mHealth最新文献

{"title":"Mobile health interventions for active aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effectiveness of physical activity promotion.","authors":"Kim Daniels, Kirsten Quadflieg, Bruno Bonnechère","doi":"10.21037/mhealth-24-41","DOIUrl":"10.21037/mhealth-24-41","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>With increasing evidence supporting the benefits of physical activity (PA) for older adults, there is a critical need for effective interventions to promote activity in this population. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies offer innovative approaches to enhance engagement in PA, yet evidence of their effectiveness remains varied and insufficiently synthesized. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness of mHealth interventions in improving physical health, quality of life, cognitive function, and mental well-being among community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and over.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This systematic review and meta-analysis followed the PRISMA guidelines, focusing on studies that utilized mHealth interventions to promote PA among community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and older. The literature search included electronic databases like PubMed, Web of Science and CENTRAL, with studies published from 2014 onwards. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-RCTs, and single-group studies that provided quantitative and qualitative data on physical health outcomes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The search yielded 4,453 studies, with 22 meeting the inclusion criteria. These studies involved a total of 3,055 participants, primarily from high-income countries. The interventions included the use of an application (n=5), websites (n=7), wearable device (n=3), website + wearable device (n=3), and application + wearable device (n=3). Meta-analysis of 11 RCTs, representing 2,204 participants, showed an overall significant effect of the mHealth intervention [standardized mean difference =0.23; 95% confidence interval: 0.08-0.38], subgroup analysis shows varied effects on PA levels, with some studies reporting significant improvements in PA metrics, while others showed minimal impact.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>mHealth interventions have the potential to promote PA among older adults, but the effectiveness is highly variable. This variability may be influenced by intervention design, technology used, and participant engagement. Future research should focus on personalized, adaptable mHealth solutions that address the specific needs and preferences of older adults to enhance sustained engagement and effectiveness.</p>","PeriodicalId":74181,"journal":{"name":"mHealth","volume":"11 ","pages":"4"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11811652/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143411664","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"From diabetes care to prevention: review of prediabetes apps in the DACH region.","authors":"David Lim, Luca Meier, Katharina Mahadeva Cadwell, Christine Jacob","doi":"10.21037/mhealth-24-57","DOIUrl":"10.21037/mhealth-24-57","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The rapid proliferation of mobile health (mHealth) apps for diabetes and prediabetes care has surged, driven by the growing interest and research in digital health interventions. However, as the number of these apps continues to expand, both patients and clinicians are finding it increasingly challenging to identify the most suitable app for their specific needs. This review sought to explore the current landscape of mHealth apps tailored for prediabetes within the DACH region (Germany, Austria and Switzerland), assessing their value to both patients and clinicians while examining how effectively they integrate into the wider healthcare ecosystem. Mobile apps were identified through a search of Google Play, the App Store, and the German Digital Health Applications directory (DiGa), using the keywords \"diabetes\", \"prediabetes\", and \"blood glucose\". From an initial pool of 76 apps, 8 met the inclusion criteria. These criteria specified that the apps must be available in the DACH region, specifically target prediabetes or its risk factors (such as obesity), have been updated within the past three years, and hold relevant certifications. The analysis revealed that while many applications provide valuable features such as food diaries, blood glucose monitoring, and compatibility with fitness apps, they frequently fall short in addressing the specific needs of prediabetes patients and supporting their entire patient journey. Additionally, clinician-facing features require significant enhancement to ensure seamless integration into existing workflows. Moreover, very few applications are supported by evidence-based research to substantiate their efficacy claims, highlighting a critical gap in the validation of these digital tools.