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Keywords = paediatric users

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14 pages, 667 KiB  
Systematic Review
The Role of Mobile Applications in Enhancing the Health-Related Quality of Life of Children with Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Ana González-Díaz, Bibiana Pérez-Ardanaz, Nora Suleiman-Martos, José L. Gómez-Urquiza, Cristina Canals Garzón and Juan Gómez-Salgado
Children 2025, 12(7), 927; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12070927 - 14 Jul 2025
Viewed by 262
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Childhood cancer, although relatively rare, has a profound impact on the quality of life of affected children and their families. Technological advances have facilitated the development of mobile applications (apps) aimed at enhancing symptom monitoring and improving communication with healthcare teams. [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Childhood cancer, although relatively rare, has a profound impact on the quality of life of affected children and their families. Technological advances have facilitated the development of mobile applications (apps) aimed at enhancing symptom monitoring and improving communication with healthcare teams. This systematic review aimed to analyse the effect of mobile applications on the health of children with cancer, with a specific focus on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Searches were performed in PubMed (Medline), CINAHL, Cochrane and Scopus databases using MeSH terms such as Smartphone, Mobile Applications, Child Health, Neoplasms, and Digital Health, with no date restrictions, and including studies published in English, Spanish or Portuguese. We included original research studies that examined the use of mobile apps in paediatric oncology patients. The search was completed in January 2025. Results: Of the 324 records initially identified, 14 studies (mainly pilot studies, early-phase clinical trials, and observational designs) met the inclusion criteria. Interventions commonly focused on symptom tracking (pain, nausea, fatigue), promoting treatment adherence, and delivering educational content. Several studies reported high user acceptance and a potential positive impact on HRQoL, particularly when gamification strategies were incorporated to sustain children’s engagement. Conclusions: Despite the preliminary nature and small sample sizes of most studies, mobile applications appear to be effective in supporting symptom management, communication, and health education in paediatric oncology. Their use may contribute to improvements in HRQoL. Further high-quality research involving younger children and diverse socio-cultural contexts is required to confirm their effectiveness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Hematology & Oncology)
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12 pages, 1008 KiB  
Article
Long-Term Follow-Up of Vestibular Function in Cochlear-Implanted Teenagers and Young Adults
by Niki Karpeta, Eva Karltorp, Luca Verrecchia and Maoli Duan
Audiol. Res. 2025, 15(2), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres15020042 - 13 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 650
Abstract
Background: Vestibular function implements head position regulation and body spatial navigation. It matures during childhood and adolescence and integrates with the completion of an individual’s motor development. Nevertheless, vestibular impairment is associated with profound paediatric hearing loss and has a negative impact on [...] Read more.
Background: Vestibular function implements head position regulation and body spatial navigation. It matures during childhood and adolescence and integrates with the completion of an individual’s motor development. Nevertheless, vestibular impairment is associated with profound paediatric hearing loss and has a negative impact on the child’s motor proficiency. Cochlear implantation (CI) is the treatment of choice for severe hearing loss, where conservative treatment plans are not appropriate or fail. The Teenager and Young Adults Cochlear Implant (TAYACI) study investigates the long-term outcomes of early implantation with respect to the hearing, speech, psychological, and balance development among CI users. Methods: This study focuses on the vestibular function and the appropriate methods for vestibular assessment. The results of two established vestibular test methods are explored: the video head impulse test (vHIT) and cervical/ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMP, oVEMP) with air and bone conduction vibration stimulation. The results of vHIT, cVEMP, and oVEMP, per implanted ear and the relation to the aetiology of hearing loss are reported. An additional dynamic visual acuity (DVA) test was included to assess clinical oscillopsia. Results: Overall abnormal lateral canal testing was detected in 35/76 (46.1%) of the implanted ears. Bone-conducted cVEMP (BC cVEMP) was pathological in 33/76 (43.3%) and BC oVEMP in 42/76 (55.3%). Lateral canal impairment was associated with the background diagnosis of the hearing loss. Oscillopsia was related to bilateral canal impairment (sensitivity 73% specificity 100%). Conclusions: Lateral canal testing together with BC VEMPs were the most reproducible modules for vestibular testing The above tests were related to each other and complemented the overall vestibular assessment. DVA is a helpful tool to screen dynamic oscillopsia in patients with bilateral vestibular impairment. Full article
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16 pages, 884 KiB  
Protocol
Co-Design and Evaluation Protocol for the RECOVER Model of Care After Childhood Cancer Treatment
by Natalie Bradford, Christine Cashion, Erin Sharwood, Shelley Rumble, Paula Condon, Danica Cossio, Helen Stratton, Stuart Ekberg, Remziye Semerci, Alison Bowers, Jason Pole and Kimberly Alexander
Healthcare 2025, 13(5), 454; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13050454 - 20 Feb 2025
Viewed by 965
Abstract
Background: Advances in diagnosis and treatment have significantly increased survival rates for childhood cancer, leading to a growing population of long-term survivors. However, these survivors face substantial physical and psychological sequelae that affect both the child and their family. We developed the RECOVER [...] Read more.
