Access To Health Care Research Articles

The Impact of Family Planning on Family Welfare

Purpose: This study explores the impact of family planning on family welfare, emphasizing its health, economic, and social dimensions. It aims to comprehensively understand how access to family planning services influences household financial stability, maternal and child health outcomes, educational opportunities, and women’s empowerment. The study addresses barriers to effective family planning implementation, particularly in socio-cultural and policy contexts. Research Design and Methodology: This research adopts a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach, synthesizing findings from relevant studies to evaluate the effectiveness of family planning programs. The study integrates theoretical frameworks, including Human Capital Theory, to assess the long-term socio-economic benefits of family planning. Secondary data sources from peer-reviewed journals and empirical research were analyzed to identify key trends, challenges, and policy implications. Findings and Discussion: The findings indicate that family planning significantly reduces maternal and infant mortality rates, enhances child health, and improves household financial security by enabling better resource allocation. Family planning also contributes to social mobility by increasing access to education and economic opportunities, particularly for women. However, cultural and religious barriers, unequal healthcare access, and policy gaps remain challenges in achieving widespread adoption. Addressing these issues requires community-based interventions, technology integration, and policy reforms. Implications: The study underscores the importance of evidence-based policies to enhance family planning services, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Governments, NGOs, and the private sector must collaborate to expand access to reproductive healthcare, integrate digital health solutions, and ensure sustainable funding. Future research should explore the role of digital technologies in increasing family planning awareness and accessibility.

A Review of the Application and Prospect of Medical Diagnosis System in the Context of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a major force for change in the healthcare industry, especially in diagnostic systems, where AI plays a key role in improving the accuracy, speed, and efficiency of diagnosis. The deep integration of AI with internet-based platforms has revolutionized the way healthcare is delivered, especially in low-resource settings, where AI provides a scalable solution for healthcare systems. This article explores the application of artificial intelligence in medical diagnosis, focusing on how AI technologies such as machine learning and deep learning can be integrated into areas such as medical imaging, disease prediction, and telemedicine. The article also discusses the rapid development of the internet-based healthcare system, emphasizing the role of AI in improving diagnostic models through real-time data collection and analysis. At the same time, the article also analyzes current challenges, such as data privacy, ethical issues, and regulatory challenges, which limit the widespread application of AI in clinical practice. Through a comprehensive review of existing research, this article outlines the potential and limitations of AI in medical diagnostics and provides insights into its future development trends. The findings show that although AI has great potential to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare, its application in clinical practice still needs to carefully consider many factors such as ethics, technology, and regulation.

A UTILIZAÇÃO DE TECNOLOGIAS DIGITAIS NO MONITORAMENTO DA SAÚDE: AVANÇOS E DESAFIOS NA SAÚDE PÚBLICA

The advancement of digital technologies has significantly impacted the healthcare sector, especially with telemedicine and chronic disease monitoring applications. The objective was to analyze the impact of digital technologies, specifically telemedicine and health applications, on improving access and quality of healthcare. This is an approach quantitative, observational, descriptive, explanatory cross-sectional approach, referring to the theme addressed here in order to support the development of the research. It was verified that digital technologies, such as telemedicine and applications for monitoring chronic diseases, have played a transformative role in the health sector. It was observed that telemedicine and health applications have significantly contributed to reducing geographic barriers, facilitating remote medical consultations and diagnoses. Furthermore, it allows essential continuity of care for patients with chronic conditions, ensuring regular monitoring. Thus, the research concluded that telemedicine and health applications have great potential to transform public health, but strategic planning is necessary that includes overcoming current barriers. Only in this way will it be possible to maximize the benefits of these technologies and ensure that their use contributes to equity in access to health services

Exploring the Development of Canadas Smart Healthcare System in the Digital Era

In the digital era, the need for a robust and efficient healthcare system is paramount, particularly for developed countries like Canada. This paper explores the feasibility and potential benefits of integrating smart healthcare solutions into the Canadian healthcare system to address its current shortcomings. Despite Canadas comprehensive healthcare services, issues such as long waiting times, a shortage of medical professionals, and insufficient coverage in remote areas persist. The research utilizes a combination of literature review and case study methods to analyze existing problems and the impact of smart technologies in healthcare. By proposing the implementation of intelligent triage systems, a unified national electronic health record (EHR), and extensive telemedicine services, this study aims to enhance healthcare accessibility, improve service delivery, and increase overall system efficiency. The anticipated outcome is a more responsive healthcare system that can better meet the needs of Canadas diverse population. The findings will contribute to ongoing discussions and development strategies within Canadian healthcare policy circles.