</p>","PeriodicalId":74181,"journal":{"name":"mHealth","volume":"11 ","pages":"8"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11811653/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143412053","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A mHealth application to identify cognitive communication disorder after right hemisphere stroke: development and beta testing.","authors":"Amanda Love, Petrea Cornwell, Ronelle Hewetson, Sebastian Binnewies","doi":"10.21037/mhealth-24-54","DOIUrl":"10.21037/mhealth-24-54","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>More than 50% of individuals admitted to hospital with a right hemisphere (RH) stroke may present with a cognitive communication disorder (CCD). However, there is a critical absence of evidence-based screening tools available for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to identify this disorder. We developed and beta tested a new mobile health (mHealth) application to screen for CCD after an RH stroke, the Right Hemisphere Cognitive Communication Screener (RECOGNISE).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Participants with RH stroke and SLPs evaluated RECOGNISE, accessible via an Android operating system. Both participant groups completed user acceptance surveys.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Six participants with RH stroke and three SLPs beta tested RECOGNISE. All participants with RH stroke reported that RECOGNISE was easy and enjoyable to use. Qualitative content analysis revealed three main themes: content of test items, user interface and accessibility. SLPs identified several positive features of RECOGNISE including its evidence-based grounding, capabilities unique to the app and ability to engage patients. User interface issues included challenges with app navigation, layout of images, and scoring inconsistencies.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>RECOGNISE is the first mHealth application developed to identify CCD after RH stroke. Findings suggest that with some user interface improvements, RECOGNISE has the potential to offer SLPs with an evidence-based tool to screen for CCD after RH stroke. Future research will establish the reliability and validity of RECOGNISE.</p>","PeriodicalId":74181,"journal":{"name":"mHealth","volume":"11 ","pages":"2"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11811648/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143412048","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Smart ICT MED, mHealth development to basic illness symptoms.","authors":"Orawit Thinnukool, Purida Vientong, Krongkarn Sutham, Benjamas Suksatit, Nuntaporn Klinjun, Arnab Majumdar, Pattaraporn Khuwuthyakorn","doi":"10.21037/mhealth-24-38","DOIUrl":"10.21037/mhealth-24-38","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Countries worldwide are increasingly integrating advanced information technology into digital health to enhance public health services. However, overcrowded medical services and limited public health literacy remain challenges, especially in Thailand, where reliance on healthcare providers often overshadows self-care capabilities. The aim of this study is to develop and evaluate the Smart ICT MED app, a mobile health solution designed to empower users in managing basic health conditions through preliminary symptom assessment, self-monitoring, and locating nearby hospitals. This innovative application leverages insights from medical experts and user feedback, aiming to reduce healthcare burdens, promote health literacy, and support efficient self-diagnosis.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study addresses challenges through the Smart ICT MED app, developed using data from 54 symptom groups from Clinical Drug Information, medical handbooks, and expert insights. Designed for user-friendliness, the application incorporates feedback to meet specific needs.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Prototypes were created, evaluated, and improved based on medical professionals' input. The application features four key functions: preliminary symptom assessment, advice, self-monitoring conditions, and locating nearby hospitals. Despite challenges in application store publication, the application reached 87 hospitals nationwide through social media. The application recorded total 6,694 downloads with substantial user engagement.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The application provides a reliable tool for self-diagnosis of 54 disease groups, validated by medical experts. It features a user-friendly interface and comprehensive healthcare management tools, showing high user engagement and potential for a positive public health impact. Ongoing efforts to enhance user engagement, integrate professional medical consultations, and streamline the publication process are essential for its continued success and wider adoption.</p>","PeriodicalId":74181,"journal":{"name":"mHealth","volume":"11 ","pages":"1"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11811645/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143411853","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing perceptions of patient-centered care during telehealth visits provided via rural county Extension offices: an implementation pilot study.","authors":"Melissa J Vilaro, Valeria Westring, Anna Hooks, Catucha Morand, Tyler Jordan-Black, William T Donahoo, Ramzi G Salloum, Maryam Sattari, Lisa Scarton, Thomas J George, Halie Corbitt, Imaan Bashir, LaToya J O'Neal","doi":"10.21037/mhealth-24-47","DOIUrl":"10.21037/mhealth-24-47","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The use of telehealth to deliver healthcare remotely has increased significantly over the past two decades. Despite increased use among certain demographic groups, uptake among rural populations continues to lag when compared to urban populations. Barriers such as limited access to the internet and patient perceptions regarding the lower quality of remote visits on patient-provider relationships may contribute to lower use among rural populations. Telehealth delivered in community settings like County Extension offers an innovative opportunity to reduce these barriers and associated disparities among rural communities. The aim of the current pilot study was to assess the implementation of telehealth kiosks in a rural community setting.