Background: Advances in diagnosis and treatment have significantly increased survival rates for childhood cancer, leading to a growing population of long-term survivors. However, these survivors face substantial physical and psychological sequelae that affect both the child and their family. We developed the RECOVER model of care to support childhood cancer survivors as they transition from the end of their planned treatment to survivorship, addressing the broader health and wellness needs beyond medical surveillance. The primary objectives are to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the RECOVER model of care in routine paediatric oncology practice. Secondary objectives include evaluating preliminary efficacy outcomes and identifying factors that influence the successful adoption and integration of the model. Methods: The study comprises a Type 2 Hybrid Implementation/Effectiveness non-randomised controlled trial to compare historical and prospective data. Quantitative data will assess feasibility, reach, effectiveness, adoption, maintenance, and implementation. The qualitative component will assess end-user acceptability and appropriateness through focus groups, surveys, and interviews. Quantitative and qualitative results will be integrated during the interpretation phase to provide complementary insights into the interconnected contextual factors that facilitate the model uptake. Discussion: The RECOVER model of care aims to offer a robust approach to survivorship care, facilitating the continuous monitoring and management of long-term and late effects in childhood cancer survivors. This model has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life and health outcomes for this vulnerable population by addressing their comprehensive needs in a timely and systematic manner. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety)
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23 pages, 2955 KiB  
Article
Paediatric Major Trauma Psychology Service Evaluation: An Early Review of an Integrated Model of Care
by Rebecca Bundy, Jade Taktak, Zoe Berger, Ewa Nowotny and Idit Albert
Children 2025, 12(2), 241; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12020241 - 18 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1197
Abstract
Background: Major trauma is a leading cause of death and disability in children and young people (CYP) in the United Kingdom (UK). Since 2012, major trauma centres (MTCs) have been created with specialist expertise to treat patients suffering with lifechanging injuries. Much research [...] Read more.
Background: Major trauma is a leading cause of death and disability in children and young people (CYP) in the United Kingdom (UK). Since 2012, major trauma centres (MTCs) have been created with specialist expertise to treat patients suffering with lifechanging injuries. Much research has focused on the physical recovery of patients; however, the psychological and psychosocial impacts of major trauma are significant and often neglected/deprioritised. Less is known about this area in relation to a paediatric population. Methods: This service evaluation reports on the first year of an integrated psychological pathway within a London paediatric MTC. The proactive approach involves inpatient and outpatient psychological support, screening children and families for trauma symptoms and emotional distress, offering psychological intervention where required, and liaison with community mental health teams, social care services and third sector organisations. Descriptive statistics are reported on the patient demographics and mechanism of injury, as well as screening scores at 6 weeks and 3 months following the traumatic incident. Patient feedback is also presented. Results: The results demonstrate a significant increase in the numbers of children and families offered psychological support following the creation of the pathway and an overwhelmingly positive response from service users. Conclusions: Clinical implications are outlined, and areas for further development are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medical Trauma in Children)
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18 pages, 781 KiB  
Systematic Review
Interventions Aimed at Reducing Non-Urgent Presentations and Frequent Attendance in Paediatric Emergency Departments: A Rapid Systematic Review
by Zeina Barca-Ruso, Néstor Montoro-Pérez, Raimunda Montejano-Lozoya, Ángela Sanjuán-Quiles and Juana Perpiñá-Galvañ
Emerg. Care Med. 2025, 2(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecm2010007 - 13 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 954
Abstract
Background: Overcrowding in emergency services (ESs) is an escalating issue in many countries worldwide, and it is also evident in the paediatric context. Specifically, in paediatric emergency departments (PEDs) in Europe, there has been a noticeable upward trend in demand for care [...] Read more.
