GEO COLLECTOR BOT: A TELEGRAM-BASED OPEN TOOLKIT TO SUPPORT FIELD DATA COLLECTION

BackgroundThe terms health app and medical app are often used interchangeably but do not necessarily mean the same thing. To better understand these terms and better regulate such technologies, we need distinct definitions of health and medical apps.ObjectiveThis study aimed to provide an overview of the definitions of health and medical apps from an interdisciplinary perspective. We summarized the core elements of the identified definitions for their holistic understanding in the context of digital public health.MethodsThe legal frameworks for medical device regulation in the United States, the European Union, and Germany formed the basis of this study. We then searched 6 databases for articles defining health or medical apps from an interdisciplinary perspective. The narrative literature review was supported by a forward and backward snowball search for more original definitions of health and medical apps. A qualitative analysis was conducted on the identified relevant aspects and core elements of each definition. On the basis of these findings, we developed a holistic definition of health and medical apps and created a decision flowchart to highlight the differences between the 2 types.ResultsThe legal framework showed that medical apps could be regulated as mobile medical devices, whereas there is no legal term for health apps. Our narrative literature review identified 204 peer-reviewed publications that offered a definition of health and medical apps. After screening for original definitions and applying the snowball method, 11.8% (24/204) of the publications were included in the qualitative analysis. Of these 24 publications, 22 (88%) provided an original definition of health apps and 11 (44%) described medical apps. The literature suggests that medical apps are a part of health apps. To describe health or medical apps, most definitions used the user group, a description of health, the device, the legal regulation, collected data, or technological functions. However, the regulation should not be a distinction criterion as it requires legal knowledge, which is neither suitable nor practical. An app’s intended medical or health use enables a clear differentiation between health and medical apps. Ultimately, the health aim of an app and its main target group are the only distinction criteria.ConclusionsHealth apps are software programs on mobile devices that process health-related data on or for their users. They can be used by every health-conscious person to maintain, improve, or manage the health of an individual or the community. As an umbrella term, health apps include medical apps. Medical apps share the same technological functions and devices. Health professionals, patients, and family caregivers are the main user groups. Medical apps are intended for clinical and medical purposes and can be legally regulated as mobile medical devices.

The number of older adults using mobile devices has doubled over recent years; however, many need assistance in learning how to use their device. To address this gap, we developed patient education materials teaching older Veterans how to download apps and the basics of mobile device and app use. For example, we developed step-by-step guides for three Veteran Affairs mobile apps that target mental health symptoms. Material development involved feedback from providers and older Veterans using a multi-step mixed methods evaluation process. Local technology and geriatric content experts provided initial feedback; all experts agreed the materials would be helpful to teach Veterans about mental health apps. We subsequently interviewed older Veterans (M = 78.5 years) who evaluated the materials. Over 50% of Veterans found the guides clear, articulate, and useful; 83.3% noted they would recommend to others. Lastly, providers who see older Veterans regularly rated the materials; 79% of providers rated the materials as helpful, with an average rating of 4.3 (1 = Strongly Disagree to 5 = Strongly Agree). Providers viewed the materials and apps as useful supplements to psychotherapy and especially useful for individuals who are unable to return to clinic. Overall, both providers and Veterans found the materials easy to understand and valuable for those new using mobile apps or devices. Findings from the evaluation process suggest the design of the materials may be vital to increasing the use of mental health mobile apps among older Veterans.

BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis flares have a profound effect on patients, causing pain and disability. However, flares often occur between regularly scheduled health care provider visits and are, therefore, difficult to monitor and manage. We sought to develop a mobile phone app combined with a population management system to help track RA flares between visits.ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to implement the mobile app plus the population management system to monitor rheumatoid arthritis disease activity between scheduled health care provider visits over a period of 6 months.MethodsThis is a randomized controlled trial that lasts for 6 months for each participant. We aim to recruit 190 patients, randomized 50:50 to the intervention group versus the control group. The intervention group will be assigned the mobile app and be prompted to answer daily questionnaires sent to their mobile devices. Both groups will be assigned a population manager, who will communicate with the participants via telephone at 6 weeks and 18 weeks. The population manager will also communicate with the participants in the intervention group if their responses indicate a sustained increase in rheumatoid arthritis disease activity. To assess patient satisfaction, the primary outcomes will be scores on the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication as well as the Perceived Efficacy in Patient-Physician Interactions questionnaire at 6 months. To determine the effect of the mobile app on rheumatoid arthritis disease activity, the primary outcome will be the Clinical Disease Activity Index at 6 months.ResultsThe trial started in November 2016, and an estimated 2.5 years will be necessary to complete the study. Study results are expected to be published by the end of 2019.ConclusionsThe completion of this study will provide important data regarding the following: (1) the assessment of validated outcome measures to assess rheumatoid arthritis disease activity with a mobile app between routinely scheduled health care provider visits, (2) patient engagement in monitoring their condition, and (3) communication between patients and health care providers through the population management system.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT02822521, http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02822521 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6xed3kGPd)

Mobile apps are software programmes that run on smartphones and other mobile devices. Mobile health apps can help people manage their own health and wellness, promote healthy living and gain access to useful information when and where they need it. The Brush DJ oral health app was developed to use the opportunity mobile apps offer to motivate an evidence-based oral hygiene routine. A literature review has found no research investigating the use of a mobile app to motivate evidence-based oral hygiene behaviour. The objective of this preliminary investigation was to assess user perception of an oral health app to give a basis for future research and development of app technology in relation to oral health. A cross-sectional qualitative user perception questionnaire.RESULTS :One hundred and eighty-nine people responded to the questionnaire. Seventy percent (n = 113) of respondents reported that their teeth felt cleaner since using the app. Eighty-eight percent (n = 133) reported the app motivated them to brush their teeth for longer and 92.3% (n = 144) would recommend the app to their friends and family. Four broad themes relating to how the app helped toothbrushing were reported. These themes were motivation, education, compliance and perceived benefits. A mobile app is a promising tool to motivate an evidence-based oral hygiene routine.

Smartphones and mobile applications (apps) in clinical nursing education: A student perspective

“Essential Security Practices for Fortifying Mobile Apps” is a definitive guide designed to empower developers, security professionals, and organizations with the knowledge and tools needed to secure mobile applications in an increasingly complex digital landscape. This comprehensive book covers every aspect of mobile app security, providing actionable insights and practical strategies to protect apps from the ever-evolving threat landscape. The book begins with an Introduction to Mobile App Security (Chapter 1), where readers are introduced to the critical importance of securing mobile apps. It discusses common security threats, the principles of security by design, and the unique challenges faced in mobile app development. The chapter also includes case studies of major security breaches, offering real-world context to the concepts discussed. In Secure Development Lifecycle (Chapter 2), the book emphasizes the importance of integrating security into the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC). Topics such as threat modeling, secure coding practices, and penetration testing are explored in depth. This chapter also covers the role of continuous integration in maintaining security and the necessity of incident response planning and security training. Authentication and Authorization (Chapter 3) dives into the mechanisms that ensure only authorized users have access to mobile apps. It covers secure authentication methods, including multi-factor authentication and token-based authentication, as well as best practices for session management and password storage. The chapter provides guidelines to avoid common authentication flaws that could compromise app security. Data Protection and Privacy (Chapter 4) addresses the crucial aspects of encrypting data both at rest and in transit. It discusses secure data storage, privacy by design principles, and the handling of personally identifiable information (PII). Readers will learn about secure data deletion and compliance with data protection regulations, as well as the use of secure cryptographic libraries. Network Security (Chapter 5) explores the protocols and techniques needed to secure communication between mobile apps and their backend systems. The chapter covers the correct use of TLS/SSL, protecting against man-in-the-middle attacks, and securing backend APIs. It also discusses the importance of monitoring and logging network activity to detect and respond to potential threats. The book then moves on to Secure Coding Practices (Chapter 6), providing guidance on avoiding common coding vulnerabilities through input validation, error handling, and defensive programming techniques. It also covers secure code reviews and the best practices for using mobile platform APIs securely. Mobile Device Security (Chapter 7) shifts focus to the security of the devices on which mobile apps run. The chapter discusses mobile device threats, secure device configuration, and the use of mobile device management (MDM) solutions. It also addresses the security features of mobile devices, such as secure boot and remote wiping, which are essential for protecting against device theft or loss. In Secure Deployment and Distribution (Chapter 8), readers will learn about secure strategies for deploying and distributing mobile apps. Topics include code signing, protecting against repackaging and tampering, and securely distributing sensitive data. The chapter also covers handling updates and patches, ensuring that apps remain secure after deployment. Security Testing and Validation (Chapter 9) provides an in-depth look at the various types of security testing, including automated and manual testing techniques. It discusses penetration testing best practices, vulnerability assessment, and the integration of security testing into CI/CD pipelines. Regular security audits and addressing found vulnerabilities are also emphasized. Incident Response and Management (Chapter 10) guides readers in building an effective incident response team and creating a robust incident response plan. The chapter covers the steps for detecting, analyzing, containing, eradicating, and recovering from security incidents. Post-incident analysis and communication with stakeholders are also discussed, alongside legal and regulatory considerations. Finally, Future Trends in Mobile App Security (Chapter 11) explores the emerging threats and advancements in mobile security technologies. The chapter discusses the role of artificial intelligence in security, the integration of IoT with mobile devices, and the potential of blockchain in enhancing mobile security. It also highlights the importance of user education and awareness in safeguarding mobile applications in the future. “Essential Security Practices for Fortifying Mobile Apps” is an invaluable resource for anyone involved in the development, deployment, and management of mobile applications, offering a thorough understanding of the security challenges and the strategies needed to overcome them.

