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COVID-19: Digital Health Response around the World

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A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032). This special issue belongs to the section "TeleHealth and Digital Healthcare".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2023) | Viewed by 18657

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Dr. Yiannis Koumpouros

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Department of Public and Community Health, University of West Attica, 11521 Athens, Greece
Interests: rehabilitation; health informatics; e-health; telemedicine; assistive technologies; users satisfaction assessment; strategic management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the global population in many different ways and has caused significant changes in the lives of people in all areas of the world. The negative consequences led numerous countries to adopt innovative technological solutions in order to cope with the unprecedented circumstances of the pandemic. The term “tele-“ was incorporated in almost every domain of society (e.g., work, education and of course healthcare). Digital innovations are emerging at an incredibly fast pace with an emphasis on tackling COVID-19. However, the differentiation between healthcare systems in combination with the respective legislation influenced the adoption of such digital innovations.

In this Special Issue, we invite research topics on a wide range of digital solutions that have been proposed and adopted to address this crisis. The topics of this issue include areas and applications such as quarantine management, identification of viral sources, monitoring of infected populations and areas, automation of in-hospital and out-of-hospital care processes, telecare, tele-rehabilitation, protection of health professionals and citizens, among others. Sensor technologies, robots, intelligent information systems, artificial intelligence, deep learning, mHealth, IoT and other topics will be included in the examined field. Moreover, issues related to the objective and subjective assessment and evaluation of such digital solutions, comparison between countries, privacy and security concerns, the socioeconomic impact, the problems encountered in practice or the potential of these applications are also analyzed in this Special Issue.

Dr. Yiannis Koumpouros
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

health informatics
e-health
telemedicine
assistive technologies
user satisfaction assessment
strategic management

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 193 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Digital Health Innovations in the Battle against COVID-19: A Global Perspective

by Yiannis Koumpouros

Healthcare 2023, 11(13), 1892; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11131892 - 30 Jun 2023

Viewed by 636

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has unleashed unprecedented challenges upon the global population, demanding rapid and innovative solutions [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19: Digital Health Response around the World)

Research

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18 pages, 1395 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Care Robotics: An Assessment of Professional Perception in the Face of the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Alexandra González Aguña, Blanca Gonzalo de Diego, Sandra Páez Ramos, Marta Fernández Batalla, María Lourdes Jiménez Rodríguez and José María Santamaría García

Healthcare 2023, 11(7), 946; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11070946 - 24 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1508

Abstract

The COVID-19 crisis accelerated the adoption of technologies. Technological advancement is also expected in robotics applied to any sector, including in healthcare. The aim is to assess the professional perception of care robotics facing COVID-19. This study aimed to (1) select a tool for assessing different aspects of healthcare, (2) analyse the professional perception about the development, usefulness and helpfulness of technologies and robotics in the field of healthcare and (3) evaluate the correlation between the perceived helpfulness of care robotics and the selected tool. We implement five validated clinical tests which integrate 80 items about a person and their clinical situation. From the sample of 46 professionals, 95.65% affirmed that technology was moderately to completely useful for professional performance in the context of the pandemic, lowering to 67.39% when asked only about robotics; 93.48% stated that the inclusion of robotics in at least one health area affected by COVID-19 would have helped them. Finally, the variables extracted from clinical tests corresponded to the most relevant health areas as identified by the professionals. This research shows the potential of care robotics oriented towards healthcare from a care paradigm. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19: Digital Health Response around the World)

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24 pages, 17509 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evolution of a System to Monitor Infant Neuromotor Development in the Home: Lessons from COVID-19

by Manon Maitland Schladen, Hsin-Hung Kuo, Tan Tran, Achuna Ofonedu, Hanh Hoang, Robert Jett, Megan Gu, Kimberly Liu, Kai’lyn Mohammed, Yas’lyn Mohammed, Peter S. Lum and Yiannis Koumpouros

Healthcare 2023, 11(6), 784; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11060784 - 7 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1565

