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artificial intelligence

Electronic Health (eHealth) Solutions for Low Back Pain—The Present and The Future

Teaser: 

Dr. Eugene Wai 1 Dr. Pavel Andreev2 Alexander Chung3 Greg McIntosh, MSc4 Dr. Hamilton Hall, MD, FRCSC,5

1 is an associate professor in the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Ottawa and is cross- appointed to the School of Epidemiology and Public Health. He is head of the University's Adult Spinal Surgery Program and is the medical lead for the region's ISAEC program. His research interests involve regional and systems-based strategies to improve physical activity in back pain.
2is an associate professor at the Telfer School of Management. His doctoral studies centered on the impact of information and communication technologies on activities such as telemedicine and e-learning. His current research program is developing methodologies that enhance healthcare practitioners care delivery.
3 is a PhD candidate at the Telfer School of Management. His research focuses on the use of behaviour change theories to anchor the design of digital technologies. Specifically, he is interested in designing systems to facilitate habit formation for users.4 completed his Masters in Epidemiology from the University of Toronto's Faculty of Medicine. He is currently the Director of Research Operations for the Canadian Spine Outcomes and Research Network.5is a Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Toronto. He is the Medical Director, CBI Health Group and Executive Director of the Canadian Spine Society in Toronto, Ontario.

CLINICAL TOOLS

Abstract:Electronic Health (eHealth) technologies for back pain care, including websites and mobile apps, are rapidly growing. Unfortunately, the clear majority are unregulated and not considered credible. Given this growth, clinicians require the tools to help their patients navigate through the "wild west" of options towards more trustworthy platforms. Artificial Intelligence and digital technologies anchored in behaviour change theories have the potential to further transform these eHealth platforms.
Key Words: Electronic Health (eHealth) technologies, back pain care, websites, mobile apps, artificial intelligence.

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The Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) has published a summary for users entitled "Can you trust Dr. Google," and it recommends that users look at the Author, Date (current), Objectivity, Purpose, Transparency and Usability.
Clinicians should become familiar with several credible eHealth resources to recommend to patients when assisting with their self-management of back pain.
Electronic Health platforms have the potential to engage patients in the self-management of their back pain.
Most available eHealth options for back pain are considered unreliable and not credible; however, several government and professional societies are beginning to publish reliable and useful content for patients.
Standardized tools and principles exist for the appraisal of credible eHealth resources.
Artificial Intelligence and anchoring mobile health solutions in behaviour change theories may further improve eHealth platforms.
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The Future of Wheelchairs: Intelligent Collision Avoidance and Navigation Assistance

The Future of Wheelchairs: Intelligent Collision Avoidance and Navigation Assistance

Teaser: 

Pooja Viswanathan, BMath, MSc Candidate, Department of Computer Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC.
Jennifer Boger, MASc, Research Manager, Intelligent Assistive Technology and Systems Lab, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto; Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Toronto, ON.
Jesse Hoey, PhD, Lecturer, School of Computing, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland; Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Toronto, ON.
Pantelis Elinas, MSc, PhD Candidate, Department of Computer Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC.
Alex Mihailidis, PhD, PEng, Assistant Professor and Head of Intelligent Assistive Technology and Systems Lab, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto; Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Toronto, ON.

Mobility and independence are essential components of a high quality of life. Although they lack the strength to operate manual wheelchairs, most physically disabled older adults with cognitive impairment are also not permitted to use powered wheelchairs due to concerns about their safety. The resulting restriction of mobility often leads to frustration and depression. To address this need, the authors are developing an intelligent powered wheelchair to enable safe navigation and encourage interaction between the driver and his/her environment. The assistive technology described in this article is intended to increase independent mobility, thereby improving the quality of life of older adults with cognitive impairments.
Key words: mobility, artificial intelligence, assistive technology, wheelchairs, cognitive impairment.