The contribution of medical physics and engineering in health care. Medical instrumentation--the digital revolution.
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Biomedical Engineering↗
SEARCH · PubMed Health
Results for “Digital Health”
Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.
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Response rates to random digit dialing for recruiting participants to an onsite health study.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the response rates when random digit dialing was used as a substitute for geographic area sampling and household interviews to recruit 2100 African Americans for a blood pressure measurement and hypertension-related knowledge and attitudes survey. METHODS: Random digit dialing was used to identify African American adults living in 12 low-income ZIP code areas of Houston, Texas. A brief survey of hypertension awareness and treatment was administered to all respondents. Those who self-identified as African American were invited to a community location for blood pressure measurement and an extended personal interview. An incentive of $10 was offered for the completed clinic visit. A substudy of nonrespondents was carried out to test the effectiveness of a $25 incentive in increasing the response rate. Data from the initial random telephone interview were used to identify differences between those who did and did not attend the measurement session. RESULTS: Ninety-four percent of eligible persons contacted completed the telephone survey, and 65% agreed to visit a central community site for blood pressure measurement. In spite of the financial incentive and multiple attempts to reschedule missed appointments, only 26% of the 65% who agreed to attend completed the scheduled visit. In the substudy of the higher financial incentive, all of those who missed the original appointment agreed to another appointment, and 85% of this subgroup kept it. Not being employed full-time and a history of hypertension were consistently associated with agreement to be measured and keeping an appointment. In spite of the low response rate for scheduled appointments, differences--other than in employment status and a history of hypertension--between responders and nonresponders were small and consistent with what is usually observed in health surveys. CONCLUSIONS: The use of random digit dialing as a substitute for area sampling and household screening resulted in unacceptably low response rates in the study population and should not be undertaken without further research on ways to increase response rates.
Adult↗
[To the ways of the most reasonable implementation of digital radiography into the practical public health of the Russian Federation].
The main idea of the authors' paper is to propose the most reasonable way of actively introducing the digital principle into the traditional roentgenological section of radiation diagnosis. For this, a luminophore digital radiography system has been chosen. The authors of the paper give a full-scale assessment and appropriate recommendations for its use. The paper essentially discusses the entire complex of matters that permit assessment whether its sound use is possible in regional and municipal health care systems. This is both a section devoted to a dose load, by making a comparative assessment of luminophore radiography and "the green system" and a study of different clinical diseases (456 cases). In their study, the authors have applied an original principle in the formation of an image obtained and some other approaches in order to make a comprehensive assessment of this method. In the authors' opinion, luminophore radiography has a variety of advantages. Firstly, this technique can be simultaneously applied to several nondigital apparatuses, including those available in the ward and it shows a rather diagnostic effectiveness and economic profitability, yields a qualitative image of varying density tissues upon single exposure, and has some other capacities of the CR system as a digital technique. All this things considered, the authors consider that luminophore radiography may be one of the main ways of introducing a digital technique into the conventional roentgenological section of radiation diagnosis at the level of regional and municipal heath care systems.
Delivery of Health Care, Integrated↗
What's up, doc.com? Health care moves closer to the digital age with the merger of WebMD and Healtheon.
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Commerce↗
[An applied research on effective health care planning using cellular phone with the digital still camera function].
In order to make effective health care plans for elder home care patients, we have tried an easy communication tool between medical doctors and their patients. This tool is the cellular phone with digital still camera function (CP-DSC). We have achieved successful results using this type of technology.
Aged↗
Introducing HEAL: the Health Education Assets Library.
Digital multimedia, such as images and videos, are playing an increasingly important role in health sciences education. Educators, however, often do not have the time or resources to create high-quality materials. The authors describe the development of a new Health Education Assets Library (HEAL), a freely accessible, national library of high-quality digital multimedia to support all levels of health sciences education. HEAL's primary mission is to provide educators with high-quality and free multimedia materials (such as images and videos) to augment health science education. In addition, HEAL is working with other organizations to establish a network of distributed databases of high-quality teaching resources. By using state-of-the-art Internet technologies HEAL enables educators across the country to efficiently search and retrieve teaching materials from a variety of sources.
