Resistance to the use of the FM System by children and adolescents: fact or myth? An analysis of records of patients assisted in a hearing health center / Resistência ao uso do Sistema FM por crianças e adolescentes: fato ou mito? Uma análise de prontuários de pacientes atendidos em um serviço de saúde auditiva

ABSTRACT Purpose: to compare the use of the Frequency Modulation (FM) System by children and adolescents in a public hearing health center in the state of São Paulo. Methods: the analysis of medical records based on eligibility criteria. Data were collected from 340 participants born between 1998 and 2011, fitted with FM System, and who attended the follow-up appointment after fitting the device. Data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially. Results: hard-of-hearing children and adolescents of both genders from all over Brazil, attending elementary, middle or high school in public or private schools, participated. The data showed that 115 children and 155 adolescents effectively used the device, especially at school. The main difficulty for children was the lack of support from teachers; for adolescents, it was the feeling of embarrassment. Conclusion: some difficulties, especially on children, in adhering to the use of FM Systems were identified. Hence, to ensure the FM System's effective use, the importance of providing guidance and awareness of its benefits to patients, and their family members and teachers, during the fitting appointment and follow-up consultations, is emphasized.

RESUMO Objetivo: comparar o uso do Sistema de Frequência Modulada por crianças e adolescentes em um Serviço Público de Saúde Auditiva do estado de São Paulo. Métodos: análise de prontuários, balizada pelos critérios de elegibilidade. Foram coletados dados de 340 participantes adaptados com o Sistema de Frequência Modulada, nascidos entre 1998 e 2011 e que compareceram à consulta de retorno pós-adaptação do dispositivo. Os dados foram analisados de forma descritiva e inferencial. Resultados: participaram crianças e adolescentes de ambos os gêneros provenientes de todo Brasil, com deficiência auditiva, cursando o ensino fundamental I ou II e ensino médio na rede pública ou privada de ensino. Os dados revelaram que 115 crianças e 155 adolescentes faziam uso efetivo do dispositivo, especialmente na escola. As principais dificuldades relatadas foram a falta de apoio dos professores entre as crianças e o sentimento de vergonha entre os adolescentes. Conclusão: foram identificadas dificuldades na adesão ao uso do Sistema FM, sobretudo por parte das crianças. Diante disso, ressalta-se a importância da orientação e da conscientização dos benefícios do uso do Sistema FM aos pacientes, familiares e seus professores, tanto no momento da adaptação do dispositivo quanto nas consultas de acompanhamento, a fim de assegurar o seu uso efetivo.

Tecnologias móveis em saúde: reflexões sobre desenvolvimento, aplicações, legislação e ética / Mobile technologies in healthcare: reflections on development, application, legal aspects, and ethics / Tecnologías sanitarias móviles: reflexiones sobre desarrollo, aplicación, legislación y ética

RESUMO O avanço das tecnologias móveis, associado à mobilidade crescente dos dispositivos, permitiu a incorporação do ambiente virtual a diversas atividades cotidianas, inclusive no âmbito da saúde, introduzindo conceitos como telemedicina, telessaúde, eHealth e mHealth. Além de apresentar esses novos conceitos, o presente artigo teve como objetivo discutir os avanços e os desafios das tecnologias móveis em saúde a partir de reflexões sobre desenvolvimento, aplicações, legislação e ética. Por seu caráter inovador, as tecnologias móveis em saúde envolvem muitos atores na jornada até o usuário final, focados na concepção, desenvolvimento técnico, regulação sanitária e elaboração de diretrizes clínicas, e têm despertado grande interesse para fins de monitoramento e cuidados em diferentes condições clínicas. Entretanto, na avaliação da efetividade e da segurança das tecnologias móveis em saúde, não se observa o mesmo rigor metodológico exigido para ensaios clínicos de medicamentos e outros produtos de saúde; ainda, o entusiasmo pela inovação se contrapõe às preocupações regulatórias e éticas relacionadas à proteção de dados, à privacidade, ao acesso aos dispositivos móveis e às disparidades tecnológicas e sociais. Apesar das possíveis limitações, as tecnologias móveis, assim como outros recursos da telessaúde, têm alcançado resultados promissores. A atenção digital em saúde tem grande potencial de expansão e representa uma oportunidade para que as práticas tradicionais de saúde sejam revisadas a partir da seleção e da incorporação das tecnologias móveis aos sistemas de saúde, sempre que sejam observados benefícios embasados nas melhores evidências.

ABSTRACT The association between fast-growing mobile technologies and increasingly more mobile devices has allowed the introduction of virtual environments into daily activities. That includes the health care domain, where concepts such telemedicine, telehealth, eHealth, and mHealth have emerged. In addition to presenting these new concepts, this article aims to discuss the advancements and challenges of mobile health technologies stemming from considerations regarding development, application, legal aspects, and ethics. Because of their innovative nature, mobile health technologies entail the engagement of many actors in the journey to reach end users, covering conception, technical development, sanitary regulations, and design of clinical guidelines, having raised a great deal or interest in terms of monitoring and care across a variety of clinical conditions. However, assessment of the effectiveness and safety of mobile health technologies does not seem to involve the same methodological rigor imposed for clinical trials of drugs and other health products; still, the enthusiasm produced by this innovation counters some of the regulatory and ethics concerns relating to data protection, privacy, access to mobile devices, and technological or social inequality. Despite possible limitations, mobile technologies, as well as other telehealth resources, have produced promising results. Digital healthcare has great potential for expansion and represents an opportunity for the review of traditional practices with selection of mobile technologies for incorporation into the health care system whenever evidence-based benefits are verified.

