International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

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319 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using a Theoretical Framework to Investigate Whether the HIV/AIDS Information Needs of the AfroAIDSinfo Web Portal Members Are Met: A South African eHealth Study

by Hendra Van Zyl, Marike Kotze and Ria Laubscher

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2014, 11(4), 3570-3585; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph110403570 - 28 Mar 2014

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 11879

Abstract

eHealth has been identified as a useful approach to disseminate HIV/AIDS information. Together with Consumer Health Informatics (CHI), the Web-to-Public Knowledge Transfer Model (WPKTM) has been applied as a theoretical framework to identify consumer needs for AfroAIDSinfo, a South African Web portal. As [...] Read more.

eHealth has been identified as a useful approach to disseminate HIV/AIDS information. Together with Consumer Health Informatics (CHI), the Web-to-Public Knowledge Transfer Model (WPKTM) has been applied as a theoretical framework to identify consumer needs for AfroAIDSinfo, a South African Web portal. As part of the CHI practice, regular eSurveys are conducted to determine whether these needs are changing and are continually being met. eSurveys show high rates of satisfaction with the content as well as the modes of delivery. The nature of information is thought of as reliable to reuse; both for education and for referencing of information. Using CHI and the WPKTM as a theoretical framework, it ensures that needs of consumers are being met and that they find the tailored methods of presenting the information agreeable. Combining ICTs and theories in eHealth interventions, this approach can be expanded to deliver information in other sectors of public health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health Informatics)

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393 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clustering Multivariate Time Series Using Hidden Markov Models

by Shima Ghassempour, Federico Girosi and Anthony Maeder

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2014, 11(3), 2741-2763; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph110302741 - 6 Mar 2014

Cited by 70 | Viewed by 12309

Abstract

In this paper we describe an algorithm for clustering multivariate time series with variables taking both categorical and continuous values. Time series of this type are frequent in health care, where they represent the health trajectories of individuals. The problem is challenging because [...] Read more.

In this paper we describe an algorithm for clustering multivariate time series with variables taking both categorical and continuous values. Time series of this type are frequent in health care, where they represent the health trajectories of individuals. The problem is challenging because categorical variables make it difficult to define a meaningful distance between trajectories. We propose an approach based on Hidden Markov Models (HMMs), where we first map each trajectory into an HMM, then define a suitable distance between HMMs and finally proceed to cluster the HMMs with a method based on a distance matrix. We test our approach on a simulated, but realistic, data set of 1,255 trajectories of individuals of age 45 and over, on a synthetic validation set with known clustering structure, and on a smaller set of 268 trajectories extracted from the longitudinal Health and Retirement Survey. The proposed method can be implemented quite simply using standard packages in R and Matlab and may be a good candidate for solving the difficult problem of clustering multivariate time series with categorical variables using tools that do not require advanced statistic knowledge, and therefore are accessible to a wide range of researchers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health Informatics)

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649 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Health Recommender Systems: Concepts, Requirements, Technical Basics and Challenges

by Martin Wiesner and Daniel Pfeifer

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2014, 11(3), 2580-2607; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph110302580 - 3 Mar 2014

Cited by 176 | Viewed by 15046

Abstract

During the last decades huge amounts of data have been collected in clinical databases representing patients’ health states (e.g., as laboratory results, treatment plans, medical reports). Hence, digital information available for patient-oriented decision making has increased drastically but is often scattered across different [...] Read more.

During the last decades huge amounts of data have been collected in clinical databases representing patients’ health states (e.g., as laboratory results, treatment plans, medical reports). Hence, digital information available for patient-oriented decision making has increased drastically but is often scattered across different sites. As as solution, personal health record systems (PHRS) are meant to centralize an individual’s health data and to allow access for the owner as well as for authorized health professionals. Yet, expert-oriented language, complex interrelations of medical facts and information overload in general pose major obstacles for patients to understand their own record and to draw adequate conclusions. In this context, recommender systems may supply patients with additional laymen-friendly information helping to better comprehend their health status as represented by their record. However, such systems must be adapted to cope with the specific requirements in the health domain in order to deliver highly relevant information for patients. They are referred to as health recommender systems (HRS). In this article we give an introduction to health recommender systems and explain why they are a useful enhancement to PHR solutions. Basic concepts and scenarios are discussed and a first implementation is presented. In addition, we outline an evaluation approach for such a system, which is supported by medical experts. The construction of a test collection for case-related recommendations is described. Finally, challenges and open issues are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health Informatics)

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594 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Health Care System Reform in Hubei Province, China

by Shuping Sang, Zhenkun Wang and Chuanhua Yu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2014, 11(2), 2262-2277; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph110202262 - 21 Feb 2014

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 8571

Abstract

This study established a set of indicators for and evaluated the effects of health care system reform in Hubei Province (China) from 2009 to 2011 with the purpose of providing guidance to policy-makers regarding health care system reform. The resulting indicators are based [...] Read more.

