User Acceptance Of Technology Research Articles

A Smart Water Bottle and Companion App (HidrateSpark 3) to Improve Bladder-Filling Compliance in Patients With Prostate Cancer Receiving Radiotherapy: Nonrandomized Trial of Feasibility and Acceptability.

Patients with prostate cancer undergoing radiation therapy (RT) need comfortably full bladders to reduce toxicities during treatment. Poor compliance is common with standard of care written or verbal instructions, leading to wasted patient value (PV) and clinic resources via poor throughput efficiency (TE). Herein, we assessed the feasibility and acceptability of a smartphone-based behavioral intervention (SBI) to improve bladder-filling compliance and methods for quantifying PV and TE. In total, 36 patients with prostate cancer were enrolled in a single-institution, closed-access, nonrandomized feasibility trial. The SBI consists of a fully automated smart water bottle and smartphone app. Both pieces alert the patient to empty his bladder and drink a personalized volume goal, based on simulation bladder volume, 1.25 hours before his scheduled RT. Patients were trained to adjust their volume goal and notification times to achieve comfortably full bladders. The primary end point was met if qualitative (QLC) and quantitative compliance (QNC) were >80%. For QLC, patients were asked if they prepared their bladders before daily RT. QNC was met if bladder volumes on daily cone-beam tomography were >75% of the simulation's volume. The Service User Technology Acceptability Questionnaire (SUTAQ) was given in person pre- and post-SBI. Additional acceptability and engagement end points were met if >3 out of 5 across 4 domains on the SUTAQ and >80% (15/18) of patients used the device >50% of the time, respectively. Finally, the impact of SBI on PV and TE was measured by time spent in a clinic and on the linear accelerator (linac), respectively, and contrasted with matched controls. QLC was 100% in 375 out of 398 (94.2%) total treatments, while QNC was 88.9% in 341 out of 398 (85.7%) total treatments. Of a total score of 5, patients scored 4.33 on privacy concerns, 4 on belief in benefits, 4.56 on satisfaction, and 4.24 on usability via SUTAQ. Further, 83% (15/18) of patients used the SBI on >50% of treatments. Patients in the intervention arm spent less time in a clinic (53.24, SEM 1.71 minutes) compared to the control (75.01, SEM 2.26 minutes) group (P<.001). Similarly, the intervention arm spent less time on the linac (10.67, SEM 0.40 minutes) compared to the control (14.19, SEM 0.32 minutes) group (P<.001). This digital intervention trial showed high rates of bladder-filling compliance and engagement. High patient value and TE were feasibly quantified by shortened clinic times and linac usage, respectively. Future studies are needed to evaluate clinical outcomes, patient experience, and cost-benefit. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04946214; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04946214.

Evaluation of an mHealth App on Self-Management of Osteoporosis: Prospective Survey Study.

Mobile health (mHealth) technologies can be used for disease-specific self-management, and these technologies are experiencing rapid growth in the health care industry. They use mobile devices, specifically smartphone apps, to enhance and support medical and public health practices. In chronic disease management, the use of apps in the realm of mHealth holds the potential to improve health outcomes. This is also true for mHealth apps on osteoporosis, but the usage and patients' experiences with these apps are underexplored. This prospective survey study aimed to investigate the eHealth literacy of Danish patients with osteoporosis, as well as the usability and acceptability of the app "My Bones." Data on patient characteristics, disease knowledge, eHealth literacy, usability, and acceptability were collected using self-administered questionnaires at baseline, 2 months, and 6 months. The following validated questionnaires were used: eHealth Literacy Questionnaire, System Usability Scale, and Service User Technology Acceptability Questionnaire. Mean scores for eHealth literacy ranged from 2.6 to 3.1, with SD ranging from 0.5 to 0.6 across the 7 domains. The mean (SD) System Usability Scale score was 74.7 (14.4), and the mean (SD) scores for domains 1, 2, and 6 of the Service User Technology Acceptability Questionnaire were 3.4 (1.2), 4.5 (1.1), 4.1 (1.2), respectively. Danish patients with osteoporosis are both motivated and capable of using digital health services. The app's usability was acceptable, and it has the potential to reduce visits to general practitioner clinics, enhance health outcomes, and serve as a valuable addition to regular health or social care services.