Abstract

In the nine months leading up to COVID-19, our biomedical engineering research group was in the very early stages of development and in-home testing of HUGS, the Hand Use and Grasp Sensor (HUGS) system. HUGS was conceived as a tool to allay parents’ anxiety by empowering them to monitor their infants’ neuromotor development at home. System focus was on the evolving patterns of hand grasp and general upper extremity movement, over time, in the naturalistic environment of the home, through analysis of data captured from force-sensor-embedded toys and 3D video as the baby played. By the end of March, 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated and global lockdown ensued, home visits were no longer possible and HUGS system testing ground to an abrupt halt. In the spring of 2021, still under lockdown, we were able to resume recruitment and in-home testing with HUGS-2, a system whose key requirement was that it be contactless. Participating families managed the set up and use of HUGS-2, supported by a detailed library of video materials and virtual interaction with the HUGS team for training and troubleshooting over Zoom. Like the positive/negative poles of experience reported by new parents under the isolation mandated to combat the pandemic, HUGS research was both impeded and accelerated by having to rely solely on distance interactions to support parents, troubleshoot equipment, and securely transmit data. The objective of this current report is to chronicle the evolution of HUGS. We describe a system whose design and development straddle the pre- and post-pandemic worlds of family-centered health technology design. We identify and classify the clinical approaches to infant screening that predominated in the pre-COVID-19 milieu and describe how these procedural frameworks relate to the family-centered conceptualization of HUGS. We describe how working exclusively through the proxy of parents revealed the family’s priorities and goals for child interaction and surfaced HUGS design shortcomings that were not evident in researcher-managed, in-home testing prior to the pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19: Digital Health Response around the World)

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9 pages, 1020 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Method of Estimating Time-to-Recovery for a Disease Caused by a Contagious Pathogen Such as SARS-CoV-2 Using a Time Series of Aggregated Case Reports

by Dimitrios-Dionysios Koutsouris, Stavros Pitoglou, Athanasios Anastasiou and Yiannis Koumpouros

Healthcare 2023, 11(5), 733; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11050733 - 2 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1262

Abstract

During the outbreak of a disease caused by a pathogen with unknown characteristics, the uncertainty of its progression parameters can be reduced by devising methods that, based on rational assumptions, exploit available information to provide actionable insights. In this study, performed a few (~6) weeks into the outbreak of COVID-19 (caused by SARS-CoV-2), one of the most important disease parameters, the average time-to-recovery, was calculated using data publicly available on the internet (daily reported cases of confirmed infections, deaths, and recoveries), and fed into an algorithm that matches confirmed cases with deaths and recoveries. Unmatched cases were adjusted based on the matched cases calculation. The mean time-to-recovery, calculated from all globally reported cases, was found to be 18.01 days (SD 3.31 days) for the matched cases and 18.29 days (SD 2.73 days) taking into consideration the adjusted unmatched cases as well. The proposed method used limited data and provided experimental results in the same region as clinical studies published several months later. This indicates that the proposed method, combined with expert knowledge and informed calculated assumptions, could provide a meaningful calculated average time-to-recovery figure, which can be used as an evidence-based estimation to support containment and mitigation policy decisions, even at the very early stages of an outbreak. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19: Digital Health Response around the World)

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12 pages, 999 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Information Technology-Enhanced Telehealth Consultations Reduce Preoperative Evaluation Center Visits in a Bariatric Surgery Population

by Jill E. Zafar, Kathleen T. Chan, Lori J. Ryder, Andrew J. Duffy, Feng Dai, Zyad J. Carr and Jean G. Charchaflieh

Healthcare 2023, 11(3), 309; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11030309 - 19 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1797

