Health Care Approach Research Articles

Bone Disease in HIV: Need for Early Diagnosis and Prevention.

The transformation of HIV into a manageable chronic condition has unveiled new clinical challenges associated with aging-related pathologies, including bone disease. This review explores the intricate relationship between HIV, antiretroviral therapy (ART), and bone disease, highlighting the necessity of early diagnosis and preventative strategies to mitigate the increased risk of osteopenia, osteoporosis, and fractures in people living with HIV (PLWHIV). It synthesizes the current literature to elucidate the multifactorial etiology of bone pathology in this population, that includes direct viral effects, chronic immune activation, ART-associated risks, and the impact of traditional risk factors for bone loss. Through a critical examination of modern diagnostic methods, lifestyle modifications, evidence-based preventive actions, and pharmacological treatments, the necessity for comprehensive management is highlighted, along with recommendations for integrated healthcare approaches vital for achieving optimal patient outcomes. By advocating for a proactive, patient-centered, and multidisciplinary strategy, this review proposes a plan to integrate bone health into standard HIV care through active risk identification, vigilant screening, effective preventive measures, tailored treatments, and informed decision-making, in an effort to ultimately enhance the quality of life for PLWHIV.

The Significance of Screening Family Members in Glaucoma: Opportunities and Challenges.

This article delves into the imperative of screening family members of patients with glaucoma due to the disease's hereditary nature. It discusses the significant risks faced by first-degree relatives, approaches for identification, and challenges in implementing effective screening strategies. Emphasizing education, targeted campaigns, community involvement, and collaborative healthcare approaches, the article highlights the potential for mitigating undiagnosed glaucoma cases through strategic interventions targeting high-risk individuals. This article underscores the importance of screening family members of glaucoma patients, emphasizing the hereditary nature of the disease and the potential for screening to allow for early intervention to help prevent unnecessary vision loss. Glaucoma, affecting over 111.8 million by 2040, is relatively asymptomatic until late in the disease. Genetics predispose to glaucoma, with up to 70% heritability. High-risk individuals, particularly first-degree relatives, exhibit substantially elevated glaucoma risks-up to 22% compared with 2.3% in controls. Family history also correlates with greater disease severity. Identifying high-risk family members through cascade screenings for causative genes or direct examinations during proband visits emerges as efficient strategies. Challenges persist, including slow progression, healthcare accessibility, and ethical dilemmas in implementing family member screening. Challenges extend to the healthcare system, socioeconomic barriers, and familial communication issues. Efforts to educate probands and the public on the hereditary nature of glaucoma are pivotal. Tailored education campaigns, leveraging clinic visits, and community screenings, complemented by optometrist collaboration, form essential strategies. Although challenges hinder family member screening, educating probands, targeted patient education, collaborative healthcare approaches, and community involvement offer promising avenues to combat undiagnosed glaucoma cases.

An integrated family approach in the practice of adult and child mental health care.

This paper describes the practice of an integrated family approach to treatment in mental health care in which the focus is on the whole family and treatment is carried out by professionals of adult and child mental health services together. It is presented as an example of a best practice in finding a way to overcome barriers in implementing an integrated family approach in treatment for the benefit of families with a variety of interrelated problems. Even though there is a lot of knowledge about the importance of a family approach in mental health care with specific attention to the patients' parental role, the children, family relationships, and the social economic context, this is worldwide rarely implemented in the practice of mental health care. Barriers to keep the whole family in mind are identified on different levels: organizational policy, interagency collaboration, professionals, and patients themselves. As a solution, a model of an integrated family approach in mental health care is presented: how it is defined; which domains in the family are targeted; which key elements it contains; what the treatment consists of; and which procedures are followed in practice. A case illustrates how this approach might work in practice.

Micro robot as the feature of robotic in healthcare approach from design to application: the State of art and challenges

Micro robots, miniature robotic devices typically ranging from micrometers to a few millimeters in size, hold immense potential in various fields, particularly healthcare. Their diminutive stature enables access to intricate anatomical regions previously unreachable, facilitating targeted drug delivery, localized treatment, and precise monitoring. These robots offer numerous advantages, including enhanced maneuverability, reduced invasiveness, and minimized tissue damage. By navigating through complex biological environments, micro robots can deliver therapies with unprecedented precision, improving treatment efficacy and patient outcomes. Additionally, their small size allows for minimally invasive procedures, reducing recovery times and enhancing patient comfort. Overall, micro robots represent a groundbreaking technological advancement with the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery and significantly benefit human well-being.Their small size enables access to intricate anatomical regions for targeted drug delivery, localized treatment, and precise monitoring. Despite challenges like size constraints and navigation complexities, innovative solutions and interdisciplinary collaboration are driving their advancement in improving healthcare outcomes.

