Dietetics in the digital age: the impact of an electronic medical record on a tertiary hospital dietetic department

Aim: The present study aimed to assess the impact of a hospital-wide electronic medical record (EMR) on the way dietitians collect routine data for their assessments and its impact on their clinical documentation and service provision. Methods: Data were collected retrospectively from the following sources: interdepartmental chart audit, the EMR itself (nutrition diagnosis), National Health Roundtable database (admissions requiring nutrition events) and the hospital-wide Pressure Injury Prevention Audits (height, weight and malnutrition screening). Results: There were improvements in medical record accessibility (76.4% pre vs 100% post, P

Mobile apps for weight management: a review of the latest evidence to inform practice

Over the last decade, mobile technology has emerged as a potentially useful platform to facilitate weight management and tackle the current obesity epidemic. Clinicians are being more frequently asked to give advice about the usefulness of mobile apps and many individuals have already integrated apps into their attempts to manage weight. Hence, it is imperative for clinicians involved in weight management to be aware of the latest developments and knowledge about available mobile apps and their usefulness in this field. A number of newly published studies have demonstrated promising results of mobile-based interventions for weight management across different populations, but the extent of their effectiveness remains widely debated. This narrative literature review synthesizes the latest evidence, primarily from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), regarding the clinical use of mobile applications for weight management, as well as highlight key limitations associated with their use and directions for future research and practice. Overall, evidence suggests that mobile applications may be useful as low-intensity approaches or adjuncts to conventional weight management strategies. However, there is insufficient evidence to support their use as stand-alone intensive approaches to weight management. Further research is needed to clarify the extent of utility of these applications, as well as the measures required to maximize their potential both as stand-alone approaches and adjuncts to more intensive programs.Drishti P. Ghelani, Lisa J. Moran, Cameron Johnson, Aya Mousa and Negar Naderpoo

PLS-SEM path analysis to determine the predictive relevance of e-Health readiness assessment model

There exist a sizable body of research addressing the evaluation of eHealth/health information technology (HIT) readiness using standard readiness model in the domain of Information Systems (IS). However, there is a general lack of reliable indicators used in measuring readiness assessment factors, resulting in limited predictability. The availability of reliable measuring tools could help improve outcomes of readiness assessments. In determining the predictive relevance of developed HIT model we collected quantitative data from clinical and non clinical (administrators) staf at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi Ghana using the traditional in person distribution of paper-based survey, popularly known as drop and collect survey (DCS). We then used PLS SEM path analysis to measure the predictive relevance of a block of manifest indicators of the readiness assessment factors. Three important readiness assessment factors are thought to define and predict the structure of the KATH HIT/eHealth readiness survey data (Technology readiness (TR); Operational resource readiness (ORR); and Organizational cultural readiness (OCR). As many public healthcare organizations in Ghana have already gone paperless without any reliable HIT/eHealth guiding policy, there is a critical need for reliable HIT/eHealth regulatory policies readiness (RPR) and some improvement in HIT/eHealth strategic planning readiness (core readiness). The fnal model (R2=0.558 and Q2=0.378) suggest that TR, ORR, and OCR explained 55.8% of the total amount of variance in HIT/eHealth readiness in the case of KATH and the relevance of the overall paths of the model was predictive. Fit values (SRMR=0.054; d_ULS=6.717; d_G=6.231; Chi2=6,795.276; NFI=0.739). Generally, the GoF for this SEM are encouraging and can substantially be improved

An Exploration of Audiologists\u27 Readiness to Adopt Connected Hearing Healthcare for Remote Hearing Aid Fitting

Background: Globally, the increasing prevalence of hearing loss and need for improved access to hearing healthcare services, highlights the growing need for alternative service delivery models. A Connected Health model emerges as a solution for this need, focusing on the use of telecommunication technologies. This model, extended to audiology, can help to better ‘connect’ a patient to their own care process and to their provider during audiological diagnostics, treatment, and management services, at a distance and in an effective and timely manner. The strong capacity for and underutilization of Connected Audiology within current aural (re)habilitation service models have led to research around the “readiness” factors that are contributing to a low uptake of remote services within Canada. Objective: This survey-based study aimed to describe audiologists’ readiness to adopt Connected Audiology for remote hearing aid fitting using a modified framework for eHealth readiness. Methods: An analytic, cross-sectional quantitative survey called the Connected Audiology Readiness Evaluation (C.A.R.E.) was conducted using online data collection methods. Practicing audiologists, across Canada, were recruited via professional networks/associations to identify the main factors associated with clinician readiness to adopt remote hearing aid fitting services into clinical practice. Results: Reported readiness levels around the implementation of Connected Audiology displayed across the 8 CARE dimensions are as follows. High readiness levels are reported for the following dimensions: practice context, social capital, patient-provider relationship, organizational support and attitude; average readiness levels are reported for the access and aptitude dimensions; and low readiness for the standards dimension with a high need for the development and implementation of guidance documents to support implementation. Conclusion: Findings from this survey will inform researchers, clinicians and policymakers of the main areas needing support for the uptake of Connected Audiology, guiding future planning, development, and implementation efforts. In addition, findings from this study can help guide Canadian audiologists in the integration of remote hearing aid fitting services into routine clinical practices

A framework for eHealth readiness of dietitians

Aim To develop a framework for assessing the eHealth readiness of dietitians. Methods Using an inductive approach, this research was divided into three stages: 1. a systematic literature review to identify models or frameworks on eHealth readiness; 2. data synthesis to identify eHealth readiness themes and develop a framework; and 3. semi-structured interviews with Australian nutrition informatics experts to gain consensus and validate the framework. Results Two hundred and forty one unique citations were identified, of which twenty four met the research criteria and were included in the review and subsequent synthesis. Common eHealth readiness themes or dimensions were extracted from the literature, and five key dimensions were identified that were relevant to dietitian eHealth readiness: access, standards, attitude, aptitude and advocacy. A framework diagram was designed and discussed during semi-structured interviews with ten nutrition informatics experts to inform the final framework. The result of this research was an inductively developed Framework for eHealth Readiness of Dietitians (FeRD). Discussion The FeRD builds on existing theories and models, and provides a conceptual model for developing eHealth readiness evaluation tools to examine, measure and drive strategies to better prepare dietitian professionals for eHealth

Analysis and evaluation of a pediatric eHealth website for parents.

Vivimos en la era de la tecnología, las comunicaciones, Internet y, en los últimos años, la eSalud. La mayoría de las personas, padres incluidos, admite realizar búsquedas sobre temas de salud cuando tienen alguna duda o cuando quieren aclarar aspectos médicos. Sin embargo, existen pocos estudios que evalúen las intervenciones de eSalud, especialmente pediátricas y escritas en español, y menos aun desde el punto de vista de los usuarios. En este trabajo se planteó evaluar diferentes aspectos de una página de salud sobre pediatría para padres, basada en evidencia científica, escrita por un profesional y acreditada por un organismo internacional, desde el punto de vista de los usuarios. Para ello se desarrolló una herramienta de medida basada en un cuestionario que se sometió a un proceso de validación externo e interno