The Integration of Clinical Decision Support Systems Into Telemedicine for Patients With Multimorbidity in Primary Care Settings: Scoping Review

BACKGROUND: Multimorbidity, the presence of more than one condition in a single individual, is a global health issue in primary care. Multimorbid patients tend to have a poor quality of life and suffer from a complicated care process. Clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) and telemedicine are the common information and communication technologies that have been used to reduce the complexity of patient management. However, each element of telemedicine and CDSSs is often examined separately and with great variability. Telemedicine has been used for simple patient education as well as more complex consultations and case management. For CDSSs, there is variability in data inputs, intended users, and outputs. Thus, there are several gaps in knowledge about how to integrate CDSSs into telemedicine and to what extent these integrated technological interventions can help improve patient outcomes for those with multimorbidity. OBJECTIVE: Our aims were to (1) broadly review system designs for CDSSs that have been integrated into each function of telemedicine for multimorbid patients in primary care, (2) summarize the effectiveness of the interventions, and (3) identify gaps in the literature. METHODS: An online search for literature was conducted up to November 2021 on PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane. Searching from the reference lists was done to find additional potential studies. The eligibility criterion was that the study focused on the use of CDSSs in telemedicine for patients with multimorbidity in primary care. The system design for the CDSS was extracted based on its software and hardware, source of input, input, tasks, output, and users. Each component was grouped by telemedicine functions: telemonitoring, teleconsultation, tele-case management, and tele-education. RESULTS: Seven experimental studies were included in this review: 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 4 non-RCTs. The interventions were designed to manage patients with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, polypharmacy, and gestational diabetes mellitus. CDSSs can be used for various telemedicine functions: telemonitoring (eg, feedback), teleconsultation (eg, guideline suggestions, advisory material provisions, and responses to simple queries), tele-case management (eg, sharing information across facilities and teams), and tele-education (eg, patient self-management). However, the structure of CDSSs, such as data input, tasks, output, and intended users or decision-makers, varied. With limited studies examining varying clinical outcomes, there was inconsistent evidence of the clinical effectiveness of the interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Telemedicine and CDSSs have a role in supporting patients with multimorbidity. CDSSs can likely be integrated into telehealth services to improve the quality and accessibility of care. However, issues surrounding such interventions need to be further explored. These issues include expanding the spectrum of medical conditions examined; examining tasks of CDSSs, particularly for screening and diagnosis of multiple conditions; and exploring the role of the patient as the direct user of the CDSS

Factors affecting mortality in patients with COPD exacerbations requiring ICU admission

Background: Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) often require hospital admission and have a significant mortality rate. Patients with AECOPD who need intensive care (ICU) have higher mortality rates. Identifying factors associated with increased mortality might change approaches to treatment and improve communication with patients’ families about prognosis. Methods: Patients with AECOPD (ICD 9 code 491.21) directly admitted to the ICU between 1/1/2006 and 12/31/2010 were retrospectively reviewed. The inclusion criteria were age 45 years or older, diagnosis of AECOPD, and admission to an ICU. The exclusion criteria included any history of another respiratory disease or decompensated cardiac disease. The primary goal was to determine factors which affect survival. Result: Two hundred and seventeen patients were included this study. The mean ages were 70.4±10.4 years in the in-hospital death group and 66.4±10.9 years in the survivors. The overall mortality rate was 12%.  Multivariate analysis showed that the mortality rate was significantly associated with a low mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) (odds ratio [OR] 0.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.86-0.96), an intubation event (OR 6.12, 95% CI 1.24-30.87), and an elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01-1.12) (p<0.05 for each factor). Conclusion: This study identified clinical parameters associated with increased mortality in patients with AECOPD admitted to an ICU. These factors include a low MAP, intubation, and a high BUN and are easily obtained during the initial evaluation of the patient. They reflect the severity of the acute exacerbation and complications in other organ systems

