Challenges In Health Care Delivery Research Articles

Virtual Hospitals and Patient Experience: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Observational Study.

Virtual care is increasingly incorporated within routine health care settings to improve patient experience and access to care. A patient's experience encompasses all the interactions an individual has with the health care system. This includes a greater emphasis on actively involving carers in the decisions and activities surrounding a patient's health care. This study aimed to investigate the variety of health care delivery challenges encountered in a virtual hospital and explore potential ways to improve the patient experience. Focusing on acute respiratory, this protocol outlines a mixed methods study exploring the patient experience of a virtual hospital in Australia, Royal Prince Alfred Virtual Hospital (rpavirtual). We will use an exploratory mixed methods approach comprising of secondary data analysis, observations, interviews, and co-design focus groups. Participants will include patients, their carers, and health care workers who are involved in the acute respiratory virtual hospital model of care. Together, the data will be triangulated to explore views and experiences of using this model of care, as well as co-designing recommendations for further improvement. Findings from this study will identify current barriers and facilitators to implementing virtual care, such as work-as-done versus work-as-imagined, equity of care, the role of carers, and patient safety during virtual care. As of August 2024, a total of 25 participants have been interviewed. This protocol outlines a mixed methods case study on the acute respiratory model of care from Australia's first virtual hospital, rpavirtual. This study will collect the experiences of patients, carers, and health care workers to co-design a series of recommendations to improve the patient experience. DERR1-10.2196/58683.

Factors influencing protective gear use in crisis-affected Afghanistan during COVID-19

Abstract Background Afghanistan has faced considerable challenges in healthcare delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges were compounded by limited health literacy, shortages of skilled health workers, and fragile health infrastructure, which increased the country’s double burden of disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the use of masks as part of a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Nevertheless, research on mask-wearing practices in Afghanistan is limited. This study aims to investigate the factors influencing the wearing of protective gear, including masks, during the COVID-19 pandemic in Afghanistan. Methods This study analyzed 16,058 households from the 2020 Afghanistan Multi-Sector Needs Assessment (MSNA) survey data. This survey was conducted between August and September 2020 by the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) Initiative. Sampling weighted multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was performed. Results Recent internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees in Afghanistan were more likely to wear protective gear to prevent COVID-19 compared to non-recent IDPs. Factors such as household sizes, household income, knowledge of humanitarian support, and the distance to healthcare facilities were significantly associated with the likelihood of wearing protective gear. Conclusions The study suggests that certain factors place crisis-affected populations in Afghanistan at high risk in COVID-19 preventive behaviors, especially in wearing protective gear. The findings in this study indicate that public health interventions should focus on improving healthcare accessibility and enhancing information dissemination while considering socioeconomic factors. Additionally, this study highlights the need for access to personal protective gear during outbreaks of infectious disease, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Key messages • Socioeconomic factors and accessibility on health services and information can affect COVID-19 preventive behaviors in crisis-affected populations. • This study can inform public health professionals to develop adequate interventions during infectious disease outbreaks.

Taking a Team Approach: Keep up with the EHR with a Training and Optimization Program.

This study aimed to describe the current landscape of electronic health record (EHR) training and optimization programs (ETOPs) and their impact on healthcare workers' (HCWs) experience with the EHR. A 72-question electronic survey was developed and distributed to healthcare organization (HCO) leaders in clinical informatics through various channels such as national informatics conferences, social media, and email distribution lists of vendors and informatics associations. The survey collected data on the characteristics, resourcing, approach, and outcomes of ETOPs. Descriptive statistics were applied to analyze the data. There were 193 responses from 147 distinct HCOs. Of these, 69% offer ongoing EHR training, and 52% offer some version of an ETOP. Offered ETOPs vary in their timing, modality, audience, team composition, duration, and EHR build strategy. The most commonly measured outcomes were EHR satisfaction, efficiency, and provider burnout, and most ETOPs reported improvement in these areas. The findings suggest that ETOPs are inconsistently implemented across HCOs, and while there are some commonalities, there is a wide variety of design and methods of evaluation for the programs. Though the problems to solve for (EHR efficiency, proficiency, and satisfaction) are the same, the organizational structure and culture of HCOs varies widely, which may partially explain the variability seen in reported ETOPs. When considering the measured outcomes, ETOPs may have direct and indirect effects on HCW burnout by improving EHR efficiency and satisfaction, as well as driving organizational culture towards teamwork and flexible problem solving. For this reason, ETOPs may also serve as a model for addressing other challenges in healthcare delivery. ETOPs are a promising intervention to enhance HCW experience with the EHR and reduce burnout. More research is needed to identify the optimal features, methods, and outcomes of ETOPs, and to disseminate them across HCOs.

