, OLP treatment affected eating behavior. No effects for self-management abilities were found. Although further research is necessary, open-label placebos might help individuals to lose weight.

Exploring Self-Management Practices in SMES: Insights from an Initial Survey

Self-managed teams are perceived as highly productive and have been actively studied in recent times. Considering this, the notion of the utility of establishing and cultivating such teams in small and medium-sized businesses in Kazakhstan has emerged, aiming to enhance their role in the country's economic development. Therefore, the authors of this article have resolved to conduct an empirical study on teams operating within the SMEs sector of Kazakhstan. This study aims to present the findings of an initial survey conducted among employees of small and medium-sized enterprises to characterize their self-management capacities and identify factors influencing their self-management abilities. For this purpose, representatives of teams in small and medium businesses in Kazakhstan were surveyed. The design of the survey questionnaire involved three field experts to validate and refine the questions. Findings reveal that approximately two-thirds of SME teams in Kazakhstan demonstrate characteristics of cross-functionality, diversity, motivation, and co-location, indicative of their self-managing nature. This suggests agile management's potential for organizational goals. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first empirical study aimed to investigate how far the teams in Kazakhstani enterprises are self-managed. Doi: 10.28991/HIJ-2024-05-03-016 Full Text: PDF

A Mobile Application for Anticoagulation Management in Patients After Heart Valve Replacement: A Usability Study.

Individualized anticoagulation therapy is a major challenge for patients after heart valve replacement. Mobile applications assisted by Artificial intelligence (AI) have great potential to meet the individual needs of patients. The study aimed to develop an AI technology-assisted mobile application (app) for anticoagulation management, understand patients' acceptance of such applications, and determine its feasibility. After using the mobile application for anticoagulation management for 2weeks, patients, doctors, and nurses rated its usability using the System Usability Scale (SUS). Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with some patients, doctors, and nurses to gain insights about their thoughts and suggestions regarding the procedure. The study comprised 80 participants, including 38 patients, 18 doctors, and 24 nurses. The average SUS score for patients was 82.37±5.45; for doctors, it was 84.17±5.82; and for nurses, it was 81.88±6.44. This means the patients, physicians, and nurses rated the app highly usable. Semi-structured interviews were conducted on the app's usability with 18 participants (six nurses, three physicians, and nine patients). The interview results revealed that patients found the application of anticoagulation management simple and convenient, with high expectations for a precise dosage recommendation of anticoagulant drugs. Some patients expressed concerns regarding personal information security. Both doctors and nurses believed that elderly patients needed assistance from young family members to use the app and that it could improve patients' anticoagulant self-management ability. Some nurses also mentioned that the use of the app brought great convenience for transitional care. This study confirmed the feasibility of using an AI technology-assisted mobile application for anticoagulation management in patients after heart valve replacement. To further develop this application, challenges lie in continuously improving the accuracy of recommended drug doses, obtaining family support, and ensuring information security.

Educational Interventions For Individuals With Hematologic Diseases: Approaches And Delivery Modalities

Introduction: this review aims to summarize current evidence on various approaches and modalities for delivering educational interventions to individuals with hematologic diseases. Methods: a literature search was conducted in three databases: pubmed, embase, and google scholar. Studies published between january 2013 and december 2023 were considered eligible if they involved some form of educational intervention for individuals with hematologic diseases. Results: out of the 572 articles initially identified, seven studies were included and underwent data synthesis. The main findings demonstrate that educational interventions implemented in this field often involve individual and group approaches, using educational tools such as written documents, audiovisual presentations, and games. These approaches are delivered by a multidisciplinary team. Overall, these interventions have led to significant improvements in participants' understanding of their health condition, enhanced self-management abilities, and improved psychological well-being. Conclusion: there is no universal method that can be applied universally. Furthermore, the literature suggests that personalized program models tailored to the needs of the population are conclusive. Based on these observations, we propose recommendations for future research directions to enhance existing methods and develop new techniques to increase the effectiveness of educational initiatives in the field of hematologic diseases