RESUMEN El avance de las tecnologías móviles, junto con la creciente movilidad de los dispositivos, permitió incorporar el entorno virtual a diversas actividades cotidianas, incluso en el ámbito de la salud, al introducir conceptos como telemedicina, telesalud, eSalud y mSalud. Además de presentar estos nuevos conceptos, en el presente artículo se pretende debatir los avances y desafíos de las tecnologías sanitarias móviles a partir de reflexiones sobre el desarrollo, las aplicaciones, la legislación y la ética. Por su carácter innovador, las tecnologías sanitarias móviles llevan a muchos actores a recorrer el camino conducente al usuario final, centrándose en el diseño, el desarrollo técnico, la regulación sanitaria y la elaboración de directrices clínicas; además, han despertado un gran interés para fines de seguimiento y atención en diferentes condiciones clínicas. Sin embargo, al evaluar la eficacia y seguridad de las tecnologías sanitarias móviles no se observa el mismo rigor metodológico exigido en los ensayos clínicos de medicamentos y otros productos sanitarios, y el entusiasmo por la innovación se contrapone a las preocupaciones reguladoras y éticas relacionadas con la protección de datos, la privacidad, el acceso a los dispositivos móviles y las disparidades tecnológicas y sociales. A pesar de las posibles limitaciones, las tecnologías móviles, así como otros recursos de telesalud, han dado resultados prometedores. La atención digital en el ámbito de la salud tiene un gran potencial de expansión y representa una oportunidad para revisar las prácticas tradicionales de salud a partir de la selección e incorporación de las tecnologías móviles a los sistemas de salud, siempre que se registren beneficios basados en la mejor evidencia.

Adesão ao uso do Sistema de Microfone Remoto em estudantes com deficiência auditiva usuários de dispositivos auditivos / Adherence to Remote Microphone System use at school in children and adolescents with hearing loss

RESUMO Objetivo Identificar relações entre a utilização sistemática do Microfone Remoto (MR) em sala de aula de estudantes com deficiência auditiva e características das escolas e dos professores. Método Foram analisados 120 sujeitos, entre cinco e 17 anos, com deficiência auditiva que foram adaptados MR em um Serviço de Saúde credenciada pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Também foram sujeitos, professores de usuários de MR. Realizou-se uma análise de prontuários e no momento que os sujeitos compareceram para acompanhamento foi realizado entrevista com os pais/responsáveis para caracterizar rotina de utilização do MR na escola. Foram realizados contatos telefônicos e visitas presenciais em algumas escolas. Resultados Quanto ao uso, observa-se que a maioria dos sujeitos utilizava o dispositivo na escola. Aqueles que não utilizavam involuntariamente e voluntariamente consistiu na minoria dos sujeitos. Houve uma similaridade no padrão do Speech Intelligibility Index -SII dos sujeitos que 'usam' e 'não usam involuntariamente' o MR. Houve diferença significativa entre o tipo de escola e o nível de escolaridade, a maioria dos sujeitos que frequentavam escola regular e estavam matriculados no ensino fundamental I tendem a usar mais o dispositivo. Conclusão A maioria dos sujeitos faz uso do MR na escola. O nível educacional do estudante também foi um fator que interferiu na adesão ao uso dos MR, com maior adesão em estudantes do Ensino Fundamental I. Os dados sugerem que a articulação entre serviço de saúde e escola favorece a utilização do MR, entretanto quando essa relação é intermediada pelos pais, outros fatores acabam interferindo no uso sistemático no cotidiano da escola.

ABSTRACT Purpose To identify relationships between Remote Microphone System (RMS) use in the classroom and the schools' and teachers' characteristics. Methods We analyzed 120 subjects aged 5 to 17 years with hearing loss who had received an RMS from a health service accredited by the Unified Health System (SUS). The teachers of RMS users were the other subjects in the study. We analyzed the patients' medical records and interviewed their parents/guardians at the follow-up visit to verify issues related to the RMS and its use at school. We contacted the schools over the phone and visited some of them. Results Of the students, 54% used the device at school; 22% involuntarily did not use it; and 24% voluntarily did not use it. The Speech Intelligibility Index pattern of those who used the RMS was similar to those who involuntarily did not use it. There was a significant difference between the type of school and educational level - 86% of regular school students and elementary school students tend to use the device more often (62%). Conclusion Most subjects use the RMS at school. The students' educational level also interfered with the adherence to RMS use, as elementary school students had a higher adherence. The data suggest that the coordination between health services and schools favors RMS use. However, when the parents mediate this relationship, other factors interfere with the systematic RMS use in the school routine.

Experiencia de trabajo mediante psicogrupo WhatsApp en pacientes con trastornos neuróticos y sus familiares en tiempos de COVID19 / The Patients whit neurotic disorders in time of Covid19. An experience of work psicogroup of WhatsApp

RESUMEN Fundamento: Cuba y el mundo han sufrido en los últimos meses una situación sanitaria difícil, producto de la pandemia del nuevo coronavirus. La ciencia psicológica pasó a jugar papel primordial ante esta emergencia, al ofrecer primeros auxilios y acompañamiento psicológico. Objetivo: describir los resultados de la aplicación de una modalidad de ayuda psicológica virtual para pacientes con trastornos neuróticos y sus familiares. Métodos: estudio cuanti-cualitativo, realizado en el período abril-agosto 2020. Se incluyeron 28 personas que dieron consentimiento para participar y contaban con recursos tecnológicos: 22 pacientes pertenecientes al Hospital Psiquiátrico de la provincia de Cienfuegos y 6 familiares. Estuvo dirigido por psicólogas y psiquiatra. Se efectuó una modalidad de ayuda psicológica virtual utilizando un grupo WhatsApp. Resultados: los participantes demostraron dominio de recursos psicológicos y psicoterapéuticos aprendidos, así como los aportados durante el tiempo de trabajo. La experiencia fue bien recibida y considerada como útil, beneficiosa; la calificaron como excelente modalidad para la atención psicológica. Superaron sintomatologías emocionales negativas relacionadas con la pandemia y hubo enriquecimiento de los recursos, interacción positiva grupal y familiar ante confinamiento y habilidades en el manejo de la tecnología. Conclusiones: como nueva modalidad de ayuda psicológica, resultó una experiencia de trabajo oportuna y necesaria ante la emergencia sanitaria, demostrando ser efectiva como herramienta de trabajo de psicólogos y psiquiatras en la atención psicológica.

