JMIR Publications Launches New Peer-Reviewed Journal: JMIR XR and Spatial Computing (Toronto, July 30, 2024) JMIR Publications, a leading publisher in digital health research, announces the launch of JMIR XR and Spatial Computing, a cutting-edge journal dedicated to exploring the transformative potential of extended reality (XR) and spatial computing technologies in clinical practice. This new journal arrives at a pivotal moment when recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), graphical processing, display technology, and network connectivity are propelling XR and spatial computing from the realm of possibility into the realm of practical application in health care. With over a decade of experience in navigating the XRRead More →

Source: Created with DALL-E, an AI system by ChatGPT License: Public Domain (CCO) UCalgary researchers are concerned about the number of patient photos ending up online By Kyle Marr Original Source: UCalgary researchers concerned about number of patient photos ending up online | News | University of Calgary University of Calgary researchers are raising questions about ethics and individual patient privacy after their research found a surprising majority of the medical photos they searched for were easily found on Google Images. “By coincidence, I figured out that patient photographs published in medical journals could end up online in places like Google Images,” says Dr. Zack Marshall,Read More →

Source: Freepik Copyright: freepik Licence: Licensed by JMIR Publications New research shows how personalized support programs increase the use of wearable technology among older adults. (Toronto, June 20, 2024) A new review in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, published by JMIR Publications, found that community-dwelling older adults are more likely to continue using wearable monitoring devices (WMDs), like trackers, pedometers, and smartwatches, if they receive support from health care professionals or peers. The research team from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, led by Dr. Arkers Kwan Ching Wong, reviewed data from 3 randomized controlled trials involving over 150 older adults. The evaluation showed thatRead More →

Source: Supernatural Copyright: Supernatural URL: https://www.getsupernatural.com/workouts License: Licensed by the authors Deck: UVic research focuses on gamifying fitness that changes behaviour She was no boxer but, wearing a virtual reality (VR) headset, she jabbed, dodged and swayed in the ring while tagging moving targets that were colour-coordinated and matched up with her boxing gloves. He held two bats as differently coloured targets flowed toward him in his VR headset at different speeds and levels of difficulty. He swung at them and was forced to reach, lunge or squat to hit the mark. They both got a workout. Most people know that engaging in regular physical activity is goodRead More →

Source: The authors / Adobe Stock Copyright: The authors/onephoto License: Licensed by JMIR Publications A digital, AI-driven lifestyle coaching program shows significant blood pressure reduction and high patient engagement, according to a new study (Toronto, May 28, 2024) A new study in JMIR Cardio, published by JMIR Publications, shows that a fully digital, artificial intelligence (AI)–driven lifestyle coaching program can effectively reduce blood pressure (BP) in adults with hypertension. This AI-based program leverages data from wearable activity trackers and BP monitors as well as a mobile app questionnaire to tailor lifestyle guidance. The research team, led by Jared Leitner of the University of California, San Diego, usedRead More →

Source: Image created by JMIR Publications/Authors Copyright: JMIR Publications License: Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) Study reveals VR’s potential in revolutionizing depression treatment, offering hope to millions worldwide.   (Toronto, May 6, 2024) A new study published in JMIR Mental Health sheds light on the promising role of virtual reality (VR) in treating major depressive disorder (MDD). Titled “Examining the Efficacy of Extended Reality–Enhanced Behavioral Activation for Adults With Major Depressive Disorder: Randomized Controlled Trial,” the research, led by Dr Margot Paul and team from Stanford University, unveiled the efficacy of extended reality (XR)–enhanced behavioral activation (XR-BA) in easing symptoms of depression. MDD affects millions worldwide,Read More →

Source: Kognito Copyright: Kognito URL: https://kognito.com License: Licensed by the authors Brief interactive online mental health training can help teachers better respond to their pupils’ mental health difficulties, according to a new study. Researchers led by Dr Emma Soneson at the University of Oxford’s Department of Psychiatry questioned dozens of primary school teachers and teaching assistants to explore the potential value of a 1-hour training program they trialed. It comes at a time of increasing emphasis on schools’ role in supporting pupils’ mental health, as growing numbers of children and young people report issues with their well-being. The teaching staff from 6 different primary schoolsRead More →

Source: freepik.com Copyright: Freepik URL: https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/woman-having-video-call-home-laptop-device… License: Licensed by JMIR PITTSBURGH, April 4, 2024 – Coupling a smartphone app with a real-life health coach appears to be key to helping patients adhere to presurgical preparation and postsurgical recovery guidance and improving surgical outcomes, according to new findings led by UPMC and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine physician-scientists. The research, published today in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, found that patients who used the digital health platform—named Pip Care—had to stay in the hospital for nearly a day less than their counterparts who did not use the app, and they cut in half theirRead More →

Source: Freepik Copyright: Drazen Zigic https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/closeup-doctor-advising-her-patient-about-medicines-via-video-call-coronavirus-pandemic_26922401.htm License: Licensed by JMIR In the current climate of increased medical mistrust, survey data show sexual minority adults are more open to using COVID-19 screening and tracking tools, challenging stereotypes and highlighting the need for inclusive health care solutions. [Toronto, March 11, 2024] — Little is known about the willingness of sexual minority adults—people who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or other nonheterosexual orientation identities—to use digital health tools. A new study, published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research by Dr Wilson Vincent of Temple University, has shed light on this question in the context of public healthRead More →

Source: DALLE-3 via BING Images Copyright: N/A (AI generated) URL: https://www.bing.com/images/create/aa-healthcare-worker-wearing-mask-she-is-l… License: Public Domain (CC0) An artificial intelligence tool effectively detected distress in hospital workers’ conversations with their therapists early during the COVID-19 pandemic, a new study shows, suggesting a potential new technology that screens for depression and anxiety. As the COVID-19 pandemic forced many hospitals to operate beyond capacity, medical workers were faced with overwhelming numbers of work shifts, limited rest, and an increased risk of COVID-19 infection. At the same time, quarantine policies and fear of infecting family reduced their access to social support, with the combination increasing the risk of medical errorsRead More →