MARCELLA W. BRADWAY, M.D.

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This study looked at how to better include groups who are often overlooked in health research, such as those facing barriers to access and participation. Out of 7,601 articles reviewed, 23 were selected for deeper analysis, revealing four key themes: understanding identities and labels, the effects of labels on participation, strategies for successful recruitment, and the positive impact of these efforts on research outcomes. By improving recruitment methods, researchers can help address health inequalities and ensure that the voices of underrepresented communities are heard, which is crucial for developing effective health services. Who this helps: This benefits patients, especially those from marginalized or underserved communities.

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This study looked at how the gap in access to digital health resources, which became more evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, affects healthcare delivery in Europe. Researchers reviewed nearly 5,000 articles, narrowing it down to 49 that highlight that the digital divide is complex and not just about unequal access to technology; it’s also about how people interact with these resources. They emphasize that digital health tools should be designed with people's needs in mind, considering how quickly they can adapt and heal. Who this helps: This research helps patients and healthcare providers by guiding the development of more effective digital health solutions.

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This study looked at how the FullFlow System, a tool for sharing self-management data, affects conversations between patients and healthcare providers during diabetes consultations. The findings showed that using this system improved communication and collaboration, making consultations more effective. This is important because better communication can lead to personalized treatment plans and better health outcomes for patients. Who this helps: Patients with diabetes and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how to improve the recruitment of people for digital health research, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many potential participants were being overlooked. The researchers found that to reach these underrepresented groups, it is crucial to partner with local community services and organizations that engage with them directly. This is important because involving a wider range of participants can lead to better, more inclusive health solutions. Who this helps: This helps patients who are typically excluded from health studies, ensuring their needs are considered.

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This study looked at how to evaluate digital tools like apps and websites for people managing diabetes in Norway. Healthcare professionals ranked various factors that are important for choosing these tools, finding that "Usability" and "Information quality" were the most crucial, scoring 9.6 and 9.5 out of 10. This research is important because it provides clear guidelines for healthcare providers, helping them recommend the best digital tools for diabetes management. Who this helps: Patients with diabetes and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how using mobile health (mHealth) technology for diabetes management works in real life, focusing on both patients and healthcare providers. The researchers found that while mHealth can improve communication and data sharing, there are challenges, such as technical issues and varying user comfort levels. Understanding these real-world experiences is important because it helps improve diabetes care through technology. Who this helps: This benefits patients with diabetes and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how mobile health technologies (mHealth) can support informal caregivers—people who take care of loved ones with chronic illnesses. The research found that while mHealth tools aren’t currently the main motivator for caregivers to meet their health goals, there is potential for them to be helpful in the future. Addressing caregivers' health needs is important because their well-being is often overlooked. Who this helps: This helps informal caregivers who support family and friends with chronic illnesses.

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This study looked at how sharing health data from mobile apps affects diabetes patients and their doctors during consultations. The researchers are specifically interested in whether a new system, called FullFlow, makes it easier for both patients and health care providers to understand and use this data, aiming to recruit 107 diabetes patients and 15 health care providers in total. They aim to discover how sharing this information can lead to better patient health and more engagement in their own care decisions. Who this helps: Patients with diabetes and their doctors benefit from improved communication and better health management.

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This research reviewed how to evaluate mobile health (mHealth) tools that help patients manage chronic diseases. The experts found 31 studies that looked at various mHealth apps and systems, focusing mainly on mental health issues, diabetes, and heart diseases. They discovered that the most common way to measure these tools' effectiveness was through usage logs and patient feedback, indicating a need for better evaluation strategies as mHealth grows. Who this helps: This benefits patients using mHealth tools to manage their health conditions and the doctors supporting them.

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This study looked at how mobile health (mHealth) tools help patients change their behavior, focusing on the emotional and social factors that influence these changes. Researchers found that while many mHealth programs aim to improve behavior, they often don't consider the psychological aspects that affect users' decisions. By better understanding what motivates and supports patients, mHealth tools can be designed to be more effective in helping people change their behaviors. Who this helps: This helps patients using mobile health tools for managing their health.

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This research reviewed how apps and digital tools for managing diabetes are evaluated. Out of 1,681 articles found, only 31 met the criteria for quality, with 7 considered highly reliable. Most studies focused on apps for type 2 diabetes, using methods like surveys and interviews to assess their effectiveness, mainly looking at how they impacted knowledge, health outcomes, and user-friendliness. Who this helps: This benefits patients with diabetes and healthcare providers looking for effective self-management tools.