Background: Overcrowding in emergency services (ESs) is an escalating issue in many countries worldwide, and it is also evident in the paediatric context. Specifically, in paediatric emergency departments (PEDs) in Europe, there has been a noticeable upward trend in demand for care over the past decade, peaking at 9.1 million visits in 2020. Objectives: To identify interventions aimed at reducing non-urgent presentations (NUPs) and attendance rate PEDs. Methods: A systematic review of the last five years was conducted using various databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL) in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Results: A total of 15 articles were included in the final review, detailing five types of interventions: (1) telemedicine-based interventions, (2) the continuity of care interventions, (3) health literacy-based interventions, (4) interventions focused on establishing a point of access prior to emergency care, and (5) multidisciplinary interventions. Conclusions: The results of this review suggest the implementation of telemedicine-based interventions, the promotion of continuity of care, and the enhancement of parental health literacy as strategies to address the issue of overcrowding in PEDs. Full article
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20 pages, 1186 KiB  
Article
Reengineering eADVICE for Long Waitlists: A Tale of Two Systems and Conditions
by Deborah Richards, Patrina H. Y. Caldwell, Amal Abdulrahman, Amy von Huben, Karen Waters and Karen M. Scott
Electronics 2024, 13(14), 2785; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13142785 - 16 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1180
Abstract
Long outpatient waiting times pose a significant global challenge in healthcare, impacting children and families with implications for health outcomes. This paper presents the eHealth system called eADVICE (electronic Advice and Diagnosis Via the Internet following Computerised Evaluation) that is designed to address [...] Read more.
Long outpatient waiting times pose a significant global challenge in healthcare, impacting children and families with implications for health outcomes. This paper presents the eHealth system called eADVICE (electronic Advice and Diagnosis Via the Internet following Computerised Evaluation) that is designed to address waiting list challenges for paediatricians. Initially designed for children’s incontinence, the system’s success in terms of health goals and user experience led to its adaptation for paediatric sleep problems. This paper focuses on user experiences and the development of a working alliance with the virtual doctor, alongside health outcomes based on a randomised controlled trial (N = 239) for incontinence. When reengineering eADVICE to sleep disorders, the promising results regarding the reciprocal relationship between user experience and building a working alliance encouraged a focus on the further development of the embodied conversational agent (ECA) component. This involved tailoring the ECA discussion to patient cognition (i.e., beliefs and goals) to further improve engagement and outcomes. The proposed eADVICE framework facilitates adaptation across paediatric conditions, offering a scalable model to enhance access and self-efficacy during care delays. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human-Computer Interactions in E-health)
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18 pages, 2411 KiB  
Article
Learning from conect4children: A Collaborative Approach towards Standardisation of Disease-Specific Paediatric Research Data
by Anando Sen, Victoria Hedley, Eva Degraeuwe, Steven Hirschfeld, Ronald Cornet, Ramona Walls, John Owen, Peter N. Robinson, Edward G. Neilan, Thomas Liener, Giovanni Nisato, Neena Modi, Simon Woodworth, Avril Palmeri, Ricarda Gaentzsch, Melissa Walsh, Teresa Berkery, Joanne Lee, Laura Persijn, Kasey Baker, Kristina An Haack, Sonia Segovia Simon, Julius O. B. Jacobsen, Giorgio Reggiardo, Melissa A. Kirwin, Jessie Trueman, Claudia Pansieri, Donato Bonifazi, Sinéad Nally, Fedele Bonifazi, Rebecca Leary and Volker Straubadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Data 2024, 9(4), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/data9040055 - 8 Apr 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3607
Abstract
The conect4children (c4c) initiative was established to facilitate the development of new drugs and other therapies for paediatric patients. It is widely recognised that there are not enough medicines tested for all relevant ages of the paediatric population. To overcome this, it is [...] Read more.