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this cross-sectional, implementation pilot study, we utilize a mixed methods approach to assess patient centered care (PCC) among adults dwelling in rural areas and using telehealth services at their local County Extension offices. Twenty-one participants across four counties enrolled and completed telehealth visits with a nurse practitioner working in a well-known academic medical center's endocrinology clinic. Telehealth visits were audio recorded, transcribed professionally, and members of the research team analyzed the transcripts. Patients completed paper and pencil questionnaires at the end of their visit and data were entered into RedCap. Questionnaire data was analyzed for descriptive statistics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This article describes aspects of patient centered communication through analysis of patient-clinician conversations during recorded telehealth visits and patients' responses on a paper questionnaire assessing self-reported scores on the revised Patient Perceptions of Patient-Centeredness (PPPC-R) questionnaire. Patients reported scores indicative of positive perceptions of PCC during their visits. The self-reported data from questionnaires and the transcripts from the audio recording supported this finding. We also provide an overview of lessons learned from testing the implementation of a novel health information technology in a non-traditional setting.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Overall, telehealth is a feasible option for helping to reduce transportation and internet barriers while increasing access to specialty care in rural communities. Using a unique combination of implementation and communication science frameworks will help us to understand and define best-practices, collaboration networks and strategies for the effective use of telehealth in rural settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":74181,"journal":{"name":"mHealth","volume":"11 ","pages":"3"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11811651/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143412050","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Transitioning to digital transactional data capture in primary health care facilities: a case report from Ghana's Savannah Region.","authors":"Evans Abotsi, Godwin Afenyadu, Gertrude Yentumi, Josephat A Nyuzaghl, Alberta Biritwum-Nyarko, Anthony Adofo Ofosu, Moses Tivura, Aimee Ogunro, Lisa Kowalski, Lauren Eller, Erin Sullivan","doi":"10.21037/mhealth-24-42","DOIUrl":"10.21037/mhealth-24-42","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Ghana implemented the District Health Information Management System 2 (DHIMS2) in 2012 for aggregate health data management. Later, e-Tracker instances were introduced in response to demand from funders and program implementers for patient-level longitudinal data visibility, and improved patient care and data quality. Digital transactional data capture (electronically recording and storing data generated at the point of service) in health facilities enables real-time data entry and retrieval and has improved data quality, patient care continuity, and health outcomes. Despite multiple e-Tracker implementations, these benefits have not been realized in Ghana. This case report examines digital transactional data capture for maternal and child health (MCH) services in the Savannah Region in 2023 and identifies the enablers and barriers to its uptake in resource-limited settings.</p><p><strong>Case description: </strong>The United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded Country Health Information Systems and Data Use (CHISU) program implemented the MCH e-Tracker using a three-stage approach: training health providers and managers on e-Tracker use, providing post-training follow-up and supervision, and holding periodic review meetings to gather feedback. Two hundred and forty-one health facilities and 556 health providers enrolled in the e-Tracker system using 477 provided tablets. Facilities started using e-Tracker in June 2023 but continued using paper-based registers simultaneously for DHIMS2 reporting. Initially, 58.1% (140/241) of facilities used e-Tracker, but this fell to 22.8% (55/241) by December 2023. Although 64.7% (156/241) of facilities used e-Tracker for at least one month, only 16.6% (40/241) consistently used it for all 7 months of implementation. In contrast, 64.3% (155/241) of facilities consistently reported to DHIMS2 using paper-based data. Factors enabling user compliance and adoption of e-Tracker include end user commitment, understanding of system requirements, consistent training and reviews, and strong leadership. Challenges include frequent e-Tracker application updates, parallel use of paper and electronic systems, and internet connectivity issues.