Stratification tools in pharmaceutical care using the capacity-motivation-opportunity framework: A scoping review.

BackgroundWhile gender-based violence (GBV) has been shown to increase women’s risk of HIV acquisition, the role of GBV in the HIV testing to care continuum is less clear. Clarifying how GBV may act as a barrier to accessing HIV services, treatment and care - such as anti-retroviral treatment (ART) or pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) - will not only provide insights into how to best meet individual women’s HIV care needs, but also inform public health oriented HIV epidemic control strategies.MethodsThrough a comprehensive scoping review, we synthesized and analyzed existing evidence regarding the influence of GBV on engagement in PrEP and the HIV care continuum among women living with HIV, including members of key populations (female sex workers, transgender women and women who use drugs). We explored PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science for peer-reviewed studies published in 2003–2017. Of the 279 sources identified, a subset of 51 sources met the criteria and were included in the scoping review.ResultsStudies were identified from 17 countries. The majority of studies utilized quantitative cross-sectional designs (n = 33), with the rest using longitudinal (n = 4), qualitative (n = 10) or mixed methods (n = 4) designs. Taken together, findings suggest that GBV impedes women’s uptake of HIV testing, care, and treatment, yet this can vary across different geographic and epidemic settings. Substantial gaps in the literature do still exist, including studies on the impact of GBV on engagement in PrEP, and research among key populations.ConclusionsThis scoping review contributes to our knowledge regarding the role GBV plays in women’s engagement in PrEP and the HIV care continuum. Findings reveal the need for more longitudinal research to provide insights into the causal pathways linking GBV and HIV care and treatment outcomes. Research is also needed to illuminate the impact of GBV on PrEP use and adherence as well as the impact of GBV on engagement along the HIV care continuum among key populations. It is critical that programs and research keep pace with these findings in order to reduce the global burden of GBV and HIV among women.

To identify and synthesize the factors influencing the acceptability and uptake of HIV self-testing (HIVST) among Priority Populations (PPs) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) through a comprehensive scoping review. Using Arksey and O'Malley's framework refined by Levac, we systematically reviewed the literature on factors affecting HIVST uptake and acceptability among PPs in SSA. The review included searches in six databases (Embase, Medline (via Ovid), PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, WHO Global Health Library), as well as grey literature, including (Google Scholar and OpenGrey), limiting publications to 2010-2023. The review found evidence indicating that HIVST is widely accepted and considered convenient among priority groups. Key challenges include limited post-test counseling and linkage to care, which hinder effective implementation. Peer-led and digital distribution strategies show the potential to increase uptake. However, user errors and economic constraints pose significant barriers to scaling HIVST, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to address these implementation challenges for optimal impact. While HIVST can boost testing rates among PPs in SSA, overcoming access and utilization barriers is crucial. Interventions addressing economic, educational, and systemic challenges are essential for successful HIVST integration into broader HIV prevention and care efforts.

IntroductionThis paper outlines the steps necessary to assess the latest developments in artificial intelligence (AI) as well as Big Data technologies and their relevance to the opioid crisis. Fatal opioid...

Introduction Monkeypox (Mpox) is a growing public health concern in Africa, driven by its zoonotic origin and increasing human-to-human transmission. However, existing mechanisms face significant challenges that limit effective outbreak control. This scoping review maps the current landscape of Mpox surveillance in endemic African regions, evaluates the effectiveness of current strategies, and identifies key gaps needing urgent attention. Methods A scoping review methodology was adopted, following the guidelines recommended by Arksey and O’Malley. We conducted a comprehensive search of peer reviewed articles, grey literature, and policy reports from January 2010 to December 2022, utilizing databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies and reports that focused on surveillance strategies, diagnostic technologies, outbreak response, and Mpox-related challenges in endemic African countries were included. In total, 25 relevant studies from six African nations, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, and Cameroon, were analyzed. Results Mpox surveillance systems in the region suffer from major limitations such as delayed outbreak reporting, limited laboratory capacity, and weak data management systems. While some countries employed active case finding and mobile health tools, most relied on passive surveillance, resulting in delayed outbreak detection. Diagnostic capacity—especially access to PCR testing—was particularly poor in rural areas. Additional barriers included logistical constraints, poor inter-agency data sharing, and limited integration of community-based surveillance. Conclusion Strengthening Mpox surveillance in endemic regions requires expanded diagnostic infrastructure, integration of digital surveillance tools, and stronger community involvement. Regional and international collaborations are critical for enhancing data sharing and coordinated responses. Addressing these gaps will improve preparedness and help prevent future public health emergencies.