Financing Universal Healthcare Coverage in Nigeria Through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund: Challenges and Potential Solutions.

This study examines the Nigerian government's efforts to provide Universal Health Care (UHC) and reduce out-of-pocket spending through the Basic Health Care Provision Funds (BHCPF) scheme. The study gathered insights into the degree of UHC accomplishment through the implementation of the BHCPF using qualitative and quantitative secondary data analysis approaches, which combined a series of interviews with Statista data. The findings show that BHCPF implementation must be better aligned with the needs of healthcare recipients, particularly at the local government level, with poor infrastructure, insufficient funding, a lack of workforce, limited medicine, low awareness, and reachability identified as key factors making the scheme inaccessible. For immediate improvement, supported by Statista data, the study recommended telemedicine to address some of the challenges of reachability/accessibility because it represents an advantageous approach, given its significant contribution to the expansion of healthcare accessibility and the mitigation of health inequities in under-resourced countries around the world. Furthermore, the Public-Private Partnership method backed by desk-based research method was deemed ideal for addressing health care infrastructure provisioning challenge. Overall, this study demonstrates, on the one hand, the difficulty in improving access to care at the local government level, given the multifaceted and complex nature of the barriers to care for low-income people; and on the other, the urgent need for more holistic collective action to improve quality healthcare services for all in Nigeria.

The lived experience of migrant Syrian mothers’ interaction with the neonatal screening program

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of migrant Syrian mothers regarding the neonatal screening programs (NSP) using in-depth interviews.MethodsWomen were selected from the Migrant Health Center (MHC), which is the primary health care institution in Istanbul. A translator who spoke Arabic, the native language of participants, used an open-ended, semi-structed interview form to guide face-to-face interviews with participants. Questions were about sociodemographic information, opinions about NSP’s heel prick testing, diseases the test screens for, reasons for agreeing to the heel prick test, and challenges faced accessing health care services. The interviews were audio recorded. The translator then transcribed the audio recordings in Arabic and translated them into Turkish. The framework method for analysis of qualitative data was used to analyze transcripts of the interviews.ResultsForty-one migrant women were interviewed. Four themes were identified from analysis of transcripts of the interviews, regarding (1) knowledge of the NSP, (2) attitudes about the NSP, (3) practices that create barriers to accessing health care services, (4) practices to overcome barriers to accessing health care services. Most participants had no knowledge of the diseases the NSP tests for. A few participants had heard of congenital hypothyroidism (CH), congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), but they were not aware of the symptoms and effects of these diseases. Some participants thought the heel prick test benefited their child’s health as it enables early diagnosis and treatment of diseases. All participants agree to heal prick testing after the birth of their most recent child. Participants noted the information and recommendations health care professionals provided influenced their decision to agree to the heel prick test. Most participants experienced language barriers when accessing health care services.ConclusionsMigrant women expressed a positive attitude toward the NSP. Future health care interventions regarding migrants should aim to reduce the negative experiences they encounter accessing health care, such as language barriers.

Financing healthcare services: a qualitative assessment of private health insurance schemes in Ghana

BackgroundHealth financing in Ghana aims for universal access to healthcare, with both public and private insurance schemes playing vital roles. The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) addresses out-of-pocket expenses but faces enrollment and trust issues. However, 12 licensed Private Health Insurance Schemes (PHISs) offer complementary services, enhancing healthcare access and quality through additional coverage and service delivery. This study aimed to assess the operations and performance of PHIS in Ghana.MethodsThe research utilized a qualitative descriptive design, focusing on registered PHIS providing services to Ghanaians. A convenient sampling technique was employed for data collection. Data was gathered through face-to-face interviews with participants until saturation was achieved. The data was thematically analyzed.ResultsThe study highlights the intricate regulatory framework governing PHISs in Ghana, emphasizing licensing and accreditation requirements. It revealed diverse operational strategies, including nationwide coverage and tailored policies for different clientele. Benefit packages varied, with distinct plans like the “X-scan plan” for medical imaging. Payment structures ranged from upfront payments to flexible options. PHIS’s growth was driven by health concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic, strategic investments, and partnerships. Clientele for PHIS primarily resides in urban areas, focusing on sectors like education.ConclusionThe study assesses Ghana’s PHI sector, highlighting its critical role in financing healthcare in Ghana. Findings reveal PHIS’s diverse packages and flexible payments boost healthcare access and quality. We, therefore, recommend PHIS foster partnerships with National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) accredited facilities, reduce non-payment risks, and ensure transparency to foster trust and accurate risk assessment, promoting sustainable growth and reliability in Ghana’s Private Health Insurance (PHI) industry.

SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DIARRHEA IN CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS IN PESHAWAR

Childhood diarrhea is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Pakistan. This study investigates the socio-demographic factors associated with the prevalence of diarrhea in children under five years of age in Peshawar, with the aim of identifying key determinants and providing evidence-based recommendations for targeted public health interventions. A cross-sectional study design was employed, involving 300 households selected through simple random sampling from urban and rural areas of Peshawar. Data were collected between January and June 2024 using a structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, sanitation practices, healthcare access, and child health history. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with descriptive statistics summarizing the study population and chi-square tests assessing associations between socio-demographic factors and diarrhea incidence. The findings revealed that children aged 1-3 years were most affected, with significant associations between diarrhea prevalence and maternal education, household income, family size, and sanitation practices. Poor hand hygiene, untreated water sources, and inadequate toilet facilities were identified as key risk factors. Despite the use of oral rehydration salts (ORS) and rotavirus vaccinations, gaps in awareness about diarrhea prevention persisted, highlighting the need for community education programs. This study underscores the critical role of socio-demographic and environmental factors in shaping the burden of childhood diarrhea in Peshawar. The results emphasize the importance of integrated strategies, including improved access to clean water and sanitation, parental education, and strengthened healthcare services, to reduce the incidence of diarrhea and improve child health outcomes. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and healthcare practitioners aiming to address this pressing public health issue.

River blindness: a devastating yet neglected tropical disease in Africa

River blindness is a Neglected Tropical Disease prevalent in Africa. It is transmitted through infected black flies that breed around fast-flowing rivers and streams. Over 120 million people in 31 African countries are at risk of contracting the disease, particularly in rural areas with limited healthcare access. Despite effective treatments being available, river blindness remains a major health issue. This is due to challenges in delivering treatment to remote areas, limited preventative measures and inadequate resources. Addressing this disease requires widespread distribution of ivermectin (antiparasitic drug) through mass drug administration programs. Vector control measures are also imperative to limit transmission. International collaboration and funding play a crucial role in the fight against river blindness in Africa; NGOs provide support for drug procurement and research. Strong partnerships between governments and various organizations play a pivotal role in potentially putting an end to this disease.

An observational, multigenerational platform for health systems and population health interventions to minimise intergenerational transmission of non-communicable diseases in India: the YUVAAN cohort study protocol

IntroductionNon-communicable diseases (NCDs) pose a significant health burden in India, with preventable risk factors contributing to their prevalence. In rural populations, inequalities may be reinforced by health risks passed down...

Barriers to healthcare access among female youths in Mozambique: a mixed-effects and spatial analysis using DHS 2022/23 data

BackgroundAccess to healthcare involves timely and affordable service availability. Barriers, such as economic and geographic factors, particularly affect low- and middle-income countries. This study analyzes the spatial distribution and socio-economic determinants of healthcare access barriers among female youths in Mozambique to inform targeted interventions.MethodsData from the Mozambique Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) 2022/23 on maternal and child health was analyzed. Using a stratified two-stage sampling design, 619 enumeration areas were selected, including 5,743 female youths aged 15–24. Barriers were assessed based on finances, distance, permission, and safety, with independent variables like age, education, wealth index, marital status, and community factors. Analyses included multilevel logistic regression and spatial methods (Global Moran’s I, SaTScan) using Stata 17 and ArcGIS 10.7 to identify barriers and clusters.ResultsThis study found that 49.10% (95% CI: 47.81%, 50.39%) of female youths reported barriers to healthcare access, primarily due to financial difficulties (40.69%) and distance (38.16%). Youths aged 20–24 were 15% lower odds of facing barriers (AOR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.73, 0.99). Those with no formal education were 2.18 times more likely to face barriers (AOR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.22, 3.88). Youths from poor and middle-wealth households were 1.9 times (AOR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.44, 2.49) and 1.51 times (AOR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.19, 1.92) more likely to face barriers, respectively. Married youths had a 1.22 times higher likelihood of facing barriers (AOR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.44), and rural residents were three times more likely to experience challenges compared to urban residents (AOR = 3.00, 95% CI: 2.24, 4.01). Spatial analysis revealed regional disparities, with hotspots in Southern Manica and Northern Zambezia.ConclusionsFemale youths in Mozambique face significant barriers to healthcare access, mainly due to financial constraints and distance, with regional concentrations in Southern Manica, Southern Niassa, and Northern Zambezia. Key determinants include age, education, marital status, rural residency, and economic status. Targeted interventions should address these disparities by enhancing economic opportunities, promoting education, and improving transportation infrastructure. Policymakers must prioritize strategies to advance gender equity and health outcomes for female youths in Mozambique.