Patient Initiated Follow-Up (PIFU): how can rheumatology departments start to reap the benefits? A consensus document.

Patient Initiated Follow-Up (PIFU) is gaining momentum in the NHS, aiming to optimize outpatient care amidst rising service demands. PIFU is valuable in rheumatology, where the increasing demand for ongoing management exacerbates the patient backlog. Importantly, PIFU has demonstrated comparable safety and outcomes to traditional care in numerous studies. PIFU empowers patients, drives personalized care, increases efficiency, and has the potential to reduce waiting lists by allowing services to focus on new and acute cases. Effective PIFU implementation includes careful selection of patients, educating patients and healthcare staff, well defined operational guidelines, and robust remote monitoring. Digital solutions can enhance PIFU through patient education, active remote monitoring and streamlined escalation. Electronic Patient Reported Outcome Measures (ePROMs) provide a suitable and safe metric to monitor patients remotely. Given the potential benefits, outpatient departments should consider investing in PIFU as a solution to current healthcare delivery challenges and as a means for future proofing clinical systems against increasing service demands.

Lung cancer incidence, 2019–2020, United States: The potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

PurposeCancer incidence declined during the COVID-19 pandemic in part due to health care delivery challenges. We examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on changes in lung cancer incidence. MethodsWe used 2019–2020 US Cancer Statistics data from 49 cancer registries covering 97 % of the US population. We calculated the number of new lung cancer diagnoses in 2019 and 2020, age-adjusted lung cancer incidence rates per 100,000 persons, and 2019-to-2020 % changes in incidence rates. We also calculated number and percentage of new lung cancer diagnoses by month and stage at diagnosis. ResultsThe age-adjusted lung cancer incidence rate per 100,000 persons was 47.9 in 2019 vs. 41.4 in 2020—a 13.6 % decrease. Differences in the percentage change in incidence rates were observed by age, race and ethnicity, US census region, histology, and stage at diagnosis. A higher percentage of people were diagnosed at distant stage in 2020 than 2019. ConclusionsThis report provides new insight into subgroups that experienced the greatest decline in observed lung cancer incidence during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings can be used to inform intervention efforts to improve lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

Navigating the Future: A Review on Challenges and Innovations in Healthcare Network Technologies

Healthcare is a vital part of a healthcare system, which is governed by a set of responsibilities and responsibilities. This paper explores the evolution of healthcare systems through the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) and telemedicine. The paper aims to identify areas for improvement and explore strategies to leverage network technologies to enhance healthcare offerings and outcomes. The data analysis technique used was thematic analysis. Thematic analysis identified and categorized key themes related to challenges and innovations in the collected studies. Telemedicine, supported by cloud computing, offers significant potential for improving healthcare delivery but faces challenges related to high assurance, interoperability, and storage adaptability. The development and use of telecommunications technology in healthcare require careful policy considerations to address the significant challenges in healthcare delivery. The research also explores how technology influences the development of healthcare delivery systems known for its efficiency, accessibility, and improved patient welfare.

The five hundred rupee note.

This reflective piece deals with the challenges of healthcare delivery in a resource-constrained setting. The narrative is set in an emergency room and the story follows a doctor's desperate efforts to save a young girl suffering from disseminated tuberculosis, whose condition is exacerbated by economic hardships and delayed diagnosis. This story is a compelling commentary on the inequities in healthcare, and the urgent need for systemic change to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their economic status, have access to quality healthcare and health as a fundamental right of the people is established.