In light of the rising incidences of cancer in Kenya, there is an urgent need to evaluate and strengthen cancer health literacy (CHL). Nevertheless, no review has been undertaken to synthesise the empirical evidence on CHL in Kenya. This study aims to review the evidence, explore the use of the concept CHL and, assess the situation of HL interventions. A comprehensive scoping review was conducted to explore the evidence on CHL in Kenya. The review included a thorough concept analysis, based on the work of Sorensen et al. and a situational analysis, employing the precede-proceed model of Green and Kreuter. Nine international scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, APA PsycINFO, OpenDissertation, ERIC, Cochrane Library, African Journals Online, and African Index Medicus) were searched to identify articles on cancer health literacy-related concepts in Kenya since 2010. Two researchers screened the titles and abstracts and analysed the full texts based on the eligibility criteria. Data was extracted using a deductively developed coding scheme. A total of 727 articles were identified, of which 110 deemed eligible for analysis. The studies presented findings on the geographical distribution, cancer type, phase of the cancer care continuum, target group, cancer-related aspects, and intervention's influencing factors. Most studies concentrated on early detection and assessed barriers and facilitators. A mere 31 studies reported on treatment. There is a paucity of knowledge regarding educational interventions for cancer patients and their effectiveness. The concept of CHL was primarily concerned with possessing knowledge and information, with relatively little attention devoted to the processes of using them, specifically their appraisal and application. Various situational aspects of interventions were identified. Further research is required to develop and implement promising interventions for the general public and cancer patients, enabling them to utilise information more effectively. Interventions that are decentralised, digital, and involve cancer patients and survivors are recommended to meet the needs of the growing numbers of cancer patients and their families. The findings can inform the development of promising CHL interventions and mitigate their barriers in Kenya and beyond.

BackgroundDespite remarkable achievements in antiretroviral therapy (ART), losses to follow-up (LTFU) might prevent the long-term success of HIV treatment and might delay the achievement of the 90–90-90 objectives. This scoping review is aimed at the description and analysis of the strategies used in high-income countries to reengage LTFU in HIV care, their implementation and impact.MethodsA scoping review was done following Arksey & O′Malley’s methodological framework and recommendations from Joanna Briggs Institute. Peer reviewed articles were searched for in Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science; and grey literature was searched for in Google and other sources of information. Documents were charted according to the information presented on LTFU, the reengagement procedures used in HIV units in high-income countries, published during the last 15 years. In addition, bibliographies of chosen articles were reviewed for additional articles.ResultsTwenty-eight documents were finally included, over 80% of them published in the United States later than 2015. Database searches, phone calls and/or mail contacts were the most common strategies used to locate and track LTFU, while motivational interviews and strengths-based techniques were used most often during reengagement visits. Outcomes like tracing activities efficacy, rates of reengagement and viral load reduction were reported as outcome measures.ConclusionsThis review shows a recent and growing trend in developing and implementing patient reengagement strategies in HIV care. However, most of these strategies have been implemented in the United States and little information is available for other high-income countries. The procedures used to trace and contact LTFU are similar across reviewed studies, but their impact and sustainability are widely different depending on the country studied.

IntroductionFear of falling (FoF) is a major challenge for the quality of life among older adults. Despite extensive work in previous scoping and systematic reviews on separate domains of FoF...

ObjectivesClozapine is continuously underused. The existing systematic reviews addressing barriers to clozapine prescribing primarily focus on clinical staff’s attitudes and perceived barriers to prescribing. However, a preliminary literature search revealed...