Public Health Outreach in Impoverished Areas of Cambodia: Addressing the Issues Related to Prescription Practices

During a two-week public health internship organized by Projects Abroad in impoverished areas in Cambodia, the authors participated in health check-ups and outreach activities. We identified issues such as polypharmacy and medication misuse. These problems stem from symptom-based prescriptions without considering individual patient conditions due to limited diagnostic equipments and medications. Our solution involved suggesting a documentation akin to Japan's prescription record books, and Drug Information Leaflets (DILs). Prescription record books would enable patients to record the medications they purchased at the pharmacy, so that physicians would know what medications patients are taking during their health checkups, and thus prevent polypharmacy. In addition, the DILs included medication details and illustrations, considering the low literacy rates in the areas. We emphasized the need for sustained non-communicable diseases (NCDs) treatment and the potential of external perspectives to introduce innovative healthcare approaches and improvements within local communities.

The Impact of Psychological Health on Childhood Obesity: A Cross-Developmental Stage Analysis

This research ventures into the critical public health challenge of childhood obesity by exploring the dynamic interplay between psychological well-being and Body Mass Index (BMI) throughout various developmental stages of childhood. It delves into how emotional regulation, attachment dynamics, and social relationships correlate with obesity from early childhood to adolescence. Highlighting key findings, such as the negative correlation between psychological resilience and higher BMI in young children, the impact of social relationships on obesity risk during pre-adolescence, and the link between adaptive emotional strategies and higher BMI in adolescents, this study brings to the fore the nuanced relationship between psychological factors and obesity. Psychological metrics in this study were obtained via referenced questionnaires, leading up to the utilization of the interdisciplinary process of bioinformatics. Utilizing the interdisciplinary process of bioinformatics, this research synergizes psychometric and biomedical data to unearth psychological markers critical for crafting targeted, age-appropriate interventions. This study advocates for a holistic healthcare approach, emphasizing the integration of psychological support within obesity prevention and management strategies, thereby underscoring the indispensable role of psychological factors in the fight against childhood obesity. The application of bioinformatics methods to analyze complex datasets demonstrates how collaboration across medical specialties can enrich our understanding and response to childhood obesity, contributing significantly to the development of comprehensive, bioinformatics-enhanced healthcare solutions.

Adverse impacts in residential aged care facilities: The resident perspective.

Inclusion of consumer perspectives is a key component to person-centred health-care approaches. While current residential aged care systems focus on recording adverse events to meet the requirements of regulatory reporting, little is known about the views of residents. The aim of this research was to explore residents' responses on the types of incidents that have an adverse impact on them and how they are affected by these incidents. The study used a qualitative, inductive approach to derive themes from interviews with 20 permanent residents of aged care facilities in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Four main themes surrounding adverse incidents emerged: (i) social relationships and the adverse impacts of lack of meaningful interactions, (ii) adjustment to life in the residential aged care facility and the loss of residents' former life and self-determination, (iii) the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns which meant that residents were not able to go out or interact with others and (iv) acceptance, resignation and resilience in coping with adverse incidents. This research highlights the difference between health-care definition, used for incident management reporting and quality indicators, and the way residents respond when asked to describe an incident that has affected them. Resident responses discuss situations having an adverse effect on them in contrast to the way adverse events and incidents are reported and monitored. The findings suggest that within adverse event and incident management systems and resident governance systems, there is scope for incorporating periods of transitions and well-being measures that capture elements that matter to older people.