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Acceptability and use of e-Tracker in health facilities waned after the first month. Successful transition to electronic data capture requires strong local support systems and reduced staff workload to promote user compliance and ensure high data quality. In Ghana, stakeholders aim to transition at least one district in the region to fully electronic data capture by December 2024 by leveraging these lessons learned.</p>","PeriodicalId":74181,"journal":{"name":"mHealth","volume":"11 ","pages":"11"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11811643/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143411822","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Performance of a medical smartband with photoplethysmography technology and artificial intelligence algorithm to detect atrial fibrillation.","authors":"Sebastiaan Blok, Willem Gielen, Martijn A Piek, Wiert F Hoeksema, Igor Tulevski, G Aernout Somsen, Michiel M Winter","doi":"10.21037/mhealth-24-10","DOIUrl":"10.21037/mhealth-24-10","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent arrhythmia with significant public health implications, including increased risk of stroke and mortality. Early detection is challenging but crucial for managing complications. Wearable technology with photoplethysmography (PPG) offers a potential solution for long-term, non-invasive monitoring. This study aims to evaluate the performance of three artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms (Happitech, Preventicus, and Philips Biosensing AF) in detecting AF using PPG signals from a medical smartband and compare it with the gold standard electrocardiogram (ECG).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A medical smartband equipped with PPG technology was used to collect cardiovascular data from patients with and without AF. The sensitivity and specificity of the algorithm for detecting AF were determined by comparing their output to a trained technician's examination of concurrent ECG recordings.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Seventy two participants (42% female, 57±17 years old) were included in this study. The medical smartband provided continuous PPG signals, with AI algorithms evaluating the data for AF episodes. The accuracy of AF detection by the algorithms was compared with that of the concurrent ECG recordings. Sensitivity varied between 80.0% (62.5-97.5%) and 97.6% (97.6-97.6%), specificity between 90.6% (80.5-100%) and 96.9% (90.8-100%).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study demonstrates the potential of medical smartbands combined with PPG technology and AI algorithms for reliable AF detection. The findings suggest a promising direction for remote AF monitoring and early intervention, potentially reducing AF-related complications and healthcare costs.</p>","PeriodicalId":74181,"journal":{"name":"mHealth","volume":"11 ","pages":"5"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11811644/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143411852","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Feasibility and design of a novel smartphone app to deliver blood pressure-lowering high-resistance inspiratory muscle strength training.","authors":"Kayla J Nuss, Elizabeth D Jones, Amanda N Brice, CeAnn C Udovich, Steven E Fullmer, Kaitlin A Freeberg, Narissa P McCarty, Douglas R Seals, Daniel H Craighead","doi":"10.21037/mhealth-24-33","DOIUrl":"10.21037/mhealth-24-33","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>High-resistance inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST) is a time-efficient form of respiratory exercise shown to lower blood pressure in midlife and older adults (aged ≥50 years) in randomized controlled trials delivered in clinical research settings. The purpose of this study was to design a feasible and acceptable smartphone application (app) for independently delivering IMST for lowering blood pressure.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Two rounds of iterative focus groups comprised of midlife and older women and men with above-normal systolic blood pressure (self-reported ≥120 mmHg) were performed to gain feedback on interest in an IMST smartphone app and design features. Focus group results were analyzed using a Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR) coding and data analysis protocol. Clickable wireframes were developed based on focus group findings. The wireframes were then beta tested for usability and additional feedback from target users was obtained.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among midlife and older adults, there was considerable interest in app-delivered IMST as a lifestyle intervention for lowering blood pressure. Potential facilitators and barriers of use for a potential app also were uncovered. Furthermore, the app wireframes were found to be highly usable, indicating that the app is ready for full-scale programming.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>We have designed a feasible and acceptable smartphone app for independently delivering blood pressure-lowering IMST in midlife and older adults.