Exploring technology acceptance patterns of users of the mixed-reality sport technology Zwift: antecedents and consequences of technology acceptance

AbstractThe use of digital technologies in sports is increasing. The current paper deals with the technology acceptance of users of a mixed-reality sport technology called Zwift. The purpose of this study is to identify distinct profiles of Zwift users based on indicators of technology acceptance. Latent profile analysis (n = 877) identified three distinct latent profiles representing subgroups characterized by moderate, high and very high acceptance indicators. Results of the multinomial regression show that individuals with higher perceptions of the basic psychological need for autonomy and relatedness as well as individuals with high data privacy perceptions are more likely to be classified in the very high and high acceptance profiles than in the moderate acceptance profile. The results also show that older individuals are more likely to be classified in the moderate acceptance profile than in the very high acceptance profile even though odds ratio is rather low. The high and very high acceptance profiles also show higher behavioural intention to use Zwift in the future than the moderate acceptance profile.

The use of a multi-disciplinary geriatric telemedicine service (TELEG) and its acceptance at a tertiary care centre in Malaysia.

The COVID-19 pandemic has fueled the widespread adoption of telemedicine in healthcare, particularly in Sarawak, Malaysia. This study investigates the use and acceptance of Sarawak's inaugural multidisciplinary geriatric telemedicine service, TELEG. This cross-sectional study took place at the Sarawak Heart Centre's geriatric department from July 1, 2021, to April 30, 2022. Convenient sampling included all TELEG-enrolled patients during this period, to achieve minimum sample size of 148. TELEG's utilization was assessed in terms of medication therapy and treatment plan optimization, as well as enhanced healthcare accessibility. Participants' acceptance of TELEG was measured using the Service User Technology Acceptability Questionnaire (SUTAQ) administered through Google Forms. Descriptive statistics percentages illustrated the proportion of participants who found TELEG moderately to highly acceptable. Associations between baseline characteristics and overall acceptance were explored through bivariate analyses, including Pearson's correlation test, independent t-test, and ANOVA. The influence of six SUTAQ dimensions on overall acceptance, multivariable linear regression using enter method was employed. Statistical significance was determined by p-values less than 0.5. Among 180 geriatric patients enrolled in TELEG during the study period, 149 agreed to participate. TELEG led to medication therapy optimization for 88.6% of participants, primarily involving dose adjustment (44.7%), de-prescribing (31.8%), and prescribing (15.9%). Additionally, 53.8% received treatment plan optimization, predominantly in the form of self-care education (56.3%), referrals for further treatment (33.8%), additional laboratory investigations (29.6%), and increased monitoring (26.8%). Among those educated in self-care (n = 40), dietary intake (27.5%), lower limb exercise (25.0%), and COVID-19 vaccination (12.5%) were the most common topics. All participants expressed moderate to high acceptance of TELEG (mean = 4.9, SD = 0.65, on a scale of 1 to 6). Notably, care personnel concern (B = 0.256; p < 0.001) had the most significant impact on overall acceptance. This pioneering study evaluates the utilization and user acceptance of a geriatric telemedicine service in the region, providing valuable insights to support its expansion. Follow-up surveys or interviews to gain insights into users' experiences are crucial to further enhance acceptance.