This study established a set of indicators for and evaluated the effects of health care system reform in Hubei Province (China) from 2009 to 2011 with the purpose of providing guidance to policy-makers regarding health care system reform. The resulting indicators are based on the “Result Chain” logic model and include the following four domains: Inputs and Processes, Outputs, Outcomes and Impact. Health care system reform was evaluated using the weighted TOPSIS and weighted Rank Sum Ratio methods. Ultimately, the study established a set of indicators including four grade-1 indicators, 16 grade-2 indicators and 76 grade-3 indicators. The effects of the reforms increased year by year from 2009 to 2011 in Hubei Province. The health status of urban and rural populations and the accessibility, equity and quality of health services in Hubei Province were improved after the reforms. This sub-national case can be considered an example of a useful approach to the evaluation of the effects of health care system reform, one that could potentially be applied in other provinces or nationally. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health Informatics)

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289 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance Evaluation of Public Non-Profit Hospitals Using a BP Artificial Neural Network: The Case of Hubei Province in China

by Chunhui Li and Chuanhua Yu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2013, 10(8), 3619-3633; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph10083619 - 15 Aug 2013

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 8451

Abstract

To provide a reference for evaluating public non-profit hospitals in the new environment of medical reform, we established a performance evaluation system for public non-profit hospitals. The new “input-output” performance model for public non-profit hospitals is based on four primary indexes (input, process, [...] Read more.

To provide a reference for evaluating public non-profit hospitals in the new environment of medical reform, we established a performance evaluation system for public non-profit hospitals. The new “input-output” performance model for public non-profit hospitals is based on four primary indexes (input, process, output and effect) that include 11 sub-indexes and 41 items. The indicator weights were determined using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and entropy weight method. The BP neural network was applied to evaluate the performance of 14 level-3 public non-profit hospitals located in Hubei Province. The most stable BP neural network was produced by comparing different numbers of neurons in the hidden layer and using the “Leave-one-out” Cross Validation method. The performance evaluation system we established for public non-profit hospitals could reflect the basic goal of the new medical health system reform in China. Compared with PLSR, the result indicated that the BP neural network could be used effectively for evaluating the performance public non-profit hospitals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health Informatics)

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101 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using a Relational Database to Index Infectious Disease Information

by Jay A. Brown

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2010, 7(5), 2177-2190; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph7052177 - 4 May 2010

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 10120

Abstract

Mapping medical knowledge into a relational database became possible with the availability of personal computers and user-friendly database software in the early 1990s. To create a database of medical knowledge, the domain expert works like a mapmaker to first outline the domain and [...] Read more.

Mapping medical knowledge into a relational database became possible with the availability of personal computers and user-friendly database software in the early 1990s. To create a database of medical knowledge, the domain expert works like a mapmaker to first outline the domain and then add the details, starting with the most prominent features. The resulting "intelligent database" can support the decisions of healthcare professionals. The intelligent database described in this article contains profiles of 275 infectious diseases. Users can query the database for all diseases matching one or more specific criteria (symptom, endemic region of the world, or epidemiological factor). Epidemiological factors include sources (patients, water, soil, or animals), routes of entry, and insect vectors. Medical and public health professionals could use such a database as a decision-support software tool. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health Informatics)

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1107 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Text and Structural Data Mining of Influenza Mentions in Web and Social Media

by Courtney D. Corley, Diane J. Cook, Armin R. Mikler and Karan P. Singh

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2010, 7(2), 596-615; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph7020596 - 22 Feb 2010

Cited by 191 | Viewed by 26590

Abstract

Text and structural data mining of web and social media (WSM) provides a novel disease surveillance resource and can identify online communities for targeted public health communications (PHC) to assure wide dissemination of pertinent information. WSM that mention influenza are harvested over a [...] Read more.

Text and structural data mining of web and social media (WSM) provides a novel disease surveillance resource and can identify online communities for targeted public health communications (PHC) to assure wide dissemination of pertinent information. WSM that mention influenza are harvested over a 24-week period, 5 October 2008 to 21 March 2009. Link analysis reveals communities for targeted PHC. Text mining is shown to identify trends in flu posts that correlate to real-world influenza-like illness patient report data. We also bring to bear a graph-based data mining technique to detect anomalies among flu blogs connected by publisher type, links, and user-tags. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health Informatics)

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731 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Connectivity for Healthcare and Well-Being Management: Examples from Six European Projects

by Maged N. Kamel Boulos, Ricardo Castellot Lou, Athanasios Anastasiou, Chris D. Nugent, Jan Alexandersson, Gottfried Zimmermann, Ulises Cortes and Roberto Casas

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2009, 6(7), 1947-1971; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph6071947 - 6 Jul 2009

Cited by 85 | Viewed by 21796

Abstract

Technological advances and societal changes in recent years have contributed to a shift in traditional care models and in the relationship between patients and their doctors/carers, with (in general) an increase in the patient-carer physical distance and corresponding changes in the modes of [...] Read more.