Breast Augmentation Patient Satisfaction in an Appalachian Region.

The prevalence of cosmetic plastic surgeries, including breast augmentation, has risen significantly, with breast augmentation being among the most sought-after procedures. However, there's a dearth of research on patient outcomes and satisfaction, particularly in rural areas like the Appalachian region. This retrospective study aimed to fill this gap by examining patient satisfaction and complications following breast augmentation surgery among rural Appalachian patients in the tri-state (West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio) area. A total of 63 patients who underwent primary breast augmentation at a regional referral center from June 2014 to December 2022 were included in the study. Patient records were reviewedand data on demographics, complications, re-operations, and satisfaction scores were analyzed. Results revealed no significant differences between rural and urban populations in terms of demographic characteristics, complication rates, re-operation rates, or satisfaction scores. Logistic regression models confirmed that rural/urban status did not significantly influence the likelihood of complications, re-operations, or satisfaction. Despite the study's limitations, including a small sample size and single-center design, the results indicate that rural Appalachian patients receive surgical care comparable to their urban counterparts and experience similar benefits from breast augmentation surgery. Recognizing the distinctive healthcare needs and obstacles faced by rural communities is essential for mitigating healthcare disparities and enhancing overall health outcomes. Future research and healthcare initiatives should prioritize improving access to care, fostering patient-centered approaches, and addressing systemic challenges in healthcare delivery across rural Appalachia.

Integrating climate change and sustainability in nursing education

Climate change has led to negative health outcomes and significant challenges in healthcare delivery, calling for a transformative approach to nursing curricula. To effectively address the adverse health impacts of climate change, it is imperative to equip future nurses with the necessary knowledge and competency. This can be accomplished by enhancing awareness among nurse educators, integrating climate change contents into nursing curricula, adopting inter- and multi-disciplinary approaches, nurturing nursing practice skills, and cultivating advocacy and leadership competencies. Implementation of these strategies in nursing education can nurture future nurses who can confront the health challenges associated with climate change, empowering them to advocate for sustainable nursing practice and public health policies related to mitigating the impact of climate change on health. This comprehensive, practical, and leadership-focused strategy in nursing education ensures that future nurses are well-prepared to effectively address health issues caused by climate change.

Pharmacy students' interprofessional experience and performance in advanced pharmacy practice experience rotations amid COVID-19 pandemic.

Interprofessional education (IPE) is essential in pharmacy training, providing students with vital collaborative skills for real-world healthcare. Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) is integral to IPE, allowing students to apply their knowledge in diverse healthcare settings. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted healthcare education and raised concerns about its impact on IPE during APPE rotations. Our study investigates the pandemic's influence on pharmacy students' interprofessional interactions and APPE performance. To assess the interprofessional experiences of fourth-year pharmacy students before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in the context of APPE. This retrospective observational study examined the experiences of P4 pharmacy students in the United States during APPEs before and during the pandemic. We employed electronic surveys with 21 questions to gauge interactions and interprofessional team effectiveness, employing Likert scale response options. We compared responses between the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 APPE rotations using statistical tests. Our study encompassed 83 and 86 students for the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 APPE rotations, respectively, achieving a 100% response rate. Amid the pandemic, written communications between pharmacy students and healthcare providers in general medicine rotations increased, while in-person engagement decreased. Pre-COVID, students reported higher colleague referrals and greater interprofessional utilization during ambulatory care rotations. COVID-19 shifted interactions from in-person to written communication between pharmacy students and healthcare providers. Students reported decreased satisfaction with their interprofessional experiences. This research offers insights into the changing landscape of pharmacy education, helping students prepare for evolving challenges in healthcare delivery and education.

Ethical Considerations of Declining Surgical Intervention: Balancing Patient Wishes with Fiduciary Responsibility.

