Research

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13 pages, 2105 KiB

Open AccessArticle

User Engagement and Abandonment of mHealth: A Cross-Sectional Survey

by Abdulsalam Salihu Mustafa, Nor’ashikin Ali, Jaspaljeet Singh Dhillon, Gamal Alkawsi and Yahia Baashar

Healthcare 2022, 10(2), 221; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10020221 - 24 Jan 2022

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 5034

Abstract

Mobile health (mHealth) apps have great potential to improve health outcomes. Given that mHealth apps have become ubiquitous, there is limited focus on their abandonment. Data concerning crucial metrics, including reasons for adoption and discontinued use, are limited. This study aims to gain [...] Read more.

Mobile health (mHealth) apps have great potential to improve health outcomes. Given that mHealth apps have become ubiquitous, there is limited focus on their abandonment. Data concerning crucial metrics, including reasons for adoption and discontinued use, are limited. This study aims to gain broad insights into utilization of mHealth and game-like features promoting user engagement. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 209 mHealth users worldwide. The 17-item survey assessed sociodemographics, as well as the key motivators for mHealth uptake and discontinued use. Our findings show that sports and fitness activity tracking were the most common categories of health apps, with most users engaging with them at least several times a week. Interestingly, the most downloaded mHealth apps among younger adults include MyFitnessPal, Fitbit, Nike Run Club, and Samsung Health. Critical drivers of abandonment of mHealth apps were amotivation, loss of interest, and experimenting with different apps to identify the most suitable tool. Additionally, the financial cost of mHealth apps is crucial, with most participants advocating for free or more affordable apps. The study findings suggest that while many individuals utilize mHealth, several factors drive their abandonment. Moreover, data indicate that mHealth developers need to consider gamification strategies to sustain user commitment, as well as psychological variables, such as intrinsic motivation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Telehealth: How Technology Is Evolving Healthcare Training and Patient Education)

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12 pages, 779 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Use of Computer-Based Scenarios for Clinical Teaching: Impact on Nursing Students’ Decision-Making Skills

by Nermine M. Elcokany, Amal Ismael Abdelhafez, Vivian Magdi Samuel Sharaby and Safia Belal

Healthcare 2021, 9(9), 1228; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9091228 - 17 Sep 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3718

Abstract

Computer-based learning has numerous advantages. It gives students the chance to accommodate and solve problems independently, it can increase motivation during the learning process, and it offers students direct feedback. Students will also receive an authentic learning experience, increasing their level of knowledge [...] Read more.

Computer-based learning has numerous advantages. It gives students the chance to accommodate and solve problems independently, it can increase motivation during the learning process, and it offers students direct feedback. Students will also receive an authentic learning experience, increasing their level of knowledge retention. It can assist nursing educators in improving learning outcomes. Aim: This study aimed to investigate and evaluate the impact of computer-based scenarios on undergraduate nursing students’ decision-making skills. Sample: There was a total sample of 112 nursing students who were enrolled in a critical care nursing course at the College of Applied Medical Sciences in Saudi Arabia. These students were divided into two groups. Methods: The two groups were taught the same topic for one week. Two case scenarios were given to each group during the clinical rotation. The study group used the computer-based case scenario, and the control group used the paper-based case scenario. The two groups were compared regarding their decision-making skills. The student’s feedback about the computer-based case scenarios was also investigated. Results: The study group scored significantly higher in their decision-making skills when compared to the control group. In addition, the study group reported that they highly agreed that their general learning and specific nursing abilities improved after using computer-based case scenarios. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Telehealth: How Technology Is Evolving Healthcare Training and Patient Education)

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9 pages, 459 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Semi-Immersive Virtual Reality-Based Cognitive Training Combined with Locomotor Activity on Cognitive Function and Gait Ability in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

by Na-Kyoung Hwang, Jong-Bae Choi, Dae-Kil Choi, Jae-Min Park, Chang-Wan Hong, Ji-Su Park and Tae-Hyung Yoon

Healthcare 2021, 9(7), 814; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9070814 - 28 Jun 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3017

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of semi-immersive virtual reality-based cognitive training (VRCT) combined with locomotor activity on cognitive function, balance, and gait ability in older adults. Eighteen community-dwelling older adults participated in this study. Subjects who met the selection criteria were [...] Read more.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of semi-immersive virtual reality-based cognitive training (VRCT) combined with locomotor activity on cognitive function, balance, and gait ability in older adults. Eighteen community-dwelling older adults participated in this study. Subjects who met the selection criteria were assigned to an experimental group (n = 9) and a control group (n = 9). The experimental group received VRCT combined with locomotor activity for 30 min a day, three times a week, for 6 weeks. The control group received tabletop activity-based cognitive training for the same amount of time. Before and after the training, the Korean Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE), Trail Making Test (TMT; A and B), and Digit Span Test (DST; forward and backward) were used to evaluate cognitive function; and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and 10-m Walking Test (10MWT) were used to evaluate the improvement in the balance and gait ability parameters. After the intervention, the experimental group showed a significantly greater improvement in the TMT-A (p = 0.045) and DST-backward (p = 0.012) scores compared with the control group. Regarding the gait ability variable, the experimental group showed a significant improvement in the 10MWT test (p = 0.001). This study confirmed that semi-immersive VRCT combined with locomotor activity is useful for improving cognitive function and gait ability in older adults. Therefore, VRCT combined with locomotor activity can be used as a simultaneous intervention for cognitive rehabilitation and functional capacity improvement in older adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Telehealth: How Technology Is Evolving Healthcare Training and Patient Education)