The conect4children (c4c) initiative was established to facilitate the development of new drugs and other therapies for paediatric patients. It is widely recognised that there are not enough medicines tested for all relevant ages of the paediatric population. To overcome this, it is imperative that clinical data from different sources are interoperable and can be pooled for larger post hoc studies. c4c has collaborated with the Clinical Data Interchange Standards Consortium (CDISC) to develop cross-cutting data resources that build on existing CDISC standards in an effort to standardise paediatric data. The natural next step was an extension to disease-specific data items. c4c brought together several existing initiatives and resources relevant to disease-specific data and analysed their use for standardising disease-specific data in clinical trials. Several case studies that combined disease-specific data from multiple trials have demonstrated the need for disease-specific data standardisation. We identified three relevant initiatives. These include European Reference Networks, European Joint Programme on Rare Diseases, and Pistoia Alliance. Other resources reviewed were National Cancer Institute Enterprise Vocabulary Services, CDISC standards, pharmaceutical company-specific data dictionaries, Human Phenotype Ontology, Phenopackets, Unified Registry for Inherited Metabolic Disorders, Orphacodes, Rare Disease Cures Accelerator-Data and Analytics Platform (RDCA-DAP), and Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership. The collaborative partners associated with these resources were also reviewed briefly. A plan of action focussed on collaboration was generated for standardising disease-specific paediatric clinical trial data. A paediatric data standards multistakeholder and multi-project user group was established to guide the remaining actions—FAIRification of metadata, a Phenopackets pilot with RDCA-DAP, applying Orphacodes to case report forms of clinical trials, introducing CDISC standards into European Reference Networks, testing of the CDISC Pediatric User Guide using data from the mentioned resources and organisation of further workshops and educational materials. Full article
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16 pages, 5201 KiB  
Article
Smartphone Photogrammetric Assessment for Head Measurements
by Omar C. Quispe-Enriquez, Juan José Valero-Lanzuela and José Luis Lerma
Sensors 2023, 23(21), 9008; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23219008 - 6 Nov 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2711
Abstract
The assessment of cranial deformation is relevant in the field of medicine dealing with infants, especially in paediatric neurosurgery and paediatrics. To address this demand, the smartphone-based solution PhotoMeDAS has been developed, harnessing mobile devices to create three-dimensional (3D) models of infants’ heads [...] Read more.
The assessment of cranial deformation is relevant in the field of medicine dealing with infants, especially in paediatric neurosurgery and paediatrics. To address this demand, the smartphone-based solution PhotoMeDAS has been developed, harnessing mobile devices to create three-dimensional (3D) models of infants’ heads and, from them, automatic cranial deformation reports. Therefore, it is crucial to examine the accuracy achievable with different mobile devices under similar conditions so prospective users can consider this aspect when using the smartphone-based solution. This study compares the linear accuracy obtained from three smartphone models (Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, S22, and S22+). Twelve measurements are taken with each mobile device using a coded cap on a head mannequin. For processing, three different bundle adjustment implementations are tested with and without self-calibration. After photogrammetric processing, the 3D coordinates are obtained. A comparison is made among spatially distributed distances across the head with PhotoMeDAS vs. ground truth established with a Creaform ACADEMIA 50 while-light 3D scanner. With a homogeneous scale factor for all the smartphones, the results showed that the average accuracy for the S22 smartphone is −1.15 ± 0.53 mm, for the S22+, 0.95 ± 0.40 mm, and for the S22 Ultra, −1.8 ± 0.45 mm. Worth noticing is that a substantial improvement is achieved regardless of whether the scale factor is introduced per device. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Optical Sensors)
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27 pages, 2514 KiB  
Perspective
A Guide to Best Practice in Sensory Analysis of Pharmaceutical Formulations
by David Clapham, Emilie Belissa, Sabine Inghelbrecht, Anne-Marie Pensé-Lhéritier, Fabrice Ruiz, Liz Sheehan, Margaret Shine, Thibault Vallet, Jennifer Walsh and Catherine Tuleu
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(9), 2319; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15092319 - 14 Sep 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4925
Abstract
It is well established that treatment regime compliance is linked to the acceptability of a pharmaceutical formulation, and hence also to therapeutic outcomes. To that end, acceptability must be assessed during the development of all pharmaceutical products and especially for those intended for [...] Read more.
