Status and trends of e-Health tools in Kuwait: A narrative review

Background: Kuwait is witnessing an alarming increase in diabetes and high prevalence of multi-drug resistant strains. E-Health solutions have the potential to deliver timely, quality and cost-effective solutions to these public health challenges. However, little is known about the existing e-health solutions in Kuwait. Aims: This study aims to explore the current e-health tools and applications in Kuwait, and the factors that affect their adoption and implementation. Methods: A literature search was carried out for articles on e-health in Kuwait using the following electronic databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Medline and Proquest. Reference lists of all included items were additionally searched. A manual search was also conducted using WHO EMRO Virtual Health Sciences Library and MOH policies and standards. Results: 1121 papers were retrieved from databases and 29 papers were added from manual searching of reference lists. 495 papers were considered for review after the removal of duplicates. Thirty studies met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Implementing electronic health records and establishing a childhood-onset diabetes registry are the main e-Health achievements to date. Implementing e-Health tools has been hindered by various socio-political, financial, infrastructural, organizational, technical and individual barriers. Conclusion: The modest e-Health achievements warrant bigger and faster implementation steps focusing on developing an e-Health policy framework and drawing an implementation road-map that is evidence based and research informed

A systematic review of a clinical intervention in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction in the Gulf region

Hessah Alaslawi, John Corkery, ‘A systematic review of a clinical intervention in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction in the Gulf region’, poster presented at the 21st Health Sciences Centre Poster Conference, Kuwait City, Kuwait, 2-4 May, 2016.Myocardial infarction (MI) is a coronary artery disease that results from partial or complete occlusion of the coronary by thrombus, which leads to myocardium necrosis. The Gulf populations have increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and deaths due to high prevalence of risk factors. This is the first systematic review conducted on clinical intervention of acute MI (AMI) in the Gulf region. The aims of this study are to identify all studies in the Gulf region focusing on the clinical intervention of AMI, compare the results with international studies, develop recommendations for future practice and identify gaps in knowledge.Non peer reviewe

Diabetes self-management app: Systematic review of adoption determinants and future research agenda

Background:Most diabetes management involves self-management. Effective self-management of the condition improves diabetes control, reduces the risk of complications, and improves patient outcomes. Mobile apps for diabetes self-management (DSM) can enhance patients’ self-management activities. However, they are only effective if clinicians recommend them, and patients use them.Objective:This study aimed to explore the determinants of DSM apps’ use by patients and their recommendations by health care professionals (HCPs). It also outlines the future research agenda for using DSM apps in diabetes care.Methods:We systematically reviewed the factors affecting the adoption of DSM apps by both patients and HCPs. Searches were performed using PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Central, ACM, and Xplore digital libraries for articles published from 2008 to 2020. The search terms were diabetes, mobile apps, and self-management. Relevant data were extracted from the included studies and analyzed using a thematic synthesis approach.Results:A total of 28 studies met the inclusion criteria. We identified a range of determinants related to patients’ and HCPs’ characteristics, experiences, and preferences. Young female patients were more likely to adopt DSM apps. Patients’ perceptions of the benefits of apps, ease of use, and recommendations by patients and other HCPs strongly affect their intention to use DSM apps. HCPs are less likely to recommend these apps if they do not perceive their benefits and may not recommend their use if they are unaware of their existence or credibility. Young and technology-savvy HCPs were more likely to recommend DSM apps.Conclusions:Despite the potential of DSM apps to improve patients’ self-care activities and diabetes outcomes, HCPs and patients remain hesitant to use them. However, the COVID-19 pandemic may hasten the integration of technology into diabetes care. The use of DSM apps may become a part of the new normal