Orthopaedic surgeons face increasing pressure to meet quality metrics due to regulatory changes and payment policies. Poor outcomes, including patient mortality, can result in financial penalties and negative ratings. Importantly, adverse outcomes often increase surgeon stress level and lead to job dissatisfaction and burnout. Despite optimization efforts, some orthopaedic patients remain at high risk for complications. In this article, we explore the ethical considerations when surgeons are presented with high-risk surgical candidates. We examine how the ethical tenets of patient interests, namely beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy, and justice, apply to such patients. We discuss external forces such as the malpractice environment, financial challenges in health-care delivery, and quality rankings. Informed consent and the challenges of communicating risks to patients are discussed, as well as the role of modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors. Case examples with varied outcomes highlight the complexities of decision-making with high-risk patients and the potential role of palliative care. We provide recommendations for surgeons and care teams, including the importance of justifiable reasons for not operating, the utilization of institutional resources to help make care decisions, and the robust communication of risks to patients.

Applying Advanced Practice Nurses in Rural Japan: A Mixed-Methods Perspective.

Introduction Rural hospitals, particularly those in geographically isolated regions like Shimane Prefecture, Japan, face significant healthcare delivery challenges. These include limited resources, an aging population, and a scarcity of healthcare professionals. Advanced practice nurses (APNs) have emerged as pivotal in addressing these gaps, offering specialized patient assessment, diagnosis, and management skills. This study aimed to evaluate the demand for APNs in rural community hospitals, focusing on the specific educational needs and clinical competencies required to improve healthcare outcomes in these settings. Method Employing a mixed-methods approach, this research combined qualitative insights from stakeholder interviews with quantitative data analysis of electronic health records (EHRs) at Unnan City Hospital. This sequential exploratory design aimed to capture comprehensive educational needs and outcomes, integrating the depth of qualitative data with the breadth of quantitative evidence to tailor a curriculum for APNs in rural healthcare contexts. Results The study revealed a critical demand for APNs skilled in managing common medical issues in rural settings, such as infections, circulatory failures, and respiratory problems. Stakeholder interviews highlighted the necessity for a curriculum that enhances clinical competencies and emphasizes soft skills like communication and leadership. An analysis of EHRs identified 21 specific diseases across six categories, underlining the importance of targeted education on these prevalent conditions. Conclusion The findings underscore the urgent need for specialized education programs for APNs in rural hospitals to address these communities' unique healthcare challenges. Developing a curriculum that focuses on clinical and soft skills essential for rural healthcare delivery can significantly enhance the quality of care. This study advocates for implementing such tailored educational programs to empower APNs, thereby contributing to healthcare equity and improving patient outcomes in rural settings.

Patient flow modeling and simulation to study HAI incidence in an Emergency Department

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), or nosocomial infections, refer to patients getting new infections while getting treatment for an existing condition in a healthcare facility. HAI poses a significant challenge in healthcare delivery that results in higher rates of mortality and morbidity as well as a longer duration of hospital stay. While the real cause of HAI in a hospital varies widely and in most cases untraceable, it is popularly believed that patient flow in a hospital—which hospital units patients visit and where they spend the most time since their admission into the hospital—can trace back to HAI incidence in the hospital. Based on this observation, we, in this paper, model and simulate patient flow in an emergency department of a hospital and then utilize the developed model to study HAI incidence therein. We obtain (a) a flowchart of patient movement (admission to discharge) and (b) anonymous patient data from University Health Medical Center for a duration of 11 months (Aug 2022–June 2023). Based on these data, we develop and validate the patient flow model. Our model captures patient movement in different areas of a typical emergency department, such as triage, waiting room, and minor procedure rooms. We employ the discrete-event simulation (DES) technique to model patient flow and associated HAI infections using the simulation software, Anylogic. Our simulation results show that the rates of HAI incidence are proportional to both the specific areas patients occupy and the duration of their stay. By utilizing our model, hospital administrators and infection control teams can implement targeted strategies to reduce the incidence of HAI and enhance patient safety, ultimately leading to improved healthcare outcomes and more efficient resource allocation.

