Competencias digitales en los ingresantes a la carrera de Licenciatura en Enfermería

Objetivo: Determinar las habilidades y conocimientos sobre las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC) de los ingresantes a la carrera de Licenciatura en Enfermería de una institución superior pública de Bahía Blanca, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Metodología: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal y cuantitativo. Se implementó un instrumento conformado por 59 preguntas con opciones de respuesta cerrada orientado a valorar las competencias digitales en los ingresantes a la carrera. Resultados: Participaron 386 ingresantes, mayormente de género femenino (85.49 %), del primer ciclo (74.35 %) y con 20 años o menos de edad (47.15 %). El 98.19 % tenía acceso a internet, el 79.27 % tiene computadora y más del 80 % tiene un amplio uso de redes sociales (WhatsApp, Instagram) y correo electrónico. Los ingresantes se autoevaluaron competentes en el programa MS Word, mientras que en MS Excel se declararon menos competentes. Hay desconocimiento y bajo desarrollo de habilidades para generar contenido, y un amplio despliegue de habilidades para buscar y descargar información de la web. La edad, el género, el tiempo diario de uso de internet y el ciclo de ingreso mostraron relación con el dominio de las herramientas digitales aplicadas a la educación. Conclusiones: Se identificó un desarrollo intermedio de competencias digitales aplicadas a la educación, lo que podría ameritar el diseño de programas que nivelen estas habilidades durante el proceso de ingreso o durante la formación.

Objetivo: determinar habilidades e conhecimentos sobre as tecnologias da informação e comunicação (TIC) dos calouros no curso de bacharelado em enfermagem em uma instituição pública de ensino superior na cidade de Bahía Blanca, província de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Metodologia: estudo observacional, descritivo, transversal e quantitativo. Foi utilizado um instrumento composto por 59 perguntas com opções de resposta fechada para avaliar as competências digitais dos calouros do curso. Resultados: Participaram 386 estudantes, em sua maioria do gênero feminino (85,49 %), do primeiro ciclo estudantil (74,35 %) e com idade igual ou inferior a 20 anos (47,15 %). 98,19 % tinham acesso à internet, 79,27 % tinham computador e mais de 80 % usavam amplamente as redes sociais (WhatsApp, Instagram) e o e-mail. Os calouros se auto-avaliaram competentes no programa MS Word, enquanto no MS Excel se declararam menos competentes. Há desconhecimento e baixo desenvolvimento de habilidades para gerar conteúdo e uma ampla demonstração de habilidades para pesquisar e baixar informações da web. A idade, o gênero, o tempo diário de uso da Internet e o ciclo de ingresso estudantil mostraram relação com o domínio das ferramentas digitais aplicadas à educação. Conclusões: Foi identificado um desenvolvimento intermediário de competências digitais aplicadas à educação, o que poderia demandar a concepção de programas que nivelem essas competências durante o processo de admissão ou durante a formação.

Objective: To determine the skills and knowledge about information and communication technologies (ICT) of entrants to the Bachelor's Degree in Nursing at a public higher institution in Bahía Blanca, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Methodology: Observational, descriptive, transversal and quantitative study. An instrument was implemented consisting of 59 questions with closed response options aimed at assessing digital competencies in those entering the career. Results: 386 entrants participated, mostly female (85.49 %), from the first cycle (74.35 %) and 20 years old or younger (47.15%). 98.19 % had access to the internet, 79.27 % have a computer and more than 80 % have extensive use of social networks (WhatsApp, Instagram) and email. The entrants evaluated themselves as competent in the MS Word program, while in MS Excel they declared themselves less competent. There is a lack of knowledge and low development of skills to generate content and a wide range of skills to search and download information from the web. Age, gender, daily time of Internet use and entry cycle showed a relationship with the mastery of digital tools applied to education. Conclusions: An intermediate development of digital competencies applied to education was identified, and a high one for the use of social networks. The variables age, gender, daily time of Internet use and entry cycle were related to the knowledge and skills for using ICT applied to education.