Expansion of induced pluripotent stem cells under consideration of bioengineering aspects: part 2

The manufacturing of allogeneic cell therapeutics based on human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) holds considerable potential to revolutionize the accessibility and affordability of modern healthcare. However, achieving the cell yields necessary to ensure robust production hinges on identifying suitable and scalable single-use (SU) bioreactor systems. While specific stirred SU bioreactor types have demonstrated proficiency in supporting hiPSC expansion at L-scale, others, notably instrumented SU multiplate and fixed-bed bioreactors, remain relatively unexplored. By characterizing these bioreactors using both computational fluid dynamics and experimental bioengineering methods, operating ranges were identified for the Xpansion® 10 and Ascent™ 1 m2 bioreactors in which satisfactory hiPSC expansion under serum-free conditions was achieved. These operating ranges were shown not only to effectively limit cell exposure to wall shear stress but also facilitated sufficient oxygen transfer and mixing. Through their application, almost 5 × 109 viable cells could be produced within 5 days, achieving expansion factors of up to 35 without discernable impact on cell viability, identity, or differentiation potential.Key Points•Bioengineering characterizations allowed the identification of operating ranges that supported satisfactory hiPSC expansion•Both the Xpansion®10 multiplate and Ascent™ 1 m2fixed-bed reactor accommodated the production of almost 5 × 109viable cells within 5 days•Exposing the hiPSCs to a median wall shear stress of up to 8.2 × 10−5N cm−2 did not impair quality

Describing long-term postinjury outcomes for older New Zealanders.

Internationally, little is known about long-term postinjury outcomes among older adults. This report describes older adults' injury-related, disability and physical and psychosocial characteristics 12 years postinjury, including for older Māori (Māori are the Indigenous people of New Zealand). The Prospective Outcomes of Injury Study (POIS) recruited 2856 New Zealanders, injured between 2007 and 2009. Interviews were conducted 3, 12 and 24 months postinjury. Twelve years postinjury, 1543 participants completed a follow-up interview. Data were analysed for 833 adults (98 Māori) aged greater than 55 years fora range of domains, including disability (World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule II; WHODAS), health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L), psychological distress (Kessler-6) and life satisfaction 12 years postinjury. Twelve years postinjury, 49% reported ongoing problems with their injury. Considerable disability (WHODAS ≥ 10) was reported by 20% overall, and by 29% of Māori. Almost two-thirds (65%) reported problems with EQ-5D-5L (e.g. 57% reported pain or discomfort and 33% reported mobility problems). The EQ-5D-5L and most WHODAS outcomes did not differ between age groups; however, a higher proportion of participants aged 55-64 years reported difficulties maintaining a friendship (10%) compared to those aged greater than 70 years (4%). A higher proportion of those aged greater than 70 years reported 'excellent/very good' health (64%) and no trouble accessing health care (88%) compared to those aged 55-64 years (51% and 80%). Descriptive findings suggest older adults experience long-term problems with mobility, and pain and discomfort postinjury; however, considerable disability did not differ between age groups.

Optimizing Maternal Healthcare Access: A Mixed Method Study on Dual Utilization of Public and Private Antenatal Care Services in Puducherry, India

Abstract Background: Access to antenatal care (ANC) services has improved. However, it is also noted that some antenatal women seek multiple healthcare services. Exploring this practice will identify gaps in service provision and pave the path toward improving the quality of services. Objective: This study aimed to measure the concurrent use of public and private healthcare services for various components of ANC and understand the reasons for the dual utilization. Methodology: This explanatory mixed-method study enrolled 177 mothers residing in Puducherry, who had given birth in the last three years. A pretested, semi-structured questionnaire was administered, and six key informant interviews were conducted. Integration was performed in the interpretation stage, and a joint display was used to depict the results. We adopted the Donabedian model during the analysis and organized the codes under these major themes[1] Access;[2] Delivery of the Services;[3] and Quality of Care. Result: Most pregnant women (81.9%, 95% CI = 75.2%–86.8%) sought care from both public and private healthcare facilities, however, they preferred public facilities for delivery (74.6%, 95% CI = 67.6%–80.4%). The qualitative analysis revealed three major themes[1] Access;[2] Delivery of the Services;[3] and Quality of Care. Primary reasons for opting for private facilities included perceived superior ANC quality, organized care evident in scheduled appointments, reduced waiting time, frequent ultrasounds, personalized medication, and enhanced rapport with family. Women also believed that visits to government facilities are essential to avail the monetary benefits and have a seamless admission during delivery. They felt that government hospitals perform fewer cesarean sections. Conclusion: Strengthening public-private partnerships could enhance antenatal care utilization, benefiting pregnant women and streamlining healthcare delivery.

