@Article{info:doi/10.2196/45723,
author="Bartl, Gabriel",
title="Social and Ethical Implications of Digital Crisis Technologies: Case Study of Pandemic Simulation Models During the COVID-19 Pandemic",
journal="J Med Internet Res",
year="2024",
month="Jan",
day="16",
volume="26",
pages="e45723",
keywords="public health technologies",
keywords="simulation models",
keywords="algorithmic governance",
keywords="preparedness",
keywords="crisis, uncertainty, and ignorance",
keywords="social implications of mathematical modeling",
keywords="normativity",
keywords="transparency",
keywords="legitimacy",
abstract="Background: Responses to public health crises are increasingly technological in nature, as the prominence of COVID-19--related statistics and simulations amply demonstrates. However, the use of technologies is preconditional and has various implications. These implications can not only affect acceptance but also challenge the acceptability of these technologies with regard to the ethical and normative dimension. Objective: This study focuses on pandemic simulation models as algorithmic governance tools that played a central role in political decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic. To assess the social implications of pandemic simulation models, the premises of data collection, sorting, and evaluation must be disclosed and reflected upon. Consequently, the social construction principles of digital health technologies must be revealed and examined for their effects with regard to social, ethical, and ultimately political issues. Methods: This case study starts with a systematization of different simulation approaches to create a typology of pandemic simulation models. On the basis of this, various properties, functions, and challenges of these simulation models are revealed and discussed in detail from a socioscientific point of view. Results: The typology of pandemic simulation methods reveals the diversity of model-driven handling of pandemic threats. However, it is reasonable to assume that the use of simulation models could increasingly shift toward agent-based or artificial intelligence models in the future, thus promoting the logic of algorithmic decision-making in response to public health crises. As algorithmic decision-making focuses more on predicting future dynamics than statistical practices of assessing pandemic events, this study discusses this development in detail, resulting in an operationalized overview of the key social and ethical issues related to pandemic crisis technologies. Conclusions: This study identifies 3 major recommendations for the future of pandemic crisis technologies. ",
doi="10.2196/45723",
url="https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e45723",
url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38227361"
}


@Article{info:doi/10.2196/45549,
author="Kr{\"a}mer, Dennis
and Brachem, Elisabeth
and Schneider-Reuter, Lydia
and D'Angelo, Isabella
and Vollmann, Jochen
and Haltaufderheide, Joschka",
title="Smartphone Apps for Containing the COVID-19 Pandemic in Germany: Qualitative Interview Study With Experts Based on Grounded Theory",
journal="J Med Internet Res",
year="2023",
month="Oct",
day="20",
volume="25",
pages="e45549",
keywords="Corona-Warn-App",
keywords="COVID-19 pandemic",
keywords="eHealth",
keywords="Germany",
keywords="health technology",
keywords="mobile phone",
keywords="qualitative research",
keywords="sovereignty",
keywords="transparency",
abstract="Background: Smartphone apps, including those for digital contact tracing (DCT), played a crucial role in containing infections during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their primary function is to generate and disseminate information to disrupt transmissions based on various events, such as encounters, vaccinations, locations, or infections. Although the functionality of these apps has been extensively studied, there is still a lack of qualitative research addressing critical issues. Objective: We will demonstrate that the use of DCT presents a challenge due to the tension between continuous health monitoring and uncertainties related to transparency and user sovereignty. On one hand, DCT enables the monitoring of various risk factors, including data-based calculations of infection probabilities. On the other hand, continuous risk management is intertwined with several uncertainties, including the unclear storage of personal data, who has access to it, and how it will be used in the future. Methods: We focus on the German ``Corona-Warn-App'' and support our argument with empirical data from 19 expert interviews conducted between 2020 and 2021. The interviews were conducted using a semistructured questionnaire and analyzed according to the principles of grounded theory. Results: Our data underscores 3 dimensions: transparency, data sovereignty, and the east-west divide. While transparency is considered an essential foundation for establishing trust in the use of DCT by providing a sense of security, data sovereignty is seen as a high value during the pandemic, protecting users from an undesired loss of control. The aspect of the east-west divide highlights the idea of incorporating sociocultural values and standards into technology, emphasizing that algorithms and data-driven elements, such as distance indicators, encounters, and isolations, are also influenced by sociocultural factors. Conclusions: The effective use of DCT for pandemic containment relies on achieving a balance between individual control and technological prevention. Maximizing the technological benefits of these tools is crucial. However, users must also be mindful of the information they share and maintain control over their shared data. ",