Retention in HIV Primary Care Using a Web-Based Patient Engagement Platform: Multistate Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Digital interventions to improve retention in HIV care are critical to ensure viral suppression and prevent further transmission. AIDS Healthcare Foundation Healthcare Centers are centers across the United States that provide primary HIV care. Traditionally, the Healthcare Centers conduct phone calls with patients to schedule and confirm appointments, as well as share laboratory results. In 2017, Healthvana piloted a digital platform at AIDS Healthcare Foundation Healthcare Centers to send patients SMS text message appointment reminders and allow patients to review their upcoming appointment and view their laboratory results in the web-based patient portal. OBJECTIVE: A national implementation in 15 US states and Washington, DC, of this digital intervention pilot by Healthvana aims to determine whether SMS appointment reminders and web-based patient portal logins improved retention in care compared to traditional methods. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 40,028 patients living with HIV was conducted at the 61 AIDS Healthcare Foundation Healthcare Centers between January 2, 2017, and May 22, 2018. Patients were invited to enroll in Healthvana's digital intervention pilot, allowing for a natural, organization-wide case-control study. Separate binary logistic regression models evaluated the relationship between receiving SMS appointment reminders and completing scheduled appointments, as well as the relationship between logging into the web-based patient portal and completing scheduled appointments. Four scheduled consecutive appointments for each patient were included in the analysis to account for 1 full year of data per patient. RESULTS: Patients who received the SMS appointment reminder were 1.7 times more likely to complete appointment 1 compared to patients who did not receive the SMS appointment reminder (P<.001). In addition, patients who received the SMS appointment reminder were 1.6 times more likely to complete appointment 2 (P<.001), 1.7 times more likely to complete appointment 3 (P<.001), and 1.8 times more likely to complete appointment 4 (P<.001) compared to patients who did not receive the SMS appointment reminder. Patients who logged in to the web-based patient portal prior to their scheduled appointment were 7.4 times more likely to complete appointment 1 compared to patients who did not log in (P<.001). In addition, patients who logged in to the web-based patient portal prior to their scheduled appointment were 3.6 times more likely to complete appointment 2 (P<.001), 3.2 times more likely to complete appointment 3 (P<.001), and 2.8 times more likely to complete appointment 4 (P<.001) compared to patients who did not log in. CONCLUSIONS: HIV primary care appointment completion was higher when patients engaged with Healthvana's digital platform. Digital technology interventions to ensure patients complete their scheduled HIV care appointments are imperative to curb the HIV epidemic.

"I've Got a Lot of Other Things I Do": The Nuances of Digital Engagement among Older People.

As Western society becomes increasingly digitally dependent and many older adults actively engage in the online world, understanding the experiences of those who largely do not use digital technology in their daily lives is crucial. Individual interviews were conducted (pre-pandemic) with 23 older adults who, based on self-identification, did not regularly use digital technology, exploring how their experiences as limited digital technology users may have impacted their daily lives. An iterative collaborative qualitative analysis demonstrated three main themes: internet concerns, frustrations with digital technology, and conflicting motivators to use digital technology. Findings suggest that addressing digital concerns and providing effective digital skill learning opportunities may encourage some older adults to become more digitally engaged. However, as people, including older adults, can be uninterested in using these technologies, organizations and institutions should work to offer ways to support people of all ages who are not engaged online.

