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1.
Online couple interventions in cancer.
Vanstone, R, Fergus, KD
Current opinion in supportive and palliative care. 2020;(1):67-73
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cancer diagnosis and treatment can have long-lasting psychological and physical consequences that affect both patients and their intimate partners. Improved understanding of extant dyadic interventions in the context of cancer, and how access to these may be enhanced through web-based technologies, introduce new directions for how cancer-related psychological distress for couples may be ameliorated. RECENT FINDINGS Couples are negatively impacted by cancer, both individually, and as a dyad. Bolstering techniques to support effective communication about common cancer-related concerns and support for adjusting to new roles and responsibilities may help to strengthen the couple's relationship so partners are better able to cope with cancer. Although there are various intervention options available for couples dealing with cancer, many pose barriers to participation because of constraints on time and/or distance. However, online interventions have been shown to be effective, both in easing psychological distress and reducing participant burden. SUMMARY Couples dealing with cancer experience psychological distress and must learn to navigate changing roles and responsibilities in the face of the disease. Online interventions offer flexible and innovative platforms and programs that help to address couples' educational needs while strengthening dyadic coping.
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The Impact of COVID-19 on Pediatric Adherence and Self-Management.
Plevinsky, JM, Young, MA, Carmody, JK, Durkin, LK, Gamwell, KL, Klages, KL, Ghosh, S, Hommel, KA
Journal of pediatric psychology. 2020;(9):977-982
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Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unique circumstances that have the potential to both positively and negatively affect pediatric adherence and self-management in youth with chronic medical conditions. The following paper discusses how these circumstances (e.g., stay-at-home orders, school closures, changes in pediatric healthcare delivery) impact disease management at the individual, family, community, and healthcare system levels. We also discuss how barriers to pediatric adherence and self-management exacerbated by the pandemic may disproportionately affect underserved and vulnerable populations, potentially resulting in greater health disparities. Given the potential for widespread challenges to pediatric disease management during the pandemic, ongoing monitoring and promotion of adherence and self-management is critical. Technology offers several opportunities for this via telemedicine, electronic monitoring, and mobile apps. Moreover, pediatric psychologists are uniquely equipped to develop and implement adherence-promotion efforts to support youth and their families in achieving and sustaining optimal disease management as the current public health situation continues to evolve. Research efforts addressing the short- and long-term impact of the pandemic on pediatric adherence and self-management are needed to identify both risk and resilience factors affecting disease management and subsequent health outcomes during this unprecedented time.
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Advances in Telemedicine in Ophthalmology.
Parikh, D, Armstrong, G, Liou, V, Husain, D
Seminars in ophthalmology. 2020;(4):210-215
Abstract
Telemedicine is the provision of healthcare-related services from a distance and is poised to move healthcare from the physician's office back into the patient's home. The field of ophthalmology is often at the forefront of technological advances in medicine including telemedicine and the use of artificial intelligence. Multiple studies have demonstrated the reliability of tele-ophthalmology for use in screening and diagnostics and have demonstrated benefits to patients, physicians, as well as payors. There remain obstacles to widespread implementation, but recent legislation and regulation passed due to the devastating COVID-19 pandemic have helped to reduce some of these barriers. This review describes the current status of tele-ophthalmology in the United States including benefits, hurdles, current programs, technology, and developments in artificial intelligence. With ongoing advances patients may benefit from improved detection and earlier treatment of eye diseases, resulting in better care and improved visual outcomes.
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A guide for urogynecologic patient care utilizing telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic: review of existing evidence.
Grimes, CL, Balk, EM, Crisp, CC, Antosh, DD, Murphy, M, Halder, GE, Jeppson, PC, Weber LeBrun, EE, Raman, S, Kim-Fine, S, et al
International urogynecology journal. 2020;(6):1063-1089
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INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS The COVID-19 pandemic and the desire to "flatten the curve" of transmission have significantly affected the way providers care for patients. Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgeons (FPMRS) must provide high quality of care through remote access such as telemedicine. No clear guidelines exist on the use of telemedicine in FPMRS. Using expedited literature review methodology, we provide guidance regarding management of common outpatient urogynecology scenarios during the pandemic. METHODS We grouped FPMRS conditions into those in which virtual management differs from direct in-person visits and conditions in which treatment would emphasize behavioral and conservative counseling but not deviate from current management paradigms. We conducted expedited literature review on four topics (telemedicine in FPMRS, pessary management, urinary tract infections, urinary retention) and addressed four other topics (urinary incontinence, prolapse, fecal incontinence, defecatory dysfunction) based on existing systematic reviews and guidelines. We further compiled expert consensus regarding management of FPMRS patients in the virtual setting, scenarios when in-person visits are necessary, symptoms that should alert providers, and specific considerations for FPMRS patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. RESULTS Behavioral, medical, and conservative management will be valuable as first-line virtual treatments. Certain situations will require different treatments in the virtual setting while others will require an in-person visit despite the risks of COVID-19 transmission. CONCLUSIONS We have presented guidance for treating FPMRS conditions via telemedicine based on rapid literature review and expert consensus and presented it in a format that can be actively referenced.