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13 pages, 760 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determining Factors Affecting the Acceptance of Medical Education eLearning Platforms during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Philippines: UTAUT2 Approach

by Yogi Tri Prasetyo, Ralph Andre C. Roque, Thanatorn Chuenyindee, Michael Nayat Young, John Francis T. Diaz, Satria Fadil Persada, Bobby Ardiansyah Miraja and Anak Agung Ngurah Perwira Redi

Healthcare 2021, 9(7), 780; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9070780 - 22 Jun 2021

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 11890

Abstract

eLearning has been the medium of delivery of medical educational institutions to address the scarcity of medical professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) was extended to determine the factors affecting the [...] Read more.

eLearning has been the medium of delivery of medical educational institutions to address the scarcity of medical professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) was extended to determine the factors affecting the acceptance of eLearning platforms to medical education in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 360 medical students voluntary participated and answered an online questionnaire that consisted of 40 questions. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) indicated that performance expectancy was found to have the highest effect on behavioral intention, which was followed by learning value and instructor characteristics. A high behavioral intention was found to affect the actual use of eLearning platforms. Interestingly, social influence and habit were found not to be significant to behavioral intentions. This study is the first study that has explored the acceptance of eLearning platforms among medical students in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings can be a theoretical guideline of the Commission on Higher Education of the Philippines for eLearning platforms. Finally, the framework would be very valuable for enhancing the open innovation in eLearning platforms in medical fields worldwide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Telehealth: How Technology Is Evolving Healthcare Training and Patient Education)

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15 pages, 282 KiB

Open AccessArticle

WeChatting for Health: What Motivates Older Adult Engagement with Health Information

by Xiaoxiao Zhang, Xiaoge Xu and Jiang Cheng

Healthcare 2021, 9(6), 751; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9060751 - 18 Jun 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2721

Abstract

Although WeChat has become increasingly popular among Chinese elderly people as a tool to engage with health information, little research has examined their motivations for health purposes and their engagement with health information on the site. By applying the two-stage Use and gratification [...] Read more.

Although WeChat has become increasingly popular among Chinese elderly people as a tool to engage with health information, little research has examined their motivations for health purposes and their engagement with health information on the site. By applying the two-stage Use and gratification (U&G) approach, we first conducted in-depth interviews (n = 20) to explore older adults’ distinctive motives. Based on the 22 motives found in the qualitative research, we developed a questionnaire for an online survey (n = 690) to further investigate how these motives affect older adults’ engagement with health information on WeChat. As the result, six motive typologies were identified: information needs, social support, surveillance, social interaction, self-agency building, and technological convenience. Together, these six types of motivations jointly account for 59.9% of the variance in older adults’ engagement with health information (M = 2.71, SD = 0.79, adjusted R² = 0.59, p < 0.001). Social support and information needs were significant predictors, suggesting that the older WeChat users’ active engagement is driven by personal instrumental gratification. This study examines the explanation power of U&G theory in a health context, as well as provides the practical implication for leveraging mobile social media to improve older people’s healthcare management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Telehealth: How Technology Is Evolving Healthcare Training and Patient Education)

11 pages, 981 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Feasibility and Effectiveness of a Motion Tracking-Based Online Fitness Program for Office Workers

by Sun-Young Joo, Chang-Bae Lee, Na-Young Joo and Chung-Reen Kim

Healthcare 2021, 9(5), 584; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9050584 - 14 May 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3168

Abstract

The development of technology-based home fitness has emerged from the booming digital healthcare market and recent demands for at-home fitness and health equipment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital healthcare company Alyce Healthcare recently developed Weelo, which is a web-based online fitness program. [...] Read more.

