28 research outputs found

    Contextual factors that impact the implementation of patient portals with a focus on older people in acute care hospitals: a scoping review

    Get PDF
    Background: Older people are the highest users of health services but are less likely to use a patient portal than younger people. Objective: This scoping review aimed to identify and synthesize the literature on contextual factors that impact the implementation of patient portals in acute care hospitals and among older people. Methods: A scoping review was conducted according to the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. The following databases were searched from 2010 to June 2020: MEDLINE and Embase via the Ovid platform, CINAHL and PsycINFO via the EBSCO platform, and the Cochrane Library. Eligible reviews were published in English; focused on the implementation of tethered patient portals; included patients, health care professionals, managers, and budget holders; and aimed at identifying the contextual factors (ie, barriers and facilitators) that impact the implementation of patient portals. Review titles and abstracts and full-text publications were screened in duplicate. The study characteristics were charted by one author and checked for accuracy by a second author. The NASSS (Non-adoption, Abandonment, Scale-up, Spread, and Sustainability) framework was used to synthesize the findings. Results: In total, 10 systematic reviews published between 2015 and 2020 were included in the study. Of these, 3 (30%) reviews addressed patient portals in acute care hospitals, and 2 (20%) reviews addressed the implementation of patient portals among older people in multiple settings (including acute care hospitals). To maximize the inclusion of the literature on patient portal implementation, we also included 5 reviews of systematic reviews that examined patient portals in multiple care settings (including acute care hospitals). Contextual factors influencing patient portal implementation tended to cluster in specific NASSS domains, namely the condition, technology, and value proposition. Certain aspects within these domains received more coverage than others, such as sociocultural factors and comorbidities, the usability and functionality aspects of the technology, and the demand-side value. There are gaps in the literature pertinent to the consideration of the provision of patient portals for older people in acute care hospitals, including the lack of consideration of the diversity of older adults and their needs, the question of interoperability between systems (likely to be important where care involves multiple services), the involvement of lay caregivers, and looking beyond short-term implementation to ways in which portal use can be sustained. Conclusions: We identified important contextual factors that impact patient portal implementation and key gaps in the literature. Future research should focus on evaluating strategies that address disparities in use and promote engagement with patient portals among older people in acute care settings

    Contextual Factors That Impact the Implementation of Patient Portals With a Focus on Older People in Acute Care Hospitals: Scoping Review

    Get PDF
    Background: Older people are the highest users of health services but are less likely to use a patient portal than younger people. Objective: This scoping review aimed to identify and synthesize the literature on contextual factors that impact the implementation of patient portals in acute care hospitals and among older people. Methods: A scoping review was conducted according to the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. The following databases were searched from 2010 to June 2020: MEDLINE and Embase via the Ovid platform, CINAHL and PsycINFO via the EBSCO platform, and the Cochrane Library. Eligible reviews were published in English; focused on the implementation of tethered patient portals; included patients, health care professionals, managers, and budget holders; and aimed at identifying the contextual factors (ie, barriers and facilitators) that impact the implementation of patient portals. Review titles and abstracts and full-text publications were screened in duplicate. The study characteristics were charted by one author and checked for accuracy by a second author. The NASSS (Non-adoption, Abandonment, Scale-up, Spread, and Sustainability) framework was used to synthesize the findings. Results: In total, 10 systematic reviews published between 2015 and 2020 were included in the study. Of these, 3 (30%) reviews addressed patient portals in acute care hospitals, and 2 (20%) reviews addressed the implementation of patient portals among older people in multiple settings (including acute care hospitals). To maximize the inclusion of the literature on patient portal implementation, we also included 5 reviews of systematic reviews that examined patient portals in multiple care settings (including acute care hospitals). Contextual factors influencing patient portal implementation tended to cluster in specific NASSS domains, namely the condition, technology, and value proposition. Certain aspects within these domains received more coverage than others, such as sociocultural factors and comorbidities, the usability and functionality aspects of the technology, and the demand-side value. There are gaps in the literature pertinent to the consideration of the provision of patient portals for older people in acute care hospitals, including the lack of consideration of the diversity of older adults and their needs, the question of interoperability between systems (likely to be important where care involves multiple services), the involvement of lay caregivers, and looking beyond short-term implementation to ways in which portal use can be sustained. Conclusions: We identified important contextual factors that impact patient portal implementation and key gaps in the literature. Future research should focus on evaluating strategies that address disparities in use and promote engagement with patient portals among older people in acute care settings

    Patient Portals: Who uses them? What features do they use? And do they reduce hospital readmissions?