Virtual reality public speaking training: effectiveness and user technology acceptance

Public speaking is a fundamental task in many professional or personal situations. At the same time, there is widespread fear of it, and it takes practice to present well. Previous studies suggest that Virtual Reality Public Speaking Training (VRPST) offers a promising opportunity for this. However, studies evaluating objective and subjective indicators are lacking so far, and valid control conditions are missing in previous studies. We aimed to overcome these drawbacks. In our experiment, participants (N = 42) had the task of presenting a card game to a four-person audience using five provided PowerPoint slides within a time limit of 5 minutes. They prepared either using VRPST or using common self-directed preparation (control condition), being randomly assigned to a condition. Both groups were instructed to prepare for the task at home and given 30 min to learn the rules of the game and present them using the slides. The control group was given an additional 30 min to prepare individually for the presentation task at home. The experimental group received an additional 30-min VRPST session. This training session was done without specific feedback and the presentation was repeated three times. The quality of the rule explanation, the audience-assessed presentation quality, and the subjects’ self-assessed presentation quality were measured. Our results indicate that the VRPST is effective. Subjects who completed the VRPST did a better job of explaining the rules and were better rated by the audience. In addition, the experimental subjects also tended to rate their presentation better in the VRPST condition. Further analyses of those participants who completed the VRPST show high technology acceptance. Our results show the VR training had a significant performance-enhancing effect and that participants would use the VRPST if it were available to them. It seems that practicing a presentation in VR is useful and even better than a conventional preparation.

Telemedicine Acceptability Among Patients of Primary Health Care Clinics in the Western Region, Saudi Arabia.

Background Telemedicine has become increasingly important during recent years. Investigating the acceptability of telemedicine among patients is an important first step in adapting and maintaining the use of telemedicine and gaining the advantages of technologies in daily practice. Objective To measure the acceptability of telemedicine among the patients of primary health care centers (PHCC) using the Service User Technology Acceptability Questionnaire (SUTAQ) at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods This cross-sectional study utilized a validated questionnaire in phone call interviews with patients of PHCC clinics. All patients who had a telemedicine visit at PHCC within the past month of data collection were eligible for inclusion. The SUTAQ tool was used to measure the acceptability of telemedicine technology. Results Out of 365 people selected for participation, 73.9% responded. The study found that the median age was 40 years old with an interquartile range of 30-52. The majority of participants were female (61.1%) and married (86.7%). The median total SUTAQ score was 4.3, out of a maximum score of 6. The medians for SUTAQ subscales were as follows: the perceived benefits score was 5.4, the privacy and discomfort score was 2.1, the health care personnel concerns score was 3, the satisfaction score was 5.7, and the kit as substitution score was 4.3. Patients who had not previously experienced telemedicine visits showed a higher score in "health care personnel concerns" (P-value=0.009), while first-time patients had a higher score in "kit as substitution" (P-value=0.006). Conclusion This study provided positive evidence that telemedicine is an acceptable service among PHCC patients. However, PHCC providers should prioritize patient education and awareness about telemedicine to improve utilization. Addressing privacy, discomfort, and personnel concerns could increase patient satisfaction. Future studies investigating telemedicine utilization can help in understanding its impact on clinical outcome.

User Technology Readiness and Acceptance of Mobile Human Resources Information Application

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; The Mobile Human Resource Application was developed to provide convenience for users. However, in the implementation phase, they have not been used by all users. There are several reasons users do not use the application, namely, employees often forget because they are not ready to use new applications, employees often fail to absent because there are some bugs at the beginning of implementation where the support team is not ready to help users and the employees’ insecurity when making a presentation using the face and location. The purpose of this study is to conduct empirical testing of the factors that influence the readiness and acceptance of users of the Mobile Human Resources Application. The Technology Readiness and Acceptance Model (TRAM) integrates technology readiness with technology acceptance into one model. TRAM is used to determine the effect of technology readiness on acceptance of the perceived ease of use factor and perceived usefulness will affect the intention to use. The result of the study showed that the Innovativeness and Perceived Ease of Use significantly influenced user technology readiness and acceptance of mobile human resources information application. Innovativeness dimensions of technology readiness have positive and significant effects on perceived ease of use. Perceived ease of use dimensions of technology acceptance has positive and significant effects on perceived usefulness and intention to use Mobile Human Resources.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Translation and validation study of the Chinese version of the service user technology acceptability questionnaire