Gait Characteristics in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have reduced gait speeds and more frequent falls. We analyzed gait characteristics and fall risk in these patients using video recordings and questionnaires to determine if these patients had any quantitative changes in gait characteristics and to determine if screening for fall risk provided useful information. Methods: Patients with COPD who had participated in pulmonary rehabilitation completed a short history falls and the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale questionnaire. They performed the Get Up and Go Test. Their typical gait was video recorded and analyzed with Dartfish software. Results: Fourteen patients completed this study. The mean age was 69.7 ± 6.0 years, and the mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second was 1.01 ± 0.38 L (36.9% ± 15.6% predicted). Three patients had a history of falls without significant injury. The mean Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale score was 91.8 ± 14.9, but the scores ranged from 10 to 100. Patients reported decreased balance confidence when “stepping onto or off an escalator while holding onto parcels.” The mean time in the Get Up and Go Test was 11.9 ± 2.0 seconds. Spatiotemporal parameters of gait included mean step length 0.65 ± 0.6 m, mean double support time 0.36 ± 0.05 seconds, mean double support time ratio 30.4% ± 3.1%, average free walking speed 65.3 ± 6.9 m/min, and number of steps per minute 100.4 ± 8.8. The speed was significantly slower and the double support time was significantly longer when compared with normal values. Conclusions: Most patients had good balance confidence scores. Their gait and balance were qualitatively normal using the Tinetti tools for assessment. Therefore, their risk for falls seems low. They had a reduced step length and increased time spent in double support, changes which might represent subtle adaptations to reduced balance

Stakeholders’ perspectives of a good death: A qualitative study from Thailand

Background: A ‘good death’ is one of palliative care's main goals. However, there are different perspectives on what a good death is. Perspectives from three groups of people involved in the dying process: patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers; are crucial because how they interact will affect the overall quality of end-of-life care. Objective: The aims were to 1) explore what is a good death and 2) how to achieve it from the perspectives of those involved in patient care. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted between February to August 2019. The recruitment triad of stakeholders consisted of one patient with their primary caregiver and their physician. Interviews were conducted by researchers who had no prior relationship with the participants and were not a part of the healthcare team. Each research aim was analyzed separately using thematic content analysis. Data saturation was reached when no new or emerging themes emerged. Fourteen people were interviewed; five patients, five caregivers, and four physicians. Results: Regarding perspectives of a good death, four themes emerged: 1: Peaceful natural progression and symptom-free, 2: Acceptance of death and dignity, 3: Readiness for death is facilitated by social support and the environment, and 4: Faith and religious values can bring peace. For the second research question regarding how to help the patient achieve a good death, three themes emerged: 1: provide supportive care, 2: good communication, and 3: prioritize the patients’ wishes. Conclusion: In the Thai context, the meaning of a good death relates to symptom control, acceptance of death, social support, and faith. However, a clear understanding of each individual's meaning of good death is required due to individualized needs and perceptions. Physicians and stakeholders looking to support good death should focus on providing supportive care, good communication, and prioritizing the patient's will and wishes

A household survey of the prevalence of subjective cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment among urban community-dwelling adults aged 30 to 65

Abstract While it is possible to detect cognitive decline before the age of 60, and there is a report indicating that certain cognitive abilities peak in one's 30s, the evidence regarding cognitive problems in populations younger than 65 years is scarce. This study aims to (1) determine the proportion of community-dwelling adults with different cognitive status, and (2) determine the prevalence of neuropsychiatric behaviors. A population-based survey was conducted in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Individuals aged 30 to 65 were recruited and assessed for demographic data, memory complaints, cognitive performance, and neuropsychiatric symptoms using self-reported questionnaires. In a total of 539 participants, 33.95% had mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 7.05% had subjective cognitive decline (SCD), and 52.50% had neuropsychiatric symptoms. The risk of MCI increased with age, and neuropsychiatric symptoms were significantly higher in those with MCI or SCD than in those without (p < 0.001). The most common complaints were sleep problems, anxiety, and irritability. Screening for MCI in adults aged < 65 years might be useful. However, further investigation on the appropriate age to screen and the program’s cost-effectiveness is suggested

Perceptions of Learners and Specialists Toward ECHO Palliative Care Project in Thailand