ABSTRACT Background: Cuba and the world have suffered in recent months a health situation as a result of the new coronavirus pandemic. Psychological science began to play a key role in the health emergency, by offering first aid and psychological support. Objective: to describe the virtual psychological help modality application results for patients with neurotic disorders and their families. Methods: quantitative-qualitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study, carried out in the period April-August 2020. 28 people who gave consent to participate and had technological resources were included: 22 patients belonging to the Cienfuegos Psychiatric Hospital and 6 relatives. It was guided by psychologists and a psychiatrist. A modality of virtual psychological help was carried out using a WhatsApp group. Results: the participants demonstrated knowledge of learned psychological and psychotherapeutic resources, as well as those provided during work time. The experience was well received and considered useful, beneficial; they rated it as an excellent modality for psychological care. They overcame negative emotional symptoms related to the pandemic and there was enrichment of resources, positive group and family interaction in confinement and skills in the management of technology. Conclusions: as a new modality of psychological help, it was a timely and necessary work experience in the health emergency, proving to be effective as a work tool for psychologists and psychiatrists in psychological care.

Wireless ph monitoring and conventional esophageal ph monitoring: comparative study of discomfort, limitations in daily activities and complications / Phmetria sem cateter e phmetria esofágica convencional: estudo comparativo do desconforto, limitações das atividades diárias e complicações

ABSTRACT Background: The catheter of the esophageal pH monitoring is associated with nasal and throat discomfort, and different behave in patients. The capsule of the wireless pH monitoring may cause chest pain and complications. Aim: To compare the wireless and conventional pH monitoring concerning the degree of discomfort and limitations in daily activities, complications, ability to diagnose pathological reflux, and costs. Methods: Twenty-five patients with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux were prospectively submitted, in a simultaneous initial period, to 24-hour catheter esophageal pH monitoring and 48-hour wireless system. After removing each system, patients underwent a specific clinical questionnaire. Results: Fifteen patients (60%) pointed a higher discomfort in the introduction of the capsule (p=0.327). Discomfort and limitations in daily activities were lower on 2nd day (p<0.05); however, continued to be expressive (32% to 44%). Chest pain occurred in 13 (52%) patients. The diagnostic gain of pathological reflux was 12% with the wireless system (p=0.355). Conclusions: 1) There is no significant difference between the discomfort mentioned in the introduction of the capsule and the catheter; 2) during reflux monitoring, the wireless system provides significant less discomfort and limitations in daily activities; 3) there is no significant difference between the two methods in the ability to diagnose pathological reflux; 4) wireless pH monitoring has higher cost.

RESUMO Racional: O cateter da pHmetria esofágica associa-se ao desconforto nasal e na garganta, e comportamento diferente nos pacientes. A cápsula da pHmetria sem cateter pode causar dor torácica e complicações. Objetivo: Comparar as pHmetrias sem cateter e a convencional, em relação ao desconforto e limitações das atividades diárias, complicações, capacidade de diagnosticar refluxo patológico, e custos. Métodos: Vinte e cinco pacientes com sintomas de refluxo gastroesofágico foram prospectivamente submetidos, em um período inicial simultâneo, à pHmetria esofágica com cateter durante 24 h e à pHmetria sem cateter durante 48 h. Após a retirada de cada método, pacientes responderam o questionário clínico específico. Resultados: Quinze pacientes (60%) relataram maior desconforto na introdução da cápsula (p=0,327). Desconforto e limitações das atividades diárias foram menores no 2º dia (p< 0,05); entretanto, continuaram sendo expressivos (32% a 44%). Dor torácica ocorreu em 13 (52%) pacientes. O ganho diagnóstico no refluxo patológico foi de 12% com o sistema sem cateter (p=0,355). Conclusões: 1) Não há diferença significativa entre o desconforto relatado na introdução da cápsula e do cateter; 2) durante a monitorização do refluxo, o sistema sem cateter proporciona significativo menor desconforto e limitações das atividades diárias; 3) não há diferença significativa entre os dois métodos na capacidade de diagnosticar o refluxo patológico; 4) pHmetria sem cateter tem custo maior.

Uso do sistema auxiliar de escuta com estudantes com deficiência auditiva: identificação de barreiras e facilitadores / Use of hearing assistance technology with students with hearing loss: identification of barriers and facilitators / Uso del sistema auxiliar de escucha com alunos com hipoacusia: identificación de barreras y facilitadores