It is well established that treatment regime compliance is linked to the acceptability of a pharmaceutical formulation, and hence also to therapeutic outcomes. To that end, acceptability must be assessed during the development of all pharmaceutical products and especially for those intended for paediatric patients. Although acceptability is a multifaceted concept, poor sensory characteristics often contribute to poor patient acceptability. In particular, poor taste is often cited as a major reason for many patients, especially children, to refuse to take their medicine. It is thus important to understand and, as far as possible, optimise the sensory characteristics and, in particular, the taste/flavour/mouthfeel of the formulation throughout the development of the product. Sensory analysis has been widely practiced, providing objective data concerning the sensory aspects of food and cosmetic products. In this paper, we present proposals concerning how the well-established principles of sensory analysis can best be applied to pharmaceutical product development, allowing objective, scientifically valid, sensory data to be obtained safely. We briefly discuss methodologies that may be helpful in reducing the number of samples that may need to be assessed by human volunteers. However, it is only possible to be sure whether or not the sensory characteristics of a pharmaceutical product are non-aversive to potential users by undertaking sensory assessments in human volunteers. Testing is also required during formulation assessment and to ensure that the sensory characteristics remain acceptable throughout the product shelf life. We provide a risk assessment procedure to aid developers to define where studies are low risk, the results of a survey of European regulators on their views concerning such studies, and detailed guidance concerning the types of sensory studies that can be undertaken at each phase of product development, along with guidance about the practicalities of performing such sensory studies. We hope that this guidance will also lead to the development of internationally agreed standards between industry and regulators concerning how these aspects should be measured and assessed throughout the development process and when writing and evaluating regulatory submissions. Finally, we hope that the guidance herein will help formulators as they seek to develop better medicines for all patients and, in particular, paediatric patients. Full article
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11 pages, 280 KiB  
Article
Lessons Learnt from Rapid Implementation of Telehealth in a Paediatric Dietetics’ Outpatient Service: Is There a Silver Lining beyond the Coronavirus Pandemic to Support Patient-Centred Care?
by Araceli Llanos Jeri, Kelly Lambert, May Mak and Marika Diamantes
Dietetics 2023, 2(3), 267-277; https://doi.org/10.3390/dietetics2030019 - 4 Aug 2023
Viewed by 1972
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to report on the differences in clinical and service engagement outcomes of patients attending the paediatric dietetic outpatient service at a major metropolitan hospital before the outbreak of the coronavirus (using face-to-face care) and during the pandemic [...] Read more.
The aim of this paper is to report on the differences in clinical and service engagement outcomes of patients attending the paediatric dietetic outpatient service at a major metropolitan hospital before the outbreak of the coronavirus (using face-to-face care) and during the pandemic (using telehealth). This paper also reports on learning lessons from the rapid implementation of telehealth in this service. This study collected pre- and post-coronavirus pandemic data from 44 paediatric patients. Data on outcomes pre- and post-implementation were analysed. There were no statistically significant differences between pre- and post-coronavirus data for growth (p = 0.92), adherence to dietetic recommendations (p = 0.08) or attendance rate (p = 1.00). This study also found a low uptake of virtual telehealth, technical issues and suboptimal anthropometric data collection associated with this modality of care. Telehealth was not associated with a change in clinical and service engagement outcomes. Thus, telehealth service delivery is not inferior to usual face–face dietetic care and has the potential to be a useful adjunct to usual nutrition care for paediatric health service users after the coronavirus pandemic. Full article
16 pages, 891 KiB  
Review
Parents’ Experiences Using Digital Health Technologies in Paediatric Overweight and Obesity Support: An Integrative Review
by Torbjørg Goa Fidjeland and Kirsten Gudbjørg Øen
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 410; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010410 - 27 Dec 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3634
Abstract
This study aimed to explore parents’ perspectives regarding the use of digital health technologies in paediatric overweight and obesity weight support. A systematic search in ‘Academic Search Premier’, ‘British Nursing Index’, ‘Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health’, and ‘Health Research Premium Collection’ [...] Read more.