Introduction: The Extension of Community Health Outcomes (ECHO) is a global movement that aims to decentralize the knowledge of specialists to primary care. A pilot, ECHO palliative care project in Thailand, was introduced to enhance the implementation of palliative care practice. Objective: To assess learners’ and palliative care specialists’ perceptions toward the ECHO palliative care project to improve and expand the project in the future. Setting: A total of 15 hospitals in 7 provinces in Northern Thailand, including provincial and district hospitals. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted among learners (primary care providers) and palliative care specialists who participated in the pilot program. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore the potential impact of the project on clinical practice, the strengths and weaknesses of the ECHO program and platform in the Thai context, and suggestions for expansion. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative analysis. Pre- and post-confidence scores, using a 5-point Likert Scale, for palliative care practice among learners were analyzed using paired T -tests. Results: Twenty participants were interviewed: 15 learners and 5 palliative care specialists. The confidence in practicing palliative care after participating in the ECHO palliative care project significantly increased for the learners, from 2.93 (95% CI, 2.49-3.38) to 3.93 (95% CI, 3.68-4.19) points ( P  = .003). Three themes emerged through the process evaluation of the pilot ECHO palliative care project: (1) applicable lessons that can translate to practice, (2) an effective learning program and assessable platform, and (3) suggestions for expansion. Conclusion: The ECHO palliative care project increased confidence in providing palliative care for primary care providers in Thailand. Through capacity building, participants reported applying the knowledge to improve local health services and develop a network for consultations and referrals. There is potential for expansion of the ECHO palliative care project in Thailand

Determinants of health care worker breastfeeding experience and practices and their association with provision of care for breastfeeding mothers: a mixed-methods study from Northern Thailand

Abstract Background Improving breastfeeding rates is one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent infant deaths, but most of the world falls far below WHO recommended breastfeeding practices. Confident, informed healthcare workers are an important resource to promote breastfeeding, but healthcare workers are at risk of early breastfeeding cessation themselves. Culture, ethnicity and socio-economic status impact breastfeeding rates with some of the highest and lowest rates in Southeast Asia reported from Thailand. This study explores the relationship between workplace determinants of breastfeeding, personal breastfeeding outcomes for healthcare workers, and the breastfeeding care healthcare workers provide their patients. Methods This study used a sequential exploratory design guided by a conceptual framework based on social ecological/ecological psychology models. Participants came from four clinical sites in Northern Thailand, from ethnically Burman or Karen communities with high breastfeeding rates, and Thai communities with low breastfeeding rates. In-depth interviews (July 2020-November 2020) were followed by a quantitative survey (November 2020-July 2021) derived from validated questionnaires (Australian Breastfeeding Knowledge and Attitudes Questionnaire and the Workplace Breastfeeding Support Scale) with minor local adaptations. Results Interviews highlighted the beneficial effects of supportive workplace policies, the importance of physical spaces to facilitate proximity between mothers and infants, and the problem of low milk production. Meeting the WHO recommended practices of exclusive breastfeeding to 6 months or total breastfeeding to 2 years or more was more common in sites with higher levels of breastfeeding support (aOR 7.3, 95%CI 1.8, 29.1 for exclusive breastfeeding). Exclusive breastfeeding was also higher when staff set breastfeeding goals (aOR 4.4, 95%CI 1.7, 11.5). Staff who were able to see their infants during the work day were less likely to terminate breastfeeding because of work (aOR 0.3, 95%CI 0.1, 0.8). Staff who met both WHO recommendations themselves were more likely to report high levels of confidence caring for breastfeeding patients (aOR 2.6, 95%CI 1.1, 6.4). Conclusions Workplace protections including supportive maternity leave policies and child-friendly spaces can improve breastfeeding outcomes for healthcare workers. These improved outcomes are then passed on to patients who benefit from healthcare workers who are more confident and attentive to breastfeeding problems

Additional file 1 of Determinants of health care worker breastfeeding experience and practices and their association with provision of care for breastfeeding mothers: a mixed-methods study from Northern Thailand

Supplementary Material 1: Supplementary material includes the interview guide, quantitative survey, study recruitment flow, additional results and sensitivity analysi