Abstract

Background: Preoperative patient evaluation and optimization in a preoperative evaluation center (PEC) has been shown to improve operating room (OR) efficiency and patient care. However, performing preoperative evaluation on all patients scheduled for surgery or procedure would be time- and resource-consuming. Therefore, appropriate patient selection for evaluation at PECs is one aspect of improving PEC efficiency. In this study, we evaluate the effect of an enhanced preoperative evaluation process (PEP), utilizing a nursing triage phone call and information technology (IT) optimizations, on PEC efficiency and the quality of care in bariatric surgery patients. We hypothesized that, compared to a traditional PEP, the enhanced PEP would improve PEC efficiency without a negative impact on quality. Methods: The study was a retrospective cohort analysis of 1550 patients from January 2014 to March 2017 at a large, tertiary care academic health system. The study was a before/after comparison that compared the enhanced PEP model to the traditional PEP model. The primary outcome was the efficiency of the PEC, which was measured by the reduction of in-person patient visits at the PEC. The secondary outcome was the quality of care, which was measured by delays, cancellations, and the need for additional testing on the day of surgery (DOS). Results: The enhanced PEP improved the primary outcome of efficiency, as evident by an 80% decrease in in-person patient visits to the PEC. There was no reduction in the secondary outcome of the quality of care as measured by delays, cancellations, or the need for additional testing on the DOS. The implementation of the enhanced PEP did not result in increased costs or resource utilization. Conclusions: The enhanced PEP in a multi-disciplinary preoperative process can improve the efficiency of PEC for bariatric surgery patients without any decrease in the quality of care. The enhanced PEP process can be implemented without an increase in resource utilization and can be particularly useful during the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19: Digital Health Response around the World)

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17 pages, 594 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determinants of Telehealth Continuance Intention: A Multi-Perspective Framework

by Hui-Lung Hsieh, Jhih-Ming Lai, Bi-Kun Chuang and Chung-Hung Tsai

Healthcare 2022, 10(10), 2038; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10102038 - 15 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1980

Abstract

Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries’ physicians in the world have used telehealth to visit patients via telehealth. The study aimed to integrate the theory of planned behavior (TPB), the technology acceptance model (TAM), and self-determination theory (SDT) to explore the adoption behavior of a telehealth system. A convenient sample of residents was drawn from the population of Nantou County in Taiwan and analyzed via structural equation modeling. The findings revealed that attitude, perceived behavioral control, perceived usefulness, and perceived autonomy support jointly have significantly positive effects on continuance intention. Results also confirmed that perceived autonomy support, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness jointly have significantly positive effects on attitude. Furthermore, this study also showed that a crucial mediators’ role is played by perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and attitude. The conclusions and practical implications of the research will hopefully provide health organizations and institutions with some innovative insights and foresights, which in turn will promote better practices and services of telehealth technology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19: Digital Health Response around the World)

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7 pages, 482 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perception Disparity of Telemedicine Use between Outpatients and Medical Staff during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Jia-Jyun Wu, Chieh-Liang Wu, Meng-Hsun Lee, Chieh-Chung Huang, Yi-Jhen Huang and Pi-Shan Hsu

Healthcare 2022, 10(10), 1965; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10101965 - 8 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1575

Abstract

We assessed the characteristics and perception of telephone appointments among outpatients and medical staff during the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan. Our survey was performed by giving self-administered questionnaires to the enrollees. Basic socioeconomic status data were collected. We used a valid and reliable telehealth usability questionnaire (TUQ) to assess the telemedicine experience among outpatients and medical staff. Only outpatients with chronic illness and who had regular visits before the pandemic were enrolled. We delivered the questionnaire survey to participants who used telephone appointments from 20 May 2021 to 31 July 2021 in Taichung Veterans General Hospital. A total of 471 outpatients and 203 medical staff completed the survey. Most of the respondents were aged 30–69, college-educated, women, and married. Outpatients have higher scores in all dimensions of TUQ than medical staff, especially in the dimensions of ease of use and effectiveness. Age, gender, education, and marriage have no significant associations in the medical staff group. In the outpatient group, gender is the only significant factor in the six dimensions of TUQ. We found a significant disparity in the perception gap of telemedicine among outpatient and medical staff. Outpatients are satisfied with telephone appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic, but medical staff are concerned about the ease of use and effectiveness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19: Digital Health Response around the World)

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10 pages, 919 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Awareness and Use of Virtual Clinics following the COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia

by Saja Al-Rayes, Arwa Alumran, Haifa Aljanoubi, Aram Alkaltham, Manar Alghamdi and Duaa Aljabri

Healthcare 2022, 10(10), 1893; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10101893 - 28 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2048

