Isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection is a relatively rare vascular pathology. However, the number of recent case reports has shown an increasing incidence with the widespread use of computed tomography imaging for abdominal pain. Here we report three cases of isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection. The unique surgical option of small bowel transplantation along with successful medical management is described. A treatment algorithm for isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection is also proposed.
Significant health disparities exist between the general population and people with disabilities, particularly with respect to chronic health conditions. Mobile healthcare—the delivery of healthcare via mobile communication devices—is witnessing tremendous growth and has been touted as an important new approach for management of chronic health conditions. At present, little is known about the current state of mobile healthcare for people with disabilities. Early evidence suggests they are not well represented in the growth of mobile healthcare, and particularly the proliferation of mobile health software applications (mHealth apps) for smartphones. Their omission in mHealth could lead to further health disparities. This article describes our research investigating the current state of mHealth apps targeting people with disabilities. Based on a multi-modal approach (literature review, Internet search, survey of disabled smartphone users), we confirm that people with disabilities are under-represented in the growth of mHealth. We identify several areas of future research and development needed to support the inclusion of people with disabilities in the mHealth revolution.
Background: Diaphragmatic breathing is an evidence-based intervention for managing stress and anxiety; however, some military veterans with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) report challenges to learning and practicing the technique. BreatheWell Wear assists performance of breathing exercises through reminders, biofeedback, and visual, tactile, and auditory guidance. Objective: To evaluate feasibility of implementing BreatheWell Wear, a mobile smartwatch application with companion smartphone app, as an intervention for stress management in military veterans with mTBI and PTSD. Methods: Thirty veterans with chronic symptoms of mTBI and PTSD recruited from an interdisciplinary, intensive outpatient program participated in this pilot pragmatic clinical trial. Participants were randomly assigned to the experimental (BreatheWell Wear and conventional care) and control (conventional care) groups for 4 weeks. Conventional care included instruction on relaxation breathing and participation in behavioral health therapy. Effects on goal attainment, treatment adherence, diaphragmatic breathing technique knowledge, and stress were measured through surveys and diaries. Changes in symptoms, mood, and well-being were measured pre/postintervention via the Posttraumatic Checklist for DSM-5, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, and Flourishing Scale. Results: Person-centered goal attainment (t = 4.009, P < .001), treatment adherence (t = 2.742, P = .001), diaphragmatic breathing technique knowledge (t = 1.637, P < .001), and reported ease of remembering to practice (t = −3.075, P = .005) were significantly greater in the experimental group. As expected, measures of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and psychological well-being showed clinically meaningful change in both groups, and both groups demonstrated reduced stress following diaphragmatic breathing. Conclusion: These preliminary findings indicate that BreatheWell Wear may be a clinically feasible tool for supporting diaphragmatic breathing as an intervention in veterans with mTBI and PTSD, and a future effectiveness trial is warranted.
This article serves as the introduction to this special issue on Mobile Health and Mobile Rehabilitation for People with Disabilities. Social, technological and policy trends are reviewed. Needs, opportunities and challenges for the emerging fields of mobile health (mHealth, aka eHealth) and mobile rehabilitation (mRehab) are discussed. Healthcare in the United States (U.S.) is at a critical juncture characterized by: (1) a growing need for healthcare and rehabilitation services; (2) maturing technological capabilities to support more effective and efficient health services; (3) evolving public policies designed, by turns, to contain cost and support new models of care; and (4) a growing need to ensure acceptance and usability of new health technologies by people with disabilities and chronic conditions, clinicians and health delivery systems. Discussion of demographic and population health data, healthcare service delivery and a public policy primarily focuses on the U.S. However, trends identified (aging populations, growing prevalence of chronic conditions and disability, labor shortages in healthcare) apply to most countries with advanced economies and others. Furthermore, technologies that enable mRehab (wearable sensors, in-home environmental monitors, cloud computing, artificial intelligence) transcend national boundaries. Remote and mobile healthcare delivery is needed and inevitable. Proactive engagement is critical to ensure acceptance and effectiveness for all stakeholders.
The purpose of our scoping review was to describe the current use of mHealth technology for long-term assessment of patient-reported outcomes in community-dwelling individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI). Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a scoping review of literature meeting these criteria: (1) civilians or military veterans, all ages; (2) self-reported or caregiver-reported outcomes assessed via mobile device in the community (not exclusively clinic/hospital); (3) published in English; (4) published in 2015–2019. We searched Ovid MEDLINE(R) < 1946 to 16 August 2019, MEDLINE InProcess, EPub, Embase, and PsycINFO databases for articles. Thirteen manuscripts representing 12 distinct studies were organized by type of ABI [traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke] to extract outcomes, mHealth technology used, design, and inclusion of ecological momentary assessment (EMA). Outcomes included post-concussive, depressive, and affective symptoms, fatigue, daily activities, stroke risk factors, and cognitive exertion. Overall, collecting patient-reported outcomes via mHealth was feasible and acceptable in the chronic ABI population. Studies consistently showed advantage for using EMA despite variability in EMA timing/schedules. To ensure best clinical measurement, research on post-ABI outcomes should consider EMA designs (versus single time-point assessments) that provide the best timing schedules for their respective aims and outcomes and that leverage mHealth for data collection.
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