This study aimed to explore parents’ perspectives regarding the use of digital health technologies in paediatric overweight and obesity weight support. A systematic search in ‘Academic Search Premier’, ‘British Nursing Index’, ‘Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health’, and ‘Health Research Premium Collection’ was conducted in November 2021. Inclusion criteria were English or Nordic peer-reviewed articles published after 2010, overweight and obese children aged 2–10, weight support using digital health technologies, and parental experiences examined. An integrative review was conducted using Joanna Briggs Institute quality appraisal checklists and a constant comparison analysis method. In total, 14 articles were analysed that included SMS, telephone, apps, websites, and social media as the main technology groups. A limitation of this review was the heterogenicity of the studies. The results indicate that parents, mostly mothers, had a positive experience, finding technologies helpful and easy to use, and expressed optimism toward future use. An option for interacting with others and the possibility of personalising support were enjoyed or requested. In conclusion, digital health technologies can be a suitable tool to empower the parents of children with overweight and obesity concerns, whose perspective should be considered during the design and support phases. Full article
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20 pages, 4937 KiB  
Technical Note
Reimagining Prosthetic Control: A Novel Body-Powered Prosthetic System for Simultaneous Control and Actuation
by Vikranth H. Nagaraja, Jhonatan da Ponte Lopes and Jeroen H. M. Bergmann
Prosthesis 2022, 4(3), 394-413; https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis4030032 - 29 Jul 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 17442
Abstract
Globally, the most popular upper-limb prostheses are powered by the human body. For body-powered (BP) upper-limb prostheses, control is provided by changing the tension of (Bowden) cables to open or close the terminal device. This technology has been around for centuries, and very [...] Read more.
Globally, the most popular upper-limb prostheses are powered by the human body. For body-powered (BP) upper-limb prostheses, control is provided by changing the tension of (Bowden) cables to open or close the terminal device. This technology has been around for centuries, and very few BP alternatives have been presented since. This paper introduces a new BP paradigm that can overcome certain limitations of the current cabled systems, such as a restricted operation space and user discomfort caused by the harness to which the cables are attached. A new breathing-powered system is introduced to give the user full control of the hand motion anywhere in space. Users can regulate their breathing, and this controllable airflow is then used to power a small Tesla turbine that can accurately control the prosthetic finger movements. The breathing-powered device provides a novel prosthetic option that can be used without limiting any of the user’s body movements. Here we prove that it is feasible to produce a functional breathing-powered prosthetic hand and show the models behind it along with a preliminary demonstration. This work creates a step-change in the potential BP options available to patients in the future. Full article
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18 pages, 1624 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of an Electronic Medical Record Module for Nursing Documentation in Paediatric Palliative Care: Involvement of Nurses with a Think-Aloud Approach
by Sven Kernebeck, Theresa Sophie Busse, Chantal Jux, Larissa Alice Dreier, Dorothee Meyer, Daniel Zenz, Boris Zernikow and Jan Peter Ehlers
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(6), 3637; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063637 - 18 Mar 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 6861
Abstract
Background: Paediatric palliative care (PPC) is a noncurative approach to the care of children and adolescents with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses. Electronic medical records (EMRs) play an important role in documenting such complex processes. Despite their benefits, they can introduce unintended consequences if [...] Read more.