Introdução: A relação sinal-ruído na sala de aula pode ser um vilão na inclusão na escola regular de alunos com deficiência auditiva, usuários de dispositivos eletrônicos, que utilizam a língua oral para se comunicar. Os recursos tecnológicos são determinantes para a melhor audibilidade de sons de fala em ambientes ruidosos e sua efetividade depende da adesão ao uso do dispositivo. Esse processo é determinado pela parceria entre profissionais da saúde, família e  escola. Objetivo: Identificar a relação entre a utilização consistente do sistema de microfone remoto (SMR) em estudantes com deficiência auditiva e o uso pelos professores, que favoreceram ou dificultaram sua adaptação e o desenvolvimento escolar desses estudantes. Método: Foram analisados 175 sujeitos entre 5 e 17 anos que receberam o SMR num serviço de saúde auditiva entre os anos de 2017 e 2018. Pais e professores de usuários também foram sujeitos do estudo. O funcionamento do SMR e a classificação quanto ao seu uso foram verificados. Resultado: Os indivíduos que mais 'usam' o SMR estão no ensino fundamental I, e os que 'não usam voluntariamente' estão no ensino médio e fundamental II. Considerando-se o tipo de escola, a maioria que 'não usa voluntariamente' o SMR está em escola ou sala para surdos com uso de libras e/ou tem intérprete na sala da escola regular. Conclusão: Houve associação entre uso do SMR e tipo de escola. Recomenda-se que o tipo de escola seja um critério de indicação do dispositivo. O nível educacional também foi uma variável determinante no uso do dispositivo na escola.

Introduction: The signal-to-noise ratio in the classroom can be a villain in the inclusion of hearing-impaired students in regular school, users of electronic devices, that use the oral language to communicate. The technological resources are determinant for better audibility of speech sounds in noisy environments and their effectiveness depends on adherence to the use of the device. This process is determined by the partnership between health professionals, family and school. Objective: Identify the relation between the use of remote microphone system (RMS) in hearing impaired students and the use by teachers, which favored or hindered their adaptation and the school development of hearing-impaired students. Method:175 subjects between 5 and 17 years of age who received the HAT in a hearing health service between the years 2017 and 2018 were analyzed. Parents and teachers of users were also subjects of the study. The functioning of the HAT and the classification regarding its use was verified. Result: Most of the individuals who 'use' HAT are in elementary school, and those who 'don't use it voluntarily' are in high school and middle school. Considering the type of school, most who 'don't use voluntarily' the HAT is in school or room for deaf students using sign language /or has interpreter in regular school. Conclusion:There was an association between the use of the HAT and the type of school. It is recommended that the type of school is a criterion for the indication of the device. The educational level was also a determinant variable in the use of the device at school.

Introducción: La relación señal-ruido en el aula puede ser un villano en la inclusión de estudiantes con discapacidad auditiva en la escuela normal, usuarios de dispositivos electrónicos que utilizan el lenguaje oral para comunicarse. Los recursos tecnológicos son cruciales para una mejor audibilidad de los sonidos del habla en ambientes ruidosos y su eficacia depende de la adherencia al uso del dispositivo. Este proceso está determinado por la asociación entre los profesionales de salud, familia y escuela. Objetivo: Identificar la relación entre el uso del sistema de micrófono remoto(SMR) en los alumnos con deficiencias auditivas y el uso por parte de los maestros, que han favorecido o dificultado su adaptación y el desarrollo escolar de los alumnos con deficiencias auditivas. Método: Se analizaron 175 sujetos de entre 5 y 17 años que recibieron el SMR en un servicio de salud auditiva entre los años 2017 y 2018. Los padres y maestros de los usuarios también fueron sujetos del estudio. Se ha comprobado el funcionamiento del SMR y la clasificación relativa a su uso. Resultado: Los individuos que "usan" más el SMR están en la escuela primaria, y los que "no usan voluntariamente" están en la secundaria. Considerando el tipo de escuela, la mayoría de los que "no usan voluntariamente" el SMR está en una escuela o sala para sordos con uso de libras y/o tiene un intérprete en la sala de la escuela regular. Conclusión: Hubo una asociación entre el uso del SMR y el tipo de la escuela. Se recomienda que el tipo de escuela sea un criterio para indicar el dispositivo. El nivel educativo, también fue una variable determinante en el uso del dispositivo en la escuela.

Feasibility and Applicability of Wireless Handheld Ultrasound Measurement of Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Patients with Cardiac Symptoms

0.9 between all observers). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the predictive power for CAD was improved when max-CIMT and plaque information (plaque≥2) was added [area under the curve (AUC): 0.838] to the traditional clinical CV risk factors (AUC: 0.769). The cutoff values for CAD prediction with the standard device and the WHUS device were 1.05 mm (AUC: 0.807, sensitivity: 0.78, specificity: 0.53) and 1.10 mm (AUC: 0.725, sensitivity: 0.98, specificity: 0.27), respectively.CONCLUSION: max-CIMT measured by a WHUS device showed excellent agreement and repeatability, compared with standard ultrasound. Combined max-CIMT and plaque information added predictive power to the traditional clinical CV risk factors in detecting high-risk CAD patients.

Uso de WhatsApp en neurocirugía: ¿problema o solución? / Use of WhatsApp in neurosurgery: problem or solution?

Introducción: Debido a la naturaleza impredecible y demandante de la neurocirugía, es necesaria una comunicación segura y rápida entre colegas. WhatsApp se presenta, en este contexto, como una solución rentable, fácil, accesible y rápida. Por la característica fugaz de la tecnología los avances preceden a las normativas. Actualmente WhatsApp es una herramienta frecuente en los equipos neuroquirúrgicos y nos encontramos utilizando una herramienta de forma diaria e ignorando las consecuencias que puede traer el intercambio de información de pacientes en un medio que no se encuentra diseñado para tal fin. El presente trabajo pretende medir la adhesión de WhatsApp en neurocirugía y el nivel de conocimiento sobre sus ventajas y desventajas. Métodos: Se elaboró una encuesta sobre el uso del WhatsApp en Neurocirugía que se entregó impresa aleatoriamente a 150 neurocirujanos. Resultados: Se encuestaron 112 neurocirujanos con una edad promedio de 34 años. Un 98% usa Smartphone y la totalidad de estos usa WhatsApp. Un 96% utiliza WhatsApp para resolver cuestiones médicas fuera de su horario de trabajo. Ninguno de los entrevistados conoce el marco legal de WhatsApp. Conclusiones: Existe una fuerte adhesión al uso de WhatsApp en la práctica médica por parte de los neurocirujanos en Argentina. Esto se debe a su uso fácil, rápido, grupal y económico, que se adecua a la perfección con el ritmo y complejidad de nuestra profesión. Sin embargo, existe un total desconocimiento del marco legal de esta aplicación, del déficit de seguridad de los datos on-line; lo que se traduce en un potencial riesgo a la confidencialidad del acto médico.

