Journal of medical Internet research
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J. Med. Internet Res. · Oct 2021
Multicenter Study Observational StudyDigital Tracking of Physical Activity, Heart Rate, and Inhalation Behavior in Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Treated With Inhaled Iloprost: Observational Study (VENTASTEP).
Pulmonary arterial hypertension restricts the ability of patients to perform routine physical activities. As part of pulmonary arterial hypertension treatment, inhaled iloprost can be administered via a nebulizer that tracks inhalation behavior. Pulmonary arterial hypertension treatment is guided by intermittent clinical measurements, such as 6-minute walk distance, assessed during regular physician visits. Continuous digital monitoring of physical activity may facilitate more complete assessment of the impact of pulmonary arterial hypertension on daily life. Physical activity tracking with a wearable has not yet been assessed with simultaneous tracking of pulmonary arterial hypertension medication intake. ⋯ Our results suggest that despite challenges, parallel monitoring of physical activity, heart rate, and iloprost inhalation is feasible in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and may complement traditional measures in guiding treatment; however, the sample size of this study limits generalizability.
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J. Med. Internet Res. · Sep 2021
Content and Communication of Inpatient Family Visitation Policies During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Sequential Mixed Methods Study.
Inpatient health care facilities restricted inpatient visitation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There is no existing evidence of how they communicated these policies to the public nor the impact of their communication choices on public perception. ⋯ Health systems can immediately improve public receptiveness of restrictive visitation policies by emphasizing community protection, ownership over the facility's policy, and promoting family-centered care.
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J. Med. Internet Res. · Sep 2021
Randomized Controlled TrialComparing a Virtual Reality-Based Simulation App (VR-MRI) With a Standard Preparatory Manual and Child Life Program for Improving Success and Reducing Anxiety During Pediatric Medical Imaging: Randomized Clinical Trial.
The experience of undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be anxiety provoking, particularly for pediatric patients and their families. Alternative methods to improve success and experiences without the use of sedation are needed. ⋯ Digital preparation experiences using VR-based media could be a viable solution to improve the success of nonsedated MRI scans, with outcomes comparable with hospital-based in-person preparatory programs. Future research should focus on validating the results in a real MRI setting.
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J. Med. Internet Res. · Sep 2021
Trends and Patterns in the Public Awareness of Palliative Care, Euthanasia, and End-of-Life Decisions in 3 Central European Countries Using Big Data Analysis From Google: Retrospective Analysis.
End-of-life decisions, specifically the provision of euthanasia and assisted suicide services, challenge traditional medical and ethical principles. Austria and Germany have decided to liberalize their laws restricting assisted suicide, thus reigniting the debate about a meaningful framework in which the practice should be embedded. Evidence of the relevance of assisted suicide and euthanasia for the general population in Germany and Austria is limited. ⋯ Our results demonstrate that legal measures securing patients' autonomy at the end of life may lower the search activities for topics related to euthanasia and assisted suicide. Palliative care may be a meaningful way to raise awareness of the different options for end-of-life care and to guide patients in their decision-making process regarding the same.
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J. Med. Internet Res. · Sep 2021
ReviewOverview of Technologies Implemented During the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Scoping Review.
Technologies have been extensively implemented to provide health care services for all types of clinical conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. While several reviews have been conducted regarding technologies used during the COVID-19 pandemic, they were limited by focusing either on a specific technology (or features) or proposed rather than implemented technologies. ⋯ Technologies played a crucial role in mitigating the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. We did not find papers describing the implementation of other technologies (eg, contact-tracing apps, drones, blockchain) during the first wave. Furthermore, technologies in this review were used for other purposes (eg, drugs and vaccines discovery, social distancing, and immunity passport). Future research on studies on these technologies and purposes is recommended, and further reviews are required to investigate technologies implemented in subsequent waves of the pandemic.