Integrating virtual-reality into restorative dentistry training: A study on the acceptability and effectiveness of tooth preparation simulations.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Digital education using virtual-reality simulators is essential for precise learning in modern education. PURPOSE OF STUDY: This study aimed to develop a virtual-reality dental system for tooth preparation training and assess pre-virtual-reality experiences and perceptions of its potential benefits. We evaluated the post-virtual-reality experience in terms of the effectiveness of the virtual-reality system. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The virtual-reality platform development phase involved learning- and assessment-based frameworks for participants. The first step involved creating a storyboard for a virtual dental clinic environment using virtual-reality glasses. This simulated a dental chair-like setup with instruments and tools, allowing participants to practice dental procedures. This study utilized a mixed-methods approach to assess participants' experience with virtual reality in dental education using a tooth preparation simulation system and evaluated post-virtual reality measures, including the system usability scale, usefulness, educational effectiveness, and participant attitudes through structured survey questionnaires. RESULTS: This study included 150 participants (49 dental students, 52 dental interns, and 49 faculty members). Most participants were females (76%). Significant differences were observed in attitude scores between students and faculty members, with third-year dental students having more positive attitudes toward the integration of virtual-reality in dental education. No significant differences were found in system usability, usefulness, or assessment scores between the groups. CONCLUSION: The virtual-reality dental module system shows promise for improving dental education. CLINICAL IMPLICATION: The varied responses from different user groups should be considered to ensure successful implementation and acceptance.

mHealth Apps in the Digital Marketplace for Pediatric Patients With Cancer: Systematic Search and Analysis.

Background: The substantial increase in smartphone ownership has led to a rise in mobile health (mHealth) app use. Developing tailored features through mHealth apps creates a pathway to address the health care needs of pediatric patients with cancer and their families who have complex care needs. However, few apps are designed specifically to integrate with pediatric cancer care. Objective: This study reports a systematic search and analysis of mHealth apps available on the Apple App (iOS) and Google Play (Android) stores designed for pediatric cancer through a list of features that serve (1) patients, (2) caregivers, or (3) both audiences. Methods: Following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, we reviewed apps for pediatric patients with cancer and caregivers available as of January 30, 2024. We searched the Apple App and Google Play stores with a list of keyword combinations focusing on pediatric cancer care. The inclusion criteria were (1) specifically apps targeted toward pediatric patients with cancer, their families, or both; (2) available in either app store; and (3) available in English. Apps were assessed using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). The MARS is a quality assessment for mHealth apps, including components of engagement, functionality, aesthetics, and informational quality (5-point Likert scale items-1: low and 5: high quality). Results: In total, 22 apps were identified and 17 of those apps were available on both platforms. The most popular features (n=12) were resource sharing, symptom tracking, reminders, care team connections, journaling, community support, medication tracking, data visualizations, and appointment tracking. Features and interfaces were designed for caregivers (n=9) more frequently than the patients (n=7) while a subset of apps created options for both users (n=6). A total of 16 apps received positive reviews (mean 4.4, SD 0.59; Min=3.1, Max=5.0). A small subset (n=3) achieved over 5000 downloads; however, the majority (n=15) had fewer than 500. More than half (n=12) of the apps were not available in English. Apps requested access to a range of device functionalities to operate (mean 2.72, SD 3.13; Min=0, Max=10). Out of 22, a total of 17 apps were publicly accessible. The mean MARS scores for the apps ranged from 1.71 (SD 0.75) to 4.33 (SD 0.82). Overall, apps scored high on functionality (mean 3.72, SD 0.54) but low on engagement (mean 3.02, SD 0.93). Conclusions: Our review highlights the promising yet underdeveloped potential of mHealth apps in pediatric oncology care, underscoring the need for more inclusive, comprehensive, and integrative digital health solutions. Future developments should actively involve key stakeholders from the pediatric oncology community, including patients, families, and health care professionals, to ensure the apps meet specific needs while addressing linguistic and cultural barriers.

Reconfiguration of uncertainty: Introducing AI for prediction of mortality at the emergency department.