Opportunities of digital health technologies for rheumatology: from clinics to quality and research

Recent developments in digital health technologies are overwhelming, and their use in routine work is still difficult to anticipate. This narrative review summarizes the concept of consecutive cohorts in the literature, together with local research experiences in consecutive rheumatic outpatients. Digital health techniques have to reflect the clinicians’ needs, support real-life care of patients, and allow for the specific assessment of quality parameters fulfilling the Donabedian aspect of qualified health care, using quality indicators to improve health care and research. Rapidly growing observational cohorts will perform best to provide follow-up data as the basis for further development of healthcare approaches for rheumatic patients. The challenges of a selection bias, patients with limited disease expression, and chances of early detection of patients with rare diseases are addressed. For research purposes, sequential analyses with growing cohort size, comparative cross-sectional studies with sequential hypothesis testing and other prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of patient management can be performed. With the support of new technologies, young clinicians can easily approach such clinical topics, and learn about clinical data analyses. The use of quality standards as proposed in international recommendations for diagnostic issues and classification criteria, management recommendations, monitoring, and training issues can be supported by digital technologies. In conclusion, collaborative projects allow detailed clinical analyses of large cohorts, but local initiatives can prepare these co-operations, provide first local logistics and research experiences, and teach clinicians how to perform clinical research. Digital health technologies will strongly support these local initiatives.

Factors influencing the development and implementation of pediatrics in family-centered care model: A scoping review

Introduction: Family-Centered Care (FCC) in neonatal healthcare emphasizes collaborative efforts between medical staff and families. This approach, rooted in mutual respect and active family participation, aims to enhance infant care outcomes. However, understanding the underlying forces behind FCC interventions remains challenging due to the diverse methods employed in healthcare practices. Methods: We conducted a scoping review in June 2023. We searched Embase, Medline, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI), PubMed, and PsycINFO. Inclusion criteria encompassed English language studies on Family-centered care and related factors, without date or geographic restrictions. Results: Fifteen pertinent studies meeting the inclusion criteria were identified. Five pivotal components of modern FCC emerged: effective communication, active patient and family involvement, robust family support systems, organizational considerations, and the nurturing attitude of nurses. Discussion: Family-centered care emerges as a comprehensive healthcare approach focusing on the interdependence of patients, healthcare professionals, and families. By recognizing this interconnection, FCC seeks to ensure the satisfaction and well-being of all stakeholders. Implementing FCC strategies presents challenges, emphasizing the need for continuous exploration and refinement. Conclusion: Embracing family-centered care principles enriches patient-centered healthcare by involving families as active partners in the care process. Acknowledging the integral role of families enhances care quality and contributes to improved patient outcomes. Ongoing research and dialogue are essential for refining FCC models, ensuring successful implementation, and fostering patient-centered healthcare environments.

Mediclick: The ultimate Healthcare App Using Android Studio

This study explores an integrated healthcare approach through prescription scanning, Know Your Medicine, and health tips on nutrition and exercise. Prescription scanning streamlines medication management, while Know Your Medicine provides detailed medication information. The app offers personalized nutrition insights and exercise plans. By amalgamating these features, MediClick empowers users with actionable insights into their well-being, promoting informed decision-making for a healthier lifestyle. With its user-friendly interface and diverse capabilities, MediClick revolutionizes healthcare by providing handwritten prescription recognition, meditation timetables, nutritional analysis, and comprehensive medicine information, making it a convenient and empowering tool in healthcare technology. Keywords: Healthcare, Health tips, exercise, Nutrition

Understanding key factors for strengthening Nepal’s healthcare needs: health systems perspectives

Background Nepal’s health policy environment and health-care delivery system has changed over the last 25 years, during which it witnessed a significant progress in improving citizens’ access to healthcare services. However, a combination of factors intrinsic to the nation continue to influence health service delivery producing variable health outcomes. Given the nation’s target towards achieving universal health coverage and sustainable development targets, there is a need to review and understand the functioning of Nepal’s health system, its strengths, challenges, and opportunities. The review aims to explore the key health system factors influencing health services and healthcare needs, and forge actionable recommendations for the future. # Methods The review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for identifying the relevant literature between 2001 and 2023. A total of 300 articles were obtained from the initial search, out of which 42 full text articles were selected for an in-depth review. The literature was analysed to identify the broad themes relevant to Nepal’s health system, and the findings were synthesized narratively under each theme. # Results The review highlights various factors influencing health services and healthcare needs by describing the historical development of Nepal’s healthcare delivery system, its current scenario, health expenditure, health system challenges and opportunities ahead. The evolution of Nepal’s health system has been both significant and responsive. # Conclusions The change in the governance structure and adoption of primary healthcare approach present the nation with ample opportunities to further the scope of the nation’s existing health sector initiatives and outcomes.