doi="10.2196/45549",
url="https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e45549",
url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37862068"
}


@Article{info:doi/10.2196/48308,
author="Xu, Huan Richard
and Shi, Lushaobo
and Shi, Zengping
and Li, Ting
and Wang, Dong",
title="Investigating Individuals' Preferences in Determining the Functions of Smartphone Apps for Fighting Pandemics: Best-Worst Scaling Survey Study",
journal="J Med Internet Res",
year="2023",
month="Aug",
day="15",
volume="25",
pages="e48308",
keywords="best-worst scaling",
keywords="BWS",
keywords="smartphone app",
keywords="app",
keywords="pandemic",
keywords="preference",
keywords="health care",
keywords="survey",
abstract="Background: Smartphone apps have been beneficial in controlling and preventing the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is a gap in research surrounding the importance of smartphone app functions from a user's perspective. Although the insights and opinions of different stakeholders, such as policymakers and medical professionals, can influence the success of a public health policy, any strategy will face difficulty in achieving the expected effect if it is not based on a method that users can accept. Objective: This study aimed to assess the importance of a hypothetical smartphone app's functions for managing health during a pandemic based on the perspective of user preferences. Methods: A cross-sectional and web-based survey using the best-worst scaling (BWS) method was used to investigate the general population's preferences for important smartphone app functions. Participants were recruited from a professional surveying company's web-based surveying panel. The attributes of the BWS questionnaire were developed based on a robust process, including literature review, interviews, and expert discussion. A balanced incomplete block design was used to construct the choice task to ensure the effectiveness of the research design. Count analysis, conditional logit model analysis, and mixed logit analysis were used to estimate preference heterogeneity among respondents. Results: The responses of 2153 participants were eligible for analysis. Nearly 55\% (1192/2153) were female, and the mean age was 31.4 years. Most participants (1765/2153, 81.9\%) had completed tertiary or higher education, and approximately 70\% (1523/2153) were urban residents. The 3 most vital functions according to their selection were ``surveillance and monitoring of infected cases,'' ``quick self-screening,'' and ``early detection of infected cases.'' The mixed logit regression model identified significant heterogeneity in preferences among respondents, and stratified analysis showed that some heterogeneities varied in respondents by demographics and COVID-19--related characteristics. Participants who preferred to use the app were more likely to assign a high weight to the preventive functions than those who did not prefer to use it. Conversely, participants who showed lower willingness to use the app tended to indicate a higher preference for supportive functions than those who preferred to use it. Conclusions: This study ranks the importance of smartphone app features that provide health care services during a pandemic based on the general population's preferences in China. It provides empirical evidence for decision-makers to develop eHealth policies and strategies that address future public health crises from a person-centered care perspective. Continued use of apps and smart investment in digital health can help improve health outcomes and reduce the burden of disease on individuals and communities. ",
doi="10.2196/48308",
url="https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e48308",
url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37581916"
}


@Article{info:doi/10.2196/46297,
author="Dalko, Katharina
and Kraft, Bernhard
and Jahn, Patrick
and Schildmann, Jan
and Hofstetter, Sebastian",
title="Cocreation of Assistive Technologies for Patients With Long COVID: Qualitative Analysis of a Literature Review on the Challenges of Patient Involvement in Health and Nursing Sciences",
journal="J Med Internet Res",
year="2023",
month="Aug",
day="15",
volume="25",
pages="e46297",
keywords="cocreation",
keywords="participatory development",
keywords="transdisciplinary research",
keywords="technological development",
keywords="long COVID syndrome",
keywords="mobile phone",
abstract="Background: Digital assistive technologies have the potential to address the pressing need for adequate therapy options for patients with long COVID (also known as post--COVID-19 condition) by enabling the implementation of individual and independent rehabilitation programs. However, the involvement of the target patient group is necessary to develop digital devices that are closely aligned to the needs of this particular patient group. Objective: Participatory design approaches, such as cocreation, may be a solution for achieving usability and user acceptance. However, there are currently no set methods for implementing cocreative development processes incorporating patients. This study addresses the following research questions: what are the tasks and challenges associated with the involvement of patient groups? What lessons can be learned regarding the adequate involvement of patients with long COVID? Methods: First, a literature review based on a 3-stage snowball process was conducted to identify the tasks and challenges emerging in the context of the cocreation of digital assistive devices and services with patient groups. Second, a qualitative