The promise behind many advanced digital technologies in healthcare is to provide novel and accurate information, aiding medical experts to navigate and, ultimately, decrease uncertainty in their clinical work. However, sociological studies have started to show that these technologies are not producing straightforward objective knowledge, but instead often become associated with new uncertainties arising in unanticipated places and situations. This study contributes to the body of work by presenting a qualitative study of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithm designed to predict the risk of mortality in patients discharged to home from the emergency department (ED). Through in-depth interviews with physicians working at the ED of a Swedish hospital, we demonstrate that while the AI algorithm can reduce targeted uncertainty, it simultaneously introduces three new forms of uncertainty into clinical practice: epistemic uncertainty, actionable uncertainty and ethical uncertainty. These new uncertainties require deliberate management and control, marking a shift from the physicians' accustomed comfort with uncertainty in mortality prediction. Our study advances the understanding of the recursive nature and temporal dynamics of uncertainty in medical work, showing how new uncertainties emerge from attempts to manage existing ones. It also reveals that physicians' attitudes towards, and management of, uncertainty vary depending on its form and underscores the intertwined role of digital technology in this process. By examining AI in emergency care, we provide valuable insights into how this epistemic technology reconfigures clinical uncertainty, offering significant theoretical and practical implications for the integration of AI in healthcare.

Effect of cut-out rescanning protocol on the accuracy of digital impressions in convergent implants positioned at varying depths: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the effect of the "cut-out rescan" strategy on the accuracy of intraoral digital scans from 25° convergent implants positioned at two distinct depths. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two customized models were fabricated, each designated to receive two posterior converged implant fixtures: one at a depth of 1 mm and the other at a depth of 4 mm. Initially, the models were scanned as reference casts using a lab scanner. The test group was involved in scanning the 1-mm and 4-mm implant models using an intraoral scanner in the following order: (1) scanning the 1-mm (T1; n = 10) and (2) 4-mm (T4; n = 10) implant groups with scan bodies connected to both fixtures in each model; (3) cut-out rescan (COR) in the 1-mm (COR1; n = 10) and (4) 4-mm (COR4; n = 10) models, leading to 40 digital files in standard tessellation language format. The mean absolute deviation (MAD), in terms of trueness and precision, between the experimental and control scans was assessed through the alignment of their respective datasets using three-dimensional analysis software. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Levene's tests were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The COR4 group exhibited the highest MAD, indicative of both trueness and precision (Mean ±SD: 55.659 ±34.802). In contrast, the T1 group demonstrated the lowest MAD (Mean ±SD: 43.225 ±19.237). However, the ANOVA analysis showed no significant influence of depth (P = 0.506) or type of scan (P = 0.442) on the MAD. Precision also did not differ significantly across groups (P = 0.071). CONCLUSIONS: The cut-out rescan approach demonstrated an accuracy comparable to that of the one-time scan method. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Digital intraoral scanning provides clinicians with a range of tools to navigate challenging conditions in which conventional methods may prove difficult, such as cases involving angled adjacent implants. In these scenarios, the cut-out rescan tool serves as a valuable resource, aiding clinicians in overcoming the challenges associated with impression-making owing to the convergence of placed implants.

Emotional and Psychological Safety in Healthcare Digitalization: A Design Ethnographic Study.

Objectives: Emotional and psychological safety is important during the use of digital technologies in healthcare. We aimed to gain comprehensive insight into needs, influencing factors and outcomes in the context of perceived safety and digital technologies in healthcare. Methods: We employed a participatory, design ethnographic research approach with 16 participants in 10 use cases. The methods included in an iterative process were, think-aloud, guideline-based interviews, process mapping, storyboard creation, and photo documentation. A qualitative, primarily inductive data analysis and synthesis was performed. Results: Perceived safety is influenced by various factors and unmet needs. Increased perceived safety can positively support the use of digital technologies, whereas low perceived safety can limit or even hinder its use. Conclusion: The needs of the different target groups should be considered throughout the entire process of digital technology development and healthcare provision to support their implementation. These findings support further research by providing specific aspects of emotional and psychological safety regarding target groups, settings, and ages and those with different levels of affinity for digital technologies.

Factors Associated With the Use of Digital Technology Among Youth in Zimbabwe: Findings From a Cross-Sectional Population-Based Survey.