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of the translated Chinese version of the Service User Technology Acceptability Questionnaire (C-SUTAQ). MethodsPatients with cancer (n ​= ​554) from a tertiary hospital in China completed the C-SUTAQ. Item analysis, content and construct validity test, internal consistency test, and test-retest reliability analysis were conducted on the instrument to test its applicability. ResultsThe critical ratio of each item of the C-SUTAQ ranged from 11.869 to 29.656; the correlation of each item and subscale ranged from 0.736 to 0.929. The Cronbach's α value for each subscale ranged from 0.659 to 0.941, and the test-retest reliability ranged from 0.859 to 0.966. The content validity index of the scale level and the item level content validity index of the instrument were both 1. Exploratory factor analysis indicated it was reasonable that the C-SUTAQ consists of six subscales after rotation. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated good construct validity (χ2/df ​= ​2.459, comparative fit index ​= ​0.922, incremental fit index ​= ​0.907, standardized root mean square residual ​= ​0.060, root-mean-square error of approximation ​= ​0.073, goodness of fit index ​= ​0.875, normed fit index ​= ​0.876. ConclusionsThe C-SUTAQ had good reliability and validity and may be useful to assess Chinese patients’ acceptability of telecare. However, the small sample size limited generalization and there is a need to expand the sample to include persons with other diseases. Further studies are required using the translated questionnaire.

System Integrated Digital Empowering and teleRehabilitation to promote patient Activation and well-Being in chronic disabilities: A usability and acceptability study.

Telerehabilitation systems represent a promising way for the management of chronic disability, delivering technology-enabled rehabilitation outside the hospital setting. However, usability and acceptability assessment with users represents a critical starting point when using digital healthcare solutions. This study aims at evaluating the user experience with a Telerehabilitation system (SIDERA∧B) from the end-user side. SIDERA∧B consists of an asynchronous delivery of rehabilitation activities through multimedia digital contents and tele-monitoring of vital parameters with technological devices for individualized, home-based management of chronic conditions. Usability (with the System Usability Scale, SUS) and acceptability (using the Technology Acceptance Model, TAM - and The Service User Technology Acceptance Questionnaire, SUTAQ) data were analyzed from the dataset of the SIDERA∧B project (N = 112 patients with Chronic Heart Failure, Parkinson's Disease and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). The possible influence of five external factors (i.e., technological expertise, education, sex, age, and level of disability) on TAM domains was tested using Spearman's Correlation analysis. Results showed a satisfactory level of technological usability (SUS Median = 77.5) and good scores in usability and learnability SUS subdomains (mean scores > 2.5). Regarding technological acceptability, participants showed high scores (Median > 4) in "Behavioral Intention", "Perceived Usefulness", and "Perceived Ease of Use" TAM domains. Finally, results from the SUTAQ scale highlighted that the SIDERA∧B system obtained optimal scores in all domains, especially in "Increased accessibility," "Care personnel concerns," and "Satisfaction." Age (rho = -0.291, p = 0.002) and disability level (WHODAS Total score: rho = -0.218, p = 0.021) were the two external factors inversely associated with the Perceived Ease of Use. The age of digital transformation requires everyone to understand, accept and master the changes affecting modern-day healthcare. The usability and acceptability of the SIDERA∧B system were high across all end-users, despite the medium-low level of the technological expertise of the sample. These findings support the efficiency and the suitability of these digital solutions in the modern digital age transition of rehabilitation from inside to outside the clinic.