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Diabetic retinopathy and ultrawide field imaging.
Ashraf, M, Shokrollahi, S, Salongcay, RP, Aiello, LP, Silva, PS
Seminars in ophthalmology. 2020;(1):56-65
Abstract
The introduction of ultrawide field imaging has allowed the visualization of approximately 82% of the total retinal area compared to only 30% using 7-standard field Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy (ETDRS) photography. This substantially wider field of view, while useful in many retinal vascular diseases, is particularly important in diabetic retinopathy where eyes with predominantly peripheral lesions or PPL have been shown to have significantly greater progression rates compared to eyes without PPL. In telemedicine settings, ultrawide field imaging has substantially reduced image ungradable rates and increased rate of disease identification allowing care to be delivered more effectively. Furthermore, the use of ultrawide field fluorescein angiography allows the visualization of significantly more diabetic retinal lesions and allows more accurate quantification of total retinal nonperfusion, with potential implications in the management of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. The focus of this paper is to review the current role of ultrawide field imaging in diabetic retinopathy and its possible future role in innovations for retinal image analysis such as artificial intelligence and vessel caliber measurements.
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Home-based or remote exercise testing in chronic respiratory disease, during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond: A rapid review.
Holland, AE, Malaguti, C, Hoffman, M, Lahham, A, Burge, AT, Dowman, L, May, AK, Bondarenko, J, Graco, M, Tikellis, G, et al
Chronic respiratory disease. 2020;:1479973120952418
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify exercise tests that are suitable for home-based or remote administration in people with chronic lung disease. METHODS Rapid review of studies that reported home-based or remote administration of an exercise test in people with chronic lung disease, and studies reporting their clinimetric (measurement) properties. RESULTS 84 studies were included. Tests used at home were the 6-minute walk test (6MWT, two studies), sit-to-stand tests (STS, five studies), Timed Up and Go (TUG, 4 studies) and step tests (two studies). Exercise tests administered remotely were the 6MWT (two studies) and step test (one study). Compared to centre-based testing the 6MWT distance was similar when performed outdoors but shorter when performed at home (two studies). The STS, TUG and step tests were feasible, reliable (intra-class correlation coefficients >0.80), valid (concurrent and known groups validity) and moderately responsive to pulmonary rehabilitation (medium effect sizes). These tests elicited less desaturation than the 6MWT, and validated methods to prescribe exercise were not reported. DISCUSSION The STS, step and TUG tests can be performed at home, but do not accurately document desaturation with walking or allow exercise prescription. Patients at risk of desaturation should be prioritised for centre-based exercise testing when this is available.
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Novel e-Health Applications for the Management of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Children and Adolescents in Greece.
Tragomalou, A, Moschonis, G, Manios, Y, Kassari, P, Ioakimidis, I, Diou, C, Stefanopoulos, L, Lekka, E, Maglaveras, N, Delopoulos, A, et al
Nutrients. 2020;(5)
Abstract
Obesity in childhood and adolescence represents a major health problem. Novel e-Health technologies have been developed in order to provide a comprehensive and personalized plan of action for the prevention and management of overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescence. We used information and communication technologies to develop a "National Registry for the Prevention and Management of Overweight and Obesity" in order to register online children and adolescents nationwide, and to guide pediatricians and general practitioners regarding the management of overweight or obese subjects. Furthermore, intelligent multi-level information systems and specialized artificial intelligence algorithms are being developed with a view to offering precision and personalized medical management to obese or overweight subjects. Moreover, the Big Data against Childhood Obesity platform records behavioral data objectively by using inertial sensors and Global Positioning System (GPS) and combines them with data of the environment, in order to assess the full contextual framework that is associated with increased body mass index (BMI). Finally, a computerized decision-support tool was developed to assist pediatric health care professionals in delivering personalized nutrition and lifestyle optimization advice to overweight or obese children and their families. These e-Health applications are expected to play an important role in the management of overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescence.
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A Narrative Literature Review and Environmental Scan of Self-management Education Programs for Adolescent and Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer.
