The Editorial Board at the Journal of Mobile Technology in Medicine is proud to present Volume 8, Issue 1. Mobile technology in Medicine is a rapidly developing area, and we hope to continue accelerating research in the field. We look forward to your submissions for Issue 2.
Julie Beaulac1,2, Louise Balfour1,2, Kim Corace2, Mark Kaluzienski3, Curtis Cooper2,3,4
1Department of Psychology, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada;
2Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON;
3Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa;
4The Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa
Corresponding Author: jbeaulac@toh.on.ca
Journal MTM 8:1:11–19, 2019
Background: Mobile technology interventions present opportunities for enhanced patient engagement and outcomes.
Aims: To assess the feasibility and patient attitudes toward using mobile technology in HCV care.
Methods: Cross-sectional survey data were collected from HCV patients (N=115) at two sites, an academic hospital-based outpatient viral HCV program (n= 92) and a mostly low SES community-based site (n = 23). Measures included demographics, HCV disease status and risk factors, and mobile technology access and preferences. Differences in mobile technology access, use, and preferences by treatment site, treatment experience, ethnicity, gender, education level, and income level were assessed by Mann-Whitney and chi-square tests.
Results: 78% owned a mobile device. Of these, 69% reported having Internet access and 72% unlimited text plans. 66% reported comfort in texting. Half liked the idea of using a cell phone for HCV clinical care; others expressed dislike/uncertainty. Poorer access to mobile technology was reported by treatment naïve, community site, and non-White participants (p values ranging from 0.02 to 0.01). Respondents from the community rated lower comfort in texting (p = 0.01). A similar trend was noted for respondents with incomes below $30,000 as compared to higher income (p = 0.09). Yet, groups similarly liked the idea of using mobile technology in HCV care.
Conclusion: Mobile technology is an alternative model to augment existing HCV care. Variability in acceptability and accessibility of this approach was highlighted. Tailoring care delivery to individual patients with a particular focus on patients being served in community-based programs with low SES will be critical.
Keywords: Hepatitis C, Patient Engagement, Patient Attitudes, Cell Phones, Cross-Sectional Survey
Andrew Bastawrous1,2, Benjamin Hennig3,Iain Livingstone4
1MRC Clinical Research Fellow in International Eye Health, International Centre for Eye Health, London2Kenyan Ministry of Health, Division of Ophthalmology, Nairobi 3Research Associate, University of Sheffield, Sheffield,4Ophthalmology Registrar, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Glasgow
Corresponding Author: Andrew.bastawrous@ishtm.ac.uk
Journal MTM 2:1:22-25 2013
DOI:10.7309/jmtm.2.1.4
A global shift in predominance of mobile/cell phone ownership in the last decade has seen low-income countries reach near ubiquitous levels. Using 11 years of compiled census data from each country worldwide we mapped the global picture of cell phone ownership and used density-equalizing cartograms to depict this change.
Estimates of wealth distribution reveal that the richest 2 per cent of adult individuals own more than half of all global wealth, with the richest 1 per cent alone accounting for 40 per cent of global assets. In contrast, the bottom half of the population together hold approximately 1 per cent of global wealth. Members of the top decile are almost 400 times richer, on average, than the bottom 50 per cent, and members of the top percentile (the 99th percentile) are almost 2000 times richer. (1)
The association of wealth inequality and poor population health has been well described. (2) The ability of healthcare professionals to impact this in a positive way is limited and has traditionally been the role of those in government or positions of political and economical influence.
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Rose Liu1
1School of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton VIC, Australia
Corresponding Author: roseliu378@gmail.com
Abstract: Access to dermatology services in rural and remote Australia is challenged by geographical isolation, expense and long waiting periods for specialist consultations. This is particularly concerning as Australia is a country with one of the highest rates of melanoma and melanoma mortality in the world. Advances in Artificial Intelligence and telemedicine can increase access to dermatological care disease.
This perspective piece evaluates these technologies and the issues faced during previous implementation attempts in Australia.
Journal MTM 8:1:50–52, 2019
Key words: “Teledermatology” “Telemedicine” “Mobile Health” “Dermatology” “Artificial Intelligence” “Public Health”
Jordan Koll1, Douglas Martin MD FRCP(C)2,3, Gregory Hansen MD FRCP(C) MPH MSc4
1Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; 2Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Manitoba, Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; 3Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS), Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; 4Divison of Pediatric Critical Care, University of Saskatchewan, Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Corresponding Author: gregory.hansen@usask.ca
Journal MTM 8:1:53–60, 2019
Introduction: Improving communication between all providers involved with rural trauma and urgent care patients may be beneficial. In our proof of concept study, we examine the potential of an open architecture and flexible smart phone system, utilizing an affordable, off-the-shelf and secure application called Wickr.
Methods: Two patient scenarios were constructed to test the capabilities of the Wickr application for data transfer. Roles were distributed between three players: one represented the transport medical doctor, another played the air medical crew, and the final assumed all the other roles. As the two scenarios unfolded simultaneously, phone conversations, text messages, pictures, and imaging files were conducted between the players by smart phones via downloaded Wickr applications. Upon completion, players answered nine questions on a 5-point Likert scale that focused on the quality of the videos, texts and pictures shared, as well as indicators that we deemed essential to transport communication systems from our experience.
Results: Scores on video, picture and sound quality ranged from good to excellent. Scores on user friendliness, task suitability, speed, information discretion and customizable data retention ranges from somewhat agree to agree.
Conclusion: Wickr was quick, user friendly, and well suited for the clinical communication during simultaneous patient scenarios. Whether it is a capable system for a busy helicopter emergency medical service has not been evaluated.
Key Words: emergency medical services, mhealth, rural health, telemedicine, emergency care, Prehospital
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