The genetic basis of early-onset hereditary ataxia in Iran: results of a national registry of a heterogeneous population

BackgroundTo investigate the genetics of early-onset progressive cerebellar ataxia in Iran, we conducted a study at the Children’s Medical Center (CMC), the primary referral center for pediatric disorders in the country, over a three-year period from 2019 to 2022. In this report, we provide the initial findings from the national registry.MethodsWe selected all early-onset patients with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance to assess their phenotype, paraclinical tests, and genotypes. The clinical data encompassed clinical features, the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) scores, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) results, Electrodiagnostic exams (EDX), and biomarker features. Our genetic investigations included single-gene testing, Whole Exome Sequencing (WES), and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS).ResultsOur study enrolled 162 patients from various geographic regions of our country. Among our subpopulations, we identified known and novel pathogenic variants in 42 genes in 97 families. The overall genetic diagnostic rate was 59.9%. Notably, we observed PLA2G6, ATM, SACS, and SCA variants in 19, 14, 12, and 10 families, respectively. Remarkably, more than 59% of the cases were attributed to pathogenic variants in these genes.ConclusionsIran, being at the crossroad of the Middle East, exhibits a highly diverse genetic etiology for autosomal recessive hereditary ataxia. In light of this heterogeneity, the development of preventive strategies and targeted molecular therapeutics becomes crucial. A national guideline for the diagnosis and management of patients with these conditions could significantly aid in advancing healthcare approaches and improving patient outcomes.

Reviewing the art of safe prescription practices: A checklist for the use of psychotropic drugs during pregnancy

Half of the women diagnosed with a mental health condition requiring regular medication have previously given birth to children. A dilemma arises when deciding whether to continue medication to treat the mother’s illness or potentially cease or replace medication in the interests of their child. This study endeavors to examine the challenges associated with prescribing psychotropic medications to pregnant women experiencing mental health disorders. Its primary objective is to furnish a checklist delineating essential considerations for prescribers in such cases. The investigation underscores the pivotal equilibrium required in addressing the mental health of the mother while mitigating risks to the developing fetus. The paper delves into the nuances of decision-making within this framework, highlighting the importance of a collaborative health-care approach coupled with personalized treatment strategies. These strategies may encompass modifications in medication regimens and the incorporation of non-pharmacological interventions. The prescription of psychotropic medications to pregnant women with mental health conditions presents complex challenges and demands consideration. Striking a critical balance is imperative, as it entails managing the mother’s mental health while minimizing potential risks to the developing fetus. The decision-making process is nuanced, influenced by factors such as the teratogenic potential of specific medications, the risk of neonatal withdrawal syndrome, and the potential for adverse outcomes in maternal and fetal health if psychiatric conditions remain untreated. Pre-conception counseling and maternal-fetal medicine services are beneficial tools in navigating this balance. Predictors of the necessity for medication during pregnancy include the patient’s diagnosis, severity of prior episodes, and responsiveness to treatment. The dynamic landscape of pharmaceutical research underscores the importance for prescribers to actively engage with evolving literature, ensuring the provision of accurate and up-to-date advice. Effective shared decision-making is of paramount significance in instilling confidence and assuring the patient.

Multidisciplinary users oriented approach in the community mental health care

Introduction For more than 25 years, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH) has maintained and improved reform processes in the field of mental health (MH) care. In the last 13 years, the results of the reform are visible, and they focused on the quality of services oriented to people with mental disorders (PMD), as well as raising the quality of specific services to the general population. The developed network of community mental health centers (CMHC) as the leading concept of the reform (community psychiatry) enabled affordable, timely and adequate protection of mental health in whole country, while relying on other resources, primarily clinical and hospital capacities and centers for social work.ObjectivesReform orientation had several directions: broad promotion and prevention, protection of the rights of the people with mental health disorders, quality education and more specific qualifications and competencies of mental health professionals and public promotion as a part of destigmatization.MethodsOverview of the mental health reform in last two decades.Results In last more than 25 years reforming processes were focused mainly to users of mental health services. Specific legislative was created and recently upgraded trough Mental Health Protection Law, as unique document focused to users, mental health professionals and services, and general population as well. Users organization were formed and have important role in creation of further directions in the reform. Main principles in daily care for users are community based with case management and intersectoral collaboration trough joint discharge planning. Also, special focus is given to media reporting about mental health as well as to children and adolescents, prenatal psychiatry and elderly.Conclusions Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina made significant steps and visible changes in the quaity of mental health services focused to users needs. Further activities will be oriented to continuous destigmatization of the people with mental health disorders, psychiatry and mental health professionals and further implementation of results achieved in reforming processes in our county.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Developing a Dynamic Conceptual Model of a Home-Based Palliative Care Plan Using the Comprehensive Primary Health Care (PHC) Approach