Kobe, CM, Turcotte, LM, Sadak, KT
Journal of cancer education : the official journal of the American Association for Cancer Education. 2020;(4):731-735
Abstract
Self-management education programs (SMEPs) have demonstrated a measurable benefit in enhancing self-efficacy, increasing health knowledge, and improving both health behaviors and physical symptoms associated with underlying conditions in multiple chronic disease populations. Adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors of childhood cancer, defined as individuals ages 15 to 39 years, are at a high risk for adverse health outcomes due to late complications from previous cancer treatments, knowledge deficits of their risks, and complex socioeconomic challenges associated with transitional periods in their lives. We performed a literature review and environmental scan to systematically survey and interpret relevant SMEPs to identify opportunities for their development specific to the AYA population. Despite evidence existing for the importance of self-management and general educational messages for survivors of childhood cancer, very few evidence-based interventions have been developed for the AYA population. Most SMEPs for cancer survivors are geared towards individuals with cancer in adulthood. Among the limited interventions directed at survivors of childhood cancer, they are focused on individual health behaviors, such as physical exercise, mental health, nutrition, or self-efficacy. Given the ever-growing technological footprint in our daily lives, mobile health (mHealth) applications may be the most efficacious means of delivering self-management education to this specific population. As content is developed through mHealth applications as well as other platforms, they will need to be rigorously evaluated, given their potential to compliment survivor-focused care.
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New technologies and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - Which step forward rushed by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Pinto, S, Quintarelli, S, Silani, V
Journal of the neurological sciences. 2020;:117081
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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fast-progressive neurodegenerative disease leading to progressive physical immobility with usually normal or mild cognitive and/or behavioural involvement. Many patients are relatively young, instructed, sensitive to new technologies, and professionally active when developing the first symptoms. Older patients usually require more time, encouragement, reinforcement and a closer support but, nevertheless, selecting user-friendly devices, provided earlier in the course of the disease, and engaging motivated carers may overcome many technological barriers. ALS may be considered a model for neurodegenerative diseases to further develop and test new technologies. From multidisciplinary teleconsults to telemonitoring of the respiratory function, telemedicine has the potentiality to embrace other fields, including nutrition, physical mobility, and the interaction with the environment. Brain-computer interfaces and eye tracking expanded the field of augmentative and alternative communication in ALS but their potentialities go beyond communication, to cognition and robotics. Virtual reality and different forms of artificial intelligence present further interesting possibilities that deserve to be investigated. COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented opportunity to speed up the development and implementation of new technologies in clinical practice, improving the daily living of both ALS patients and carers. The present work reviews the current technologies for ALS patients already in place or being under evaluation with published publications, prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Strategies to Tackle the Global Burden of Diabetic Retinopathy: From Epidemiology to Artificial Intelligence.
Wong, TY, Sabanayagam, C
Ophthalmologica. Journal international d'ophtalmologie. International journal of ophthalmology. Zeitschrift fur Augenheilkunde. 2020;(1):9-20
Abstract
Diabetes is a global public health disease projected to affect 642 million adults by 2040, with about 75% residing in low- and middle-income countries. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) affects 1 in 3 people with diabetes and remains the leading cause of blindness in working-aged adults. There are 3 broad strategic imperatives to prevent blindness caused by DR. Primary prevention requires preventing or delaying the onset of DR in those with diabetes by systems-level lifestyle modifications such as increasing physical activity or dietary modifications, pharmacological interventions for glycaemic and blood pressure control, and systematic screening for the onset of DR. Secondary prevention requires preventing the progression of DR in patients with DR by continuing systemic risk factor control, regular screening to monitor for the progression of mild DR to vision-threatening stages, and the development and implementation of evidence-based guidelines for managing DR. In this aspect, telemedicine-based DR screening incorporating artificial intelligence technology has the potential to facilitate more widespread and cost-effective screening, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Tertiary prevention of DR blindness has been the main focus of the clinical ophthalmology community, classically based on laser photocoagulation treatment and ocular surgery but with an increasing use of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) for vision-threatening DR. Evidence from serial epidemiological studies shows blindness due to DR has declined in high-income countries (e.g., the USA and UK) due to coordinated public health education efforts, increased awareness, early detection by DR screening, sustained systemic risk factor control, and the availability of effective tertiary level treatment. However, the progress made in reducing DR blindness in high-income countries may be overwhelmed by the increasing numbers of patients with diabetes and DR in low- and middle-income countries (e.g., China, India, Indonesia, etc.). Thus, to tackle DR at a global level, a paradigm shift in strategic focus from tertiary towards secondary and primary prevention measures with a multi-pronged whole-of-society approach at regional and national levels is urgently needed.