Patient characteristics associated with the acceptability of teleconsultation: a retrospective study of osteoporotic patients post-COVID-19

BackgroundDue to the COVID-19 pandemic, teleconsultations (TCs) have become common practice for many chronic conditions, including osteoporosis. While satisfaction with TCs among patients increases in times of emergency, we have little knowledge of whether the acceptability of TCs persists once in-person visits return to being a feasible and safe option. In this study, we assess the acceptability of TCs across five dimensions for osteoporosis care among patients who started or continued with TCs after the COVID-19 pandemic had waned. We then explore the patient characteristics associated with these perceptions.MethodsBetween January and April 2022, 80 osteoporotic patients treated at the Humanitas Hospital in Milan, Italy, were recruited to answer an online questionnaire about the acceptability of TCs for their care. The acceptability of TCs was measured using a modified version of the Service User Technology Acceptability Questionnaire (SUTAQ), which identifies five domains of acceptability: perceived benefits, satisfaction, substitution, privacy and discomfort, and care personnel concerns. Multivariable ordinary least squares (OLS) linear regression analysis was performed to assess which patient characteristics in terms of demographics, socio-economic conditions, digital skills, social support, clinical characteristics and pattern of TC use were correlated with the five domains of acceptability measured through the SUTAQ.ResultsThe degree of acceptability of TCs was overall good across the 80 respondents and the five domains. Some heterogeneity in perceptions emerged with respect to TCs substituting for in-person visits, negatively impacting continuity of care and reducing the length of consultations. For the most part, acceptability was not affected by patient characteristics with a few exceptions related to treatment time and familiarity with the TC service modality (i.e., length of osteoporosis treatment and number of TCs experienced by the patient).ConclusionsTCs appear to be an acceptable option for osteoporosis care in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study suggests that other characteristics besides age, digital skills and social support, which are traditionally relevant to TC acceptability, should be taken into account in order to better target this care delivery modality.

Factors Influencing Intention to Use Social Insurance Application (VssID) in Vietnam Through Technology Acceptance Model

Technology is becoming more and more popular in public services in general and social insurance in particular in Vietnam. Although the social insurance software has been used since November 2020, the number of users is still limited so far. Therefore, this study aims at investigating determinants of the intention to use social insurance management applications of Vietnamese people. Applying a combination of three models (TAM, TRA and TPB), the study identifies five determinants of technology acceptance of users in their intention to use this application in Vietnam’s Social Insurance, including Perceived usefulness, Perceived ease of use, Subjective norm, Perceived behavioral control, and Attitude towards usage. Data for the study were collected through a survey in three big Vietnamese cities: Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang. Research results show that users' technology acceptance intention in social insurance in Vietnam is positively influenced by all five factors. From the analysis results, the study proposes recommendations related to improving the performance of the application, propagandizing the high applicability of VssID to the public. Policies and guidelines for the government to promote user's habit of using the application are also recommended. Keywords: Social insurance, intention to use, technology acceptance, VssID DOI: 10.7176/JESD/14-6-02 Publication date: March 31 st 2023

HIDRATE-PRO: A prospective pilot study evaluating a digital behavioral health intervention to improve bladder-filling compliance in patients with prostate cancer receiving radiation.