    Get PDF
    Patient portals have demonstrated numerous benefits including improved patientprovider communication, patient satisfaction with care, and patient engagement. Recent literature has begun to illustrate how patients use selected portal features and an association between portal usage and improved clinical outcomes

    Living Past Your Expiration Date: A Phenomenological Study of Living with Stage IV Cancer Longer than Expected

    Get PDF
    More treatment options exist today for persons diagnosed with terminal cancerextending lives longer than expected though there is little known about the psychosocial needs or resources for these individuals. This study describes the experience of living past the expiration date and still living with Stage IV cancer. A transcendental phenomenological approach was used to elucidate vivid expressions of this experience in a sample population of five Caucasian women. The women survived beyond their prognoses of an earlier expiration are not close to imminent death and are still living with incurable breast cancer metastases. The aim of this phenomenological inquiry is to illuminate the themes and essences of this phenomenon in hopes of expanding comprehension of the challenges this growing population confronts. Data was collected through individual open-ended, unstructured in-depth interviews. At a second meeting each woman, having been asked to find or create an expressive representation of their experience, verbally described their creations in an unstructured dialogue. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Through the methodological processes of bracketing, phenomenological reduction, imaginative variation, and synthesis, the themes and essences that surfaced revolved around the constancy of change and duality. Five core themes emerged from the data: awareness of mortality; interaction with medical systems and treatment; living on a roller coaster; feeling different from others; cancer invades and changes how you live. All of the themes are interrelated and together capture the complexity of the lived experience. Living with dying longer than expected is an experience that profoundly impacts every aspect of these women’s lives. It catapults them into a new paradigm where they have to renegotiate life daily. Each woman’s lived experience is both unique and shares collective threads. The essences that emerge from the combined strands are a continuum of hidden suffering and the varying dimensions of fortitude that are experienced while living in a liminal time and space between life and death. Facing mortality all the women accept the challenge to live fully and maintain hope but in their vulnerability few are able to sustain the feeling that the good times outweigh the terrible times. The electronic version of this dissertation is at OhioLink ETD Center www.ohiolink.edu/etd

    Living Past Your Expiration Date: A Phenomenological Study of Living with Stage IV Cancer Longer than Expected

    Get PDF
    More treatment options exist today for persons diagnosed with terminal cancerextending lives longer than expected though there is little known about the psychosocial needs or resources for these individuals. This study describes the experience of living past the expiration date and still living with Stage IV cancer. A transcendental phenomenological approach was used to elucidate vivid expressions of this experience in a sample population of five Caucasian women. The women survived beyond their prognoses of an earlier expiration are not close to imminent death and are still living with incurable breast cancer metastases. The aim of this phenomenological inquiry is to illuminate the themes and essences of this phenomenon in hopes of expanding comprehension of the challenges this growing population confronts. Data was collected through individual open-ended, unstructured in-depth interviews. At a second meeting each woman, having been asked to find or create an expressive representation of their experience, verbally described their creations in an unstructured dialogue. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Through the methodological processes of bracketing, phenomenological reduction, imaginative variation, and synthesis, the themes and essences that surfaced revolved around the constancy of change and duality. Five core themes emerged from the data: awareness of mortality; interaction with medical systems and treatment; living on a roller coaster; feeling different from others; cancer invades and changes how you live. All of the themes are interrelated and together capture the complexity of the lived experience. Living with dying longer than expected is an experience that profoundly impacts every aspect of these women’s lives. It catapults them into a new paradigm where they have to renegotiate life daily. Each woman’s lived experience is both unique and shares collective threads. The essences that emerge from the combined strands are a continuum of hidden suffering and the varying dimensions of fortitude that are experienced while living in a liminal time and space between life and death. Facing mortality all the women accept the challenge to live fully and maintain hope but in their vulnerability few are able to sustain the feeling that the good times outweigh the terrible times. The electronic version of this dissertation is at OhioLink ETD Center www.ohiolink.edu/etd