Education, Medical↗
Health information, the Internet, and the digital divide.
Through an analysis of recent data on adults' and children's computer use and experiences, this DataWatch shows that use of computers and the Internet is widespread and that significant percentages of the public are already using the Internet to get health information. The surveys also show that the Internet is already a useful vehicle for reaching large numbers of lower-income, less-educated, and minority Americans. However, a substantial digital divide continues to characterize computer and Internet use, with lower-income blacks especially affected. Implications for the future of health communication on the Internet also are explored.
Adolescent↗
Racial disparities in health information access: resilience of the Digital Divide.
Policy initiatives of the late 1990s were believed to have largely eliminated the information "Digital Divide." For healthcare consumers, access to information is an essential part of the consumer-centric framework outlined in the recently proposed national health information initiative. This study sought to examine how racial/ethnic characteristics are associated with Internet use and online health information. Using a cross-sectional nationwide study of reported Internet use and information search in 2000 and 2002, we studied a stratified sample of computer users from the Pew Internet and American Life Project surveys. Adjusted estimates of race/ethnicity and income effects on Internet use and search behaviors were derived from generalized estimating equations. Results show wide gaps in the use of computers between Hispanics and Whites (OR = 0.593 [0.440, 0.798]) and between African-Americans and Whites (OR = 0.554 [0.427, 0.720]) in 2000 significantly narrowed in 2002 (OR of Hispanic to white = 1.250 [0.874, 1.789]; OR of African-American to Whites = (0.793 [0.551, 1.141]). Gaps in access to the Internet, however, remained consistent between 2000-2002. Differences in health information seeking between Hispanics and Whites existed in both 2000 and 2002. 56% of White Internet users at some time searched for online health information, whereas 42% of Hispanic Internet users did so in 2000. By 2002, these percentages had increased to 13.4 and 15.8%, respectively. Data highlight the persistence of "Digitally Underserved Groups," despite recent Divide reduction strategies.
Access to Information↗
Online Social Anxiety in the Digital Age: Transitions, Predictors, and Mental Health Associations in Emerging Adulthood.
BACKGROUND: Online social anxiety (OSA), a multidimensional form of social evaluative anxiety in online social contexts, disproportionately affects emerging adults who constitute the largest active group of media users and face heightened psychological sensitivity due to growing pressures and immature sociocognitive regulation during the transition to adulthood. However, its heterogeneity, transitions, and longitudinal associations with mental health outcomes remain underexplored. METHODS: This study utilized data from two waves of a three-wave longitudinal survey, with 849 Chinese participants (Meanage = 21.6 years; 50.4 percent female) assessed at 4-month intervals. Individuals were classified using latent profile analysis and the stability and changes of profiles were assessed via latent transition analysis (LTA). Multinomial logistic regressions were conducted separately at baseline and follow-up to identify correlates of profile membership. Predictors of profile transitions were examined using manual three-step LTA models, and associations between latent transition patterns and follow-up mental health outcomes were examined using BCH-LTA distal outcome analyses controlling for the corresponding baseline symptom level. RESULTS: Four profiles of OSA were identified: low, privacy-sensitive, moderate-high, and high OSA. Extreme profiles (low/high OSA) showed high stability (80.4 percent and 79.1 percent), while privacy-sensitive OSA exhibited the lowest stability (55.1 percent). Profile memberships were influenced by social-cognitive biases and digital interaction, particularly fear of negative evaluation and online interpersonal trust, whereas profile transitions were mainly associated with anxiety. Transitions toward less severe OSA profiles were generally associated with better subsequent mental health, whereas transitions toward more severe profiles corresponded to poorer outcomes, particularly for offline social anxiety. CONCLUSION: OSA was heterogeneous in its manifestation, severity and transitions. Personalized and early interventions targeting profile-specific vulnerabilities are critical to prevent the worsening of OSA and mitigate its psychological burden.