Background: Palliative Care (PC) was a core component of Primary Health Care services during the World Health Assembly Resolution, 2014. The study aims to develop a Comprehensive Palliative Care Model (CPCM) for patients with life-threatening conditions compliant with the local context and unmet needs. Materials and Methods: A mixed-methods approach will be adopted for the three-phased study in two districts of Telangana. Phase I, a literature review, will be performed to explore globally available PC models, followed by an on-ground observational study. Phase II will address the gaps in existing models while identifying the unmet needs of the patients and caregivers. The outcome of the above phases will help develop a CPCM in Phase III. The developed model will be validated using the Delphi technique. Results: The expected outcomes of the study are a) Phase-I: Details of the PC models available globally and locally, b) Phase-II: Availability of essential resources in the Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs), Knowledge and Attitude of the PC team, Barriers to provide PC, Unmet needs, and c) Phase-III: CPCM model Conclusion: The study attempts to provide a holistic PC model, considering the health system, patients, and caregivers and offering policy suggestions to the state.

IJCM_33A: Comprehensive Women’s Wellness and Family Welfare Clinic: A Promising Approach for Holistic Healthcare in PGIMER Satellite Sangrur, Punjab

Background: Women’s health disparities, often rooted in sociocultural discrimination, prompted the establishment of the ‘Women’s Wellness and Family Welfare Clinic.’ Objective: The objective of this clinic was to address the adolescents and women-related issues, screening, counselling, mental health, diet and nutrition and, family planning services under one roof. Methodology: The initiative was launched in September 2023 with collaborative efforts between the Department of Community Medicine & SPH and the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics at the PGIMER satellite center in Sangrur, Punjab. The clinic comprehensively, recorded socio-demographic profiles, clinical histories and various health dimensions, including physical parameters, mental well-being, social factors, NCD risks, and family planning. Positive screening results prompted referrals for further evaluation. Results: A total of 252 participants underwent screening, of whom 98 (38.9%) were aged 30-39, 32 (12.7%) were planning pregnancy, and 146 (57.6%) were using contraception, with tubal ligation being a prevalent choice 64 (43.4%). Beyond gynaecological concerns, participants reported chronic lower backache (59; 23.4%) and numbness of hands or feet (56; 22.2%) as common symptoms. More than one-third, 96 (39.09%), were found to be at risk for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with 19 (7.5%) having hypertension, 10 (3.9%) with pre- diabetes/diabetes, and 5 (2%) presenting with breast lumps. Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) revealed a 1.2% positivity rate among 117 participants. However, 161 (63%) participants had a BMI over 25, and 121 (48%) consumed fried snacks daily. Domestic abuse was reported by a mere 2 (0.4%) participants, shedding light on the clinic’s potential role in uncovering hidden health issues. Conclusion: The success of this initiative underscores the feasibility of the model wellness clinic in an evolving phase of satellite centre. By offering comprehensive health assessments and facilitating timely referrals, the clinic stands as a promising approach to enhance early detection and treatment, contributing to the holistic well-being of women.

Awareness and Incorporation of the Dental Home Concept Among General Dentists and Dental Therapists in Malaysia.

Background The dental home concept (DHC) refers to an approach in oral healthcare that emphasizes establishing a long-term, comprehensive, and family-centered relationship between a patient and their primary dental care. This study determined the awareness and incorporation of the DHC among general dentists and dental therapists in Malaysia. Methodology A total of 154 general dentists and 137 dental therapists providing oral healthcare services at the Ministry of Health (MOH) primary care facilities throughout Malaysia participated in this cross-sectional study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to measure the respondents' awareness of the DHC and incorporation of the DHC characteristics into their practice. Results Most dentists and dental therapists (61.7% and 67.2%, respectively) had not heard of the term DHC and were unaware of the concept. The respondents' awareness was not associated with their age, sex, years of service, facility location, and percentage of treatment given to children aged five years and below. However, most dentists and dental therapists responded positively about incorporating most DHC characteristics into their current practice. Conclusions Most dentists and dental therapists serving the MOH primary oral healthcare facilities were unaware of the DHC, although most DHC characteristics have already been incorporated into their practice. This study provides evidence of the incorporation of the DHC into the MOH primary oral healthcare services and suggests an effort to increase the awareness of the workforce regarding the concept and its implementation.