    Hip deformities and femoroacetabular impingement

    Get PDF
    RESUMO: Conceptualmente, a conservação de uma estrutura anatómica é mais benéfica do que a sua substituição. No caso das articulações humanas, este conceito é particularmente importante face aos múltiplos problemas, ainda não resolvidos, relacionados com próteses e materiais usados na cirurgia ortopédica. Na articulação coxofemoral, o conceito de preservação, melhorando os parâmetros biomecânicos, assume uma complexidade técnica acrescida maioritariamente pelo facto de a circulação epifisária do fémur ser intra-articular e dada a proximidade de importantes estruturas neurovasculares. O conflito femoroacetabular (CFA) e a displasia acetabular no adulto jovem, são duas entidades patológicas comuns embora com múltiplas áreas ainda por investigar. A displasia infantil, não diagnosticada e não tratada, pode originar displasia acetabular residual na idade adulta e consequente sintomatologia e limitação funcional. O diagnóstico de CFA no adulto é baseado em critérios clínicos e radiográficos. Clinicamente apresenta-se igualmente com dor e limitação funcional. Radiologicamente, dois subtipos de CFA são habitualmente reconhecidos, o tipo Cam (mecanismo patológico decorrente de asfericidade femoral) e o tipo Pincer (por hipercobertura acetabular). Embora com padrões diferentes de envolvimento articular, os dois mecanismos de conflito condicionam dor, lesão estrutural do labrum e condropatia. Atualmente, a morfologia Cam é considerada como um dos principais fatores de risco morfológico que contribuem para o desenvolvimento de osteoartrose precoce da coxofemoral, eventualmente com necessidade de recurso a prótese total da anca. Apesar de a investigação inicial na área da cirurgia conservadora da anca ter documentado bons resultados cirúrgicos, atualmente a controvérsia é francamente superior ao consenso relativamente à melhor abordagem diagnóstica e terapêutica. Caracteristicamente, apesar de em muitos casos os achados clínicos e radiológicos serem inequívocos para o diagnóstico de CFA, um número substancial de doentes apresenta achados frustes ou equívocos. Por outro lado, múltiplos estudos descreveram uma alta prevalência de morfologia compatível com CFA na população adulta e em indivíduos saudáveis assintomáticos. Atualmente, não existe uma ferramenta de imagem ideal que facilite a alocação fidedigna de todos os doentes a um grupo patológico específico ou, por outro lado, exclua com confiança o diagnóstico de conflito. No entanto, os parâmetros de imagem podem ser utilizados para analisar e descrever as diferentes características morfológicas da anca e adicionalmente confirmar o diagnóstico de CFA. Esta tese enfoca, por um lado, a avaliação da morfologia coxofemoral em diferentes populações, investigando quais articulações estão mais predispostas ao desenvolvimento de sintomas e, por outro, os resultados do tratamento cirúrgico de uma coorte com o diagnóstico de CFA tipo Cam. Especificamente, a investigação efetuada: 1) examinou características morfológicas específicas da coxofemoral em diferentes populações (sintomáticas ou não sintomáticas); 2) desenhou um modelo estatístico baseado em preditores anatómicos no sentido de estabelecer as articulações em risco de desenvolvimento sintomático, incorporando geometrias articulares específicas e parâmetros espinhopélvicos; e 3) analisou os resultados de terapêutica cirúrgica numa coorte de doentes com o diagnóstico CFA tipo Cam. Durante a progressão clínica na área da imagiologia e nesta área patológica em particular, apercebemo-nos da existência de múltiplas lacunas de conhecimento que procurámos colmatar com a investigação agora publicada e descrita nesta tese. A sistematização por capítulos reflete precisamente a necessidade de abordar a questão em áreas de conhecimento, simultaneamente distintas e complementares. Os seis capítulos desta tese abrangem o espectro clínico desde o diagnóstico até ao tratamento da anca jovem. De modo a apresentar os objetivos desta tese numa sequência lógica, desde a anatomia geral até à morfologia e tratamento específicos do CFA, a análise da anca assintomática será descrita em primeiro lugar seguida pela