BACKGROUND: Globally, the increasing use of digital technologies such as mobile phones and the internet has allowed for the development of innovative mobile health interventions, particularly for reaching and engaging with youth. However, there is a risk that using such technologies may exclude those who lack access to them. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we investigated the sociodemographic factors associated with mobile phone ownership, internet use, and social media use among youth in Zimbabwe. METHODS: A population-based prevalence survey was conducted in 24 urban and periurban communities across 3 provinces of Zimbabwe (Harare, Mashonaland East, and Bulawayo). Youths aged 18 to 24 years resident in randomly selected households in the study communities completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The primary outcomes were mobile phone ownership and current internet and social media use. A household wealth indicator was developed using principal components analysis, based on household asset ownership. Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate the factors associated with each primary outcome. Age, sex, and province were considered a priori confounders. Household wealth, marital status, education level, employment status, time lived at current address, and HIV status were included in the final multivariable model if there was an age-, sex-, and province-adjusted association with a primary outcome on univariable analysis at a significance level of P<.10. RESULTS: Of the 17,636 participants assessed for the primary outcome, 16,370 (92.82%) had access to a mobile phone, and 15,454 (87.63%) owned a mobile phone. Among participants with access to a mobile phone, 58.61% (9594/16,370) and 57.79% (9460/16,370), respectively, used internet and social media at least weekly. Older age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.76, 95% CI 1.55-2.00), increasing wealth (ranging from aOR 1.85, 95% CI 1.58-2.16, for wealth quintile 2 to aOR 3.80, 95% CI 3.00-4.80, for wealth quintile 5, with quintile 1 as reference), and higher education level (secondary: aOR 1.96, 95% CI 1.60-2.39; tertiary: aOR 8.36, 95% CI 5.29-13.20) were associated with mobile phone ownership. Older age, male sex, increasing wealth, having never been married, higher education level, being in education or formal employment, and having lived at the same address for ≥2 years were associated with higher levels of internet and social media use. CONCLUSIONS: While mobile phone ownership was near-universal, over one-third of youths in urban and periurban settings did not have access to the internet and social media. Access to the internet and social media use were strongly associated with household wealth and education level. Mobile health interventions must ensure that they do not amplify existing inequalities in access to health care. Such interventions must be accompanied by alternative strategies to engage and enroll individuals without internet or social media access to prevent the exclusion of young people by sex and socioeconomic status.

The Factors of the Psychotherapists' Attitude Towards Technology: Combining Attitudes Towards Technology and Technology Readiness Models.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to explore psychotherapists' attitudes towards new technologies. Understanding the factors influencing their acceptance of technologies is essential to improving the accessibility, quality, and effectiveness of psychotherapeutic care in the digital age. Based on previous research from different fields (e.g., e-government and mobile applications), we integrated the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT-T) with the Technology Readiness Index (TRI). UTAUT-T focuses on one's perception of technology, while TRI emphasizes individual characteristics. Therefore, we regard psychotherapists' attitudes towards digital solutions by analysing factors related to technology and users (psychotherapists). METHODS: We conducted an online questionnaire study involving 391 psychotherapists aged 25-66 (M = 40.90; SD = 7.79). Participants completed self-report questionnaires: UTAUT-T, TRI 2.0, and a survey measuring technology usage at work. RESULTS: The model explained 30.2% of the variance in actual technology usage and 57.6% in behavioural intention. Both technology-related and therapist-related factors affect technology use. Some factors directly influence use behaviour (optimism, ease of use, convenience), while others are mediated by behavioural intention (pressure from others, professional support, therapy quality expectations). CONCLUSIONS: Technology-related and therapist-related factors influence psychotherapists' use of technology. The study revealed that optimism plays a crucial role in addition to behavioural intention. This insight is vital for implementing new technologies in mental health services.

Examining the Feasibility and Acceptability of Digital Cognitive Stimulation Therapy for Dementia Care in Jordan: A Qualitative Study.