Building a Resilient Patient Safety Culture: A Large Healthcare Organization's Approach to Systematically Reviewing Serious Harm Events.

Across Canada, pressures related to staffing, burnout and funding continue to affect healthcare organizations and systems. These pressures impact the quality of care Canadians receive, most notably access to care. Evidence indicates that patients are more likely to suffer from preventable harm during periods of hospital overcrowding and, indeed, very recent data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information suggest that rates of preventable harm have increased modestly in Canadian hospitals. A key lever that can have a positive impact on patient safety culture and contribute to fewer preventable adverse events at an institutional level is systematic formal case reviews. This article describes a large healthcare organization's approach to systematically reviewing serious harm events. An evaluation of both quantitative and qualitative metrics suggests that Unity Health Toronto's critical incident review process has been effective at building a resilient patient safety culture that stood up to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to have a positive impact on patient safety at Unity Health Toronto.

Physical illness and multimorbidities in patients diagnosed with personality disorder

IntroductionPeople with personality disorder (PD) often experience suffering, suboptimal psychiatric treatment outcomes, and early mortality due to chronic physical illness (CPI) and multimorbidity (≥2 CPI) (CPM). Increasing research underscores the elevated prevalence of CPI and CPM in those with PD.ObjectivesTo compare the prevalence of CPI/CPM between the general population and those with PD and to explore the relationship between CPI/CPM and various aspects of PD.MethodsThis cross-sectional study enrolled 126 PD patients (70.6% female, mean age 41.22 years) based on the ICD-10 criteria, and 126 socio-demographically matched individuals from the general population. The participants completed the following instruments: the ICD-11 Personality Disorder Severity Scale (PDS-ICD-11), the Personality Assessment Questionnaire for ICD-11 (PAQ-11), Subjective Emptiness Scale (SES), the Reflective Functioning Questionnaire-Revised-7 (RFQ-R-7), and self-reported chronic physical illnesses questionnaire.ResultsThe mean number of CPI in patients with PD and matched controls was 2.69 (SD=2.371) and 1.02 (SD=1.702), respectively, and this difference was statistically significant. Patients with PD also suffered more often from CPM than none or one CPI, compared to matched controls. In the multivariate logistic regression analyses among the patients with PD, higher personality disorder severity, increased trait Negative Affectivity and poorer reflective functioning/mentalizing were predictive of having CPM. These relationships were independent of age, gender, education status, income level, length of psychiatric treatment, and smoking status. Subjective emptiness was not significantly predictive of having CPM.ConclusionsThis study highlights a higher prevalence of CPI and CPM in individuals with PD compared to the general population. Factors such as higher PD severity, increased Negative Affectivity, and poorer reflective functioning were identified as predictors of CPM. These findings underscore the necessity for integrated healthcare approaches to address the multifaceted needs of PD patients, emphasizing the importance of considering both mental and physical health in treatment strategies.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Advancing Scope of Women’s Health Physical Therapy: Navigating Challenging and Expanding Horizons in Pakistan

Women’s health demands a holistic approach in healthcare, as shaped by a set of distinctive biological and gender-related factors. This approach is reflected in the field of women’s health physical therapy, which encompasses a wide range of specialized areas and interventions that address the unique needs of women across the lifespan. 1 Women's health is an under-investigated and under-focused area of healthcare, as most diagnostic and interventional norms and normal values are established based on research conducted on men. As per the World Health Organization (WHO): “The health of Women and girls is of particular concern because, in many societies, they are disadvantaged by discrimination rooted in sociocultural factors”.2 Considering the unique and diverse biopsychosocial challenges and opportunities, this editorial delves into the multifaceted dimension of women’s health physical therapy (WHPT), expanding from its pivotal role in reproductive health to diverse musculoskeletal and chronic conditions