Background Colorectal cancer survivors face multiple challenges after discharge. eHealth may potentially support them by providing tools such as smartphone apps. They have lots of capabilities to exchange information and could be used for remote monitoring of these patients. Objective In this study, we addressed the required features for apps designed to follow up colorectal cancer patients based on survivors’ and clinical experts’ views. Methods A mixed methods study was conducted. Features of related apps were extracted through the literature; the features were categorized, and then, they were modified. A questionnaire was designed containing the features listed and prioritized based on the MoSCoW (Must have, Should have, Could have, Won’t have) technique and an open question for each category. The link to the questionnaire was shared among clinical experts in Iran. The answers were analyzed using the content validity ratio (CVR), and based on the value of this measure, the minimum feature set of a monitoring app to follow up patients with colorectal cancer was addressed. In addition, a telephone interview with colorectal cancer survivors was conducted to collect their viewpoints regarding a remote monitoring system for colorectal cancer cases. Results The questionnaire contained 10 sections evaluating 9 categories of features. The questionnaire was completed by 18 experts. The minimum set of features in the app was identified as patient information registration, sign and symptom monitoring, education, reminders, and patient evaluation (0.42 < CVR < 0.85). Features including physical activity, personalized advice, and social network did not achieve the minimum score (–0.11 < CVR < 0.39). We interviewed 9 colorectal cancer survivors. Information registration, sign and symptom monitoring, education, and personalized advice were the features with high priority from the survivors’ perspectives. Scheduling, shopping, and financial support features were emphasized by survivors in the interview. Conclusions The requirement set could be used to design an app for the targeted population or patients affected by other cancers. As the views from both survivors and clinical experts were considered in this study, the remote system may more adequately fulfill the need for follow-up of survivors. This eases the patients’ and health care providers’ communication and interaction.
Introduction Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the most common causes of physical disability. The rehabilitation process after musculoskeletal disorders is long and tedious, and patients are not motivated to follow rehabilitation protocols. Therefore, new systems must be used to increase patient motivation. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies can be used in this regard. In developing such systems, various technologies and methods of movement recognition are used; therefore, this study aims to summarize the technical aspects of using VR/AR in rehabilitation and evaluate and discuss efficient methods of investigating studies using the Statement of Standards for Reporting Implementation Studies (StaRI). Methods Search in four scientific databases was done systematically based on PRISMA through online search engines from inception to June 2021. These databases include Medline (PubMed), Scopus, IEEE, and Web of Science. An updated search was also conducted on 17 December 2021. The research used keywords and MeSH terms associated with VR/AR, musculoskeletal disorder, and rehabilitation. Selected articles were evaluated qualitatively using the Standards for Reporting Implementation Studies (StaRI) statement. Results A total of 2343 articles were found, and 20 studies were included. We found that 11 (55%) studies used Kinect technology as input tools, and 15 (75%) studies have described the techniques used to analyze human movements, such as dynamic time warping (DTW) and support vector machines (SVM). In 10 (50%) studies, the Unity game engine was used for visualization. In 8 studies (40%), usability was assessed, and high usability was reported. Similarly, the results of the review of studies according to the StaRI checklist showed poor reporting in the title and discussion of the studies. Conclusions We found that academic studies did not describe the technical aspects of rehabilitation systems. Therefore, a good description of the technical aspects of the system in such studies should be considered to provide repeatability and generalizability of these systems for investigations by other researchers.
BACKGROUND Colorectal survivors after discharge face multiple challenges and eHealth may potentially support them through providing tools such as smartphone apps. They have lots of capabilities to exchange information and could be used for remote monitoring of these patients. OBJECTIVE In this study, we addressed required features for apps designed to follow-up colorectal cancer patients. METHODS Features of related apps were extracted through the literature; the features were categorized and then they were modified. A questionnaire is designed containing the features listed and prioritized based on MoScoW technique and an open question for each category. The link of the questionnaire is shared among oncological surgeons and related clinical experts in the country. The answers were analyzed using CVR and the minimum feature set of a monitoring app to follow-up colorectal cancer patients were obtained. RESULTS The questionnaire contained ten sections evaluating nine categories of features. Eighteen experts filled the questionnaire. the minimum features of the app identified as: patient information registration, sign and symptoms monitoring, education, reminders, and patient evaluation (0.42<CVR<0.85). Features including physical activity, personalized advice, and social network did not get the minimum score (-0.11<CVR<0.39). CONCLUSIONS The requirements set could be used for designing an app for the targeted population. Further research might address patient’s concerns on such an app also the extensibility of this features to other types of cancer.
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