Background: Due to the unpredictable and demanding nature of neurosurgery, safe and rapid communication between colleagues is necessary. WhatsApp is presented as a cost-effective, easy and accessible solution. Because of the rapid advanced of technology, it usually precedes regulations. Currently WhatsApp is a frequent tool in neurosurgical teams and we find ourselves using an instrument on a daily basis and ignoring the consequences that the exchange of patient information using this method can bring. The present work aims to measure the adherence of WhatsApp in neurosurgery and the level of knowledge about its advantages and disadvantages. Methods: A survey was developed on the use of WhatsApp in Neurosurgery that was delivered randomly to 150 neurosurgeons. Results: 112 neurosurgeons with an average age of 34 years were surveyed. 98% use Smartphone and all of them use WhatsApp. 96% use WhatsApp to resolve medical issues outside of their work hours. None of the interviewees knows the legal framework of WhatsApp. Conclusions: There is a strong adherence to the use of WhatsApp in medical practice by neurosurgeons in Argentina. This is due to its easy, fast, and economic use, which is perfectly adapted to the rhythm and complexity of our profession. However, there is a total ignorance of the legal framework of this application which translates into potential risks to patient's confidentiality.

Use of smart glasses for ultrasound-guided peripheral venous access: a randomized controlled pilot study

OBJECTIVE: Smart glasses can provide sonographers with real-time ultrasound images. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the utility of smart-glasses for ultrasound-guided peripheral venous access.METHODS: In this randomized, crossover-design, simulation study, 12 participants were recruited from the emergency department residents at a university hospital. Each participant attempted ultrasound-guided peripheral venous access on a pediatric phantom at intervals of 5 days with (glasses group) or without (non-glasses group) the use of smart glasses. In the glasses group, participants confirmed the ultrasound image through the lens of the smart glasses. In the non-glasses group, participants confirmed the ultrasound image through the display viewer located next to the phantom. Procedure time was regarded as the primary outcome, while secondary outcomes included the number of head movements for the participant, number of skin punctures, number of needle redirections, and subjective difficulty.RESULTS: No significant differences in procedural time were observed between the groups (non-glasses group: median time, 15.5 seconds; interquartile range [IQR], 10.3 to 27.3 seconds; glasses group: median time, 19.0 seconds; IQR, 14.3 to 39.3 seconds; P=0.58). The number of head movements was lower in the glasses group than in the non-glasses group (glasses group: median, 0; IQR, 0 to 0; non-glasses group: median, 4; IQR, 3 to 5; P<0.01). No significant differences in the number of skin punctures or needle restrictions were observed between the groups.CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that smart-glasses may aid in ensuring ultrasound-guided peripheral venous access by reducing head movements.

Desenvolvimento e validação de um protótipo de aplicativo móvel sobre aleitamento materno para profissionais de saúde / Development and validation of a mobile app prototype regarding maternal breastfeeding for healthcare professionals

O aleitamento materno é considerado o padrão ouro da alimentação infantil. Apesar disso, os índices de amamentação exclusiva até o sexto mês de vida do bebê encontram-se abaixo do recomendado pela Organização Mundial de Saúde, tanto no Brasil como no mundo. Por ser um fenômeno complexo, o suporte profissional destaca-se como um importante pilar na sustentação da confiança da mulher na sua capacidade de amamentar o bebê, seja nas primeiras semanas pós-parto como na manutenção do processo. Conhecimento e habilidades se fazem necessários para uma atitude positiva do profissional de saúde frente ao aleitamento materno, podendo ser adquiridos através de capacitações. A internet e a tecnologia móvel podem facilitar este processo. O uso de tecnologias de informação e comunicação é chamado de eHealth e as tecnologias móveis são chamadas de mHealth, que envolve o uso de aparelhos como tablets e smartphones, com funções de voz, mensagens de texto e acesso a internet. Os aparelhos de tecnologia móvel são administrados por aplicativos, facilitando a mobilidade. O uso de aplicativos na área da saúde vem crescendo cada vez mais, mas na assistência ao aleitamento materno, não encontramos apps disponíveis especificamente aos profissionais de saúde que possam contribuir para sua prática profissional. O objetivo deste estudo foi construir um protótipo de um aplicativo móvel sobre aleitamento materno para profissionais de saúde. Tratase de um estudo metodológico, com a participação de profissionais de saúde de diferentes áreas, envolvidos com a prática do aleitamento materno em diferentes cenários. A construção do protótipo foi realizada em cinco etapas. Na primeira etapa, de Comunicação, foi formada a equipe de desenvolvimento, composta por 06 profissionais de saúde certificados como Consultores Internacionais em Amamentação pelo International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE), que participaram de uma entrevista par coleta de dados sóciodemográficos e responderam a 06 questões sobre suas facilidades e dificuldades na prática profissional, e como um aplicativo poderia ser útil no dia-a-dia. Na segunda etapa, foi construído um projeto rápido do protótipo a partir das respostas dos profissionais, definindo quais as funcionalidades e o conteúdo comporiam o protótipo. Na terceira etapa, foi a construção do design das telas do protótipo com o conteúdo e as sugestões de funcionalidades. Na quarta etapa o protótipo foi enviado novamente à equipe de desenvolvimento para validação do mesmo quanto a conteúdo e funções. Na quinta e última etapa, os profissionais validaram o protótipo, atribuindo em sua maioria conceitos "ótimo" ou "bom" em cada um dos tópicos. Para alguns itens houve discordância entre os avaliadores, especialmente com relação ao conteúdo teórico e tamanho da fonte, mas os mesmos fizeram observações importantes para aprimorar o conteúdo. Conclui-se que o objetivo de construir um protótipo de aplicativo móvel para profissionais foi alcançado, sendo aprovado pela equipe de desenvolvimento. Vale ressaltar que o uso de tecnologias móveis na assistência ao aleitamento materno apresenta muitas potencialidades e merece ser melhor explorado