Introduction: The use of technology to deliver psychosocial interventions such as cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) to individuals with dementia may improve their cognition and quality of life. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the participants' experiences with digital CST in Jordanian care homes, as well as the acceptability of the digital CST intervention in Jordanian care homes and recommendations for refinement. Methods: A qualitative study design and semistructured interviews were used to obtain data from 20 people with dementia and 12 care home staff who were purposefully selected. Data were analyzed thematically and comparatively to explore the experiences and outcomes of the participants. This study was conducted from February to April 2023. Results: Analysis of care home staff and residents' experiences revealed seven major themes: (a) personalized support and engagement, (b) positive impact on quality of life, (c) engagement and meaningful activities, (d) adaptable format and accessibility, (e) emotional connection and empowerment, (f) caregiver involvement and support, and (g) suggestions for improvement. The study's findings emphasize the necessity of tailored support, individualized difficulty levels, individualized material selection, emotional support, greater social connection, and caregiver participation in digital CST for people with dementia. Conclusion: Using digital touchscreen technology to deliver CST content has shown potential improvements, making interventions simpler for staff and more beneficial for individuals with dementia, thereby enhancing cognition and quality of life.

Jaw relation recording and transferring: Using digital technology to augment its instruction in predoctoral prosthodontics.

OBJECTIVES: The study compared the learning effectiveness and teaching satisfaction of dental students from three teaching methods (traditional, digital, and combined pedagogy) for instructing jaw relation recording and transferring (JRRT). METHODS: Note that, 276 fourth-year undergraduate students from three classes were randomly divided into three groups to study JRRT in complete dentures using different teaching methods: traditional pedagogy group, digital pedagogy group, and combined digital and traditional pedagogy group. After the course, the learning effectiveness of basic knowledge and satisfaction questionnaire was administered to the three groups of participants using a quick response code for online answering. The questionnaire was customized by the teacher based on the content delivered to each group. RESULTS: The data were analyzed using the Chi-square test with Fisher's exact test. Both the digital and combined pedagogy groups showed a significant increase in basic knowledge test scores and higher satisfaction, compared to the traditional pedagogy group (p < 0.01). Particularly, the participants from combined pedagogy showed better teaching satisfaction than the digital pedagogy group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of digital technology in JRRT significantly enhanced students' learning effectiveness and teaching satisfaction. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This educational innovation emphasizes digital technology to visualize vital concepts and operational intricacies related to JRRT. The findings have major implications for improving teaching methods in the field of prosthodontic dentistry.

The use of the e-SUS Território mobile application in the work of community health workers in Brazil.

Objective: Community health workers work directly in the communities and are the intermediaries between the population's needs and the primary health care teams. Their work focuses on health education and preventing diseases and disorders, accompanying citizens, families, and households in a particular neighborhood. This study sought to analyze the use of the e-SUS Território application in the work of community health workers in Brazil. Methods: Usability data extracted from Google Analytics from 2019 to 2022 were analyzed, including productivity indicators, number and location of users, and engagement. An overview of the application's main features was also provided. Results: The application is an important work tool used by these professionals, who stopped using printed sheets to record their activities and began recording them in a digital, unified, asynchronous way anywhere in Brazil, regardless of internet connectivity. The application had 425,000 active users in 2022, reaching 141,000 monthly active users in June of the same year, representing 54.8% of all community health workers in Brazil. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the wide and exponential adherence of the e-SUS Território application over the years and the increase in the productivity of professionals who use it, facilitating and encouraging the recording of health information.