This scoping review collated evidence of the pharmaceutical care needs of people with sensory loss (SL). Electronic databases were searched with no limit on year of publication: Medline (1946); Embase; Cinahl (1979); and Web of Science (1985). Search terms included the following: pharmacy; sight/hearing/dual impairment. Studies were included if they involved people with SL requiring pharmaceutical care and/or pharmacists/pharmacy support staff providing pharmaceutical care for people with SL. All study designs were eligible. This was a scoping review, and as such, the quality of studies was not formally evaluated. Eleven studies were included. People with SL had lower levels of medication knowledge than their peers without SL. People with SL were identified as being at higher risk of iatrogenic harm than people without SL. Communication was a barrier to the provision of pharmaceutical care for people with hearing loss, with pharmacists relying on the provision of written information. The prevalence of SL increases with age, yet only two studies included older people. No studies involved family or carers of people with SL, people with dual loss or people with SL receiving polypharmacy. There is a paucity of data regarding the pharmaceutical care needs of people with SL. Unmet pharmaceutical care needs put people with SL at increased risk of harm from their medicines. A detailed understanding of the needs of people with SL is required which will inform future delivery of pharmaceutical care for this vulnerable population.

The objective of this review was to collate and summarize the current literature on what is known about organ donation following medical assistance in dying (MAiD). Additionally, for this first part of a 2-part scoping review, the focus is on legal and ethical considerations regarding organ donation following MAiD. Organ donation following MAiD is a relatively new procedure that has sparked much debate and discussion. A comprehensive investigation into the legal and ethical aspects related to organ donation following MAiD is needed to inform the development of safe and ethical practices. In this review, we included documents that investigated legal and/or ethical issues related to individuals who underwent organ donation following MAiD in any setting (eg, hospital or home) worldwide. We considered quantitative and qualitative studies, text and opinion papers, gray literature, and unpublished material provided by stakeholders. This scoping review followed JBI methodology. Published studies were retrieved from databases, including MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), PsycINFO (Ovid), Web of Science Core Collection, and Academic Search Complete (EBSCOhost). Gray and unpublished literature included reports from organ donation organizations in Canada, The Netherlands, and Belgium. Two independent reviewers screened all reports (both by title and abstract and by full text) against the inclusion criteria, extracted data, and completed a content analysis. Disagreements between the 2 reviewers were resolved through discussions among the reviewers and the lead reviewer. We included 121 documents for parts I and II of our scoping review, 89 of which are included in part I. The majority of the 89 documents were discussion papers published in English and in Canada from 2019 to 2021. In the content analysis, we identified 4 major categories regarding ethical and legal aspects of organ donation following MAiD: i) legal definitions, legislation, and guidelines; ii) ethics, dilemmas, and consensus; iii) consent and objection; and iv) public perceptions. We identified the main legislation regulating the practices of organ donation following MAiD in countries where both procedures are permitted, the many ethical debates surrounding this topic (eg, eligibility criteria for organ donation and MAiD, disclosure of donors' and recipients' information, directed organ donation, death determination in organ donation following MAiD, ethical safeguards for organ donation following MAiD), as well as the public perceptions of this process. Organ donation following MAiD has raised many legal and ethical concerns regarding establishing safeguards to protect patients and families. Despite the ongoing debates around the risks and benefits of this combined procedure, when patients who request MAiD want to donate their organs, this option can help fulfill their last wishes and diminish their suffering, which should be the main reasons to offer organ donation following MAiD.

