{"title":"Mind the Gap: Design Thinking and Human Centered Design for eHealth Applications - Insights from Vulnerable Populations in a Scoping Review.","authors":"Luisa Mejia, Björn Bergh, Björn Schreiweis","doi":"10.3233/SHTI250369","DOIUrl":"10.3233/SHTI250369","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This publication reports on findings of a broader scoping review that examines the scope, definitions, key concepts, motivations and trends in peer-reviewed studies applying stakeholder engagement methods, such as Human-Centered Design (HCD) or Design Thinking (DT), for the development eHealth applications. Emphasis for this paper is placed on insights of applications that have been designed using these methods for vulnerable populations - groups that disproportionately experience barriers to wellness such as children, the elderly and individuals with physical, mental or cognitive impairment. The search, initiated in July 2024 and resulted in 131 articles meeting the eligibility criteria. Our findings reveal a lack of diversity in eHealth application development, with most tools over the past decade focusing on adults. This highlights an urgent need to address the unmet needs of vulnerable populations to ensure that no one is left behind.</p>","PeriodicalId":94357,"journal":{"name":"Studies in health technology and informatics","volume":"327 ","pages":"426-427"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144086967","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Designing an Equitable Text Messaging Service for South Asians to Manage Hypertension: Understanding Gender Norms.","authors":"Syed Mustafa Ali, Sabine N van der Veer","doi":"10.3233/SHTI250350","DOIUrl":"10.3233/SHTI250350","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hypertension is prevalent among South Asians (SAs). A culturally adapted text messaging service can help manage hypertension, for which understanding gender norms is important in the cultural context of SAs. Therefore, this study aimed to understand gender norms to design an equitable text messaging service to support management of hypertension. We conducted two focus group discussions and four in-depth interviews, which were transcribed verbatim and analysed to draw themes: (a) existing gender norms and caring responsibilities; and (b) motivation and confidence in managing hypertension. This study has elaborated why role of family carers should be strengthened by designing a text messaging service for South Asians.</p>","PeriodicalId":94357,"journal":{"name":"Studies in health technology and informatics","volume":"327 ","pages":"388-389"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144087151","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alessandra Introvaia, Andrea Bezze, Sara Muccio, Clara Mattu, Gabriella Balestra
{"title":"Intelligent System for Automated Spheroid Segmentation Using Machine Learning.","authors":"Alessandra Introvaia, Andrea Bezze, Sara Muccio, Clara Mattu, Gabriella Balestra","doi":"10.3233/SHTI250399","DOIUrl":"10.3233/SHTI250399","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Image segmentation is a crucial task of medical image processing, including the analysis of multicellular tumour spheroids (MTSs), a common in vitro model used in cancer research for drug screening. Accurate segmentation of MTSs images allows the extraction of the morphological features necessary for the evaluation of the efficacy of the treatment they undergo. This paper presents an artificial intelligence (AI)-based segmentation system for the analysis of RGB images of MTS using machine learning (ML) classifiers. Unlike previous methods designed for high-performance microscope images, our system focuses on RGB images captured by standard bench-top optical microscopes, offering a cost-effective and accessible solution for research. The preliminary results demonstrate the efficacy of the ML approach in achieving the desired outcome.</p>","PeriodicalId":94357,"journal":{"name":"Studies in health technology and informatics","volume":"327 ","pages":"557-561"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144087317","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Regional Use of Open Notes via Nationwide Web-Based MyKanta Patient Portal in 2017-2024 in Finland.","authors":"Vesa Jormanainen","doi":"10.3233/SHTI250504","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3233/SHTI250504","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>When a healthcare professional shares their documentation with a patient, it becomes an 'open note'. In Europe and elsewhere, open notes are already available nationwide in a few countries. Country comparisons have been assessed but only a few studies have focused regional use of open notes. The study objective was to measure use of nationally accessible open notes via nationwide MyKanta patient portal by region before, during and after the COVID-19 epidemic in Finland in 2017-2024. Our nationwide register study material consisted of MyKanta monthly logins from May 2010 to June 2024 and annual municipality level logins in 2017-2024. A third (34%) of inhabitants in Finland in 2017 had at least once logged into the web-based MyKanta and its open notes, the proportions increased to over two thirds (71%) in 2021 during the COVID-19 epidemic and decreased to over half (56%) in 2023. We observed regional variation in proportions. Also, the 6-month time series in 2017-2024 showed increasing trends in use of MyKanta and its open notes in 2020-2022.</p>","PeriodicalId":94357,"journal":{"name":"Studies in health technology and informatics","volume":"327 ","pages":"909-913"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144087459","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Repositioning the Health Workforce in Africa: The Critical Role of Intelligent Health Systems.","authors":"Akaninyene Otu","doi":"10.3233/SHTI250552","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3233/SHTI250552","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Digital training using context responsive platforms is feasible in resource-limited settings and may be used to close critical knowledge gaps among health workers in Africa. We highlight examples of health workforce capacity building in Nigeria using digital health strategies. These studies show the potential for digital health to boost both health system performance and efficiency.</p>","PeriodicalId":94357,"journal":{"name":"Studies in health technology and informatics","volume":"327 ","pages":"1088-1089"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144087462","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Moritz Grob, Leonhard Hauptfeld, Andrea Rappelsberger, Klaus-Peter Adlassnig