70 Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) patients undergoing radiation therapy (RT) need comfortably full bladders during RT to reduce toxicities. Awareness of this state is lacking, and poor compliance is common with standard of care written/verbal instructions, leading to wasted patient value (PV) and inefficient throughput (TE). Herein, we assessed the feasibility and acceptability of a digital behavioral intervention (DBI) to improve bladder filling compliance, methods for quantifying PV, IT, and behavioral biomarkers. Methods: We enrolled 18 non-metastatic PCa patients in a prospective, single-arm pilot study using a DBI. The DBI consists of a smart water bottle and companion app that tracks water consumption. Additionally, visual alerts (water bottle glow and phone notifications) remind the patient to empty his bladder and drink a personalized volume goal (VG) at a set time. The VG is based on simulation bladder volume and reminders are initially set 1.25 hours prior to scheduled RT. Patients were trained to adjust their VG and notification times to achieve comfortably full bladders. Primary endpoint was met if qualitative (QLC) and quantitative compliance (QNC) were both &gt;80%. Other endpoints include acceptability assessed via Service User Technology Acceptability Questionnaire (SUTAQ), engagement (&gt;80% of patients used the device &gt; 50% of the time) and impact of DBI on PV and TE. For QLC, patients were asked if they prepared their bladders before daily RT. QNC was met if bladder volumes on daily CBCT were &gt; 75% of the simulation’s volume. The SUTAQ was given pre- and post-DBI. PV and TE were measured by time spent in clinic and on the linear accelerator (linac), respectively. Biometric data was probed for insights on optimal drinking behaviors. Results: All endpoints were met. QLC was 100% on 375/398 (94.2%) of total treatments, while QNC was 88.9% on 341/398 (85.7%) total treatments. Patients were accepting of DBI with few privacy concerns (4.33/5.00), believe in benefits (4.00/5.00), high satisfaction (4.56/5.00) and high usability (4.24/5.00). Most patients, 15/18 (83.3%), used the DBI on &gt;50% of treatments and met the engagement requirements. Patients with empty bladders (n=43) spent significantly more time (75.14 vs 50.59 minutes, p=0.007) in clinic than patients who came with full bladders (n=355). Similarly, these patients spent nearly twice as long on the linac (21.63 v 12.50 minutes, p&lt;0.001). Shorter time spent drinking correlated with empty bladders (17.07 vs 27.85 min, p=0.027). Conclusions: This digital intervention trial showed high rates of bladder filling compliance and engagement. High patient-value and throughput efficiency was feasibly quantified by shortened clinic times and linac usage, respectively. Future studies are needed to evaluate clinical outcomes, patient experience and cost benefit. Clinical trial information: NCT04946214 .

Technology acceptance prediction of robo-advisors by machine learning

Whether a new technology can spread smoothly in the market heavily depends on the user's acceptance of the technology. A considerable number of studies have sought to predict user acceptance intention through numerous methods. Most rely on the researcher's design and thus cannot present an optimized model that truly meets the research question. This study aims to provide a machine learning approach to predict the user's technology acceptance intention within the framework of robo-advisors. The new approach implements a predictive model from multiple machine learning algorithms such as regression tree, random forest, gradient boosting, and artificial neural network, and then compares the model with the traditional regression analysis methodology. All machine learning algorithms showed superior prediction performance than linear regression. Specifically, gradient boosting showed the best performance and perceived pleasure showed the greatest importance. This research ultimately provides theoretical implication regarding the perspective of acceptance prediction methodology and practical implication about which factors are crucial to acceptance of robo-advisors.

It’s Cool to be Healthy! The Effect of Perceived Coolness on the Adoption of Fitness Bands and Health Behaviour

Contemporary technology success is frequently associated with the competitive advantage of being cool. A fitness band is one of the smart wearable devices promoting health behaviours, which is one of the cool lifestyle trends in modern societies. Although past research established the profound effects of coolness on user technology acceptance, the influencing role in fostering health behaviour remained obscure. To bridge the existing literature gap, the current study aims to examine the perception of coolness as a higher-order construct with multiple dimensions, namely originality, attractiveness, and sub-cultural appeals, by investigating the direct effect on fitness band adoption and indirect influence on users’ health behaviour. An online survey was conducted on 280 fitness band users, and the data was subsequently analysed via the Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The study results demonstrated that the perceived coolness of fitness bands significantly affects users’ device adoption levels, which subsequently influence personal health behaviour. This study thus contributes to health communication research by testing the coolness concept and developing the diffusioninnovation framework from current human-computer interaction literature. The findings would guide future developers of fitness bands to emphasise the coolness functions for higher degrees of adoption and positive impact on society.

How do patients with chronic dizziness experience a web-based home rehabilitation programme for customised vestibular therapy ('WeBaVeR')? A qualitative study

BackgroundVestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is the first choice approach for chronic dizziness. However, current home treatment programmes often lack attention to the individual needs of the patient and the integration of visual desensitisation therapy. We therefore developed a customised web-based VRT programme containing visual desensitisation exercises. ObjectiveTo assess the user experience (usability, satisfaction, acceptability, and quality) of patients with chronic dizziness with the customised WEb-BAsed VEstibular Rehabilitation, further called ‘WeBaVeR’. MethodsPatients with chronic dizziness, attending the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of the Antwerp University Hospital (period September 2021 to May 2022), received a customised programme, i.e. exercises supported by our web application and booklet. The programme lasted 6 weeks, with weekly supervision by phone. Patients' user experience was examined with the System Usability Scale (SUS), Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ), Service User Technology Acceptability Questionnaire (SUTAQ), and the User version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS). ResultsTwelve patients with chronic dizziness (mean age: 45.33 ± 13.26 years) participated. The overall rated level of perceived usability (mean SUS score: 78.75 ± 8.95 points), satisfaction (mean CSQ score: 33.08 ± 3.37 points), acceptability (mean SUTAQ score: 105.67 ± 13.40 points) and quality (mean uMARS score: 94.58 ± 10.69 points) was good. The main remarks concerned the user interface and the interactive capabilities of the web application, and that WeBaVeR does not increase health awareness, or accessibility to health care providers. ConclusionPatients with chronic dizziness consider WeBaVeR as useful, acceptable, satisfactory and of good quality. To facilitate implementation in practice, further optimisation of WeBaVeR based on the feedback received, is useful.

HIDRATE PRO – Interim Analysis of a Prospective Feasibility Trial Using a Digital Behavioral Intervention to Improve Bladder Filling Compliance in Prostate Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy

<h3>Purpose/Objective(s)</h3> Prostate cancer (PCa) patients undergoing radiation therapy (RT) need comfortably full bladders during RT to reduce toxicities. Sensory awareness of a comfortably full bladder can be improved with biofeedback training. Additionally, poor compliance is common with standard of care written/verbal instructions, leading to wasted patient-valued (PVT) and linear accelerator valued-time (LVT). Herein, we assessed the feasibility and acceptability of a digital behavioral intervention (DBI) to improve bladder filling compliance and methods for quantifying behavioral biomarkers and wasted PVT/LVT. <h3>Materials/Methods</h3> Sixteen non-metastatic PCa patients planned for definitive RT will be enrolled in a prospective, single arm feasibility trial using a DBI. The DBI consists of an investigational device-exempt smart water bottle and phone app. Both pieces alert the patient to empty his bladder and drink a personalized volume goal (VG), based on simulation bladder volume, 1.25 hrs prior to scheduled RT. Patients were trained to adjust their VG and notification times to achieve comfortably full bladders. Primary endpoint was > 80% patient engagement on > 50% of RTs. Secondary endpoints were qualitative (QLC) and quantitative compliance (QNC) > 80%, acceptability via Service User Technology Acceptability Questionnaire (SUTAQ), and impact of DBI on PVT and LVT. For QLC, patients were asked if they prepared their bladders before daily RT. QNC was met if bladder volumes on daily CBCT were > 75% of the simulation's volume. The SUTAQ was given pre- and post-DBI. PVT and LVT were measured by time spent in clinic and on the treatment table (TT), respectively. Biometric data was probed for insights on optimal drinking behaviors. <h3>Results</h3> Thirteen patients have been enrolled and ten have data available for analysis. Thus far, 100% of patients engaged on > 50% of RTs (mean 85.6% of the time). QLC (94.4%) and QNC (90.4%) goals were met. SUTAQ's pre- and post-DBI scores were 3.95 vs. 4.27 for ease of adoption, 4.07 vs 4.28 for benefit, and 3.6 vs 3.9 for minimal privacy issues or harm. Empty bladders resulted in lost PVT (81.1 vs 40.3 min, p=0.004) and LVT (24.20 vs 11.41 min, p<0.001). $410 was lost per empty bladder, based on 2021 CMS reimbursement for 40 fraction IMRT. Patients with empty bladders were more likely to finish their VG quicker than those with prepared bladders (17.07 vs 27.85 min, p=0.027). <h3>Conclusion</h3> Our preliminary analysis shows high feasibility and acceptability with this DBI to improve bladder filling compliance. We showed that empty bladders can be quantified by wasted patient and linear accelerator valued time, which allows an estimation of the impact on patient experience and economics of inefficient machine throughput. DBI should be incorporated into larger clinical trials to assess clinical efficacy. Additional digital biomarkers should be obtained to generate a comprehensive behavioral phenotype.