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This study looked at how mobile health (mHealth) tools can help people with diabetes share their health data with doctors for better care. In two workshops, where 15 people, including patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and healthcare providers, gave their opinions, it was found that both patients and doctors believe sharing data could lead to clearer recommendations for self-management. They emphasized the need for flexible data-sharing systems that allow for personalized support, which is crucial for improving diabetes care. Who this helps: This helps patients with diabetes and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how diabetes patients and health care workers talk about diabetes on social media, analyzing posts from different Facebook groups in Norway. It found that posts from a patient organization were spread evenly across topics like scientific information and self-management, while patient groups mainly focused on self-management and nurses emphasized diabetes awareness. Understanding these differences is important because it can improve communication and collaboration between patients and health care professionals to better support diabetes care. Who this helps: This research benefits patients and health care providers by fostering better communication about diabetes.

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This study looked at how people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes in Norway use digital health tools, like apps and websites, and whether their education and income affect that usage. It found that 87% of those with type 1 diabetes and 78% of those with type 2 diabetes used these tools at least sometimes, but people with higher education were more likely to use search engines for health information. This matters because the differences in digital health tool usage based on education and income can lead to unequal health outcomes for people with diabetes. Who this helps: This helps patients with diabetes by highlighting the need for better access to digital health tools across different socioeconomic groups.

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This study focused on creating a dashboard to help doctors view health data collected by patients with diabetes. Researchers worked with patients and clinicians to design this tool, which allows doctors to see important health information—like measurements and medical calculations—during consultations. Preliminary feedback shows that doctors believe this dashboard will improve their ability to provide personalized care, especially for patients living in remote areas or who are tech-savvy. Who this helps: This benefits patients with diabetes and their healthcare providers.

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This study looks at how to effectively use social media to encourage healthier lifestyles for people with diabetes in Norway. Researchers will create a health promotion program that gets input from both healthcare experts and diabetes patients, sharing content on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram over two years. They’ll measure the program's success by checking changes in online interactions and participants' health behaviors every six months. Who this helps: This benefits diabetes patients and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how people with type 2 diabetes used a mobile health app designed to help manage their condition over a year. The researchers found that participants who consistently used the app saw a significant drop in their HbA1c levels by an average of 0.86%, while those who did not use it even slightly increased their levels. Understanding how users interacted with the app helps improve diabetes management tools, making them more effective for patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients with type 2 diabetes.

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This study looked at what people with diabetes want from health-promoting content on social media. Researchers surveyed 346 users of the Norwegian Diabetes Association’s social media accounts, finding that 78% preferred information about diabetes research and innovations, while an overwhelming 93% preferred health content in text format and 97% wanted it on Facebook. The findings are important because they can guide how to create more effective health interventions that engage diabetes patients and help them lead healthier lives. Who this helps: Patients with diabetes who use social media.

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This research studied how to effectively evaluate mobile health (mHealth) technologies, which are tools that help people manage their health through their phones. The researchers found that while there are many proposals for assessment strategies, most do not cover all aspects of mHealth solutions, leading to gaps in understanding their impact. A global framework for assessing these technologies is needed to ensure they meet the needs of healthcare systems worldwide and ultimately benefit patients. Who this helps: This helps patients, healthcare providers, and developers of mHealth technologies.

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This study looked at how people with diabetes use electronic health tools (like apps and websites) and traditional healthcare services (like doctor visits). Researchers found that these tools can play a big role in helping patients manage their health better, with about 1,050 diabetic participants expected to share their experiences. Understanding how patients use eHealth alongside regular healthcare is important because it can lead to better care and resource management as diabetes becomes more common. Who this helps: This benefits patients, doctors, and healthcare systems.

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This study looked at a new application designed for smartwatches that helps people with type 1 diabetes keep track of their health. Over 9 months, the app was developed and tested by 6 users, allowing them to log their carbohydrate intake, insulin doses, and blood sugar levels directly from their wrist. Participants found it useful and liked the features, suggesting that smartwatches can make managing diabetes easier and more efficient. Who this helps: Patients with type 1 diabetes can benefit significantly from this technology.

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This study looks at how mobile health tools can help people with diabetes manage their condition and work with healthcare providers. The researchers found that even though there are many new tools available, very few have been tested and accepted in the medical community. This matters because, as diabetes becomes more common, better self-management options can lead to improved health and greater collaboration between patients and doctors. Who this helps: This helps patients with diabetes and their healthcare teams.

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This study looked at a rare type of abscess, called a supralevator abscess, caused by a perforated diverticulum in a 60-year-old man. The patient experienced severe abdominal pain, difficulty urinating, and weight loss, which led to his diagnosis. The findings emphasize that proper surgical treatment is crucial because initial drainage methods often fail, and timely surgery can prevent more serious complications. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and patients at risk for diverticular disease and related complications.