analysis was conducted in an attempt to extract relevant findings and criteria from the identified studies. Third, using the method of theory adaptation, this paper presents recommendations for the further development of the existing concepts of cocreation in relation to patients with long COVID. Results: The challenges of an active involvement of patients in cocreative development in health care include hierarchical barriers and differences in the levels of specific knowledge between professionals and patients. In the case of long COVID, patients themselves are still inexperienced in dealing with their symptoms and are hardly organized into established groups. This amplifies general hurdles and leads to questions of group identity, power structure, and knowledge creation, which are not sufficiently addressed by the current methods of cocreation. Conclusions: The adaptation of transdisciplinary methods to cocreative development approaches focusing on collaborative and inclusive communication can address the recurring challenges of actively integrating patients with long COVID into development processes. ",
doi="10.2196/46297",
url="https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e46297",
url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37581906"
}


@Article{info:doi/10.2196/45750,
author="Paluch, Richard
and Cerna, Katerina
and Kirschsieper, Dennis
and M{\"u}ller, Claudia",
title="Practices of Care in Participatory Design With Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Digitally Mediated Study",
journal="J Med Internet Res",
year="2023",
month="Jul",
day="17",
volume="25",
pages="e45750",
keywords="older adults",
keywords="care",
keywords="Participatory Design",
keywords="COVID-19 pandemic",
keywords="digital health intervention",
keywords="aging",
keywords="health technology",
keywords="digital media",
keywords="gerontology",
keywords="mobile phone",
abstract="Background: Participatory Design (PD), albeit an established approach in User-Centered Design, comes with specific challenges when working with older adults as research participants. Addressing these challenges relates to the reflection and negotiation of the positionalities of the researchers and research participants and includes various acts of giving and receiving help. During the COVID-19 pandemic, facets of positionalities and (mutual) care became particularly evident in qualitative and participatory research settings. Objective: The aim of this paper was to systematically analyze care practices of participatory (design) research, which are to different extents practices of the latter. Using a multiyear PD project with older people that had to take place remotely over many months, we specify different practices of care; how they relate to collaborative work in the design project; and represent foundational practices for sustainable, long-term co-design. Our research questions were ``How can digitally-mediated PD work during COVID-19 and can we understand such digital PD as `care'?'' Methods: Our data comes from the Joint Programming Initiative ``More Years, Better Lives'' (JPI MYBL), a European Union project that aims to promote digital literacy and technology appropriation among older adults in domestic settings. It targeted the cocreation, by older adults and university researchers, of a mobile demo kit website with cocreated resources, aimed at improving the understanding of use options of digital tools. Through a series of workshops, a range of current IT products was explored by a group of 21 older adults, which served as the basis for joint cocreative work on generating design ideas and prototypes. We reflect on the PD process and examine how the actors enact and manifest care. Results: The use of digital technology allowed the participatory project to continue during the COVID-19 pandemic and accentuated the digital skills of older adults and the improvement of digital literacy as part of ``care.'' We provide empirically based evidence of PD with older adults developing digital literacy and sensitizing concepts, based on the notion of care by Tronto for differentiating aspects and processes of care. The data suggest that it is not enough to focus solely on the technologies and how they are used; it is also necessary to focus on the social structures in which help is available and in which technologies offer opportunities to do care work. Conclusions: We document that the cocreation of different digital media tools can be used to provide a community with mutual care. Our study demonstrates how research participants effectively enact different forms of care and how such ``care'' is a necessary basis for a genuinely participatory approach, which became especially meaningful as a form of support during COVID-19. We reflect on how notions of ``care'' and ``caring'' that were central to the pandemic response are also central to PD. ",
doi="10.2196/45750",
url="https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e45750",
url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37459177"
}


@Article{info:doi/10.2196/45024,
author="Yang, Kunhao
and Tanaka, Mikihito",
title="Crowdsourcing Knowledge Production of COVID-19 Information on Japanese Wikipedia in the Face of Uncertainty: Empirical Analysis",
journal="J Med Internet Res",
year="2023",
month="Jun",
day="29",
volume="25",
pages="e45024",
keywords="scientific uncertainty",
keywords="COVID-19",
keywords="Wikipedia",
keywords="crowdsourcing information production",