{"title":"Standards-Based Interoperability for Clinical Decision Support Systems.","authors":"Moritz Grob, Leonhard Hauptfeld, Andrea Rappelsberger, Klaus-Peter Adlassnig","doi":"10.3233/SHTI250296","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3233/SHTI250296","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This paper presents a narrative analysis of standards-based interoperability approaches in clinical decision support systems, focusing on the ArdenSuite platform. We examine how both semantic and technical interoperability challenges are addressed through its modular architecture and support for multiple healthcare standards including HL7's Arden Syntax, FHIR, openEHR, and CDS Hooks. The platform's implementation at University Hospital Vienna demonstrates practical applications in automated guideline processing and pandemic alert services. Our findings suggest that standards-based interoperability solutions can effectively bridge the gap between disparate healthcare systems while enabling sophisticated clinical decision support capabilities. The approach presented offers insights for addressing the growing challenge of healthcare system fragmentation in an increasingly digitalized medical landscape.</p>","PeriodicalId":94357,"journal":{"name":"Studies in health technology and informatics","volume":"327 ","pages":"173-177"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144086062","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pierluigi Francesco de Paola, Alessandro Borri, Alessia Paglialonga, Pasquale Palumbo, Fabrizio Dabbene
{"title":"A Model-Based Approach for Glucose Control via Physical Activity.","authors":"Pierluigi Francesco de Paola, Alessandro Borri, Alessia Paglialonga, Pasquale Palumbo, Fabrizio Dabbene","doi":"10.3233/SHTI250267","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3233/SHTI250267","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The role played by physical activity in slowing down the progression of type-2 diabetes is well recognized. However, except for general clinical guidelines, quantitative real-time estimates of the recommended amount of physical activity, based on the evolving individual conditions, are still missing in the literature. The aim of this work is to provide a control-theoretical formulation of the exercise encoding all the exercise-related features (intensity, duration, period). Specifically, we design a feedback law in terms of recommended physical activity, following a model predictive control approach, based on a widespread compact diabetes progression model, suitably modified to account for the long-term effects of regular exercise. Preliminary simulations show promising results, well aligned with clinical evidence. These findings can be the basis for further validation of the control law on high-dimensional diabetes progression models to ultimately translate the predictions of the controller into meaningful recommendations.</p>","PeriodicalId":94357,"journal":{"name":"Studies in health technology and informatics","volume":"327 ","pages":"27-31"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144086720","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alberto García-Blanco, A Giuliano Mirabella, Esther Román-Villarán, Carlos Luis Parra-Calderón
{"title":"FLANDERS: Fast Learning COVID-19 Care System.","authors":"Alberto García-Blanco, A Giuliano Mirabella, Esther Román-Villarán, Carlos Luis Parra-Calderón","doi":"10.3233/SHTI250411","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3233/SHTI250411","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the complexities of diagnosing and managing acute Respiratory Failure (RF). Early prediction of RF remains a key challenge, with no established tools currently available. This study developed a machine learning model to predict RF in hospitalised COVID-19 patients, using structured data (demographic and clinical variables) and clinical reports processed through Natural Language Processing. Early results show an AUC-ROC of 0.856 and an accuracy of 76.5∖% with a Random Forest model, demonstrating the potential of AI to enhance early prediction of patient outcomes in the context of RF.</p>","PeriodicalId":94357,"journal":{"name":"Studies in health technology and informatics","volume":"327 ","pages":"599-600"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144086911","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Automatic Annotation of Disposition Counts in News Articles.","authors":"Simon Rodier, Dave Carter","doi":"10.3233/SHTI250502","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3233/SHTI250502","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>News media aggregate and report disposition counts during crises: how many people are affected, suspected affected, have died, and have recovered or been recovered; and they tend to do so in a timely and trustworthy manner. We present and evaluate a method for identifying these counts in unstructured natural language text, supporting downstream tasks such as automatic creation of epidemic curves.</p>","PeriodicalId":94357,"journal":{"name":"Studies in health technology and informatics","volume":"327 ","pages":"906-907"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144087246","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mengying Zhang, Lawrence Doi, Maria Wolters, Catherine Clarissa
{"title":"The Use of Smoking Cessation Applications in China: A Realist Evaluation.","authors":"Mengying Zhang, Lawrence Doi, Maria Wolters, Catherine Clarissa","doi":"10.3233/SHTI250528","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3233/SHTI250528","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Mobile applications (apps) have emerged as promising tools for smoking cessation, though limited research has explored how these apps work. This study employed a realist evaluation approach to develop programme theories that explain how, why and under which circumstances smoking cessation apps work. Initial programme theories (IPTs) were formulated and tested and subsequently refined. The refined programme theories can be useful resources for app developers to design smoking cessation apps that better meet user needs in their pursuit to quit smoking.</p>","PeriodicalId":94357,"journal":{"name":"Studies in health technology and informatics","volume":"327 ","pages":"1005-1006"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144087247","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}