Background: Telehealth applications may improve health outcomes by engaging patients as active participants, focusing clinic visits on important problems and intensifying symptom management in response to patient reports. Our group developed an internet-based computerized system for patient self-report of symptoms (iComPAsS), and our aim is to evaluate the usability of this mobile application for reporting cancer symptoms among patient and physician end-users.
Methods:The literature was surveyed for validated symptom tools available in both English and Filipino.A focused-group discussion (two oncologists, two pain specialists and an international symptom researcher) was conducted to assess face validity and elect an instrument. Application interface and system design was developed collaboratively with information technology consultants over several iterations until beta testing revealed a satisfactory design. Twenty end-users (10 physicians, 10 patients) were invited to assess the app's functionality after a training workshop. App assessment was done using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS).Results: The Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) was elected due to its validity, ease of administration and prevalent use in local research and clinical settings. The iComPAsS was shown to be satisfactorily functional on beta testing. It allows patients to report symptom severity, indicate pain location on a body diagram, view prescriptions, and receive notifications from their physicians. On usability testing, engagement, functionality, aesthetics and information scores revealed high and moderate acceptability among physician and patient users, respectively. A clinical trial will be conducted to determine its impact and define maintenance and scale-up issues.
Conclusions:The iComPAsS mobile application for patient self-reporting of cancer symptoms is useable and acceptable by both physician and patient end-users.
Background: With the COVID-19 pandemic and sudden transition to online learning, students experience academic difficulties, which are correlated to physical and mental health. The need for implementation of an online wellbeing intervention program for students may lead to better health and improved academic performance. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a six-week online educational wellbeing program for University of Santo Tomas College of Rehabilitation Sciences (UST-CRS) students on their physical and mental health. Method: This will utilize a quasi-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design, with purposive sampling of at least 40 participants with no physical and/or mental condition. Participants' eligibility will be screened using the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire and Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms. Wix platform will be used to assess participants' well-being, which encompasses psychological and physical activities including physical activity tracking, virtual group exercises, Positive Psychological Intervention, walking, motivational interviewing, mindfulness exercises, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire and World Health Organization-Five WellBeing Index will be used as pre and post-tests. Descriptive statistics will be used to summarize data and inferential statistics for Paired t-tests or Wilcoxon. Expected Results: The findings will include the participants' responses on the feasibility of the physical and mental wellbeing components of the proposed online program. Results are expected to be beneficial to students and university personnel for promoting a conducive learning environment and may be recommended for college-wide online program implementation.
Background: The global pandemic greatly affected the educational system. Schools and universities were necessitated to adapt from a traditional classroom set-up to an online virtual mode of learning. The University of Santo Tomas – College of Rehabilitation Sciences adapted Blackboard as its primary learning management system, bringing new perceptions and opinions among its primary users- the faculty and students. Objective: The study’s objective is to determine the perception of students and faculty from the CRS on using Blackboard as a medium for enhanced virtual learning during the pandemic. Methodology: Researchers will utilize phenomenological qualitative research for this study as it seeks to study the living experiences of students and faculty members during the pandemic concerning online classes compared to face-to-face courses. Purposive sampling via maximum variation will be used to recruit 3rd year and 4th-year students and faculty members who experienced both face-to-face and online classes. The researchers will employ guide questions during the focus group discussions (FGD) conducted via Zoom. Transcripts will be analyzed using thematic analysis through Nvivo following Hancock’s guidelines. The researchers will use the CORE-Q checklist to appraise the paper and affirm its validity. Expected Results: The findings will include the varied perceptions of students and faculty about using Blackboard for online learning during the pandemic. Expected Results: Results are expected to help the education stakeholders better understand the perceptions of faculty and students to evaluate the use of the learning management system, amend necessary changes, and create relevant policies for the betterment of online learning delivery. Transcripts are expected to result in themes and subthemes that will help researchers identify the features of Blackboard that aid in the delivery of faculty lessons and students’ learning process.
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