Background: Paediatric palliative care (PPC) is a noncurative approach to the care of children and adolescents with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses. Electronic medical records (EMRs) play an important role in documenting such complex processes. Despite their benefits, they can introduce unintended consequences if future users are not involved in their development. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the acceptance of a novel module for nursing documentation by nurses working in the context of PPC. Methods: An observational study employing concurrent think-aloud and semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 11 nurses working in PPC. Based on the main determinants of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results: The main determinants of UTAUT were found to potentially influence acceptance of the novel module. Participants perceived the module to be self-explanatory and intuitive. Some adaptations, such as the reduction of fragmentation in the display, the optimization of confusing mouseover fields, and the use of familiar nursing terminology, are reasonable ways of increasing software adoption. Conclusions: After adaptation of the modules based on the results, further evaluation with the participation of future users is required. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic eHealth and mHealth: Challenges and Prospects)
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13 pages, 1373 KiB  
Review
Usability and Engagement Testing of mHealth Apps in Paediatric Obesity: A Narrative Review of Current Literature
by Niamh Arthurs, Louise Tully, Grace O’Malley and Sarah Browne
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1453; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031453 - 27 Jan 2022
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 6240
Abstract
Mobile health (mHealth) platforms have become increasingly popular for delivering health interventions in recent years and particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Childhood obesity treatment is an area where mHealth interventions may be useful due to the multidisciplinary nature of interventions and [...] Read more.
Mobile health (mHealth) platforms have become increasingly popular for delivering health interventions in recent years and particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Childhood obesity treatment is an area where mHealth interventions may be useful due to the multidisciplinary nature of interventions and the need for long-term care. Many mHealth apps targeting youth exist but the evidence base underpinning the methods for assessing technical usability, user engagement and user satisfaction of such apps with target end-users or among clinical populations is unclear, including for those aimed at paediatric overweight and obesity management. This review aims to examine the current literature and provide an overview of the scientific methods employed to test usability and engagement with mHealth apps in children and adolescents with obesity. A narrative literature review was undertaken following a systematic search. Four academic databases were searched. Inclusion criteria were studies describing the usability of mHealth interventions for childhood obesity treatment. Following the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, fifty-nine articles were included for full-text review, and seven studies met the criteria for usability and engagement in a clinical paediatric population with obesity. Six apps were tested for usability and one for engagement in childhood obesity treatment. Sample sizes ranged from 6–1120 participants. The included studies reported several heterogenous measurement instruments, data collection approaches, and outcomes. Recommendations for future research include the standardization and validation of instruments to measure usability and engagement within mHealth studies in this population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Digital Health)
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17 pages, 1647 KiB  
Article
Participatory Design of a Medication Module in an Electronic Medical Record for Paediatric Palliative Care: A Think-Aloud Approach with Nurses and Physicians
by Sven Kernebeck, Chantal Jux, Theresa Sophie Busse, Dorothee Meyer, Larissa Alice Dreier, Daniel Zenz, Boris Zernikow and Jan Peter Ehlers
Children 2022, 9(1), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9010082 - 6 Jan 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2245
Abstract
Background: Electronic medical records (EMRs) play a key role in improving documentation and quality of care in paediatric palliative care (PPC). Inadequate EMR design can cause incorrect prescription and administration of medications. Due to the fact of complex diseases and the resulting high [...] Read more.
Background: Electronic medical records (EMRs) play a key role in improving documentation and quality of care in paediatric palliative care (PPC). Inadequate EMR design can cause incorrect prescription and administration of medications. Due to the fact of complex diseases and the resulting high level of medical complexity, patients in PPC are vulnerable to medication errors. Consequently, involving users in the development process is important. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the acceptance of a medication module from the perspective of potential users in PPC and to involve them in the development process. Methods: A qualitative observational study was conducted with 10 nurses and four physicians using a concurrent think-aloud protocol and semi-structured qualitative interviews. A qualitative content analysis was applied based on a unified theory of acceptance and use of technology. Results: Requirements from the user’s perspective could be identified as possible influences on acceptance and actual use. Requirements were grouped into the categories “performance expectancies” and “effort expectancies”. Conclusions: The results serve as a basis for further development. Attention should be given to the reduction of display fragmentation, as it decreases cognitive load. Further approaches to evaluation should be taken. Full article
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