Maternal breastfeeding is considered the gold standard of infant nourishment. Nevertheless, the rates of exclusive breastfeeding until the sixth month of nurseling's life are now below of the World Health Organization recommended pattern, both in Brazil and worldwide. Because it is a phenomenon which carries a certain degree of complexity, professional assistance stands-out as a relevant factor for the sustenance of women self-confidence in breastfeeding her baby, whether in the initial weeks postpartum or in the maintenance of the process itself. Proper knowledge and abilities are an utmost necessity for a positive attitude of the health professional in regard to breastfeeding, which can be acquired through accurate capacitation. The Internet and mobile technology are able to facilitate this process. The use of information and communication technologies is called eHealth while the mobile technologies are named mHealth, which englobes the use of electronic devices such as tablets and smartphones containing voice services, text messages and access to the Internet. The mobile technology devices are controlled by apps that enhance the mobility. Although the use of different apps in healthcare has been growing significantly, with reference to maternal breastfeeding assistance there are no evidences of available specific apps which could contribute to daily work activities of a health professional. The main objective of this present research was to create a mobile app prototype about maternal breastfeeding exclusively for health professionals. It is, as a matter of fact, a methodological research with the participation of health professionals of different areas, who are involved in maternal breastfeeding practices in distinct scenarios. The construction of the prototype was executed in five stages. In the first stage, Communication, a development team was formed by six health professionals all of them certificated by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) as International Consultants in Breastfeeding, which participate of an interview for social demographic data collection and also answered to six questions about facilities and difficulties in work activities, besides discussing how an app could be useful in day-to-day routine. At the second step, a rapid project of the prototype was built from the professional's answers, determining which content and functionalities would make up the prototype. In the third part, it followed the design conception of prototype canvas together with its content and functionalities suggestions. At the fourth step, the prototype was reassigned to the development team for its content and functions validation. In the fifth and last stage, the professionals validated the prototype, attributing to it, in the majority, "great" and "good" ratings in each one of the topics. Regarding some items such as theoretical content and text font size, there were a couple of disagreements between the evaluators, but, at the same time, they signalized important observations in order to improve the prototype content. In conclusion, the primarily objective of creating a mobile app prototype for health professionals was properly reached, with the approval of development team. Important to notice that the use of mobile technologies in breastfeeding assistance presents a variety of potentialities and it deserves to be explored in a better way

O uso de Sistema de Frequência Modulada por crianças com perda auditiva: benefício segundo a perspectiva do familiar / The use of the Frequency Modulation System by hearing-impaired children: benefits from the family's perspective

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o benefício do uso do sistema de frequência modulada (FM) adaptado em crianças com perda auditiva neurossensorial, segundo a perspectiva do familiar. Método Trata-se de um estudo do tipo descritivo, analítico de delineamento transversal. Participaram da pesquisa familiares e cuidadores de crianças de seis a 15 anos com deficiência auditiva neurossensorial, usuárias de aparelho de amplificação sonora individual (AASI) e/ou implante coclear (IC), que foram beneficiadas pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) com o sistema FM em um serviço de saúde auditiva paranaense. Aplicou-se o questionário Avaliação do Sistema FM composto por 14 perguntas sobre o benefício do uso do FM, bem como sobre as características do AASI e/ou IC e do tipo de sistema FM utilizado pelas crianças. Resultados Houve diferença estatisticamente significante comparando as respostas do questionário com e sem o uso do FM, para todas as situações (silêncio, ruído, apenas via auditiva, distância), observando-se melhor desempenho e mudanças no comportamento em relação à atenção e ao aprendizado com o uso do sistema FM, segundo a percepção dos familiares. Não sendo utilizado nenhum método para avaliar formalmente tais desempenhos. Conclusão Verificou-se que, segundo a óptica dos pais, o uso do sistema FM melhora o desempenho do deficiente auditivo em várias situações acústicas, sendo mais evidente em ambientes de fala no ruído e quando há o aumento da distância da fonte sonora. Apesar de o sistema FM ser utilizado em diferentes situações, trouxe maiores benefícios à criança no ambiente escolar, segundo relato dos pais.

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the family's perspective of benefits of the frequency modulation (FM) system adapted to children with sensorineural hearing loss. Methods This is a descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional study with the participation of family members of hearing-impaired children aged 6 to 15 years, users of hearing aids and/or cochlear implants, benefited with the FM system by a hearing health service of the Unified Health System (SUS), Brazil. The FM Listening Evaluation For Children questionnaire with 14 questions was used to evaluate the benefits of using the FM system, the characteristics of the hearing aids and/or cochlear implants, and the brand/model of the FM system the children used. Results Statistically significant differences were found between the questionnaire responses of FM users and non-users in all situational analyses (quiet, noise, auditory only, distance), with better learning performance and improvements and attention among FM users, from the families' point of view. No method was used to formally evaluate such performances. Conclusion It was observed that, according to the parents' and guardians' perceptions, the use of FM systems improves the performance of hearing-impaired children in various acoustic situations, with special emphasis on speech recognition in noisy environments and at increased distances from the sound source. Although used in different contexts and situations, the FM system has brought greater benefits for the children in the school environment, according to the respondents.