BackgroundChildhood obesity is a complex disease resulting from the interaction of multiple factors. The effective management of childhood obesity requires assessing the psychosocial and lifestyle factors that may play a role in the development and maintenance of obesity. This study centers on available scientific literature on psychosocial and lifestyle assessments for childhood obesity, and experiences and views of healthcare professionals with regard to assessing psychosocial and lifestyle factors within Dutch integrated care.MethodsTwo methods were used. First, a scoping review (in PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo, IBSS, Scopus and Web of Science) was performed by systematically searching for scientific literature on psychosocial and lifestyle assessments for childhood obesity. Data were analysed by extracting data in Microsoft Excel. Second, focus group discussions were held with healthcare professionals from a variety of disciplines and domains to explore their experiences and views about assessing psychosocial and lifestyle factors within Dutch integrated care. Data were analysed using template analysis, complemented with open coding in MAXQDA.ResultsThe results provide an overview of relevant psychosocial and lifestyle factors that should be assessed and were classified as child, family, parental and lifestyle (e.g. nutrition, physical activity and sleep factors) and structured into psychological and social aspects. Insights into how to assess psychosocial and lifestyle factors were identified as well, including talking about psychosocial factors, lifestyle and weight; the professional-patient relationship; and attitudes of healthcare professionals.ConclusionsThis study provides an overview of psychosocial and lifestyle factors that should be identified within the context of childhood obesity care, as they may contribute to the development and maintenance of obesity. The results highlight the importance of both what is assessed and how it is assessed. The results of this study can be used to develop practical tools for facilitating healthcare professionals in conducting a psychosocial and lifestyle assessment.

Background: Childhood obesity is a complex disease resulting from the interaction of multiple factors. The effective management of childhood obesity requires assessing the psychosocial and lifestyle factors that may play a role in the development and maintenance of obesity. This study centers on available scientific literature on psychosocial and lifestyle assessments for childhood obesity, and experiences and views of healthcare professionals with regard to assessing psychosocial and lifestyle factors within Dutch integrated care. Methods: Two methods were used. First, a scoping review (in PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo, IBSS, Scopus and Web of Science) was performed by systematically searching for scientific literature on psychosocial and lifestyle assessments for childhood obesity. Data were analysed by extracting data in Microsoft Excel. Second, focus group discussions were held with healthcare professionals from a variety of disciplines and domains to explore their experiences and views about assessing psychosocial and lifestyle factors within Dutch integrated care. Data were analysed using template analysis, complemented with open coding in MAXQDA. Results: The results provide an overview of relevant psychosocial and lifestyle factors that should be assessed and were classified as child, family, parental and lifestyle (e.g. nutrition, physical activity and sleep factors) and structured into psychological and social aspects. Insights into how to assess psychosocial and lifestyle factors were identified as well, including talking about psychosocial factors, lifestyle and weight; the professional-patient relationship; and attitudes of healthcare professionals. Conclusions: This study provides an overview of psychosocial and lifestyle factors that should be identified within the context of childhood obesity care, as they may contribute to the development and maintenance of obesity. The results highlight the importance of both what is assessed and how it is assessed. The results of this study can be used to develop practical tools for facilitating healthcare professionals in conducting a psychosocial and lifestyle assessment.

Following HIV testing services (HTS), the World Health Organization recommends prompt linkage to prevention and treatment. Scale-up of effective linkage strategies is essential to achieving the global 95-95-95 goals for maintaining low HIV incidence by 2030 and reducing HIV-related morbidity and mortality. Whereas linkage to care including same-day antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation for all people with HIV is now routinely implemented in testing programmes, linkage to HIV prevention interventions including behavioural or biomedical strategies, for HIV-negative individuals remains sub-optimal. This review aims to evaluate effective post-HTS linkage strategies for HIV overall, and highlight gaps specifically in linkage to prevention. Using the five-step Arksey and O'Malley framework, we conducted a scoping review searching existing published and grey literature. We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Web of Science and EMBASE databases for English-language studies published between 1 January 2010 and 30 November 2023. Linkage interventions included as streamlined interventions-involving same-day HIV testing, ART initiation and point-of-care CD4 cell count/viral load, case management-involving linkage coordinators developing personalized HIV care and risk reduction plans, incentives-financial and non-financial, partner services-including contact tracing, virtual-like social media, quality improvement-like use of score cards, and peer-based interventions. Outcomes of interest were linkage to any form of HIV prevention and/or care including ART initiation. Of 2358 articles screened, 66 research studies met the inclusion criteria. Only nine linkage to prevention studies were identified (n = 9/66, 14%)-involving pre-exposure prophylaxis, voluntary medical male circumcision, sexually transmitted infection and cervical cancer screening. Linkage to care studies (n = 57/66, 86%) focused on streamlined interventions in the general population and on case management among key populations. Despite a wide range of HIV prevention interventions available, there was a dearth of literature on HIV prevention programmes and on the use of messaging on treatment as prevention strategy. Linkage to care studies were comparatively numerous except those evaluating virtual interventions, incentives and quality improvement. The findings give insights into linkage strategies but more understanding of how to provide these effectively for maximum prevention impact is needed.