Humans↗
Use of e-Health services between 1999 and 2002: a growing digital divide.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the patterns of e-Health use over a four-year period and the characteristics of users. DESIGN: Longitudinal, population-based study (1999-2002) of members of a prepaid integrated delivery system. Available e-Health services included ordering prescription drug refills, scheduling appointments, and asking medical questions. MEASUREMENTS: Rates of known access to e-Health services, and of e-Health use each quarter. RESULTS: The number of members with known e-Health access increased from 51,336 (1.6%) in 1999 to 324,522 (9.3%), in 2002. The percentage of households in which at least one person in the household had access increased from 2.7% to 14.1%. Among the subjects with known access, the percentage of subjects that used e-Health at least once increased from 25.7% in 1999 to 36.2% in 2002. In the multivariate analysis, subjects who had a low expected clinical need, were nonwhite, or lived in low socioeconomic status (SES) neighborhoods were less likely to have used e-Health services in 2002. Disparities by race/ethnicity and SES persisted after controlling for access to e-Health and widened over time. CONCLUSION: Access to and use of e-Health services are growing rapidly. Use of these services appears to be greatest among persons with more medical need. The majority of subjects, however, do not use any e-Health services. More research is needed to determine potential reasons for disparities in e-Health use by race/ethnicity and SES as well as the implications of these disparities on clinical outcomes.
Adolescent↗
On stepwise integrating an electronic patient record based on digital-optical archiving and multi-purpose health professional workstations: experiences at the Heidelberg University Hospital.
At the Heidelberg University Hospital the conventional paper-based medical record is currently being replaced by a "unique" electronic patient record (EPR). This paper describes the stepwise integration of an EPR based on digital-optical archiving and multi-purpose health professional workstations. If focuses on the potentials of digital optical archiving as an integral part of hospital information systems. So far, the EPR has been introduced in the central archive of the "head clinic", the Neurosurgical Clinic and the inpatient archive, the endoscopy and sonography section of the Department of Internal Medicine.
Computer Systems↗
Applying new thinking from the linked and emerging fields of digital identity and privacy to information governance in health informatics.
Recent work in the emerging field of network or digital identity suggests a new approach to the design of informatics systems, in which the individual becomes the guardian of their own personal data, and is assisted in controlling access to it by an infrastructure that is aware of roles, such as 'doctor', and relationships, such as 'doctor-patient'.For these purposes, an 'identity' is defined as the history of a relationship between two entities, and thus encompasses not only name and address but also data that would usually be regarded as part of an electronic patient or health record. This paper presents a description of how such a true person-centric architecture might work, and shows how it can be seen as an evolution of current plans in the NHS for a national patient data spine. One application, the electronic transmission of prescriptions, is described in detail. Other applications, both within and without the healthcare field, are described in outline. The implementation of such a person-centric system requires a modest degree of technical innovation, but significant change in organisational and business models. It is suggested that there is a need for one or more not-for-profit trusts, each with a remit to act as host for an individual's digital identity, and as the individual's true agent. Service providers - such as healthcare organisations - will pay the trust for provision of authentication, and for the storage and transmission of a patient's data; the trust in turn will pay implementation partners, such as smart card issuers and providers of communication channels, acting on behalf of the individual.
Access to Information↗
Pilot Evaluation of a Digital Pretest Education Platform for Genomic Counseling: Perspectives of Health Care Providers and Patients.
Traditional in-person consultations for genetic services create access barriers. We hypothesized that the Genetics Adviser platform-a web-based digital platform delivering clinical genomic services-could reduce these barriers. Focusing on pretest education and counseling, we tested a pilot version of the platform in medical genetics and pediatric endocrinology group practices. The multimethod design consisted of quantitative patient and caregiver surveys, Google Analytics data, and qualitative healthcare provider interviews. Surveys included validated measures of acceptability and empowerment. Transcribed interviews were thematically coded and analyzed using NVivo. Of the 102 patients and caregivers targeted for this study, 85/102 (83%) accessed the platform, 71/102 (70%) proceeded beyond the landing page, and 60/102 (59%) completed the post-module survey. Users expressed high confidence in genetic understanding and empowerment (Genomics Outcome Scale [GOS]: 77/100), and providers noted potential benefits and highlighted technological and content-related limitations. Further research is needed to validate effectiveness across diverse populations and to evaluate long-term impacts on patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency.
