Browsing by Author "Fonseca, J. Almeida"
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- Combined image-based approach for monitoring the adherence to inhaled medicationsPublication . Vieira-Marques, Pedro; Teixeira, João Fonseca; Valente, José; Pinho, Bernardo; Guedes, Rui; Almeida, Rute; Jácome, Cristina; Pereira, Ana; Jacinto, Tiago; Amaral, Rita; Gonçalves, Ivânia; Sousa, Ana Sá; Couto, Mariana; Magalhães, Manuel; Bordalo, Diana; Silva, Luís Nogueira; Fonseca, J. AlmeidaThe adherence to inhaled controller medications is of critical importance to achieve good clinical results in patients with chronic respiratory diseases. To objectively verify the adherence, a detection tool was previously developed and integrated in the mobile application InspirerMundi, based on image processing methods. In this work, a new approach for enhanced adherence verification was developed. In a first phase template matching is employed to confirm the inhaler positioning and to locate the dose counter. In a second phase Google ML Kit framework is used for the detection of each numerical dose in the dose counter. The proposed approach was validated through a new detection tool pilot implementation, using a set of images collected by patients using the application in their daily life. Performance of each of the two phases was evaluated for a set of commonly used inhaler devices. Promising results were achieved showing the potential of mobile embedded sensors without the need for external devices.
- The use of remote care during the Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: a perspective of Portuguese and Spanish physiciansPublication . Jácome, C.; Pereira, A. M.; Amaral, Rita; Alves-Correia, M.; Almeida, R.; Mendes, S.; Mendes, S.; Fonseca, J. Almeida; INSPIRERS groupThis study aimed to characterise how the follow-up of outpatients was done during the first months of COVID-19 pandemic by a multidisciplinary group of physicians involved in an asthma mHealth project. A cross-sectional study based on a web survey was conducted. The survey was sent to 123 physicians working at secondary care centres of Portugal and Spain, that participate in the INSPIRERS project. A total of 65 physicians completed the survey (53% response rate). They had a mean of 18 (11) years of clinical practice and 14% were residents. More than half were allergists (58%), 22% pulmonologists and 20% paediatricians. Most were working in Portugal (89%) and in public hospitals (88%). All were conducting consultations: 71% presential (median [p25 , p75] duration 30 [20, 30] min), 91% telephonic (15 [10, 20] min) and 20% video consultations (20 [10, 28] min). The median duration of presential consultations was significantly higher than pre-COVID-19 (20 [20, 30] min; p = 0.021). From the physicians conducting video consultations, 92% were allergists and only 54% considered that their institution provided adequate conditions. The physicians of the INSPIRERS group used telephonic consultations as the main alternative to presential ones and 1/5 used video consultations. These results suggest the need to rethink clinical follow-up services for outpatients in the near future increasing the use of telemedicine, especially
- Validation of app and phone versions of the Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test (CARAT)Publication . Jácome, C.; Pereira, R.; Almeida, R.; Amaral, Rita; Correia, M. A.; Mendes, S.; Vieira-Marques, P.; Ferreira, J. A.; Lopes, I.; Gomes, J.; Vidal, C.; López Freire, S.; Méndez Brea, P.; Arrobas, A.; Valério, M.; Chaves Loureiro, C.; Santos, L. M.; Couto, M.; Araujo, L.; Todo Bom, A.; Azevedo, J. P.; Cardoso, J.; Emiliano, M.; Gerardo, R.; Lozoya, C.; Pinto, P. L.; Neves, A. Castro; Pinto, N.; Palhinha, A.; Teixeira, F.; Ferreira-Magalhães, M.; Alves, C.; Coelho, D.; Santos, N.; Menezes, F.; Gomes, R.; Rodrigues, J. C. Cidrais; Oliveira, G.; Carvalho, J.; Alves, R. Rodrigues; Moreira, A. S.; Costa, A.; Abreu, C.; Silva, R.; Morête, A.; Falcão, H.; Marques, M. L.; Câmara, R.; Cálix, M. J.; Bordalo, D.; Silva, D.; Vasconcelos, M. J.; Fernandes, R. M.; Ferreira, R.; Freitas, P.; Lopes, F.; Fonseca, J. AlmeidaAssessment of asthma control at every opportunity is recommended. Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test (CARAT) is a patient reported outcome measure commonly used to assess asthma control in clinical practice.It includes ten questions answered in a 4 point Like rt scale that address upper and lower airway symptoms, sleep interference, limitation of activities , and the need to increase medication over a 4 week period. CARAT is frequently administered on paper during medical visits, but digital versions through website and mobile apps are available.