This study addresses the burgeoning global shortage of healthcare workers and the consequential overburdening of medical professionals, a challenge that is anticipated to intensify by 2030 [1]. It explores the adoption and perceptions of AI-powered mobile medical applications (MMAs) by physicians in the Netherlands, investigating whether doctors discuss or recommend these applications to patients and the frequency of their use in clinical practice. The research reveals a cautious but growing acceptance of MMAs among healthcare providers. Medical mobile applications, with a substantial part of IA-driven applications, are being recognized for their potential to alleviate workload. The findings suggest an emergent trust in AI-driven health technologies, underscored by recommendations from peers, yet tempered by concerns over data security and patient mental health, indicating a need for ongoing assessment and validation of these applications
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Als relatief nieuw begrip in de context van e-learning krijgt ‘mobile learning’ steeds meer aandacht, wat ten dele kan worden verklaard door de ontwikkeling en verspreiding van mobiele technologie. Als we de pleitbezorgers van ‘mobile learning’ moeten geloven, dan wordt deze vorm van leren belangrijker en is het denkbaar dat sommige leerprocessen in de toekomst volledig op die wijze vormgegeven zullen worden. Probleem is dat een eenduidige definitie van ‘mobile learning’ nog altijd ontbreekt, dat er meningsverschillen zijn over de technologie die tot het domein van ‘mobile learning’ behoort, en dat er betrekkelijk weinig resultaten zijn van succesvolle inzet van mobiele technologie in leerprocessen. Daarbij wordt onder succesvol verstaan dat het heeft bijgedragen aan de effectiviteit van het leren, en daarmee aan een beter leerresultaat en een efficiënter leerproces, waarbij onder het laatste verstaan wordt dat het maximale leereffect wordt bereikt met een beperkte inzet van mensen en middelen. Deze notitie beoogt enige duidelijkheid te scheppen in de definitiekwestie en in de visies op leren die een rol spelen bij ‘mobile learning’. Vanuit dat perspectief wordt vervolgens ingegaan op kenmerken van mobiele technologie en ontwikkelingen die daarin verwacht worden. Aansluitend wordt er dieper ingegaan op leerprocessen en de rol die mobiele technologie daarin zou kunnen vervullen, waarna de notitie wordt afgesloten met een kijkkader om de mogelijke inzet en betekenis van ‘mobile learning’ in onderwijssituaties te kunnen duiden en beoordelen.
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Background: Due to demographic transitions and budget restraints, it is now necessary to search for comprehensive new strategies, in order to constitute a sustainable healthcare system. Recently, various online care platforms for community-dwelling older adults were introduced in several European countries. These platforms have aimed at solidifying social cohesion in the community, so as to support the older adults in coordinating or managing their care and to enhance the self-reliance of these older adults. Consequently, these platforms might contribute to a more sustainable healthcare system. The main research question of this study was twofold: Which online care platforms for older adults are available in the Netherlands and what are their characteristics? Methods: The researchers have performed a scoping review of the online care platforms in the Netherlands, according to the six steps of Arksey & O’Malley (2005), which were as follows: (1) Identifying the research question; (2) Identifying any relevant studies; (3) Selecting the studies; (4) Charting the data; (5) Collating, summarising and reporting on the results; together with (6) consultations with the relevant stakeholders. The study searched for evidence in online scientific databases (Phase 1) and on the Internet (Phase 2). The relevant studies that were published between February 2012 and October 2017 were included. Results: The review resulted in an overview of 21 care platforms, for which 3 types were identified: (1) Community Care Platforms; (2) Care Network Platforms; and (3) System Integrator Platforms. Conclusion: This typology of platforms can guide users – for instance, older adults, care professionals, informal caregivers and municipalities, in choosing a suitable care platform, i.e. the typology gives users insight into the functionalities, goals and target groups which allows them to choose a platform that matches their needs. As far as the authors know, no studies have previously reported on the effects of the online care platforms for older adults in the Netherlands, so further research is required on their impacts and on their benefits.
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In a study commissioned by the Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG), the applied research group European Impact has compiled the results from interviews executed by approximately 240 European Studies students at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. The purpose of this report is to compare and contrast the situation of intra-EU labor migrants (hereafter referred to as EU mobile citizens) in regard to registration, housing, and information flows in 12 different municipalities across the EU. Based on semi-structured interviews with municipal workers and individuals from employment agencies/companies from the selected municipalities, the picture that emerges is one of divergence. There are significant variations regarding the registration procedure and information flows for EU mobile citizens across the selected municipalities. For registration, differences include where the registration takes place, the amount of collaboration between municipalities and employment agencies/companies on registering EU mobile citizens, and the importance of addresses in the registration process. Regarding information flows across the selected municipalities, there are significant variations in the amount and type of information available to EU mobile citizens, the number of languages information is available in,as well as how the information is organized (i.e. in a centralized or decentralized way). Furthermore, while all the member states in which the selected municipalities are located provide information regarding registration on the Single Digital Gateway, not all provide information about renting housing. As for housing, the results revealed that most of the selected municipalities face issues with housing and that EU mobile citizens typically find housing either via their employers or personal network. Based on the results, a list of potential best practices and policy areas that could be improved was compiled. Furthermore, in order to have a stronger overview of policy developments in the field of EU mobile citizens among different municipalities, the VNG could consider hosting a Community of Practice with different municipalities across the EU as well as monitoring Interreg Europe projects focused on improving the situation of EU mobile citizens.
