ABSTRACT
Purpose : To gauge the impact of healthcare technology in the management of diabetic retinopathy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods : The study was conducted at EyeCare Consultants of New Jersey's in their two locations in NJ, Woodland Park and Edison. Eye care professionals (ECPs-two ophthalmologists, one optometrist) surveyed 400 diabetic patients during the first year of the pandemic (March 2020- February 2021). The patients all received previous instructions with CheckedUp, a patient education digital platform utilizing audiovisual and touchscreen to further educate patients, during in-office visits. The 400 diabetic patients were divided equally into two groups. To ensure the adherence of dietary and behavioral modifications related to diabetes mellitus, Group 1 received traditional phone calls while Group 2 received video calls and supplementary education with CheckedUp. Both groups had a follow-up in person in September 2021. Surveys elicited responses to gauge consistency of HbA1C management. Results : Adherence was defined as HbA1C values which remained within a target value lower than or equal to their baseline and/or <7.0% as well as compliance with medications, dietary restrictions, regular physical activity and follow-up visits. The results found a significant difference between educating the patient with a phone call versus a video call and CheckedUp. At the next follow-up visit in person: Group 1 had an adherence of 48% (96 patients) and had several patients with HbA1C values exceeding the targeted value. Group 2 had an adherence of 69% (138 patients) and were more compliant with a healthier lifestyle. They also stated that their telehealth appointment with CheckedUp helped reinforce the importance of maintaining a normal HbA1C value. Conclusions : This study illustrates the ability of digital medicine platforms to supplement virtual and in-person consultations to manage diabetic retinopathy, especially during the pandemic. Compliance is an important matter in the management and preventing progression of diabetic retinopathy. Digital tools like CheckedUp assist with optimizing patient care in these unprecedented times.
ABSTRACT
The lack of universal broadband connectivity is becoming a significant hurdle in today's growing digital world. Despite considerable efforts via numerous grant programs, subsidies, private investments, and research initiatives, the disparity between urban and rural communities continues to widen. The COVID-19 pandemic has further emphasized the importance of affordable high-speed Internet to access many social and economic opportunities including remote work, distance learning, and telemedicine. Nevertheless, with the rise of big data, it is now possible to better understand this digital divide from a data-driven perspective. In this article, we leverage a massive crowd-sourced dataset of smartphone device measurements to extract key insights regarding the current state of the digital divide in North America. Specifically, we quantify the extent of the gap, examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and explore possible socioeconomic factors that may be influential in operator business models. Finally, we demonstrate how crowdsourced datasets can be leveraged to monitor the impact of emerging technologies, to better direct federal broadband funds, and to make more informed spectrum policy decisions.
ABSTRACT
Purpose : Gauge the impact of digital medicine and associated tools on glaucoma management and medication adherence during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods : The study was conducted at EyeCare Consultants of New Jersey's two locations in Woodland Park and Edison, NJ. Eye care professionals (ECPs) (two ophthalmologists & two optometrists) surveyed 100 glaucoma patients during the first several months of the COVID-19 pandemic (March - August 2020). All those surveyed received previous digital instruction with CheckedUp, a patient education digital platform utilizing auditory, visual, and touch elements to engage patients with eyecare education during prior in-person visits. All patients were randomized into two groups: Group 1 received traditional phone calls while Group 2 received video calls (video with ECP and screen share of CheckedUp) during the pandemic to ensure adherence with ocular medications and address acute issues during this time period. All patients in Group 2 were shown the same glaucoma educational videos in English using the CheckedUp platform. Both groups received followup with an in-person visit in August. Surveys elicited responses to gauge consistency of ocular medication use. Results : Adherence was defined as daily compliance with the glaucoma medication throughout the five-month period. The survey results demonstrated a significant difference between Group 1 and Group 2. Adherence during months without in-person office visits were compared to self-reported adherence for the same five-month time period in the year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Group 1's overall adherence was 64% (32/50 patients) at the August in-person visit and revealed that several patients used their drops inconsistently or differently from their prescribed regimen. Group 2's overall adherence was 90% (45/50 patients) at the August in-person visit and patients demonstrated continued comprehension of glaucoma risk and the importance of consistent medication use. A majority of Group 2 patients also commented that the ECP video call with CheckedUp helped reinforce the importance of eye pressure control in glaucoma. Conclusions : This study illustrates the ability of digital medicine platforms to supplement in-person office visits to manage glaucoma, even during a pandemic such as COVID-19. Compliance remains an important issue in the medical management of glaucoma and digital solutions like CheckedUp assist with optimizing patient care.