Bringing diagnostic home: models, challenges and enablers of home-based examinations imaging/graph services - a...

Mobile diagnostic imaging services provided at home increase accessibility and convenience, particularly for older adults, people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. These services can reduce the need for patient travel and support the routine monitoring of chronic conditions. However, current guidelines often overlook user acceptance and environmental considerations within the home setting.

To map studies that identify the models, barriers and facilitators for performing home-based diagnostic imaging/graph according to end users.

A scoping review was conducted following the methodological framework of the Joanna Briggs Institute and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist.

Studies that addressed mobile or portable diagnostic imaging or graph examinations conducted in the home for individuals of any age or health status were included. Studies were eligible if they reported on barriers, facilitators or user experiences. Studies that focused on wearable technologies were excluded.

The search strategy was developed using terms related to home-based diagnostic imaging/graph, portability, home setting and user perceptions. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, The ACM Guide to Computing Literature and LILACS, without restrictions on publication date or language. Additional grey literature was identified through Google Scholar.

Two reviewers independently extracted data using a standardised form that captured study characteristics, types of procedures, target populations and reported barriers and facilitators. Quantitative data were summarised using absolute and relative frequencies. Qualitative findings were synthesised through basic content analysis to identify and categorise recurring themes.

Data were charted in tables to organise and visually map study contexts, methodological features and thematic patterns related to implementation and user experience.

Twenty-six studies published between 1998 and 2023 across 15 countries were included. The diagnostic examinations included mostly polysomnography, X-ray imaging and ultrasonography. Seven categories of barriers were identified, such as physical discomfort, equipment-related challenges and procedural limitations. Seven facilitators were also reported, including perceived comfort, patient satisfaction and equipment usability.

This review identifies key factors affecting the delivery and user experience of mobile diagnostic imaging at home, including logistical, technical and environmental aspects. It reveals gaps in the literature and provides a basis for future research to inform more inclusive and effective public health policies and service design.

Open Science Framework (DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/7UV5D).