análise da relação anatomoclínica entre morfologia articular e sintomas. Por último será abordada a terapêutica do doente sintomático. Na PARTE I, apresentamos os tópicos essenciais para compreender a abrangência do espectro da presente tese, designadamente a relevância e a contemporaneidade do tema “CFA” e adicionalmente o enquadramento anatómico, morfológico e vascular desta articulação. O Capítulo 1 é dedicado ao desenvolvimento e morfogénese da anca. No Capítulo 2, sublinhamos a importância e o papel da imagem através de uma revisão enfocada nas perspetivas atuais e futuras sobre este tópico (Artigo I). No Capítulo 3, realizamos uma revisão sistemática da literatura no sentido de descrever o estado da arte com foco na prevalência da morfologia de CFA em populações assintomáticas e sintomáticas. Este capítulo destaca as múltiplas lacunas de conhecimento relativas ao papel da morfologia da articulação coxofemoral na patogénese do CFA (Artigo II). Com base nesta parte introdutória, abordamos seguidamente os objetivos da presente tese, gerais e específicos, na PARTE II.Na PARTE III, descrevemos o corpo da investigação clínica original efetuada. O Capítulo 4 é dedicado à caracterização detalhada da morfologia da anca, designadamente óssea e vascular. A morfologia coxofemoral foi quantificada utilizando software com capacidade de semi-automatização analítica, permitindo estudar a prevalência e relação entre as diferentes morfologias articulares e o género, dominância e simetria articular (Artigo III). A morfologia Cam foi ainda alvo de caracterização mais aprofundada, através do desenvolvimento de um novo parâmetro quantitativo com potencialidade diagnóstica e de planeamento cirúrgico/ /prognóstico, primariamente testado numa coorte assintomática (Artigo IV) e seguidamente também em doentes com indicação cirúrgica (Artigo V). Na nossa atividade clínica diária apreciámos a necessidade urgente de melhor caracterizar a topografia da deformidade Cam e a respetiva relação com as artérias nutritivas da epífise femoral. A impressão clínica referida sugeria que a morfologia Cam frequentemente se estendia posteriormente ao quadrante póstero-superior, intersectando a região retinacular vascular. No entanto, por imagem a natureza arterial destas estruturas nunca havia sido confirmada. Por esta razão, a importância do parâmetro mencionado foi sublinhada e comprovada no estudo cadavérico com avaliação topográfica vascular do fémur proximal (Artigo VI). No Capítulo 5 testámos múltiplos parâmetros imagiológicos e respetivas variações/relações com diferentes morfologias coxofemorais, no sentido de identificar as articulações com risco clínico aumentado de desenvolvimento sintomático. Para este fim efetuámos estudos baseados em computação avançada com modelação estatística (Artigo VII) e também em ressonância magnética (RM) tridimensional (Artigo VIII). O Capítulo 6 descreve as opções de tratamento (Artigo IX) e os resultados clínicos num estudo clínico de uma coorte com follow-up mínimo de 2 anos, comparando a abordagem cirúrgica aberta e artroscópica (Artigo X). Os resultados dos diferentes capítulos estão sumarizados na PARTE IV, onde apresentamos a síntese geral, a discussão crítica dos resultados obtidos à luz da literatura atual e finalmente as conclusões relevantes. As oportunidades futuras de investigação são igualmente abordadas neste capítulo. Em resumo o trabalho constante da presente tese sugere: Primeiro, que a avaliação imagiológica detalhada da morfologia coxofemoral é essencial no sentido de compreender aprofundadamente não só a própria articulação como também a morfologia pélvica (Artigo I). Segundo, paradoxalmente, a definição clínica de um caso patológico e das diferentes entidades relacionadas, é ainda inexistente. Os parâmetros quantitativos e qualitativos que comummente estão associados com CFA tipo Pincer e Cam são francamente frequentes em diferentes populações (sintomáticas e assintomáticas) (Artigo II).Terceiro, em populações assintomáticas adultas, os intervalos de referência específicos para os parâmetros quantitativos associados a morfologia de CFA e displasia são mais latos e com limites superiores mais elevados do que os atualmente utilizados