Relationship between the Use of Mobile Applications and Social Functioning in Patients with Schizophrenia. / Sizofreni Hastalarinda Mobil Uygulama Kullanimi ve Sosyal Islevsellik Arasindaki Iliski.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to examine the prevalence of digital technology tool use in individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder in Turkey, as well as evaluating the association between the use and psychosocial functionality and clinical symptoms. METHOD: Data were collected from 100 patients who were diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder based on the DSM-5 criteria. The use of technology was evaluated with a questionnaire developed for this study. The level of psychosocial functioning was assessed using the Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP), and the positive and negative symptom severity was evaluated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). RESULTS: The digital technology users were significantly younger than the non-users. The majority of patients own a mobile phone (86%) and a computer (67%). Furthermore, 61% of patients used mobile applications, with Facebook and WhatsApp being the most popular social media platforms (48%). Patients who used digital technology tools had higher PSP scores. Furthermore, patients who used digital technology tools had significantly lower scores in PANSS negative subscale. There was no difference in PANSS positive subscale scores between digital technology tool users and non-users. CONCLUSION: Patients diagnosed with schizophrenia may benefit from mobile applications and social media tools that can help them participate in daily activities and improve their overall well-being.

Effects of a Mobile App to Promote Social Participation on Older Adults: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Social participation is crucial for healthy aging, improving physical and mental health, cognitive function, and quality of life among older adults. However, social participation tends to decline with age due to factors like loss of social networks and health issues. Mobile health apps show promise in promoting healthy behaviors among older adults, but their effectiveness in increasing social participation remains understudied. OBJECTIVE: This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a mobile app called Encouragement of Social Participation (ESP, "Shakai Sanka no Susume;" Hitachi) in promoting social participation and physical activity among community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: The study recruited 181 community-dwelling adults aged 60 years or older from 2 municipalities in Japan and through a web-based research panel. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n=87), which used the ESP app for 12 weeks, or the control group (n=94), which used only Google Fit. The ESP app incorporated features such as self-monitoring of social participation, personalized feedback, gamification elements, and educational content. Primary outcomes were changes in social participation frequency over the previous 2 months and changes in step counts, measured at baseline and week 12. Secondary outcomes included changes in specific types of social activities and subjective well-being. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance and linear mixed-effects models. RESULTS: The intervention group showed a significantly greater increase in social participation frequency compared with the control group (adjusted difference 3.03; 95% CI 0.17-5.90; P=.04). Specifically, the intervention group demonstrated higher frequencies of participation in hobbies (adjusted difference: 0.82; 95% CI 0.01-1.63) and cultural clubs (adjusted difference 0.65; 95% CI 0.07-1.23) compared with the control group. However, there were no significant differences in weekly step counts between the groups. Subgroup analyses suggested potentially larger effects among participants who were older than 70 years, female, had lower educational attainment, and were recruited from community settings, although only females and the lower educational attainment subgroups demonstrated 95% CIs that did not encompass zero. CONCLUSIONS: The ESP mobile app effectively promoted social participation among community-dwelling older adults, particularly in hobbies and cultural club activities. However, it did not significantly impact physical activity levels as measured by step counts. These findings suggest that mobile apps can be valuable tools for encouraging social engagement in older populations, potentially contributing to healthy aging. Future research should focus on optimizing app features to maintain long-term engagement and exploring strategies to enhance physical activity alongside social participation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: University Medical Information Network Clinical Trial Registry UMIN000049045; https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000055781.

