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@ARTICLE{Turna:1032546,
author = {Turna, Mehran and Fischer, Jona M. 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},
journal = {Journal of medical internet research},
volume = {27},
issn = {1439-4456},
address = {Richmond, Va.},
publisher = {Healthcare World},
reportid = {FZJ-2024-06333},
pages = {-},
year = {2025},
abstract = {BACKGROUND 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. OBJECTIVE
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. METHODS "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. RESULTS 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. CONCLUSIONS : 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},
ddc = {610},
cid = {I:(DE-Juel1)INM-7-20090406},
pnm = {5251 - Multilevel Brain Organization and Variability
(POF4-525)},
pid = {G:(DE-HGF)POF4-5251},
typ = {PUB:(DE-HGF)16},
UT = {WOS:001416320100002},
doi = {10.2196/51689},
url = {https://juser.fz-juelich.de/record/1032546},
}