na prática clínica (Artigo III). A morfologia femoral bem como os epicentros/magnitudes das deformidades Cam são específicos de género, observando-se maiores valores de ângulo alfa e ómega em indivíduos do sexo masculino (Artigo IV). Quarto, é frequente a interseção entre a extensão póstero-superior da deformidade Cam e a convergência epifisária das estruturas vasculares retinaculares observadas em RM, aspetos que se revestem de primordial importância no planeamento cirúrgico. Adicionalmente a extensão radial da deformidade Cam (ângulo ómega) está significativamente mais relacionada com a sintomatologia clínica pré-cirúrgica do que o parâmetro mais comummente utilizado na prática clínica (ângulo alfa) (Artigo V). A origem das estruturas vasculares observadas por RM na prega retinacular é inequivocamente arterial, sendo que abrange uma extensão mais anterior do que classicamente assumido (Artigo VI). Quinto, as geometrias ovalares (em detrimento das morfologias esféricas e elipsoides) são melhor representativas de ambas as superfícies articulares da coxofemoral, designadamente do fémur e acetábulo, bem como das ancas sintomáticas que clinicamente exibem sinais de CFA (Pincer, Cam e misto) (Artigo VII). Indivíduos com maiores deformidades Cam, aspetos de hipocobertura acetabular e acentuação da anteflexão pélvica apresentam uma maior probabilidade de desenvolverem sintomas articulares (Artigo VIII). Esta observação é crítica, dado que fornece, na prática clínica, informação essencial acerca da potencial predisposição para fenómenos de exacerbação sintomática futura, permitindo desta forma instituição de medidas terapêuticas/preventivas adequadas. Na perspetiva do doente, um diagnóstico precoce e preciso, pode conceptualmente prevenir, numa primeira fase, alterações condropáticas articulares e, numa segunda instância, progressão para artrose estabelecida. Sexto, documentamos resultados clínicos e funcionais significativamente favoráveis quando comparamos a abordagem artroscópica e aberta no tratamento cirúrgico da deformidade Cam, sendo de observar que o género feminino está associado a menor score funcional na avaliação pré-operatória (Artigos IX e X). Futuramente, a imagiologia e a cirurgia conservadora da anca irão desenvolver-se conjuntamente e em paralelo com novos e maiores desafios. A descrição de novos parâmetros analíticos para avaliação da patoanatomia coxofemoral, associada à inovação tecnológica crescente e à implementação da inteligência artificial, impõem uma evolução clínica oposta à assunção de classificações patológicas demasiadamente simplistas. Nesse sentido a existência de guidelines de diagnóstico e terapêutica mais efetivas e baseadas na evidência, que nos levem além da pura diferenciação entre CFA e displasia, são urgentes. A história natural das deformidades Cam e Pincer, sintomáticas ou assintomáticas, é ainda grandemente desconhecida, assumindo-se como uma área determinante de investigação no que concerne ao diagnóstico, terapêutica e prognóstico.ABSTRACT: Conceptually, the preservation of a human anatomical structure makes more sense than its replacement. This concept is even more striking in the case of human joints due to the multitude of unsolved problems related to implants used in orthopaedic surgery. With respect to the hip, joint preservation assumes an increased technical complexity when compared to other joints; this is due to two main reasons: the intra-articular epiphyseal circulation of the femur and the proximity of large neurovascular structures. Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and acetabular dysplasia (DHD) in young adults are two common but poorly characterised pathological entities. If undiagnosed and untreated, dysplasia in childhood may lead to residual DHD in young adults, as diagnosed on radiographs, and may also give rise to symptoms such as hip pain and restricted range of motion. The diagnosis of FAI in adults is based on clinical and imaging criteria. The most frequently noticed symptoms of FAI include hip pain and restricted function. Radiologically, two main subtypes of FAI are recognised: The Cam-type, with the pathoanatomical mechanism located on the femoral side, and