BackgroundA pressing need exists to understand and optimize the use of dietary assessment tools that can be used in community-based participatory research (CBPR) interventions. A digital food record, which uses a mobile device to capture the dietary intake through text and photography inputs, is a particularly promising mobile assessment method. However, little is understood about the acceptability and feasibility of digital food records in CBPR and how to best tailor dietary assessment tools to the needs of a community.ObjectiveThe objective of our study was to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of digital food records among church-based populations in resource-limited wards of Washington, DC, USA, using a mixed-methods approach.MethodsThis community-based pilot study was conducted as part of the Washington, DC Cardiovascular Health and Needs Assessment. Participants (n=17) received a mobile device (iPod Touch) to photodocument their dietary intake for a 3-day digital food record using a mobile app, FitNinja (Vibrent Health). The acceptability of the digital food record was explored through the thematic analysis of verbatim transcripts from a moderated focus group (n=8). In addition, the feasibility was evaluated by the percentage of participants complying with instructions (ie, capturing both before and after meal photos for at least 2 meals/day for 3 days).ResultsQualitative themes identified were related to (1) the feasibility and acceptability of the mobile device and app, including issues in recording the dietary information and difficulty with photodocumentation; (2) suggestions for additional support and training experiences; and (3) comparisons with other mobile apps. Overall, the participants accepted the digital food record by demonstrating satisfaction with the tool and intent to continue the use (eg, participants recorded an average of 5.2, SD 7, consecutive days). Furthermore, of the 17 participants, 15 photodocumented at least 1 meal during the study period and 3 fully complied with the digital food record instructions.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated digital food records as an acceptable tool in CBPR and identified contributors and barriers to the feasibility of digital food records for future research. Engaging community members in the implementation of novel assessment methods allows for the tailoring of technology to the needs of the community and optimizing community-based interventions.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT01927783; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01927783 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/70WzaFWb6)

