Background: The massive increase in the number of published scientific articles enhances knowledge but makes it more complicated to summarize results. The Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) thesaurus was created in the mid-20th century with the aim of systematizing article indexing and facilitating their retrieval. Despite the advent of search engines, few studies have questioned the relevance of the MeSH thesaurus, and none have done so systematically.
Objective: The objective of this study was to estimate the added value of using MeSH terms in PubMed queries for systematic reviews (SRs).
Methods: SRs published in 4 high-impact medical journals in general medicine over the past 10 years were selected. Only SRs for which a PubMed query was provided were included. Each query was transformed to obtain 3 versions: the original query (V1), the query with free-text terms only (V2), and the query with MeSH terms only (V3). These 3 queries were compared with each other based on their sensitivity and positive predictive values.
Results: In total, 59 SRs were included. The suppression of MeSH terms had an impact on the number of relevant articles retrieved for 24 (41%) out of 59 SRs. The median (IQR) sensitivities of queries V1 and V2 were 77.8% (62.1%-95.2%) and 71.4% (42.6%-90%), respectively. V1 queries provided an average of 2.62 additional relevant papers per SR compared with V2 queries. However, an additional 820.29 papers had to be screened. The cost of screening an additional collected paper was therefore 313.09, which was slightly more than triple the mean reading cost associated with V2 queries (88.67).
Conclusions: Our results revealed that removing MeSH terms from a query decreases sensitivity while slightly increasing the positive predictive value. Queries containing both MeSH and free-text terms yielded more relevant articles but required screening many additional papers. Despite this additional workload, MeSH terms remain indispensable for SRs.
Background: Current blood glucose monitoring (BGM) methods are often invasive and require repetitive pricking of a finger to obtain blood samples, predisposing individuals to pain, discomfort, and infection. Noninvasive blood glucose monitoring (NIBGM) is ideal for minimizing discomfort, reducing the risk of infection, and increasing convenience.
Objective: This review aimed to map the use cases of artificial intelligence (AI) in NIBGM.
Methods: A systematic scoping review was conducted according to the Arksey O'Malley five-step framework. Eight electronic databases (CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, The Cochrane-Central Library, ACM Digital Library, and IEEE Xplore) were searched from inception until February 8, 2023. Study selection was conducted by 2 independent reviewers, descriptive analysis was conducted, and findings were presented narratively. Study characteristics (author, country, type of publication, study design, population characteristics, mean age, types of noninvasive techniques used, and application, as well as characteristics of the BGM systems) were extracted independently and cross-checked by 2 investigators. Methodological quality appraisal was conducted using the Checklist for assessment of medical AI.
Results: A total of 33 papers were included, representing studies from Asia, the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa published between 2005 and 2023. Most studies used optical techniques (n=19, 58%) to estimate blood glucose levels (n=27, 82%). Others used electrochemical sensors (n=4), imaging (n=2), mixed techniques (n=2), and tissue impedance (n=1). Accuracy ranged from 35.56% to 94.23% and Clarke error grid (A+B) ranged from 86.91% to 100%. The most popular machine learning algorithm used was random forest (n=10) and the most popular deep learning model was the artificial neural network (n=6). The mean overall checklist for assessment of medical AI score on the included papers was 33.5 (SD 3.09), suggesting an average of medium quality. The studies reviewed demonstrate that some AI techniques can accurately predict glucose levels from noninvasive sources while enhancing comfort and ease of use for patients. However, the overall range of accuracy was wide due to the heterogeneity of models and input data.
Conclusions: Efforts are needed to standardize and regulate the use of AI technologies in BGM, as well as develop consensus guidelines and protocols to ensure the quality and safety of AI-assisted monitoring systems. The use of AI for NIBGM is a promising area of research that has the potential to revolutionize diabetes management.
Background: The wearable monitoring device (WMD) is emerging as a promising tool for community-dwelling older adults to monitor personal health, enhance awareness of their activities, and promote healthy behaviors. However, the sustained use of WMDs among this population remains a significant challenge.
Objective: This study aims to implement an interventional program that promotes and motivates the continued use of WMDs among older adults through a peer and professional support approach. This program will facilitate the integration of WMDs into their daily lives.
Methods: This feasibility trial examined the following: (1) the usability of the WMD from the users' perspectives; (2) the feasibility of the Live With Wearable Monitoring Device program; and (3) the effectiveness of the Live With Wearable Monitoring Device program among community-dwelling older adults. The intervention, based on Self-Determination Theory, involved using the Live With Wearable Monitoring Device program over a 3-month period, with ongoing professional and peer support provided by community health workers, aided by a nurse and social workers. This support included 1 home visit and biweekly communication via WhatsApp. Data were collected at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months.
Results: A total of 39 participants were enrolled in the intervention group, while 37 participants were in the control group. The recruitment rate was high (76/89, 85%), and the attrition rate was low (8/76, 11%), indicating that the program is feasible for older adults. Participants in the intervention group exhibited higher self-efficacy, lower anxiety levels, and used the smartwatch more frequently, in terms of both days and hours, compared with the control group. A between-group difference was observed in self-efficacy between the intervention and control groups (β=3.31, 95% CI 0.36-6.25, P=.03), with statistically significant higher mean values recorded at all 4 time points.
Conclusions: It is clear that merely providing a WMD to older adults does not guarantee its usage, particularly for those unfamiliar with how to utilize its health-related functions in their daily routines. This study implemented a theory-based program aimed at enhancing the ongoing use of WMDs among older adults, suggesting that continuous professional and peer support may significantly influence WMD usage.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05269303; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05269303.
Over the past decades, health care systems have significantly evolved due to aging populations, chronic diseases, and higher-quality care expectations. Concurrently with the added health care needs, information and communications technology advancements have transformed health care delivery. Technologies such as telemedicine, electronic health records, and mobile health apps promise enhanced accessibility, efficiency, and patient outcomes, leading to more personalized, data-driven care. However, organizational, political, and cultural barriers and the fragmented approach to health information management are challenging the integration of these technologies to effectively support health care delivery. This fragmentation collides with the need for integrated care pathways that focus on holistic health and wellness. Catalonia (northeast Spain), a region of 8 million people with universal health care coverage and a single public health insurer but highly heterogeneous health care service providers, has experienced outstanding digitalization and integration of health information over the past 25 years, when the first transition from paper to digital support occurred. This Viewpoint describes the implementation of health ITs at a system level, discusses the hits and misses encountered in this journey, and frames this regional implementation within the global context. We present the architectures and use trends of the health information platforms over time. This provides insightful information that can be used by other systems worldwide in the never-ending transformation of health care structure and services.