Abstract

Studies have shown that virtual clinics enjoyed high use and high patient satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, virtual clinics are expected to be the new normal mode of receiving care after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to assess public awareness and use of virtual clinics following the pandemic and identify factors associated with virtual clinic use. Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed in which data were collected via a structured online questionnaire based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) domains: perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and social influence. Participants were selected based on the non-probability sampling of convenience. Univariate, bivariate, and binary logistic regression models were used for analysis. Results: A total of 405 responses were received; of those, 286 (70.6%) were aware of the existence of virtual clinics and 99 (34.6%) were post-pandemic users. Among users, 50% used virtual clinics more than two times, 72% used virtual clinics to seek care for themselves, with the vast majority using it via voice calls (83.8%), and for visits to the family medicine clinic (55%). Young adults, females, single adults, those with a higher level of education, the employed, and those with lower income were more likely to use virtual clinics (p < 0.05). The logistic regression model showed that 20% of the variation in virtual clinic use was explained by perceived usefulness and perceived use (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study showed high awareness of virtual clinics among the population following the COVID-19 pandemic, with one-third being active users. Age, gender, marital status, education, income, employment status, perceived usefulness, and ease of use are associated with virtual clinics’ awareness and use. Considering those factors is important when planning for sustained use of e-health and virtual care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19: Digital Health Response around the World)

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Review

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12 pages, 309 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Narrative Review of Telemedicine in Latin America during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Genesis Camacho-Leon, Marco Faytong-Haro, Keila Carrera, Marlyn Molero, Franhe Melean, Yuliana Reyes, Hans Mautong, Ivonne De La Hoz and Ivan Cherrez-Ojeda

Healthcare 2022, 10(8), 1361; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10081361 - 22 Jul 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3497

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic greatly impacted traditional health structures, posing new challenges in an unprecedented health crisis. Telemedicine services were implemented in countries with robust digital platforms to reduce hospital attendance while continuing to provide medical care. This study aims to determine how telemedicine services have been used as a tool to ensure the right to health in Latin America during the pandemic. Materials and methods: We conducted a narrative review in which words such as telemedicine, COVID-19, Latin America, access, and right to health, were searched on scientific medical datasets such as PubMed and SciELO. Additionally, we reviewed legislation in the Latin American health domain regarding the administration and transmission of digital data. Results and conclusions: Several countries have used telemedicine to reduce the saturation of healthcare systems and increase patient access. Issues such as broadband access for low-income populations and adequate legal regulations for transmitting and storing confidential data must be addressed to improve telemedicine use in Latin America. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19: Digital Health Response around the World)

Other

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8 pages, 234 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Telehealth Readiness of Healthcare Providers during COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia

by Fatchima Laouali Moussa, Mahaman L. Moussa, Homood A. Alharbi, Tagwa Omer, Hussain Ahmad Sofiany, Yahia Ahmad Oqdi, Bandar Hammad Alblowi and Sally Hammad Alblowi

Healthcare 2023, 11(6), 842; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11060842 - 13 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1896

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess and explore the telehealth readiness of healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted in a government healthcare facility in Saudi Arabia between August and October 2020. The Telehealth Readiness Assessment (TRA) tool was used. Results: A total of 372 healthcare providers participated in this study. Their mean age was 35.5 years (SD = 10.46). The majority of respondents were female (65.6%), nurses (68.0%), married (60.2%), and non-Saudi nationals (64.2%). The analysis shows that healthcare providers generally had moderate-to-high telehealth readiness. Of the five domains, financial contributions had the lowest rating among nurses and physicians, 63.4% and 66.1%, respectively. Gender (β = 7.64, p = 0.001), years of experience in the organization (β = 11.75, p = 0.001), and years of experience in the profession (β = 10.04, p = 0.023) predicted the telehealth readiness of healthcare providers. Conclusion: The telehealth readiness of healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia showed moderate to high levels. The COVID-19 pandemic poses a catastrophic threat to both patients and healthcare providers. Assessing telehealth readiness should include both patients and healthcare provider factors. A better understanding of the factors of organizational readiness, particularly healthcare providers, could help avoid costly implementation errors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19: Digital Health Response around the World)

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