Fall Detection System for the Elderly Based on the Classification of Shimmer Sensor Prototype Data / 대한의료정보학회지

OBJECTIVES: Falling in the elderly is considered a major cause of death. In recent years, ambient and wireless sensor platforms have been extensively used in developed countries for the detection of falls in the elderly. However, we believe extra efforts are required to address this issue in developing countries, such as Pakistan, where most deaths due to falls are not even reported. Considering this, in this paper, we propose a fall detection system prototype that s based on the classification on real time shimmer sensor data. METHODS: We first developed a data set, ‘SMotion’ of certain postures that could lead to falls in the elderly by using a body area network of Shimmer sensors and categorized the items in this data set into age and weight groups. We developed a feature selection and classification system using three classifiers, namely, support vector machine (SVM), K-nearest neighbor (KNN), and neural network (NN). Finally, a prototype was fabricated to generate alerts to caregivers, health experts, or emergency services in case of fall. RESULTS: To evaluate the proposed system, SVM, KNN, and NN were used. The results of this study identified KNN as the most accurate classifier with maximum accuracy of 96% for age groups and 93% for weight groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this paper, a classification-based fall detection system is proposed. For this purpose, the SMotion data set was developed and categorized into two groups (age and weight groups). The proposed fall detection system for the elderly is implemented through a body area sensor network using third-generation sensors. The evaluation results demonstrate the reasonable performance of the proposed fall detection prototype system in the tested scenarios.

Action Research on Development and Application of Internet of Things Services in Hospital / 대한의료정보학회지

OBJECTIVES: Services based on the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies have emerged in various business environments. To enhance health service quality and maximize benefits, this study applied an IoT technology based on NFC and iBeacon as an omni-channel service for patient care in hospitals. METHODS: Application of the IoT technology based on NFC and iBeacon was conducted in a general hospital during August 2015 through June 2016, and the development and evaluation results were aligned to an action research framework. The five phases in the action research included diagnosing, planning action, taking action, evaluating action, and specifying learning phases. RESULTS: During the first two phases, problems of functional operations in a hospital were diagnosed and eight service models were designed by using iBeacon and NFC to solve the problems. Service models were applied to the hospital by installing beacons, wearable beacons, beacon scanners, and NFC tags during the third phase. During the fourth and fifth phases, the roles and benefits of stakeholders participating in the service models were evaluated, and issues and knowledge of the whole application process were derived and summarized from technological, economic, social and legal perspectives, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: From an action research perspective, IoT-based healthcare services were developed and verified. IoT-based services enable the hospital to acquire lifelog data for precision medicine and ultimately be able to go one step closer to precision medical care. The derived service models could provide patients more enhanced healthcare services and improve the work efficiency and effectiveness of the hospital.

Medical Internet of Things and Big Data in Healthcare / 대한의료정보학회지

OBJECTIVES: A number of technologies can reduce overall costs for the prevention or management of chronic illnesses. These include devices that constantly monitor health indicators, devices that auto-administer therapies, or devices that track real-time health data when a patient self-administers a therapy. Because they have increased access to high-speed Internet and smartphones, many patients have started to use mobile applications (apps) to manage various health needs. These devices and mobile apps are now increasingly used and integrated with telemedicine and telehealth via the medical Internet of Things (mIoT). This paper reviews mIoT and big data in healthcare fields. METHODS: mIoT is a critical piece of the digital transformation of healthcare, as it allows new business models to emerge and enables changes in work processes, productivity improvements, cost containment and enhanced customer experiences. RESULTS: Wearables and mobile apps today support fitness, health education, symptom tracking, and collaborative disease management and care coordination. All those platform analytics can raise the relevancy of data interpretations, reducing the amount of time that end users spend piecing together data outputs. Insights gained from big data analysis will drive the digital disruption of the healthcare world, business processes and real-time decision-making. CONCLUSIONS: A new category of "personalised preventative health coaches" (Digital Health Advisors) will emerge. These workers will possess the skills and the ability to interpret and understand health and well-being data. They will help their clients avoid chronic and diet-related illness, improve cognitive function, achieve improved mental health and achieve improved lifestyles overall. As the global population ages, such roles will become increasingly important.

Mobile Sensor Application for Kinematic Detection of the Knees

OBJECTIVE: To correctly measure the knee joint angle, this study utilized a Qualisys motion capture system and also used it as the reference to assess the validity of the study's Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) system that consisted of four IMU sensors and the Knee Angle Recorder software. The validity was evaluated by the root mean square (RMS) of different angles and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values between the Qualisys system and the IMU system. METHODS: Four functional knee movement tests for ten healthy participants were investigated, which were the knee flexion test, the hip and knee flexion test, the forward step test and the leg abduction test, and the walking test. RESULTS: The outcomes of the knee flexion test, the hip and knee flexion test, the forward step test, and the walking test showed that the RMS of different angles were less than 6degrees. The ICC values were in the range of 0.84 to 0.99. However, the leg abduction test showed a poor correlation in the measurement of the knee abduction-adduction movement. CONCLUSION: The IMU system used in this study is a new good method to measure the knee flexion-extension movement.