The Impact of Digital Technology on the Physical Health of Older Workers: Protocol for a Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Digital technologies have penetrated most workplaces. However, it is unclear how such digital technologies affect the physical health of older workers. OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aims to examine and summarize the evidence from scientific literature concerning the impact of digital technology on the physical health of older workers. METHODS: This scoping review will be conducted following recommendations outlined by Levac et al and will adhere to the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines for reporting. Peer-reviewed papers written in English will be searched in the following databases: MEDLINE, Cochrane, ProQuest, Web of Science, Scopus, APA PsycInfo, and ERIH PLUS. The web-based systematic review platform Covidence will be used to create a data extraction template. It will cover the following items: study and participant characteristics, health measures, digital tool characteristics and usage, and research findings. Following the Population, Concept, and Context (PCC) framework, our review will focus on studies involving older workers aged 50 years or older, any form of digital technology (including teleworking and the use of digital tools at work), and how digital technologies affect physical health (such as vision loss, musculoskeletal disorders, and migraines). Studies that focus only on mental health will be excluded. Study selection based on title and abstract screening (first stage), full-text review (second stage), and data extraction (third stage) will be performed by a group of researchers, whereby each paper will be reviewed by at least 2 people. Any conflict regarding the inclusion or exclusion of a study and the data extraction will be resolved by discussion between the researchers who evaluated the papers; a third researcher will be involved if consensus is not reached. RESULTS: A preliminary search of MEDLINE, Epistemonikos, Cochrane, PROSPERO, and JBI Evidence Synthesis was conducted, and no current or ongoing systematic reviews or scoping reviews on the topic were identified. The results of the study are expected in April 2025. CONCLUSIONS: Our scoping review will seek to provide an overview of the available evidence and identify research gaps regarding the effect of digital technology and the use of digital tools in the work environment on the physical health of older workers. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/59900.

When the digits don't add up: Research strategies for post-digital peacebuilding.

This article develops a post-digital perspective for the study of international peacebuilding and elaborates its merits. Contrary to narratives in policy and practice that tend to fetishize the digital, digital peacebuilding cannot be meaningfully separated from peacebuilding before digitalization. Resisting the call for a "digital turn," a post-digital lens helps to research, rewrite, and rework the digital while simultaneously staying with and moving beyond digitalization. It aims to demystify the role of digital technologies while enabling critical scrutiny of their impact on contemporary and future peacebuilding. More specifically, the post-digital helps us to (1) establish a critical distance to narratives of fast-paced innovation and progress that fetishize the digital, (2) scrutinize how digitalization compounds contemporary approaches and constellations of peacebuilding, (3) engage with the uneven temporalities of digital peacebuilding and its diverse global manifestations, (4) shed light on its real, embodied, and tangible effects on conflict-affected populations, (5) hold digitalization accountable by unearthing disillusionments and failures, (6) re-adjust our focus on human agency in the development and use of the socio-technical systems that constitute digital peacebuilding, (7) and finally, take a rhizomatic view that is concerned with how power relations make and break digitalized peacebuilding networks.

Digital Technology Use in US Community-Dwelling Seniors With and Without Homebound Status.

OBJECTIVES: To examine (1) the prevalence of digital technology use, including information and communication technology devices, everyday technology use, and digital health technology use among community-dwelling older adults with or without homebound status and (2) the associations of digital technology use with homebound status. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: We used the 2022 National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) data that included 5510 community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: Digital technology use was assessed using self-reported outcomes of the technological environment component of the NHATS, including information and communication technology devices, everyday technology use, and digital health technology use. Homebound status was measured with 4 mobility-related questions regarding the frequency, independence, and difficulties of leaving home. Survey-weighted, binomial logistic regression was used to examine the associations of 17 technological-related outcomes and homebound status. RESULTS: Overall, the prevalence of homebound older adults was 5.2% (95% CI, 4.4%-6.1%), representing an estimated 2,516,403 people. The prevalence of digital technology use outcomes varied according to homebound status. The prevalence of any technology used in homebound, semi-homebound, and non-homebound populations was 88.5%, 93.3%, and 98.5%, respectively. Compared with non-homebound older adults, semi-homebound older adults had lower odds of emailing (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.53-0.94), using the internet for any other reason (OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.49-0.99), visiting medical providers (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.48-0.95), and handling insurance (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.56-0.99); homebound older adults had lower odds of using a phone (OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.28-0.59), using any everyday technology (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.38-0.89), visiting medical providers (OR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.35-0.76), and handling insurance (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.38-0.86). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Non-homebound older adults are more likely to use digital technology than those who are semi-homebound or homebound. Public health care providers should prioritize efforts to enhance digital inclusion to ensure that all older adults can benefit from the advantages of digital technology.