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ABSTRACT: Background
Digital behavior change interventions have demonstrated effectiveness for smoking cessation and reducing alcohol intake, which ultimately reduce cancer risk. Leveraging electronic health records (EHR) to identify at-risk patients and increasing the reach of digital interventions through proactive electronic outreach provide a novel approach that may increase the number of individuals who engage with evidence-based treatment.Objective
This study aims to increase the reach of digital behavior change interventions by implementing a proactive electronic message system for smoking cessation and alcohol reduction among a large, at-risk population identified through an acute hospital EHR.Methods
This protocol describes a 3-phase, mixed-methods implementation study to assess the acceptability, feasibility, and reach of a proactive electronic message system to digital interventions using a hospital's EHR system to identify eligible patients. In Phase 1, we will conduct focus group discussions with patients and hospital staff to assess the overall acceptability of the electronic message system. In Phase 2, we will conduct a descriptive analysis of the patient population in the hospital EHR regarding target risk behaviors and other person-level characteristics to determine the project's feasibility and potential reach. In Phase 3, we will send proactive messages to patients identified as smokers or risky drinkers. Messages will encourage and provide access to behavior change mobile apps via an embedded link; the primary outcome will be the proportion of participants who click on the link to access information about the apps.Results
At the time of initial protocol submission, data collection was complete, but analysis had not begun. This study was funded by Cancer Research UK from April 2019 to March 2020. Health Research Authority approval was granted in June 2019.Conclusions
Increasing the reach of digital behavior change interventions can improve population health by reducing the burden of preventable death and disease.International registered report identifier (irrid)
DERR1-10.2196/23669.
SUBMITTER: Amato MS
PROVIDER: S-EPMC7808893 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
JMIR research protocols 20201231 12
<h4>Background</h4>Digital behavior change interventions have demonstrated effectiveness for smoking cessation and reducing alcohol intake, which ultimately reduce cancer risk. Leveraging electronic health records (EHR) to identify at-risk patients and increasing the reach of digital interventions through proactive electronic outreach provide a novel approach that may increase the number of individuals who engage with evidence-based treatment.<h4>Objective</h4>This study aims to increase the rea ...[more]