abstract="Background: A worldwide overabundance of information comprising misinformation, rumors, and propaganda concerning COVID-19 has been observed in addition to the pandemic. By addressing this data confusion, Wikipedia has become an important source of information. Objective: This study aimed to investigate how the editors of Wikipedia have handled COVID-19--related information. Specifically, it focused on 2 questions: What were the knowledge preferences of the editors who participated in producing COVID-19--related information? and How did editors with different knowledge preferences collaborate? Methods: This study used a large-scale data set, including >2 million edits in the histories of 1857 editors who edited 133 articles related to COVID-19 on Japanese Wikipedia. Machine learning methods, including graph neural network methods, Bayesian inference, and Granger causality analysis, were used to establish the editors' topic proclivity and collaboration patterns. Results: Overall, 3 trends were observed. Two groups of editors were involved in the production of information on COVID-19. One group had a strong preference for sociopolitical topics (social-political group), and the other group strongly preferred scientific and medical topics (scientific-medical group). The social-political group played a central role (contributing 16,544,495/23,485,683, 70.04\% of bits of content and 57,969/76,673, 75.61\% of the references) in the information production part of the COVID-19 articles on Wikipedia, whereas the scientific-medical group played only a secondary role. The severity of the pandemic in Japan activated the editing behaviors of the social-political group, leading them to contribute more to COVID-19 information production on Wikipedia while simultaneously deactivating the editing behaviors of the scientific-medical group, resulting in their less contribution to COVID-19 information production on Wikipedia (Pearson correlation coefficient=0.231; P<.001). Conclusions: The results of this study showed that lay experts (ie, Wikipedia editors) in the fields of science and medicine tended to remain silent when facing high scientific uncertainty related to the pandemic. Considering the high quality of the COVID-19--related articles on Japanese Wikipedia, this research also suggested that the sidelining of the science and medicine editors in discussions is not necessarily a problem. Instead, the social and political context of the issues with high scientific uncertainty is more important than the scientific discussions that support accuracy. ",
doi="10.2196/45024",
url="https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e45024",
url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37384371"
}


@Article{info:doi/10.2196/45112,
author="Haltaufderheide, Joschka
and Viero, Davide
and Kr{\"a}mer, Dennis",
title="Cultural Implications Regarding Privacy in Digital Contact Tracing Algorithms: Method Development and Empirical Ethics Analysis of a German and a Japanese Approach to Contact Tracing",
journal="J Med Internet Res",
year="2023",
month="Jun",
day="28",
volume="25",
pages="e45112",
keywords="digital contact tracing",
keywords="algorithms",
keywords="methodology",
keywords="empirical ethics",
keywords="privacy",
keywords="culture-sensitive ethics",
keywords="mobile phone",
abstract="Background: Digital contact tracing algorithms (DCTAs) have emerged as a means of supporting pandemic containment strategies and protecting populations from the adverse effects of COVID-19. However, the impact of DCTAs on users' privacy and autonomy has been heavily debated. Although privacy is often viewed as the ability to control access to information, recent approaches consider it as a norm that structures social life. In this regard, cultural factors are crucial in evaluating the appropriateness of information flows in DCTAs. Hence, an important part of ethical evaluations of DCTAs is to develop an understanding of their information flow and their contextual situatedness to be able to adequately evaluate questions about privacy. However, only limited studies and conceptual approaches are currently available in this regard. Objective: This study aimed to develop a case study methodology to include contextual cultural factors in ethical analysis and present exemplary results of a subsequent analysis of 2 different DCTAs following this approach. Methods: We conducted a comparative qualitative case study of the algorithm of the Google Apple Exposure Notification Framework as exemplified in the German Corona Warn App and the Japanese approach of Computation of Infection Risk via Confidential Locational Entries (CIRCLE) method. The methodology was based on a postphenomenological perspective, combined with empirical investigations of the technological artifacts within their context of use. An ethics of disclosure approach was used to focus on the social ontologies created by the algorithms and highlight their connection to the question about privacy. Results: Both algorithms use the idea of representing a social encounter of 2 subjects. These subjects gain significance in terms of risk against the background of a representation of their temporal and spatial properties. However, the comparative analysis reveals 2 major differences. Google Apple Exposure Notification Framework prioritizes temporality over spatiality. In contrast, the representation of spatiality is reduced to distance without any direction or orientation. However, the CIRCLE framework prioritizes spatiality over temporality. These different concepts and prioritizations can be seen to align with important cultural differences in considering basic concepts such as subject, time, and space in Eastern and Western thought. Conclusions: The differences noted in this study essentially lead to 2 different ethical questions about privacy that are raised against the respective backgrounds. These findings have important implications for the ethical evaluation of DCTAs, suggesting that a culture-sensitive assessment is required to ensure that technologies fit into their context and create less concern regarding their ethical acceptability. Methodologically, our study provides a basis for an intercultural approach to the ethics of disclosure, allowing for cross-cultural dialogue that can overcome mutual implicit biases and blind spots based on cultural differences. ",