Navigating Aging: Battling Illness, Overcoming Disabilities, Embracing Dependency, and Confronting Discrimination

This paper investigates the challenges faced by aging people, focusing on the critical issues, like illness, disability, dependency, poverty and social discrimination. As elderly population continues to grow due to improved healthcare and life expectancy, the complexities of their daily lives become more pronounced. There are numerous factors that result in illness, disability, dependency, poverty, and discrimination. We need a holistic approach to address intersecting factors that shape and reshape each other in aging. This study explores how cultural norms, economic factors, healthcare accessibility, family dynamics influence the experience of aging individuals. It examines the ways in which traditional respect for the elderly is being reshaped by modern pressures, such as urbanization, modernization and migration. The article also delves into the socio-economic conditions that exacerbate health problems and disabilities, emphasizing the role of inadequate pension systems and social security. Additionally, it focuses on how social discrimination and isolation impacts on physical and mental well-being in the elderly. Through the combination of qualitative and quantitative data and narratives, this paper provides a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted challenges faced by aging individuals. It also calls for more inclusive and aging friendly policies and support systems to improve the quality of life for the aging individuals.

Perceived barriers to reaching equity in effective access to diagnosis and treatment for women with breast cancer in Chile

Globally, it has been reported inequities in breast cancer effective access to health care. The objective of this study was to explore perceived inequities in access to effective diagnosis and treatment in women with breast cancer according to Tanahashi model and social determinants of health model. An exploratory case study, under a qualitative paradigm, was conducted. Theoretical sampling guided the selection of diverse participant profiles, comprising breast cancer patients, healthcare professionals and a civil society leader. The strategies for the recruitment process included social networks, civil society organizations, health professionals, and the snowball technique. Online semi-structured interviews were conducted. Interviews were transcribed, anonymized, and coded using ATLAS.Ti for deductive thematic analysis. Barriers to effective healthcare access were identified in all components of Tanahashi model. Accessibility and acceptability were the components with most perceived barriers. From the determinants of health model, a woman from the public health system, with low income, under 30 or over 40, and residing in a different region from the metropolitan region faces more barriers to access to an effective healthcare. The main barriers were for the high centralisation of healthcare in Chile, not integrated health system network, misinformation to the patient, and non-humanized healthcare. The results of this study offer a comprehensive exploration of perceived barriers to effective breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in Chile, using a qualitative approach incorporating diverse perspectives. Findings underscore significant systemic challenges across Tanahashi’s model components, impacting the overall care experience. The study reveals structural inequities hindering healthcare access, reflecting global patterns in fragmented health systems.

Epidemiology of urinary tract infections in the Middle East and North Africa, 1990–2021

ObjectiveThis research reports the incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, stratified by sex, age, and Socio-demographic Index (SDI) from 1990 to 2021.MethodsData were sourced from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study, encompassing all 21 countries in the region. Metrics such as absolute counts, age-standardised rates, and percentage changes from 1990 to 2021 are presented with 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs).ResultsIn 2019, the MENA region recorded an incidence rate of 4,033.4 per 100,000 (95% UIs: 3,553.7–4,548.7) and 7,687 deaths (95% UIs: 6,663–8,969). The DALY rate was 41.3 per 100,000 (95% UIs: 36.1–47.2), which was highest among older adults, reaching a peak in the 80–89 age range, and increasing with age, particularly from the 50 + age groups. A non-linear relationship was identified between the burden of UTIs and the SDI, with higher-than-expected rates in lower SDI countries such as Syria and Lebanon.ConclusionDespite a substantial increase in the total number of UTI cases and DALYs in the region from 1990 to 2021, the age-standardised rates remained stable. The larger burden in lower SDI countries highlights the urgent need for targeted public health interventions. Improving healthcare access and antibiotic stewardship is crucial to mitigating the growing burden of UTIs, particularly among older populations in the region.