The Interplay of Subjective Quality Evaluation, Prototyping Technologies and the User's Technology Acceptance

AbstractSubjective product quality is a fundamental aspect to maintain a high level of user acceptance and to provide a good user experience. Prototypes can be used to evaluate subjective product quality in early design phases. We conducted an empirical study to examine the influence of different (re)presentations of prototypes determined by the chosen technology (2D image, VR, AR, 3D print) and the user's technology acceptance. Based on the results we recommend 2D images as most reliable for evaluating subjective product quality.

Problem-Based Learning dan Creative Thinking Skills Students Based on Local Wisdom in Maluku

In learning conservation biology with online learning communities, lecturers usually guide their students through a discussion-based learning process. In theory, mixed learning can increase interaction in the learning environment. Effective learning is promoted through flexibility, enabling the use of various student learning styles. This study aimed to 1) describe students' creative thinking skills about local wisdom on small islands in Maluku; 2) know the differences in creative thinking skills of experimental class students (using problem-based learning and conventional classes on small islands in Maluku; and 3) knowing differences in students' creative thinking skills on the topic of different local wisdom in small islands in Maluku. This research used the development of 4D Model teaching materials, field lectures, and online-based discussions. The data were analyzed descriptively, and the level of development of the 4D model combined with the student's PBL was evaluated using the normalized N-Gain g, while the quantitative data were analyzed through the ANCOVA test. The research findings reveal that competitive and facilitator styles significantly mediated the relationship between technology user acceptance and mixed learning on students' creative thinking skills. One of the weaknesses found in this study was the geographical differences between the islands. The internet facilities owned by students were not evenly distributed, and the needs of media were various. Blended learning was somewhat challenging to be applied in optimal learning. Scaffolding was given to students to concentrate more on education and independent activities. According to students, problem-based learning, creative thinking, finding information, and writing reports were problem-solving features that contributed the most to student learning.

VAD Patients' Perception of Potential Telemedicine Support.

Technical possibilities for patient support must be user-friendly. This includes acceptance on the part of the patients, and safe function that must not lead to the user being overtaxed. In a study of Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) patients at the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at the University Hospital RWTH Aachen, a questionnaire was used to investigate the current situation in dealing with the VAD system. This was followed by a query about ideas, wishes, and fears regarding the increased use of telemedical applications. An adapted Service User Technology Acceptability Questionnaire (SUTAQ) was used and the evaluation was carried out with the help of Office-based applications. As a result, it can be stated that the patients do not want to see personal contacts and care be completely replaced by telemedical remote support. If the application is stable and functioning, the majority is very much open to such support.

A USER ACCEPTANCE FRAMEWORK FOR THE ONLINE TEACHING EFFICIENCY RATING SYSTEM OF MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY-ILIGAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

The researchers in the field of Information Technology and Information systems are of interest in understanding the factors in user acceptance of new technology. Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) is one of the prominent models used in determining the factors of the user acceptance of technology. In this research, the four constructs of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) was used namely: Performance Expectancy (PE), Effort Expectancy (EE), Social Influence (SI), and Facilitating Conditions (FC), and associating the user satisfaction to the four constructs of the UTAUT. The survey was used for this inquiry. For data analysis Cronbachs’s Alpha was used to check the reliability of the instrument, weighted mean was applied to determine the level of the user satisfaction, Correlation Coefficient technique was utilized to predict UTAUT factors and Somer’s delta was used to determine the strength of PE, EE, SI and FC to S. The outcome of this research is the user acceptance framework for the Online Teacher Efficiency Rating of Mindanao State University- Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Iligan City, Philippines. The computed t-test and its associated p–values presented suggest that the independent variables such as PE, EE, and FC are statistically significant. Hence, the three constructs affect user satisfaction.