doi="10.2196/45112",
url="https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e45112",
url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37379062"
}


@Article{info:doi/10.2196/44966,
author="Louw, Candice",
title="Digital Public Health Solutions in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Comparative Analysis of Contact Tracing Solutions Deployed in Japan and Germany",
journal="J Med Internet Res",
year="2023",
month="Jun",
day="14",
volume="25",
pages="e44966",
keywords="contact tracing",
keywords="COVID-19",
keywords="digital health",
keywords="digitalization",
keywords="open-source software",
keywords="pandemic preparedness",
keywords="pandemic technologies",
abstract="Background: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous countries, including the likes of Japan and Germany, initiated, developed, and deployed digital contact tracing solutions in an effort to detect and interrupt COVID-19 transmission chains.  These initiatives indicated the willingness of both the Japanese and German governments to support eHealth solution development for public health; however, end user acceptance, trust, and willingness to make use of the solutions delivered through these initiatives are critical to their success.  Through a case-based analysis of contact tracing solutions deployed in Japan and Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic we may gain valuable perspectives on the transnational role of digital technologies in crises, while also projecting possible directions for future pandemic technologies. Objective: In this study, we investigate (1) which types of digital contact tracing solutions were developed and deployed by the Japanese and German governments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and (2) how many of these solutions are open-source software (OSS) solutions.  Our objective is to establish not only the type of applications that may be needed in response to a pandemic from the perspective of 2 geographically diverse, world-leading economies but also how prevalent OSS pandemic technology development has been in this context. Methods: We analyze the official government websites of Japan and Germany to identify digital solutions that are developed and deployed for contact tracing purposes (for any length of time) during the timeframe January-December 2021, specifically in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  We subsequently perform a case-oriented comparative analysis, also identifying which solutions are published as open-source. Results: In Japan, a proximity tracing tool (COVID-19 Contact-Confirming Application [COCOA]) and an outbreak management tool (Health Center Real-time Information-sharing System on COVID-19 [HER-SYS]) with an integrated symptom tracking tool (My HER-SYS) were developed. In Germany, a proximity tracing tool (Corona-Warn-App) and an outbreak management tool (Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System [SORMAS]) were developed. From these identified solutions, COCOA, Corona-Warn-App, and SORMAS were published as open-source, indicating support by both the Japanese and German governments for OSS pandemic technology development in the context of public health. Conclusions: Japan and Germany showed support for developing and deploying not only digital contact tracing solutions but also OSS digital contact tracing solutions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the open nature of such OSS solutions' source code, software solutions (both OSS and non-OSS) are only as transparent as the live or production environment where their processed data is hosted or stored. Software development and live software hosting are thus 2 sides of the same coin. It is nonetheless arguable that OSS pandemic technology solutions for public health are a step in the right direction for enhanced transparency in the interest of the greater public good. ",
doi="10.2196/44966",
url="https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e44966",
url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37314852"
}


@Article{info:doi/10.2196/45705,
author="Yang, Hee Sou",
title="The Implications of Using Digital Technologies in the Management of COVID-19: Comparative Study of Japan and South Korea",
journal="J Med Internet Res",
year="2023",
month="Jun",
day="6",
volume="25",
pages="e45705",
keywords="comparative study",
keywords="technology",
keywords="health care technology",
keywords="digital technology",
keywords="COVID-19",
keywords="mobile phone",
