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@ARTICLE{SahandiFar:1022017,
author = {Sahandi Far, Mehran and Fischer, Jona Marcus and Senge,
Svea and Rathmakers, Robin and Meissner, Thomas and
Schneble, Dominik and Narava, Mamaka and Eickhoff, Simon and
Dukart, Jürgen},
title = {{JT}rack-{EMA}+: {A} {C}ross-platform {E}cological
{M}omentary {A}ssessment {A}pplication ({P}reprint)},
reportid = {FZJ-2024-01154},
year = {2023},
abstract = {Traditional in-clinic methods of collecting self-reported
information are costly, time-consuming, subjective, and
often limited in the quality and quantity of observation.
However, smartphone-based Ecological Momentary Assessments
(EMA) provide complementary information to in-clinic visits
by collecting real-time, frequent, and longitudinal data
that are ecologically valid. While these methods are
promising, they are often prone to various technical
obstacles. Yet the availability and interoperability with
different operating systems (OSs) need to be fully resolved
in existing solutions. This shortness increases the
selection bias, development and maintenance costs, and time.
It also limits the configurability and adoption of existing
solutions to new problems.The primary aim of this research
was to develop a cross-platform EMA application that ensures
a uniform user experience and core features across various
OSs. Emphasis was placed on minimizing the resources and
expenses associated with the development and maintenance and
maximizing the integration and adaptability in various
clinical trials, all while maintaining strict adherence to
security and privacy protocols. JTrack EMA+ was designed and
implemented in accordance with the FAIR principles
(findable, accessible, interpretable, and reusable) in both
its architecture and data management layers, thereby
reducing the burden of integration for clinicians and
researchers."JTrack-EMA+" is built using the Flutter
framework, enabling it to run seamlessly across different
platforms. This platform comprises two main components.
JDash is an online management tool created using Python with
the Django framework. This online dashboard offers
comprehensive study management tools, including assessment
design, user administration, data quality control, and a
reminder casting center. And JTrack-EMA+ application
supports a wide range of question types, allowing
flexibility in assessment design. It also has configurable
assessment logic and the ability to include supplementary
materials for a richer user experience. It strongly commits
to security and privacy and complies with the General Data
Protection Regulations (GDPR) to safeguard user data and
ensure confidentiality.We investigated our platform in a
pilot study with 480 days of follow-up to assess
participants' compliance. The six-month average compliance
was $49.34\%,$ significantly declining (P<0.05) from
$66.75\%$ in the first month to $42.0\%$ in the sixth month.
These results show the potential of using our newly
introduced platform in remote and at-home-based EMA
assessments.JTrack EMA+ platform is a pioneer in
prioritizing platform-independent architecture that provides
an easy entry point for clinical researchers to deploy EMA
in their respective clinical studies. Remote and home-based
assessments of EMA using this platform can provide valuable
insights into patients' daily lives, particularly in a
population with limited mobility or inconsistent access to
healthcare services.},
cin = {INM-7},
cid = {I:(DE-Juel1)INM-7-20090406},
pnm = {5254 - Neuroscientific Data Analytics and AI (POF4-525) /
5251 - Multilevel Brain Organization and Variability
(POF4-525)},
pid = {G:(DE-HGF)POF4-5254 / G:(DE-HGF)POF4-5251},
typ = {PUB:(DE-HGF)25},
doi = {10.2196/preprints.51689},
url = {https://juser.fz-juelich.de/record/1022017},
}