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- Josefsson, Cecilia, et al.
(author)
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The Sukaribit Smartphone App for Better Self-Management of Type 2 Diabetes: Randomized Controlled Feasibility Study
- 2024
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In: JMIR Formative Research. - : JMIR Publications. - 2561-326X. ; 8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: A new app, Sukaribit, was designed to enable contact between the caregiver and the patient with the intent to improve self-care and glycemic control (hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c]).Objective: This study investigated the feasibility of the study methodology and the intervention in preparation for a larger effectiveness study.Methods: Adults with type 2 diabetes were recruited in this randomized controlled feasibility study with a mixed methods design. The intervention group (n=28) tried Sukaribit for 2 months. They were encouraged to report blood glucose levels and medications, and they received feedback from a physician. The control group (n=31) received standard care. Both groups were evaluated with pre and postmeasurements of glycemic control (HbA1c), diabetes distress, physical activity, and self-care. Feasibility was evaluated against 5 progression criteria regarding recruitment, study methods, and active participation.Results: Of the 5 progression criteria, only 2 were met or partially met. The recruitment process exceeded expectations, and data collection worked well for self-reported data but not for HbA1c measured with a home testing kit. The participants were less active than anticipated, and the effect sizes were small. Only the number of blood glucose tests per day was positively affected by the intervention, with 0.6 more tests per day in the intervention group.Conclusions: Recruitment of participants to a future fully powered study may work with minor adjustments. The collection of HbA1c using home testing constituted a major problem, and an alternative strategy is warranted. Finally, the app was not used as intended. In order to proceed with a larger study, the app and study procedures need improvement.
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| 2. |
- Liljeroos, Thea, et al.
(author)
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Management of emotional distress following a myocardial infarction : a qualitative content analysis
- 2023
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In: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1650-6073 .- 1651-2316. ; 52:1, s. 47-64
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the leading causes of mortality and disability worldwide. Emotional distress, such as anxiety and depression, are common among MI patients. The aim of this study was to investigate emotional reactions following MI and to explore how MI patients self-manage their emotional distress using the perspective of an explanatory behavioural model of depression and anxiety. Written testimonies from 92 MI patients starting an internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) were analysed using qualitative content analysis with a mixed deductive and inductive approach. Six themes were identified. The first three highlight the emotional reactions post-MI: Hypoarousal reactions and low mood; Hyperarousal reactions; and A changed sense of self and outlook on life. The following three themes describe strategies for managing emotional distress: Avoidance of potentially rewarding situations; Avoidance of heart relevant stimuli triggering anxiety; and Engaging in potentially positive activities and acceptance. The MI experience may trigger emotional reactions, with a particular emphasis on heart-focused anxiety, depression and a shift in the perception of one's identity. Patients tend to manage emotional distress through social withdrawal and experiential avoidance which likely maintains the distress. Applying a behavioural model to the management of emotional distress following MI is suited.
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| 3. |
- Liljeroos, Thea, et al.
(author)
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Self-perceived cognitive status and cognitive challenges associated with cardiac rehabilitation management : experiences of elderly myocardial infarction patients.
- 2022
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In: Disability and Rehabilitation. - : Taylor & Francis Group. - 0963-8288 .- 1464-5165. ; 44:15, s. 3834-3842
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- PURPOSE: The study aimed to explore the self-perceived cognitive status and cognitive challenges associated with lifestyle changes in cardiac rehabilitation among elderly myocardial infarction (MI) patients (≥65 years). Further, the study explored coping strategies developed to manage these challenges in the everyday life.METHODS: Nine patients were included in the study. Data were collected by telephone or in person, between 6 and 12 weeks post MI, using semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed inductively, using thematic analysis.RESULTS: Four major themes were identified, highlighting elderly MI patients' experiences of their cognitive status and cardiac rehabilitation management: (1) A change in cognition over time, (2) Situating the MI within a challenging and changing life context, (3) Navigating the hurdles of cardiac rehabilitation, and (4) Being seen within the healthcare system.CONCLUSION: Elderly MI patients are situated in a complex life context, dealing with a transition to retirement, multiple health issues and age-related cognitive decline. In this context, the MI experience is marginalised, and cognitive decline normalized. By adopting individually tailored interventions and improving healthcare provider continuity and accessibility, cognitive challenges associated with cardiac rehabilitation could be easier to overcome.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONSelf-perceived cognitive impairment, in particular regarding memory, seems fairly common among elderly MI patients and should likely be identified prior to hospital discharge in order to optimize the prospects of self-care.There seems to exist an unmet need to implement the practice of individually adapted education and information further, in accordance with current recommendations for elderly cardiac patients.The overall health and cognitive status, social network and the objective living conditions (e.g., distance from service and housing) should be taken into account when planning the patient's cardiac rehabilitation management.Healthcare providers likely need to strengthen the continuity of care and increase its accessibility for elderly MI patients, in particular following the transfer from hospital care to local health centres.
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