Contextualizing guidelines for the health system of Cyprus: Experiences and lessons learnt

AbstractBackgroundCyprus is undergoing a major health reform with the recent establishment of the General Healthcare System (GHS). The GHS offers equal healthcare access through one primary insurer (Health Insurance Organization [HIO]) and benefits from a wide collaborative network of public and private healthcare providers. However, unwanted variation in practice makes this transition challenging. Healthcare guidelines could decrease these variations in practice, but Cyprus lacks the capacity to develop them de novo. Through a collaboration with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the United Kingdom, the contextualization of NICE guidelines and the derivation of local quality indicators are carried out. This study presents the methodology and experience of contextualizing the first three NICE guidelines and deriving associated quality indicators in Cyprus.MethodsHIO managed the guideline contextualization with the support of a Guidelines Secretariat. For each guideline, a local topic expert committee (TEC) was recruited. Through a series of meetings, followed by public consultation, each TEC made contextual changes to the guideline and derived relevant quality indicators. During this process, NICE assured quality by overseeing several elements of the contextualization procedure such as TEC membership, proposed changes and justification and derived quality indicators.ResultsBetween 2022 and 2024, three NICE guidelines, NG196 on Atrial fibrillation (AF), NG230 on Thyroid cancer (TC) and NG203 on Chronic kidney disease (CKD), were contextualized through the modification of several individual guideline recommendations (21/79 [26.6%] in AF, 37/67 [55.2%] in TC and 62/217 [28.6%] in CKD). In parallel, NICE quality indicators were screened for applicability and feasibility in Cyprus while additional indicators were developed if required.ConclusionIn a country with limited experience in guideline development, a supervised and systematic process supported by an established organization ensures quality, is less resource intensive and builds capability for the sustainability of the process.

Advancing Accessibility: A Systematic Review of Healthcare Accessibility for Individuals with Disabilities and a Proposed Collaborative Partnership Model

Despite the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other policy efforts, healthcare facilities in the U.S. often fail to provide adequate accommodations for individuals with disabilities, resulting in preventable health issues and diminished quality of life. This study aims to synthesize existing literature on healthcare disparities faced by disabled individuals, focusing on barriers such as insufficient physical accommodations, communication challenges, and a lack of disability awareness among healthcare providers. A systematic review was conducted using PRISMA guidelines, with 23 research papers selected from 2006 to 2022. The analysis identified recurring themes of inadequate accessibility, with legal frameworks like the ADA being insufficient in addressing the complexity of these challenges. Key gaps include a lack of scalable, collaborative interventions and insufficient research on disability populations. To address these limitations, this study proposes a novel partnership model that integrates academic institutions, advocacy groups, and healthcare education providers to promote inclusive healthcare environments. The findings highlight the critical need for collaboration across sectors to improve healthcare accessibility for all individuals with disabilities.

Acceptability of telemedicine for early surgical site infection diagnosis after cesarean delivery in rural Rwanda: a qualitative study

BackgroundTelemedicine interventions, while promising for enhancing healthcare access, require an evaluation of feasibility and acceptability to inform field implementation. This qualitative study explored the acceptability of a telemedicine intervention in which surgical incision photos taken by community health workers (CHWs) were sent to hospital-based general practitioners to diagnose surgical site infections (SSIs) following cesarean section in rural Rwanda. As the study timeline coincided with the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic we additionally asked about their perceptions of telemedicine in this context .MethodsWe conducted qualitative, semi-structured in-depth interviews in Kinyarwanda among 26 individuals (14 women and 12 CHWs) who participated in the telemedicine intervention. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and translated into English. Thematic analysis was applied and parallel inductive coding was used to develop English and Kinyarwanda codebooks. These were consolidated into a master codebook for final coding.ResultsAll women and CHWs found the photo-based telemedicine program acceptable, though some concerns were raised. One woman voiced concerns about the reliability of photos in detecting SSIs compared to in-person visits. Women and CHWs reported perceived faster healing associated with the intervention, enhanced access to postoperative care from home, and cost savings as notable benefits of the telemedicine program. Trust in CHWs emerged as a critical factor for community acceptance. While one CHW expressed reservations about implementing the intervention during COVID-19, the majority of CHWs and patients indicated strong acceptance, with some even preferring it.ConclusionThese findings highlight the acceptance - from both caregivers and patients - of the photo-based telemedicine intervention in a resource-limited context, even amid crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. This acceptance was reinforced with recognized benefits, with trust in CHWs serving as a crucial factor. These insights can inform the development of telemedicine interventions in similar settings.