JMIR mHealth and uHealth
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JMIR mHealth and uHealth · Jan 2014
ReviewMobile technologies and geographic information systems to improve health care systems: a literature review.
A growing body of research has employed mobile technologies and geographic information systems (GIS) for enhancing health care and health information systems, but there is yet a lack of studies of how these two types of systems are integrated together into the information infrastructure of an organization so as to provide a basis for data analysis and decision support. Integration of data and technical systems across the organization is necessary for efficient large-scale implementation. ⋯ A vast majority of the papers report positive results, including retention rate, benefits for patients, and economic gains for the health care provider. However, implementation issues are little discussed, which means the reasons for the scarcity of large-scale implementations, which might be expected given the overwhelmingly positive results, are yet unclear. There is also little combination between GIS and mobile technologies. In order for health care processes to be effective they must integrate different kinds of existing technologies and data. Further research and development is necessary to provide integration and better understand implementation issues.
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JMIR mHealth and uHealth · Jan 2014
Going mobile: how mobile personal health records can improve health care during emergencies.
Personal health records (PHRs), in contrast to electronic health records (EHRs) or electronic medical records (EMRs), are health records in which data are accessible to patients and not just providers. In recent years, many systems have enabled PHRs to be available in a mobile format. ⋯ Despite their benefits, numerous challenges inhibit the adoption and further development of mPHRs, including integration into overall health technology infrastructure and legal and security concerns. This paper identifies the benefits of mPHRs during emergencies and the remaining challenges impeding full adoption and use, and provides recommendations to federal agencies to enhance support and use of mPHRs.
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JMIR mHealth and uHealth · Jan 2014
User Preferences and Design Recommendations for an mHealth App to Promote Cystic Fibrosis Self-Management.
mHealth apps hold potential to provide automated, tailored support for treatment adherence among individuals with chronic medical conditions. Yet relatively little empirical research has guided app development and end users are infrequently involved in designing the app features or functions that would best suit their needs. Self-management apps may be particularly useful for people with chronic conditions like cystic fibrosis (CF) that have complex, demanding regimens. ⋯ Unique capabilities of emerging smartphone technologies (eg, social networking integration, movement and location detection, integrated sensors, or electronic monitors) make many of these requests possible. Involving end users in all stages of mHealth app development and collaborating with technology experts and the health care system may result in apps that maintain engagement, improve integration and automation, and ultimately impact self-management and health outcomes.
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JMIR mHealth and uHealth · Jan 2014
Parent-targeted mobile phone intervention to increase physical activity in sedentary children: randomized pilot trial.
Low levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity are associated with adverse health consequences. ⋯ Parent-targeted mobile phone interventions are feasible, yet more intense interventions may be needed to support parents' efforts to increase their children's physical activity to levels that approximate national recommendations.
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JMIR mHealth and uHealth · Jan 2014
Who Uses Smoking Cessation Apps? A Feasibility Study Across Three Countries via Smartphones.
Smartphone use is growing worldwide. While hundreds of smoking cessation apps are currently available in the app stores, there is no information about who uses them. Smartphones also offer potential as a research tool, but this has not previously been explored. ⋯ A smartphone app was able to reach smokers across three countries that were not seeking professional help, but were ready to quit within the next 30 days. Respondents were relatively young and almost demographically similar across all three countries. They also frequently used other health related apps, mostly without checking the credibility of their publishers.