Early Experiences with Mobile Electronic Health Records Application in a Tertiary Hospital in Korea / 대한의료정보학회지

OBJECTIVES: Recent advances in mobile technology have opened up possibilities to provide strongly integrated mobile-based services in healthcare and telemedicine. Although the number of mobile Electronic Health Record (EHR) applications is large and growing, there is a paucity of evidence demonstrating the usage patterns of these mobile applications by healthcare providers. This study aimed to illustrate the deployment process for an integrated mobile EHR application and to analyze usage patterns after provision of the mobile EHR service. METHODS: We developed an integrated mobile application that aimed to enhance the mobility of healthcare providers by improving access to patient- and hospital-related information during their daily medical activities. The study included mobile EHR users who accessed patient healthcare records between May 2013 and May 2014. We performed a data analysis using a web server log file analyzer from the integrated EHR system. Cluster analysis was applied to longitudinal user data based on their application usage pattern. RESULTS: The mobile EHR service named M-UMIS has been in service since May 2013. Every healthcare provider in the hospital could access the mobile EHR service and view the medical charts of their patients. The frequency of using services and network packet transmission on the M-UMIS increased gradually during the study period. The most frequently accessed service in the menu was the patient list. CONCLUSIONS: A better understanding regarding the adoption of mobile EHR applications by healthcare providers in patient-centered care provides useful information to guide the design and implementation of future applications.

Technology Acceptance and Adoption of Innovative Smartphone Uses among Hospital Employees / 대한의료정보학회지

OBJECTIVES: The number of healthcare institutions adopting smartphones continues to increase, implying that their utilization is undoubtedly gaining attention. Understanding the needs of smartphone users will provide a greater opportunity for successful information technology acceptance by expanding the scope of its utilization. This study focuses on how smartphones are accepted and utilized in hospitals and analyzes the factors influencing users' attitude, social influence, and intention of use. METHODS: For the study model, the researcher has mainly adopted the Theory of Reasoned Action and further modified and used the models of Technology Acceptance and Information Systems Success. To test the model empirically, a survey was conducted with 122 professionals on information development teams in Korean tertiary hospitals. RESULTS: The common smartphone usage modes were Internet searching, e-mail, scheduling, and social networking in consecutive order. Phone calls consisted of 51.4% of work-related purposes, while other functions, such as text message, Web browser, and scheduling, were mostly used for personal purposes. Costs, contents quality, innovation, ease of use, and support were shown to have statistically significant effects on user attitude, and social influence, portability, security, content quality, and innovation were significant. User attitude and social influence were both statistically significant with respect to intention of use, with user attitude greater than social influence. CONCLUSIONS: The participating staff were analyzed as having strong personal faith and principles, independent from their external environment. Timely information exchanges among medical staff will facilitate appropriate communication and improved health services to patients in need.

A Review of Assistive Listening Device and Digital Wireless Technology for Hearing Instruments

Assistive listening devices (ALDs) refer to various types of amplification equipment designed to improve the communication of individuals with hard of hearing to enhance the accessibility to speech signal when individual hearing instruments are not sufficient. There are many types of ALDs to overcome a triangle of speech to noise ratio (SNR) problems, noise, distance, and reverberation. ALDs vary in their internal electronic mechanisms ranging from simple hard-wire microphone-amplifier units to more sophisticated broadcasting systems. They usually use microphones to capture an audio source and broadcast it wirelessly over a frequency modulation (FM), infra-red, induction loop, or other transmission techniques. The seven types of ALDs are introduced including hardwire devices, FM sound system, infra-red sound system, induction loop system, telephone listening devices, television, and alert/alarm system. Further development of digital wireless technology in hearing instruments will make possible direct communication with ALDs without any accessories in the near future. There are two technology solutions for digital wireless hearing instruments improving SNR and convenience. One is near-field magnetic induction combined with Bluetooth radio frequency (RF) transmission or proprietary RF transmission and the other is proprietary RF transmission alone. Recently launched digital wireless hearing aid applying this new technology can communicate from the hearing instrument to personal computer, phones, Wi-Fi, alert systems, and ALDs via iPhone, iPad, and iPod. However, it comes with its own iOS application offering a range of features but there is no option for Android users as of this moment.

Development of Mobile Electronic Health Records Application in a Secondary General Hospital in Korea / 대한의료정보학회지

OBJECTIVES: The recent evolution of mobile devices has opened new possibilities of providing strongly integrated mobile services in healthcare. The objective of this paper is to describe the decision driver, development, and implementation of an integrated mobile Electronic Health Record (EHR) application at Ulsan University Hospital. This application helps healthcare providers view patients' medical records and information without a stationary computer workstation. METHODS: We developed an integrated mobile application prototype that aimed to improve the mobility and usability of healthcare providers during their daily medical activities. The Android and iOS platform was used to create the mobile EHR application. The first working version was completed in 5 months and required 1,080 development hours. RESULTS: The mobile EHR application provides patient vital signs, patient data, text communication, and integrated EHR. The application allows our healthcare providers to know the status of patients within and outside the hospital environment. The application provides a consistent user environment on several compatible Android and iOS devices. A group of 10 beta testers has consistently used and maintained our copy of the application, suggesting user acceptance. CONCLUSIONS: We are developing the integrated mobile EHR application with the goals of implementing an environment that is user-friendly, implementing a patient-centered system, and increasing the hospital's competitiveness.

Electromagnetic Interference of Wireless Local Area Network on Electrocardiogram Monitoring System: A Case Report

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) can affect various medical devices. Herein, we report the case of EMI from wireless local area network (WLAN) on an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring system. A patient who had a prior myocardial infarction participated in the cardiac rehabilitation program in the sports medicine center of our hospital under the wireless ECG monitoring system. After WLAN was installed, wireless ECG monitoring system failed to show a proper ECG signal. ECG signal was distorted when WLAN was turned on, but it was normalized after turning off the WLAN.