</p>","PeriodicalId":74181,"journal":{"name":"mHealth","volume":"11 ","pages":"6"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11811649/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143412052","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association between mobile phone, self-efficacy and dependency among elderly people: a community-based study.","authors":"Qi-Qian Yao, Yin Chen, Xi-Wen Ding, Ayizuhere Aierken, Dong-Bin Hu, Ying Li","doi":"10.21037/mhealth-24-35","DOIUrl":"10.21037/mhealth-24-35","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The prevalence of dependency is high, and it is an urgent problem requiring immediate solutions for elderly people. This study aimed to explore the association between mobile phone use, self-efficacy and dependency among elderly people.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This community-based study was conducted in 33 locations in China. A total of 2,195 participants aged ≥60 years were selected using a complex multistage sampling design. All data were collected using questionnaires by face-to-face interviews. Dependency was measured using the standardized Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-II. Self-efficacy was assessed using the Chinese version of the General Self-Efficacy Scale. Cumulative logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between dependency and the use of mobile phones. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted to evaluate the association between the self-efficacy level and the frequency of mobile phone use.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>More than 90% of elderly people reported that they used a mobile phone. The high frequency of mobile phone use was significantly associated with low level of dependency and high level of self-efficacy. The frequency of mobile phone use was negatively associated with the times of received community health services.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Individuals who use mobile phones have a low level of dependency and a high level of self-efficacy. These findings suggest that mobile phone is an important mental health resource for improving dependency and increasing self-efficacy among elderly people.</p>","PeriodicalId":74181,"journal":{"name":"mHealth","volume":"11 ","pages":"7"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11811646/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143412051","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A state-of-the-art narrative review of peer support for family caregivers of people with dementia: from in-person to digital delivery.","authors":"Sunny Cui, Hannah Crowe-Cumella, Karen L Fortuna, Felipe A Jain","doi":"10.21037/mhealth-24-19","DOIUrl":"10.21037/mhealth-24-19","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objective: </strong>This narrative review examines peer support services for caregivers of people with dementia, focusing on mHealth interventions. Family caregivers of people with dementia experience high rates of stress and depression, burnout, and physical health decline. Traditionally, in-person peer support has been a bedrock of family caregiver programs. However, in-person peer support interventions are not accessible or acceptable for many caregivers. mHealth, or mobile health, refers to the use of mobile devices and technology to deliver health-related services or education. Several digital mHealth innovations have been developed to facilitate caregiver peer support, but the evidence for these approaches is unclear. We aimed to summarize the evidence on digital mHealth peer support interventions for family caregivers of persons living with dementia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar for studies published between January 2007 and January 2024, with keywords such as \"caregiver\", \"peer support\", \"dementia\", and \"digital\". Two reviewers independently screened and selected relevant studies, resolving discrepancies through consensus.</p><p><strong>Key content and findings: </strong>Many studies show a positive correlation between group and one-on-one peer support interventions and psychological well-being, personal growth, and the development of coping skills. There were inconclusive results regarding the relationship between peer support interventions and clinical outcomes. Emerging digital platforms have demonstrated usability and acceptability, reducing caregiver depression and stress. However, access disparities related to digital literacy and socioeconomic factors remain significant barriers.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Digital peer support for informal caregivers of persons with dementia shows promising evidence for improving caregivers' support and psychological health. As the science of digital peer support advances, mHealth delivery of caregiver peer support interventions will likely have an increasingly important role in supporting caregivers' mental health and well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":74181,"journal":{"name":"mHealth","volume":"11 ","pages":"9"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11811647/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143412049","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}