the Pincertype on the acetabular side. Although with different pathological patterns, both types cause pain and articular damage of the labrum and cartilage. While Cam-type FAI is believed to be a major contributing factor to the early onset of hip osteoarthritis (OA), which eventually requires a total hip replacement, the relationship of other shapes and morphologies with OA are still under debate. Despite the initial promising reports on outcomes following surgical management of these conditions, the best approach to diagnose and manage them still remains controversial. Although for some patients there are unambiguous clinical and imaging findings of FAI, for a substantial number of patients there are minimal or intermediate findings. Moreover, several studies have reported a high prevalence of FAI morphology among the “normal” population and in asymptomatic healthy individuals. At present, there is no adequate imaging tool to facilitate the reliable allocation of all patients into the correct diagnostic group or to confidently rule out diagnosis. However, imaging parameters can be used to describe different hip morphological characteristics and additionally confirm or preclude the diagnosis of FAI.This thesis focuses on assessing hip morphology in different populations by investigating which specific joints are more prone to developing symptoms and by evaluating treatment outcomes of a FAI cohort. Specifically, this research concentrates on the following: 1) examining population-specific (symptomatic and non-symptomatic) characteristics of hip morphology; 2) developing an anatomic-based model to establish “at-risk” hip joints, incorporating subject-specific hip geometries and spinopelvic parameters and 3) investigating treatment outcomes in a Cam-type FAI cohort. In our clinical progression in imaging and in this particular area of pathology, we became aware of the existence of several gaps that we sought to fill with the now published research hereby described. The systematisation by chapters precisely reflects the need to address the issue in simultaneously distinct and complementary areas of knowledge. This thesis consists of six chapters, which cover the entire spectrum from the diagnosis to treatment of the young hip. To present the aims of this thesis in a sequential manner from general morphology to more specific FAI-related topics, the analysis of the asymptomatic hip will be presented first, followed by how joint morphology is associated with symptoms and, finally, will conclude with treatment. In PART I, we introduce the topics that are relevant to understand the full scope of our thesis; we aim to accomplish this by addressing the relevance and contemporariness of the “FAI” theme and by describing the general and vascular anatomy of the hip. Chapter 1 is devoted to hip development and morphogenesis. In Chapter 2, we address the importance of imaging by conducting a thorough review of current and future perspectives on this topic (Paper I). In Chapter 3, we perform a systematic review of the literature to write a state-of-the-art overview, focussing on asymptomatic and symptomatic FAI morphology prevalence and highlighting the multiple gaps in knowledge regarding the role of hip morphology in the pathogenesis of FAI (Paper II). Building on the first part, we address the rationale and aims of this thesis in PART II. In PART III, we describe the original research that was performed and published. Chapter 4 focusses on the detailed characterisation of hip morphology, both osseous and vascular. Bony hip morphology was quantified using a semi-automated software, which allows to robustly study in detail shape variants in an asymptomatic population and their relationship with sex, side and limb dominance (Paper III). Cam morphology was further defined by developing a novel quantitative parameter, with diagnostic and treatment planning capabilities using a cohort of both asymptomatic individuals (Paper IV) and patients undergoing surgery (Paper V). Moreover, we felt the need to better characterise the topography of the deformity and its relationship with the nourishing arteries of the femoral head, as Cam morphology frequently has a posterior