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Digital Health Technologies Applied in Patients With Early Cognitive Change: Scoping Review

Background: Background: Digital health technologies have the potential to revolutionize the screening, diagnostic support, monitoring and intervention of early cognitive change. However, the full spectrum of their application and the existing evidence base in this specific patient population have not been systematically delineated. Objective: Objective: To review and synthesize digital health technologies' applications, roles, and challenges in patients with early cognitive changes. Methods: Methods: This scoping review followed the enhanced Arksey & O'Malley Framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A comprehensive search of four databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) was conducted from their inception until May 31, 2024. Studies were selected and data were extracted using the Population-Concept-Context framework, focusing on digital health interventions for patients with early cognitive changes. Results: Results: A total of 163 articles were included in this review, revealing a notable increase in the use of digital health technologies for patients with early cognitive changes since 2020. Of the studies, 162 focused on Mild Cognitive Impairment(95.1%), 10 on Subjective Cognitive Decline (6.1%), and 7 examined caregiver support (4.3%). The technologies were categorized into six groups: Smartphone/Computer Application, Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence/Big Data, Robotics, the Internet of Things, and Telemedicine. The clinical outcomes demonstrated statistically significant improvements in cognitive performance, and patient-reported outcomes including overall well-being, quality of life and social engagement. But digital health technologies also present implementation challenges, such as Virtual Reality induced vestibular symptoms, connectivity issues in telemedicine, and unintended negative consequences. Conclusions: Conclusion: This review affirms the efficacy of digital health technologies (DHTs) in screening, diagnosing, intervening in, and monitoring early cognitive changes. However, challenges such as cost, technical complexity, and user engagement currently impede broader adoption. In conclusion, while DHTs demonstrably enhance healthcare professional efficiency in managing early cognitive impairmentβ€”by facilitating clinical decision-making, optimizing patient management, and enabling personalized careβ€”overcoming existing implementation barriers remains critical. Furthermore, rigorous assessment of their long-term effects through future research is essential. Collectively, these findings underscore the substantial potential of DHTs to transform cognitive health management and patient care, offering valuable insights for healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers to optimize these solutions. Clinical Trial: Trial Registration: No Trial Registration.
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Navigating the Boundaries of Teleconsultationβ€”Capabilities, Limitations, and Pathways for Improvement: Qualitative Study of the Experiences of Patients With Stroke

Background: Survivors of stroke often face persistent challenges accessing postdischarge care due to mobility limitations, transportation burdens, and inflexible scheduling. Teleconsultation has emerged as a potential solution to improve continuity of care, but its perceived strengths and limitations from the patient perspective remain insufficiently understood. Objective: This study aimed to explore the experiences of survivors of stroke with a nurse-led teleconsultation program to (1) identify perceived capabilities; (2) understand limitations in usability, accessibility, and clinical function; and (3) generate patient-informed recommendations for improvement. Methods: A qualitative study was embedded within a 3-month nurse-led teleconsultation intervention delivered by advanced practice nurses. A total of 21 survivors of ischemic stroke (aged 45-76 y; female: n=11, 52%) who had preserved cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment score β‰₯22) and smartphone access participated in 6 focus groups conducted via Zoom. Data were analyzed thematically using an established framework. Data saturation was achieved. Results: Participants widely valued teleconsultation for reducing logistical burdens; enhancing access; and offering a more comfortable, emotionally supportive setting for follow-up care. Many reported increased awareness and motivation for self-monitoring. However, limitations included an inability to perform physical assessments or respond to emergencies; digital and usability barriers, especially among older users; and scheduling inflexibility. Participants emphasized the need for patient-initiated follow-up mechanisms, physician collaboration for medication management, and greater support for users considered digitally marginalized. They also highlighted the potential of teleconsultation to serve as a triage tool, reserving in-person care for complex cases. Conclusions: Nurse-led teleconsultation was perceived as a convenient and supportive modality for poststroke care, particularly for stable follow-ups and psychosocial support. However, its long-term viability depends on addressing clinical and technical limitations, enhancing user autonomy, and integrating interdisciplinary input. By centering the lived experiences of survivors of stroke, this study offers concrete recommendations to guide the development of more inclusive, responsive, and patient-centered teleconsultation models.
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