The development of technology-based home fitness has emerged from the booming digital healthcare market and recent demands for at-home fitness and health equipment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital healthcare company Alyce Healthcare recently developed Weelo, which is a web-based online fitness program. Weelo recommends an exercise protocol through machine-learning-enabled recognition of the user’s motion and provides visual and auditory feedback. We evaluated whether Weelo improves physical and mental well-being to assess its capabilities and effectiveness. Thirty-two participants performed a total of 20 exercise sessions following the Weelo guide on a laptop. The participants were evaluated using a before and after exercise program, body composition, handgrip strength, six-minute walk test, modified star excursion balance test, short form 36, fatigue severity scale, Beck depression index, and a satisfaction survey. Overall, there was a significant improvement in muscle strength, endurance, and balance ability, as well as an improved quality of life and significant reduction in fatigue and depression. Participants showed high motivation to continue following the Weelo exercise program. In conclusion, utilizing Weelo improved physical and mental well-being and is considered to be an individual-use indoor exercise program that serves as an alternative to traditional face-to-face exercise. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Telehealth: How Technology Is Evolving Healthcare Training and Patient Education)

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10 pages, 203 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effect of e-Health Literacy on COVID-19 Infection-Preventive Behaviors of Undergraduate Students Majoring in Healthcare

by Kyung Jin Hong, Noo Lee Park, Soo Yeon Heo, Seo Hyun Jung, Ye Been Lee and Ji Hoon Hwang

Healthcare 2021, 9(5), 573; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9050573 - 12 May 2021

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 3422

Abstract

This study examined and verified the level of e-health literacy (e-HL) and infection preventive behaviors related to COVID-19 among undergraduate students majoring in healthcare. An online survey was conducted with 274 university students majoring in nursing, clinical pathology, and occupational therapy in South [...] Read more.

This study examined and verified the level of e-health literacy (e-HL) and infection preventive behaviors related to COVID-19 among undergraduate students majoring in healthcare. An online survey was conducted with 274 university students majoring in nursing, clinical pathology, and occupational therapy in South Korea. The e-HL consisted of functional, communicational, and critical literacy, and preventive behaviors were based on the Prevention Guideline on Droplet Infection. The mean score for e-HL was 3.62, with nursing students obtaining the highest scores. The overall e-HL score and the scores on its three sub-dimensions were related to infection-preventive behaviors. Moreover, e-HL affected infection-preventive behaviors (p < 0.001). Findings from this study highlight the necessity of education for improving the e-HL of undergraduate students majoring in healthcare to strengthen infection-preventive behaviors and protect patients from infectious diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Telehealth: How Technology Is Evolving Healthcare Training and Patient Education)

Review

Jump to: Research

23 pages, 1050 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Utilization and Benefits of Telehealth Services by Health Care Professionals Managing Breast Cancer Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Donovan A. McGrowder, Fabian G. Miller, Kurt Vaz, Melisa Anderson Cross, Lennox Anderson-Jackson, Sophia Bryan, Lyndon Latore, Rory Thompson, Dwight Lowe, Shelly R. McFarlane and Lowell Dilworth

Healthcare 2021, 9(10), 1401; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9101401 - 19 Oct 2021

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 7538

Abstract

Telehealth is the delivery of many health care services and technologies to individuals at different geographical areas and is categorized as asynchronously or synchronously. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused major disruptions in health care delivery to breast cancer (BCa) patients [...] Read more.

Telehealth is the delivery of many health care services and technologies to individuals at different geographical areas and is categorized as asynchronously or synchronously. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused major disruptions in health care delivery to breast cancer (BCa) patients and there is increasing demand for telehealth services. Globally, telehealth has become an essential means of communication between patient and health care provider. The application of telehealth to the treatment of BCa patients is evolving and increasingly research has demonstrated its feasibility and effectiveness in improving clinical, psychological and social outcomes. Two areas of telehealth that have significantly grown in the past decade and particularly since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic are telerehabilitation and teleoncology. These two technological systems provide opportunities at every stage of the cancer care continuum for BCa patients. We conducted a literature review that examined the use of telehealth services via its various modes of delivery among BCa patients particularly in areas of screening, diagnosis, treatment modalities, as well as satisfaction among patients and health care professionals. The advantages of telehealth models of service and delivery challenges to patients in remote areas are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Telehealth: How Technology Is Evolving Healthcare Training and Patient Education)

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33 pages, 2358 KiB

Open AccessReview

E-Health Practices and Technologies: A Systematic Review from 2014 to 2019

by Maria Helena da Fonseca, Fanny Kovaleski, Claudia Tania Picinin, Bruno Pedroso and Priscila Rubbo

Healthcare 2021, 9(9), 1192; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9091192 - 10 Sep 2021

Cited by 44 | Viewed by 7089

Abstract

E-health can be defined as a set of technologies applied with the help of the internet, in which healthcare services are provided to improve quality of life and facilitate healthcare delivery. As there is a lack of similar studies on the topic, this [...] Read more.

E-health can be defined as a set of technologies applied with the help of the internet, in which healthcare services are provided to improve quality of life and facilitate healthcare delivery. As there is a lack of similar studies on the topic, this analysis uses a systematic literature review of articles published from 2014 to 2019 to identify the most common e-health practices used worldwide, as well as the main services provided, diseases treated, and the associated technologies that assist in e-health practices. Some of the key results were the identification of the four most common practices used (mhealth or mobile health; telehealth or telemedicine; technology; and others) and the most widely used technologies associated with e-health (IoT, cloud computing, Big Data, security, and systems). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Telehealth: How Technology Is Evolving Healthcare Training and Patient Education)

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