Humans↗
[Virtual polyclinic--consultant health service for rural areas and islands].
The development of medical sciences and digital revolution in health care have made possible the creation of new models for hospital care and primary health care. Health care management usually does not follow all possible solutions of new computer technology. Croatian health system is based on large hospital centers in the mainland and small, poorly equipped remote medical units. The possibility of sharing medical information using telematic technologies brings all knowledge of the large, powerful hospital centers close to remote medical units. Working in a small, remote consultation office on the island Cres, the author A. M. became part of medical periphery far from the security of hospital on the mainland. After five years of the work on telemedicine projects for the islands, we have introduced a new medical practice concept of communication between remote medical units and clinical hospital centers in the mainland. The pilot project Virtual Polyclinic-Medical Consultation System for the Islands and Remote Areas is a good example of the possible new models in health care structure. Our experience indicates that organization of health care in remote areas depends not only on advanced technical solutions but also on team work and medical professionals.
Croatia↗
Personal digital assistant for "real time" assessment of women's health in the clinical years.
OBJECTIVE: To assess in "real time" the degree to which women's health competencies are addressed in the clinical curriculum by using a personal digital assistant. STUDY DESIGN: Competencies for women's health were developed. Twelve students were supplied with a personal digital assistant, pre-loaded with a patient log system, for use in assessment of the inclusion of these competencies in the clinical arena. The students received instruction on completing the log for each patient for whom they were primarily responsible. RESULTS: There were 2690 total encounters. In clerkships other than obstetrics and gynecology, gender was discussed in 10% to 20% of encounters. Other than obstetrics and gynecology diagnostic categories, no more than 15% of diagnoses included gender discussion. CONCLUSION: Student recording of patient encounters reveals a minimal amount of women's health discussion in the clinical years; however, the personal digital assistant is an effective tool with which to monitor curriculum content in the clinical setting.
Clinical Clerkship↗
Wall Street comes to Washington: market watchers evaluate the health care system.
Purchasers are tolerating double-digit premium increases for health plans and agreeing to employee demands for open-access products and wide choice of doctors largely because of the robust economy and tight labor markets, according to a panel of analysts at the fifth annual Wall Street roundtable convened by the Center for Studying Health System Change (HSC). The analysts, who specialize in health care companies, also discussed the challenges facing managed care and how health plans are evolving. This Issue Brief reports on these and other trends, including employers considering defined contribution approaches, techniques to control pharmaceutical spending and the impact of the Internet on the health care system.
Delivery of Health Care↗
Effectiveness of Embedded Social Media Content on E-cigarette Attitudes and Behaviors: Results from a Randomized Control Trial.
BACKGROUND: This longitudinal randomized controlled trial examined the effects of anti-vaping social media content on e-cigarette attitudes and intentions among U.S. young adults (ages 18-24; n=3,400). METHODS: Targeted content was embedded directly into participants' social media feeds, with varying levels of impressions. RESULTS: Results indicate that increased exposure to anti-vaping messages significantly elevated perceived risk of harm (β=0.11, 95% CI: 0.03-0.20, p < .01) and social unacceptability of e-cigarette use (β=0.10, 95% CI: 0.03-0.18, p < .01), while decreasing intentions to vape (RRR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.36-0.97, p < .05). Notably, these attitudinal shifts occurred even with relatively low ad exposure and over an extended intervention period, while controlling for the e-cigarette use status (never, former, or current) of participants. Discussion These findings support the effectiveness of digital media campaigns in influencing health-related behaviors and attitudes among young adults. Specifically, embedding anti e-cigarette content directly in the feed of young adults is shown to be effective in shifting attitudes in a space where these young adults are already engaged. Limitations include limited ad impressions and minimal change in ad awareness recall, suggesting future research should explore longer interventions and broader nicotine product messaging.
Humans↗
[Entangled in chaos: digital management of knowledge in public health].
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Computer Communication Networks↗