a bstr extension that overlaps the retinacular vascular structures. However, its arterial origin has never been described or confirmed in the literature. For this reason, the importance of the aforementioned parameter has been outlined by the cadaveric arterial topographic study of the proximal femur (Paper VI). In Chapter 5, we test multiple parameters and their associated shape variants to detect which ones allow identifying a risk-increased joint in various populations. To this end, we use both advanced computing for shape modelling (Paper VII) and three dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (Paper VIII). Chapter 6 describes the various treatment options (Paper IX) and outcomes in a cohort clinical study, comparing open surgery with arthroscopic surgery in terms of treating Cam deformities (Paper X). The results of the aforementioned chapters are summarised in PART IV, presenting the general synthesis, discussing the results in the light of current literature and detailing the conclusions of this thesis. The scope of potential future research within this field is also presented in this chapter. In brief, this thesis suggests the following: First, detailed imaging assessment of hip morphology is paramount to better understanding both the hip joint and pelvic morphology (Paper I). Second, the case definitions of different morphologies and clinical entities are missing as far as FAI and related disorders are concerned. Qualitative and quantitative radiographic findings thought to be associated with Cam- and Pincer-type FAI, as well as the coexistence between them, are quite common among different populations (Paper II). Third, in adult asymptomatic populations, sex-specific reference intervals for hip measurements for DHD and FAI morphology are wider than currently accepted values (Paper III). Moreover, femoral morphology with distinct Cam magnitudes and epicentres is also sex-specific, with higher mean alpha angle (α°) and omega angle (Ω°) values seen in males (Paper IV). Forth, Cam deformity frequently overlaps with the retinacular vascular structures seen in an MRI; this finding has practical surgical relevance. Additionally, the radial extension of the Cam deformity (Ω°) is more significantly associated with the patients’ symptoms prior to surgery than the α° (paper V). The origin of the vascular structures seen in the retinacular fold is unequivocally arterial in nature, and these structures have a more anterior distribution than classically assumed (Paper VI). Fifth, ovoid geometries are more representative of both articular surfaces of the hip joint as well as of Cam, Pincer and mixed impinged hips when compared to spherical or ellipsoidal shapes (Paper VII). Individuals with larger Cam deformities, decreased acetabular coverage and increased pelvic anteflexion are more likely to experience hip symptoms (Paper VIII). This provides clinicians with indications of how the pathology exacerbates, allowing them to perform the correct clinical assessments and proceed with the correct form of care. From a patient’s perspective, an early and accurate diagnosis could prevent cartilage degradation and progression to OA. Sixth, similar outcomes and significant functional improvement are observed when comparing open and arthroscopic surgery in the treatment of Cam deformities (follow-up time of two years). It should be noted that the female gender was associated with poor hip function in the preoperative evaluation (papers IX and X). Looking ahead, imaging and hip preserving surgery (HPS) will evolve hand-in-hand in the face of new and greater challenges. The increasing number of analytic parameters describing hip joint pathomorphologies as well as new sophisticated 3D imaging-analysis together with emerging artificial intelligence-based technologies have transported us beyond simple classification systems. Moreover, more reliable diagnostic and treatment guidelines that go beyond differentiation into pure FAI and dysplasia are paramount. The largely unknown natural course of both hips with symptomatic FAI and asymptomatic individuals continues to present research opportunities as far as diagnosis, treatment and prognosis are concerned

