Digital Health Tools for Managing Noncommunicable Diseases During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspectives of Patients and Caregivers

Abstract

Background A reduction in the number of face-to-face medical examinations conducted for patients with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to health care professionals quickly adopting different strategies to communicate with and monitor their patients. Such strategies include the increased use of digital health tools. However, patient preferences, privacy concerns, a lack of regulations, overregulation, and insufficient evidence on the efficacy of digital health tools may have hampered the potential positive benefits of using such tools to manage NCDs. Objective This viewpoint aims to discuss the views of an advisory board of patient and caregiver association members. Specifically, we aim to present this advisory board’s view on the role of digital health tools in managing patients with NCDs during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, and to identify future directions based on patients’ perspectives. Methods As an initiative under the NCD Partnership (PARTners in Ncds Engage foR building Strategies to improve Healthy ageing In Patients) model of Upjohn, a web-based advisory board of patient and caregiver advocates was held on July 28, 2020, to bring together key stakeholders from public and private sectors. Results The following key themes emerged: (1) technology developers should understand that the goals of patients may differ from those of health care professionals and other stakeholders; (2) patients, health care professionals, caregivers, and other end users need to be involved in the development of digital health tools at the earliest phase possible, to guarantee usability, efficacy, and adoption; (3) digital health tools must be better tailored to people with complex conditions, such as multimorbidity, older age, and cognitive or sensory impairment; and (4) some patients do not want or are unable to use digital health care tools, so adequate alternatives should always be available. Conclusions There was consensus that public-private partnership models, such as the Upjohn NCD Partnership, can be effective models that foster innovation by integrating multiple perspectives (eg, patients’ perspectives) into the design, development, and implementation of digital and nondigital health tools, with the main overall objective of improving the life of patients with NCDs.

Considering Frailty in SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Development: How Geriatricians Can Assist

“…For example, recruiting frail participants for inperson visits during a lockdown or "shelter in place" advisory in the surrounding community 24,25 and conducting virtual information and consent discussions where technology (eg, tablet devices) may be unfamiliar or present barriers due to sensory impairments are all very real considerations. 26 Even so, when means of working around these barriers are developed, the payoff will be much better population representativeness. Overcoming these sorts of barriers is part of the routine skill set of geriatricians in clinical settings (even pre-COVID).…”

Assessing Patient Needs During Natural Disasters: Mixed Methods Analysis of Portal Messages Sent During Hurricane Harvey

“…These large-scale disasters occurring simultaneously created unprecedented, long-term health care challenges. As cities and states across the United States reached peak COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, health care systems relied on public health guidance to limit in-person patient appointments and services [ 61 , 62 ]. There has been a large increase in the adoption of the patient portal in terms of general use and depth of use [ 63 ], including substantial dependence on the use of telehealth platforms and portal messaging for care management of patients [ 61 , 64 ].…”

“…As cities and states across the United States reached peak COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, health care systems relied on public health guidance to limit in-person patient appointments and services [ 61 , 62 ]. There has been a large increase in the adoption of the patient portal in terms of general use and depth of use [ 63 ], including substantial dependence on the use of telehealth platforms and portal messaging for care management of patients [ 61 , 64 ]. Medical information technology allowed health care providers a key method with which to continue accommodating patient services safely while reserving hospital capacity for the most critically ill.…”

Technology-Based Interventions for Cancer Caregivers: Concept Analysis

“…The emphasis on technology-based interventions for cancer caregivers has become particularly pronounced amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a global health crisis that has effectively crippled many, if not all, of the traditional health care services available to patients and caregivers [21][22][23]. During the pandemic, many cancer caregivers have found much-needed solace and support in technology-based health care services, ranging from online support groups to videoconferencing with patients or health care professionals [24][25][26]. It is important to note that there is a growing body of research investigating the benefits of technology-based health solutions [24][25][26][27][28][29].…”

“…During the pandemic, many cancer caregivers have found much-needed solace and support in technology-based health care services, ranging from online support groups to videoconferencing with patients or health care professionals [24][25][26]. It is important to note that there is a growing body of research investigating the benefits of technology-based health solutions [24][25][26][27][28][29]. For instance, a systematic review revealed that caregivers significantly improved their cancer knowledge and communication outcomes after receiving technology-based interventions [27].…”