Field data collection is a foundation of ecological research, but it can be challenging and error‐prone. Researchers planning and undertaking fieldwork for the first time are especially vulnerable to logistical issues that can be avoided with more guidance. We offer guidelines to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of field data collection. Our guidance takes the prospective field ecologist through five steps: (1) identifying which variables should be recorded (focusing on your scientific question, but considering opportunities for additional data collection); (2) designing the data structure (understanding data structure, assigning useful IDs and avoiding confusing characters); (3) preparing a data collection protocol (building in redundancy, choosing a data collection technology, clean data recording and taking additional notes); (4) undertaking a pilot test (including data collection and digitising, communicating with the team); (5) following the protocol (assigning a decision‐maker, noting any changes, following routines and backing up data). This article is motivated by our own trial‐and‐error experiences and those of our colleagues and students, and a desire to help future researchers to avoid them. Our intention is to streamline the planning and field stages of data collection to avoid common pitfalls, thereby saving money, time and resources and supporting the whole data life cycle. Field data collection occurs across disciplines looking to understand the natural world, and each field excursion poses its own unique challenges. However, these guidelines can be useful as a starter for researchers to support open, reproducible, efficient and effective field data collection.

Nurses Need Training and Policies to Address Barriers to Use of Mobile Devices and Apps for Direct Patient Care in Hospital Settings

The Move to Smart Mobile and its Implications for Antitrust Analysis of Online Markets

To study human behavior, social scientists are increasingly collecting data from mobile apps and sensors embedded in smartphones. A major challenge of studies implemented on general population samples, however, is that participation rates are rather low. While previous research has started to investigate the factors affecting individuals' decision to participate in such studies, less is known about features of the study design which are under the researcher's control and can increase the acceptance of smartphone-based data collection methods. Guided by the Technology Acceptance Model, we varied study characteristics in a vignette experiment to examine their effect on individuals' willingness to download a research app on their smartphone. Data were collected from 1,876 members of the NORC AmeriSpeak Panel, a probability-based panel of the general population aged 18+ in the United States. Respondents were randomly assigned to eight vignettes and, after each vignette, were asked to rate their willingness to participate in the described hypothetical study. The results show that individuals are more willing to participate in smartphone-based studies where they have some control over the data collection process, by having the option either to temporarily switch off the data collection or to review the data before submission. Furthermore, they are more willing to participate in research to which they are invited via postal letter rather than receiving a postal letter plus a phone call from an interviewer who walks them through the app installation. Finally, unconditional incentives increase their willingness to engage with smartphone-based data collection over conditional incentives.

Advances in mobile app technologies offer opportunities for researchers to feasibly collect a large amount of patient data that were previously inaccessible through traditional clinical research methods. Collection of data via mobile devices allows for several advantages, such as the ability to continuously gather data outside of research facilities and produce a greater quantity of data, making these data much more valuable to researchers. Health services research is increasingly incorporating mobile health (mHealth), but collecting these data in current research institutions is not without its challenges. Our paper uses a specific example to depict specific challenges of mHealth research and provides recommendations for investigators looking to incorporate digital app technologies and patient-collected digital data into their studies. Our experience describes how clinical researchers should be prepared to work with variable software and mobile app development timelines; research institutions that are interested in participating in mHealth research need to invest in supporting information technology infrastructures in order to be a part of the growing field of mHealth and gain access to valuable patient-collected data.

Citizen Science and the Remote Sensing of Land Cover

Integrating Mobile Health Technology for Symptom Management in Acute Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Patients

Breast cancer is a significant global health concern among women. Digital health technologies, particularly mobile health (mHealth) with mobile devices and apps, have the potential to tackle challenges in breast cancer treatment. However, a comprehensive understanding of mHealth applications in breast cancer care remains limited. We retrieved 615 articles published between 1991 and 2025 from the Web of Science database and performed a bibliometric analysis using CiteSpace V6.4.R1. The analysis included a detailed review of publication trends, geographic distribution, institutional contributions, authorship patterns, and keyword analysis. The USA was the leading country in terms of publication volume, followed by PRChina and Australia. Research hotspots included "breast cancer", "quality of life", and "physical activity". Initially, research focused on screening and diagnosis, but it has since shifted towards emerging technologies like mobile apps and patient-centered care, including a focus on patient-reported outcomes. This analysis reveals the trends, impacts, and future directions of mHealth in breast cancer care. It can help researchers identify research gaps and guide healthcare providers in implementing mHealth solutions to improve patient outcomes.