abstract="Background: Technology can assist in providing effective infectious disease management, but it can also become a source of social injustice and inequality. To control the rapidly increasing SARS-CoV-2 infections and promote effective vaccine administration, both South Korea and Japan have been using several technology-based systems and mobile apps. However, their different approaches to technology use have yielded contrasting social implications. Objective: Through comparative studies of the use of digital technologies for pandemic management and its social implications in Japan and South Korea, this study aimed to discuss whether the active and optimal use of technology for pandemic management can occur without subverting or compromising important social values, such as privacy and equality. Methods: This study compared the social implications of Japan's and South Korea's contrasting approaches to technology implementation for COVID-19 pandemic management in early 2022. Results: Digital technologies have been actively and comprehensively used in South Korea, enabling effective COVID-19 management, but have raised serious concerns about privacy and social equality. In Japan, technologies have been more carefully implemented, thereby not causing similar social concerns, but their effectiveness in supporting COVID-19 regulations has been criticized. Conclusions: Potential social implications such as equality concerns, the balance between public interest and individual rights, and legal implications must be carefully assessed in conjunction with effective and optimal infectious disease control to achieve sustainable use of digital health technologies for infectious disease management in the future. ",
doi="10.2196/45705",
url="https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e45705",
url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37279042"
}


@Article{info:doi/10.2196/45711,
author="Rinn, Robin
and Gao, Lingling
and Schoeneich, Sarah
and Dahmen, Alina
and Anand Kumar, Vinayak
and Becker, Petra
and Lippke, Sonia",
title="Digital Interventions for Treating Post-COVID or Long-COVID Symptoms: Scoping Review",
journal="J Med Internet Res",
year="2023",
month="Apr",
day="17",
volume="25",
pages="e45711",
keywords="post-COVID/long-COVID symptom recovery",
keywords="postacute COVID-19 symptoms",
keywords="treatment",
keywords="therapy",
keywords="mHealth",
keywords="mobile health",
keywords="rehabilitation",
keywords="COVID-19",
abstract="Background: Patients with post-COVID/long-COVID symptoms need support, and health care professionals need to be able to provide evidence-based patient care. Digital interventions can meet these requirements, especially if personal contact is limited. Objective: We reviewed evidence-based digital interventions that are currently available to help manage physical and mental health in patients with post-COVID/long-COVID symptoms. Methods: A scoping review was carried out summarizing novel digital health interventions for treating post-COVID/long-COVID patients. Using the PICO (population, intervention, comparison, outcome) scheme, original studies were summarized, in which patients with post-COVID/long-COVID symptoms used digital interventions to help aid recovery. Results: From all scanned articles, 8 original studies matched the inclusion criteria. Of the 8 studies, 3 were ``pretest'' studies, 3 described the implementation of a telerehabilitation program, 1 was a post-COVID/long-COVID program, and 1 described the results of qualitative interviews with patients who used an online peer-support group. Following the PICO scheme, we summarized previous studies. Studies varied in terms of participants (P), ranging from adults in different countries, such as former hospitalized patients with COVID-19, to individuals in disadvantaged communities in the United Kingdom, as well as health care workers. In addition, the studies included patients who had previously been infected with COVID-19 and who had ongoing symptoms. Some studies focused on individuals with specific symptoms, including those with either post--COVID-19 or long-term symptoms, while other studies included patients based on participation in online peer-support groups. The interventions (I) also varied. Most interventions used a combination of psychological and physical exercises, but they varied in duration, frequency, and social dimensions. The reviewed studies investigated the physical and mental health conditions of patients with post-COVID/long-COVID symptoms. Most studies had no control (C) group, and most studies reported outcomes (O) or improvements in physiological health perception, some physical conditions, fatigue, and some psychological aspects such as depression. However, some studies found no improvements in bowel or bladder problems, concentration, short-term memory, unpleasant dreams, physical ailments, perceived bodily pain, emotional ailments, and perceived mental health. Conclusions: More systematic research with larger sample sizes is required to overcome sampling bias and include health care professionals' perspectives, as well as help patients mobilize support from health care professionals and social network partners. The evidence so far suggests that patients should be provided with digital interventions to manage symptoms and reintegrate into everyday life, including work. ",
doi="10.2196/45711",
url="https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e45711",
url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36943909"
}


@Article{info:doi/10.2196/44820,
author="Kodama, Satoshi",
title="Ethical Challenges of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Japanese Perspective",
journal="J Med Internet Res",
year="2023",
month="Jan",
day="26",
volume="25",
pages="e44820",
keywords="pandemic",
keywords="Japan",
keywords="lockdown",
keywords="disaster preparedness and management",
keywords="digital technologies",
keywords="intensive care unit",
keywords="COVID-19",
keywords="ICU triage",
keywords="ethics",
keywords="emergency preparedness",
keywords="digital health intervention",
doi="10.2196/44820",
url="https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e44820",
url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36652597"
}