The objective of this review was to collate and summarize the current literature on what is known about organ donation following medical assistance in dying (MAiD). For this second part of a 2-part scoping review, the focus is on the existing procedures and processes for organ donation following MAiD. Organ donation following MAiD is a novel and contentious issue worldwide. To give direction for future research and initiatives, a comprehensive understanding of the available evidence of existing procedures and processes for organ donation following MAiD is needed. For this review, the population of interest included all individuals who underwent organ donation following MAiD; the concept was defined as procedures and processes involved in organ donation after MAiD; and the context was reports of organ donation following MAiD at home or in any health care setting worldwide. We considered quantitative and qualitative studies, text and opinion papers, gray literature, and unpublished material provided by stakeholders. This scoping review was conducted in line with JBI methodology. Published studies were retrieved from MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), PsycINFO (Ovid), Web of Science Core Collection, and Academic Search Complete (EBSCOhost). Gray and unpublished literature included reports from websites and organ donation organizations in Canada, Belgium, and The Netherlands. Two independent reviewers screened all reports (both title and abstract, and full text) against the predetermined inclusion criteria, extracted data, and completed a content analysis. Any disagreements between the 2 reviewers were resolved through discussion or with another reviewer. We included 121 documents across parts I and II, and we report on 107 documents in this second part. The majority of the 107 documents were discussion papers, published in English, and in Canada from 2019 to 2021. In the content analysis, we identified 5 major categories regarding existing procedures and processes of organ donation following MAiD: i) clinical pathways for organ donation following MAiD; ii) organ donation following MAiD and the donor; iii) clinical practice tools for organ donation following MAiD; iv) education and support for health care providers involved in organ donation following MAiD; and v) health care providers' roles and perceptions during organ donation following MAiD. Findings from this review can be used to provide support and guidance for improvements in procedures and processes, as well as a rich resource for countries currently planning to establish programs for organ donation after MAiD.

BackgroundEurope’s aging population increasingly faces social isolation and loneliness, with nearly 20% of older adults living alone. Social isolation refers to an objective lack of social contact, while loneliness is the subjective experience of unmet social needs. Both are prevalent among community-dwelling older adults, driven by life transitions, loss, and declining health. These issues severely impact mental and physical health, increasing risks of depression and suicidal ideation. This scoping review maps the literature, identifies knowledge gaps, and highlights key challenges regarding loneliness and social isolation in this population.MethodsA scoping review was conducted between March and September 2024, following the PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews. The review adhered to Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage framework, which includes identifying research questions, searching for and selecting relevant studies, extracting data, and synthesizing results. The search was conducted in major scientific databases, including Embase, CINAHL Plus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO, along with grey literature sources, including doctoral theses and organizational reports.ResultsA total of 45 studies were included, with 66.6% using quantitative methods, 11.1% using qualitative methods, and the remainder being systematic reviews or mixed-method analyses. The studies revealed a significant prevalence of loneliness and social isolation among community-dwelling older adults, with risk factors including health deterioration, widowhood, and loss of social networks. The consequences of loneliness and isolation span physical and mental health issues, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline.ConclusionsLoneliness and social isolation among community-dwelling older adults are complex issues with profound implications for physical, mental, and social well-being. Addressing these challenges requires integrative approaches that consider individual, relational, and contextual factors. Further longitudinal and standardized research is needed to improve our understanding of the long-term impacts and effectiveness of interventions to mitigate these issues.