    eHealth in Care Coordination for Older Adults Living at Home: Scoping Review

    Get PDF
    Background: The population of older adults is projected to increase, potentially resulting in more older adults living with chronic illnesses or multimorbidity. Living with chronic illnesses increases the need for coordinated health care services. Older adults want to manage their illnesses themselves, and many are positive about using eHealth for care coordination (CC). CC can help older adults navigate the health care system and improve information sharing. Objective: This study aimed to map the research literature on eHealth used in CC for older adults living at home. This study assessed CC activities, outcomes, and factors influencing the use of eHealth in CC reported by older adults and health care professionals. Methods: We used a scoping review methodology. We searched four databases—MEDLINE, CINAHL, Academic Scoping Premier, and Scopus—from 2009 to 2021 for research articles. We screened 630 records using the inclusion criteria (older adults aged >65 years, primary health care setting, description of an eHealth program or intervention or measure or experiences with the use of eHealth, and inclusion of CC or relevant activities as described in the Care Coordination Atlas). The analysis of the included articles consisted of both a descriptive and thematic analysis. Results: A total of 16 studies were included in this scoping review. Of these 16 studies, 12 (75%) had a quantitative design, and the samples of the included studies varied in size. The categories of eHealth used for CC among older adults living at home were electronic health records and patient portals, telehealth monitoring solutions, and telephone only. The CC activity communication was evident in all studies (16/16, 100%). The results on patient- and system-level outcomes were mixed; however, most studies (7/16, 44%) reported improved mental and physical health and reduced rehospitalization and hospital admission rates. Observing changes in patients’ health was a facilitator for health care professionals using eHealth in CC. When using eHealth in CC, available support to the patient, personal continuity, and a sense of security and safety were facilitators for older adults. Individual characteristics and lack of experience, confidence, and knowledge were barriers to older adults’ use of eHealth. Health care professionals reported barriers such as increased workload and hampered communication. Conclusions: We mapped the research literature on eHealth-enabled CC for older adults living at home. We did not map the gray literature as we aimed to map the research literature (peer-reviewed research articles published in academic journals). The study results showed that using eHealth to coordinate care for older adults who live at home is promising. To ensure the successful use of eHealth in CC, we recommend customized eHealth-enabled health care services for older adults, including individualized education and support.publishedVersio

    Open Data

    Get PDF
    Open data is freely usable, reusable, or redistributable by anybody, provided there are safeguards in place that protect the data’s integrity and transparency. This book describes how data retrieved from public open data repositories can improve the learning qualities of digital networking, particularly performance and reliability. Chapters address such topics as knowledge extraction, Open Government Data (OGD), public dashboards, intrusion detection, and artificial intelligence in healthcare

    Strategies and Approaches for Exploiting the Value of Open Data

    Get PDF
    Data is increasingly permeating into all dimensions of our society and has become an indispensable commodity that serves as a basis for many products and services. Traditional sectors, such as health, transport, retail, are all benefiting from digital developments. In recent years, governments have also started to participate in the open data venture, usually with the motivation of increasing transparency. In fact, governments are one of the largest producers and collectors of data in many different domains. As the increasing amount of open data and open government data initiatives show, it is becoming more and more vital to identify the means and methods how to exploit the value of this data that ultimately affects various dimensions. In this thesis we therefore focus on researching how open data can be exploited to its highest value potential, and how we can enable stakeholders to create value upon data accordingly. Albeit the radical advances in technology enabling data and knowledge sharing, and the lowering of barriers to information access, raw data was given only recently the attention and relevance it merits. Moreover, even though the publishing of data is increasing at an enormously fast rate, there are many challenges that hinder its exploitation and consumption. Technical issues hinder the re-use of data, whilst policy, economic, organisational and cultural issues hinder entities from participating or collaborating in open data initiatives. Our focus is thus to contribute to the topic by researching current approaches towards the use of open data. We explore methods for creating value upon open (government) data, and identify the strengths and weaknesses that subsequently influence the success of an open data initiative. This research then acts as a baseline for the value creation guidelines, methodologies, and approaches that we propose. Our contribution is based on the premise that if stakeholders are provided with adequate means and models to follow, then they will be encouraged to create value and exploit data products. Our subsequent contribution in this thesis therefore enables stakeholders to easily access and consume open data, as the first step towards creating value. Thereafter we proceed to identify and model the various value creation processes through the definition of a Data Value Network, and also provide a concrete implementation that allows stakeholders to create value. Ultimately, by creating value on data products, stakeholders participate in the global data economy and impact not only the economic dimension, but also other dimensions including technical, societal and political
    corecore