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Mobile phones to detect adolescent depression |
gelfen
Joined: Nov 22, 2003
Posts: > 500
From: Melbourne, Australia
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Original by Kristyn Maslog-Levis, ZDNet Australia
04 May 2005
The Murdoch Children's Research Institute is trialling a Java-based mobile application that helps with early warning-sign detection and monitoring of adolescent depression.
The product -- developed by Object Consulting -- is believed to be the first mobile phone application used in healthcare field research in Australia. A focus group of 40 adolescents supplied with Nokia 6260 smart phones pre-loaded with the application is presently testing its effectiveness. A larger study -- involving 400 young people -- is scheduled for next year.
The application -- which gathers information into how adolescents experience and respond to distress -- is expected to provide more comprehensive and accurate data than traditional research tools such as written questionnaires. It initially comprises a set of questionnaires that pop-up on the phone at random intervals three to four times during the day.
The respondent enters a PIN or ID code and answer a list of questions on the phone through the text function.
Questions being asked by the program range from the respondent's location and activity to their immediate company and events of the day. It also includes open-ended questions such as "Did something stressful happen today? How did you cope with it?"
The application uses the text function to store the answers within the phone until the end of the week in which the questionnaires are distributed. After this, the phone is taken to the Institute and the answers downloaded via Bluetooth or infrared.
The Java 2 Platform, Micro Edition (J2ME)-based application has been developed for use on mobile information device profile (MIDP) 2.0 smart phones. Object has also delivered the back-end integration of data into a relational database for reporting and analysis. The mobile application is the first phase of the project being undertaken by the institute.
Ultimately they want to be able to wirelessly retrieve the information from the respondents' phones without the need to take the mobile phones to the institute. Transmission of the information through SMS, or using a similar method as when downloading Java games, is also being investigated. However, most children use pre-paid cards and therefore do not generally have WAP enabled mobile phones.
Reid said they need to develop the application further so that it becomes compatible with other mobile phone manufacturers in preparation for phase two of the research.
The rich mobile device applications can also be utilised for research and treatment in areas like alcohol dependence and diabetes in the future.
The institute is looking at adding application functionality in future phases of the project which will allow the mobile phone's rich media and local storage features to capture voice responses to open-ended questions from research participants.
Automated code generation technology will also allow researchers to maintain the questionnaires without the need for a programmer's involvement.
The initial application development was completed in March 2005. The institute is collaborating with Harvard Medical Institute to secure future opportunities for the technology.
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Whomsoever you see in distress, recognize in him a fellow man
Gelfen's special place where people talk to him
[ This Message was edited by: gelfen on 2005-05-05 09:05 ] |
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Davo_169
Joined: Sep 06, 2004
Posts: > 500
From: perth/thredbo
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thats gay
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gelfen
Joined: Nov 22, 2003
Posts: > 500
From: Melbourne, Australia
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tbh - i can't actually imagine anyone taking the time to use the damn thing.
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Davo_169
Joined: Sep 06, 2004
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From: perth/thredbo
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exactly
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Gigs
Joined: Jan 19, 2004
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From: The planet Snibertron!
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Could do it with a simple script on any phone for this:
Are you angsty today?
YES : No
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Posted: 2005-05-05 10:02