Technological advances and societal changes in recent years have contributed to a shift in traditional care models and in the relationship between patients and their doctors/carers, with (in general) an increase in the patient-carer physical distance and corresponding changes in the modes of access to relevant care information by all groups. The objective of this paper is to showcase the research efforts of six projects (that the authors are currently, or have recently been, involved in), CAALYX, eCAALYX, COGKNOW, EasyLine+, I2HOME, and SHARE-it, all funded by the European Commission towards a future where citizens can take an active role into managing their own healthcare. Most importantly, sensitive groups of citizens, such as the elderly, chronically ill and those suffering from various physical and cognitive disabilities, will be able to maintain vital and feature-rich connections with their families, friends and healthcare providers, who can then respond to, and prevent, the development of adverse health conditions in those they care for in a timely manner, wherever the carers and the people cared for happen to be. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health Informatics)

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439 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Service-Oriented Healthcare Message Alerting Architecture in an Asia Medical Center: A Case Study

by Po-Hsun Cheng, Feipei Lai and Jin-Shin Lai

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2009, 6(6), 1870-1881; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph6061870 - 17 Jun 2009

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 11632

Abstract

This paper illustrates how our development team has used some information technologies to let physicians obtain an instant abnormal laboratory result report for critical patient care services. We have implementeda healthcare message alerting system (HMAS) on a healthcare short message service (HSMS) engine [...] Read more.

This paper illustrates how our development team has used some information technologies to let physicians obtain an instant abnormal laboratory result report for critical patient care services. We have implementeda healthcare message alerting system (HMAS) on a healthcare short message service (HSMS) engine and the distributed healthcare-oriented service environment (DiHOSE) in the National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH). The HSMS engine has a general interface for all applications which could easily send any kind of alerting messages. Fundamentally, the DiHOSE uses HL7 standard formats to process the information exchange behaviors and can be flexibly extended for reasonable user requirements. The disease surveillance subsystem is an integral part of NTUH new hospital information system which is based on DiHOSE and the disease surveillance subsystem would send alerting messages through the HSMS engine. The latest cell phone message alerting subsystem, a case study, in NTUH proved that the DiHOSE could integrate the user required functions without much work. We concluded that both HSMS and DiHOSE can generalize and extend application demands efficiently. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health Informatics)

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Review

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620 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review of Data Quality Assessment Methods for Public Health Information Systems

by Hong Chen, David Hailey, Ning Wang and Ping Yu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2014, 11(5), 5170-5207; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph110505170 - 14 May 2014

Cited by 183 | Viewed by 29848

Abstract

High quality data and effective data quality assessment are required for accurately evaluating the impact of public health interventions and measuring public health outcomes. Data, data use, and data collection process, as the three dimensions of data quality, all need to be assessed [...] Read more.

High quality data and effective data quality assessment are required for accurately evaluating the impact of public health interventions and measuring public health outcomes. Data, data use, and data collection process, as the three dimensions of data quality, all need to be assessed for overall data quality assessment. We reviewed current data quality assessment methods. The relevant study was identified in major databases and well-known institutional websites. We found the dimension of data was most frequently assessed. Completeness, accuracy, and timeliness were the three most-used attributes among a total of 49 attributes of data quality. The major quantitative assessment methods were descriptive surveys and data audits, whereas the common qualitative assessment methods were interview and documentation review. The limitations of the reviewed studies included inattentiveness to data use and data collection process, inconsistency in the definition of attributes of data quality, failure to address data users’ concerns and a lack of systematic procedures in data quality assessment. This review study is limited by the coverage of the databases and the breadth of public health information systems. Further research could develop consistent data quality definitions and attributes. More research efforts should be given to assess the quality of data use and the quality of data collection process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health Informatics)

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718 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Role of Health Kiosks in 2009: Literature and Informant Review

by Ray Jones

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2009, 6(6), 1818-1855; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph6061818 - 11 Jun 2009

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 17550

Abstract

Kiosks can provide patients with access to health systems in public locations, but with increasing home Internet access their usefulness is questioned. A literature and informant review identified kiosks used for taking medical histories, health promotion, self assessment, consumer feedback, patient registration, patient [...] Read more.

Kiosks can provide patients with access to health systems in public locations, but with increasing home Internet access their usefulness is questioned. A literature and informant review identified kiosks used for taking medical histories, health promotion, self assessment, consumer feedback, patient registration, patient access to records, and remote consultations. Sited correctly with good interfaces, kiosks can be used by all demographics but many ‘projects’ have failed to become routine practice. A role remains for: (a) integrated kiosks as part of patient ‘flow’, (b) opportunistic kiosks to catch people’s attention. Both require clear ‘ownership’ to succeed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health Informatics)

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