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A comparative study of the effects of the pandemic across six countries, including The UK, Australia, Belgium, Cyprus, Ireland and The Netherlands. The authors outline 21 design principles for mobile learning, which is hoped will help us respond effectively in the uncertain present, and plan systematically for an unpredictable, post-pandemic future. This paper is based on the emergency changes we have had to make in the European DEIMP Project (2017-2020), “Designing and Evaluating Innovative Mobile Pedagogies” (DEIMP). DEIMP is undertaken by a transnational consortium comprising partner institutions and schools from the participating countries.
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Abstract Background: With the growing shortage of nurses, labor-saving technology has become more important. In health care practice, however, the fit with innovations is not easy. The aim of this study is to analyze the development of a mobile input device for electronic medical records (MEMR), a potentially labor-saving application supported by nurses, that failed to meet the needs of nurses after development. Method: In a case study, we used an axiomatic design framework as an evaluation tool to visualize the mismatches between customer needs and the design parameters of the MEMR, and trace these mismatches back to (preliminary) decisions in the development process. We applied a mixed-method research design that consisted of analyzing of 118 external and internal files and working documents, 29 interviews and shorter inquiries, a user test, and an observation of use. By factoring and grouping the findings, we analyzed the relevant categories of mismatches. Results: The involvement of nurses during the development was extensive, but not all feedback was, or could not be, used effectively to improve the MEMR. The mismatches with the most impact were found to be: (1) suboptimal supportive technology, (2) limited functionality of the app and input device, and (3) disruption of nurses’ workflow. Most mismatches were known by the IT department when the MEMR was offered to the units as a product. Development of the MEMR came to a halt because of limited use. Conclusion: Choices for design parameters, made during the development of labor-saving technology for nurses, may conflict with the customer needs of nurses. Even though the causes of mismatches were mentioned by the IT department, the nurse managers acquired the MEMR based on the idea behind the app. The effects of the chosen design parameters should not only be compared to the customer needs, but also be assessed with nurses and nurse managers for the expected effect on the workflow.
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The advent of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has had and is having a major impact on Indonesian cultural resource management, and on the safeguarding methods of its tangible and intangible cultural heritages. Despite varied levels and visible gaps between rural and urban regions in terms of technology usage, innovative initiatives have been created, which correspond to the needs and expectations of a technology-savvy public. As a starting point, a number of public institutions dealing with tangible cultural heritage (e.g. museums, palaces, temples, World Heritage Sites (WHS) do use innovative digital tools in order to communicate to various audiences, as well as to enrich visitors' experience, especially taking into consideration young generations. This paper will firstly examine the role of ICTs in intangible cultural heritage (ICH) (e.g. Batik, Wayang puppet theatre, etc.); secondly, the authors will explain how ICTs can help to communicate and promote the values, history, and significances of ICH products, both for locals and tourists, with the goal of raising awareness on cultural identity. However, the knowledge of ICH still requires contacts with its own communities and is vulnerable, as it can be exposed to excessive cultural commoditization through e-platforms. This study aims at giving an overview and some examples of digital interventions for cultural heritage communication implemented by various stakeholders in Indonesia. In addition, this paper analyses to what extent a participatory approach engaging local communities, academics, private sectors, NGOs and the government, can ensure higher levels of effectiveness and efficiency, hence supporting the conservation of UNESCO tangible/ICH in Indonesia. This paper aims at: (1) presenting the development of digital heritage platforms in Indonesia; (2) providing a grid of analysis of digital heritage knowledge platforms dedicated to UNESCO tangible and ICH in forms of websites and mobile apps.
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Background: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) demonstrate reduced levels of daily physical activity (DPA) compared to healthy controls. This results in a higher risk of hospital admission and shorter survival. Performing regular DPA reduces these risks. Objective: To develop an eHealth intervention that will support patients with COPD to improve or maintain their DPA after pulmonary rehabilitation. Methods: The design process consisted of literature research and the iterative developing and piloting phases of the Medical Research Council (MRC) model for complex clinical interventions and the involvement of end users. Participants were healthy adults and persons with COPD. Results: The mobile phone interface met all the set requirements. Participants found that the app was stimulating and that reaching their DPA goals was rewarding. The mean (SD) scores on a 7-point scale for usability, ease of use, ease of learning, and contentment were 3.8 (1.8), 5.1 (1.1), 6.0 (1.6), and 4.8 (1.3), respectively. The mean (SD) correlation between the mobile phone and a validated accelerometer was 0.88 (0.12) in the final test. The idea of providing their health care professional with their DPA data caused no privacy issues in the participants. Battery life lasted for an entire day with the final version, and readability and comprehensibility of text and colors were favorable. Conclusions: By employing a user-centered design approach, a mobile phone was found to be an adequate and feasible interface for an eHealth intervention. The mobile phone and app are easy to learn and use by patients with COPD. In the final test, the accuracy of the DPA measurement was good. The final version of the eHealth intervention is presently being tested by our group for efficacy in a randomized controlled trial in COPD patients.
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The inefficiency of maintaining static and long-lasting safety zones in environments where actual risks are limited is likely to increase in the coming decades, as autonomous systems become more common and human workers fewer in numbers. Nevertheless, an uncompromising approach to safety remains paramount, requiring the introduction of novel methods that are simultaneously more flexible and capable of delivering the same level of protection against potentially hazardous situations. We present such a method to create dynamic safety zones, the boundaries of which can be redrawn in real-time, taking into account explicit positioning data when available and using conservative extrapolation from last known location when information is missing or unreliable. Simulation and statistical methods were used to investigate performance gains compared to static safety zones. The use of a more advanced probabilistic framework to further improve flexibility is also discussed, although its implementation would not offer the same level of protection and is currently not recommended.
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