Information Technology in Support of Our Heroes during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Commentary.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Magid SK
PROVIDER: S-EPMC7450918 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Publications
Information Technology in Support of Our Heroes during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Commentary.
Magid Steven K SK Nelson Jamie J
HSS journal : the musculoskeletal journal of Hospital for Special Surgery 20200827 Suppl 1
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Project description:BackgroundMost adolescents in the United States engage with technology. Social isolation and disruptions in activities owing to the COVID-19 pandemic have been linked to worsening mood and overall decreased well-being in adolescents. Although studies on the direct impacts of technology on adolescent well-being and mental health are inconclusive, there are both positive and negative associations depending on various factors, such as how the technology is used and by whom under certain settings.ObjectiveThis study applied a strengths-based approach and focused on the potential to leverage technology to benefit adolescent well-being during a public health emergency. This study aimed to gain an initial and nuanced understanding of how adolescents have used technology to support their wellness throughout the pandemic. In addition, this study aimed to further motivate future large-scale research on how technology can be leveraged to benefit adolescent well-being.MethodsThis study used an exploratory qualitative approach and was conducted in 2 phases. Phase 1 consisted of interviewing subject matter experts who work with adolescents to inform the creation of a semistructured interview for phase 2. Subject matter experts were recruited from existing connections with the Hemera Foundation and National Mental Health Innovation Center's (NMHIC) networks. In phase 2, adolescents (aged 14-18 years) were recruited nationally through social media (eg, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram) and via email to institutions (eg, high schools, hospitals, and health technology companies). High school and early college interns at NMHIC led the interviews via Zoom (Zoom Video Communications) with an NMHIC staff member on the call in an observational role. A total of 50 adolescents completed interviews regarding their technology use and its role during the COVID-19 pandemic.ResultsThe overarching themes identified from the data were COVID-19's impact on adolescent lives, positive role of technology, negative role of technology, and resiliency. Adolescents engaged with technology as a way to foster and maintain connection in a time of extended isolation. However, they also demonstrated an awareness of when technology was negatively affecting their well-being, prompting them to turn to other fulfilling activities that do not involve technology.ConclusionsThis study highlights how adolescents have used technology for well-being throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Guidelines based on insights from the results of this study were created for adolescents, parents, caregivers, and teachers to provide recommendations for how adolescents can use technology to bolster overall well-being. Adolescents' ability to recognize when they need to engage in nontechnology-related activities and their ability to use technology to reach a larger community indicate that technology can be facilitated in positive ways to benefit their overall well-being. Future research should focus on increasing the generalizability of recommendations and identifying additional ways to leverage mental health technologies.
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Project description:In 2015, the University of Saskatchewan PAWS Your Stress Therapy Dog program partnered with St. John Ambulance for therapy dog teams to visit our campus and offer attendees love, comfort and support. We recognized at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic that students, staff and faculty may require mental health support, particularly with the challenges of isolation and loneliness. In response, our team transitioned from an in-person to a novel online format at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. We designed online content for participants to (1) connect with therapy dogs and experience feelings of love, comfort and support as occurred in in-person programming, and (2) learn about pandemic-specific, evidence-informed mental health knowledge. Our unique approach highlighted what dogs can teach humans about health through their own care and daily activities. From April to June 2020, we developed a website, created 28 Facebook livestreams and 60 pre-recorded videos which featured therapy dogs and handlers, and cross-promoted on various social media platforms. Over three months, first a combined process-outcome evaluation helped us determine whether our activities contributed to the program's goals. A subsequent needs assessment allowed us to elicit participant preferences for the program moving forward. This commentary reflects on these findings and our teams' collective experiences to share our key lessons learned related to program personnel needs, therapy dog handler training and support requirements, and online programming prerequisites. This combined understanding is informing our current activities with the virtual program and should be of interest to other therapy dog programs transitioning online.
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Project description:BackgroundSocial distancing from the COVID-19 pandemic may have decreased engagement in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) and may have had possible consequences on post-CR exercise maintenance. The increased use of technology as an adaptation may benefit post-CR participants via wearables and social media. Thus, we sought to explore the possible relationships of both the pandemic and technology on post-CR exercise maintenance.ObjectiveThis study aimed to (1) understand CR participation during the COVID-19 pandemic, (2) identify perceived barriers and facilitators to physical activity after CR completion, and (3) assess willingness to use technology and social media to support physical activity needs among older adults with cardiovascular disease.MethodsWe recruited participants aged 55 years and older in 3 different CR programs offered at both public and private hospitals in Northern California. We conducted individual interviews on CR experiences, physical activity, and potential for using technology. We used thematic analysis to synthesize the data.ResultsIn total, 22 participants (n=9, 41% female participants; mean age 73, SD 8 years) completed in-depth interviews. Themes from participants' feedback included the following: (1) anxiety and frustration about the wait for CR caused by COVID-19 conditions, (2) positive and safe participant experience once in CR during the pandemic, (3) greater attention needed to patients after completion of CR, (4) notable demand for technology during the pandemic and after completion of CR, and (5) social media networking during the CR program considered valuable if training is provided.ConclusionsIndividuals who completed CR identified shared concerns about continuing physical activity despite having positive experiences during the CR program. There were significant challenges during the pandemic and heightened concerns for safety and health. The idea of providing support by leveraging digital technology (wearable devices and social media for social support) resonated as a potential solution to help bridge the gap from CR to more independent physical activity. More attention is needed to help individuals experience a tailored and safe transition to home to maintain physical activity among those who complete CR.
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