Facing the Unknown: An Inductive Analysis of the Lived Experience of Medical Residents during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic had significant repercussions for the everyday life and public health of society. Healthcare professionals were particularly vulnerable. Here, we interviewed medical residents about their lived experiences during the pandemic to offer a phenomenological analysis. To this end, we discuss their pandemic experiences considering Jaspers’ “limit situation” concept – that is, a radical shift from their everyday experiences, to one causing them to question the basis of their very existence. Methods: We interviewed 33 medical residents from psychiatry and other specialties from the Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP) who either (a) worked directly with COVID-19 patients or (b) provided psychiatric care to other healthcare professionals. Semi-structured interviews were developed using the Inductive Process to Analyze the Structure of lived Experience (IPSE). Results: The descriptions of the lived experiences of medical residents during the pandemic were organized into four content themes: (a) existential defense, (b) limit situations during the COVID-19 pandemic, (c) changes in lived experience, and (d) new world meanings through lived experience. Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, medical residents experienced what can be thought of as a “limit situation,” as they encountered the healthcare delivery challenges coupled with the social isolation imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges included fear of infection and potential death, uncertainty about the future, and the emotional overload caused by the sharp increase in patient deaths. That said, after facing such a limit situation, residents reported feeling strengthened by this experience. This is consistent with the notion that when confronted with limit situations, we draw on our resources to overcome adversity and, in turn, reap existential gains. Health care providers might use these experiences to energize their own professional approach.

Web-Based Geographic Information System for Location Based Healthcare Service Delivery within Akure Metropolis

Purpose: This research project addresses the pressing issue of healthcare access within Akure Metropolis, Nigeria, through the development of a web-based Health Geoinformation System (HGS). Akure, like many urban centers in developing countries, faces significant challenges in healthcare delivery, including uneven distribution of facilities and limited access to reliable health information. In response to these challenges, this study leverages Geographical Information System (GIS) technology to create an innovative solution aimed at enhancing accessibility and information dissemination. Grounded in the context of Nigeria's healthcare system, the research identifies the need for an integrated approach to address the complex spatial dynamics of healthcare provision.
 Materials and Methods: Methodologically, the project combines primary data collection on the characteristics of health facilities in Akure with secondary data sources, including existing health records. A total of 100 healthcare facilities were located and identified for this study, with comprehensive information collected through three sets of questionnaires directed to healthcare facility managers and professionals, hospital management bodies, and the public. The data collection process employed Binary Logistic Regression to test research hypotheses, with charts utilized to represent public responses to the posed questions. Spatial representation and analysis were central to this study, with techniques such as Nearest Neighbor Analysis employed to assess the distribution and accessibility of health facilities.
 Findings: The results from this analysis revealed significant spatial patterns and disparities in healthcare facility distribution within Akure Metropolis. Notably, the study found that a developed web-based system having user-friendly functionalities like facility search, mapping, and route selection, among others, aids individuals in making informed decisions about their healthcare options.
 Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: The results underline the potential of web-based systems to enhance healthcare access and decision-making processes in urban areas like Akure and further emphasize the significance of incorporating GIS technology into healthcare service delivery.

Enhancing Uterine Fibroid Care: Clinician Perspectives on Diagnosis, Disparities, and Strategies for Improving Health Care.

To explore clinicians' perspectives on diagnosing, treating, and managing uterine fibroids, identifying gaps and challenges in health care delivery, and offering recommendations for improving care. A qualitative design was used to conduct 14 semistructured interviews with clinicians who treat fibroid patients in central Indiana. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis techniques. Constant comparative analysis was used to identify emergent themes. Four themes emerged. (1) Lack of patient fibroid awareness: Patients lacked fibroid awareness, leading to challenges in explaining diagnoses and treatment. Misconceptions and emotional distress highlighted the need for better education. (2) Inequities in care and access: Health care disparities affected Black women and rural patients, with transportation, scheduling delays, and financial constraints hindering access. (3) Continuum of care: Clinicians prioritized patient-centered care and shared decision-making, tailoring treatment based on factors like severity, location, size, cost, fertility goals, and recovery time. (4) Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) impact: The pandemic posed challenges and opportunities, prompting telehealth adoption and consideration of nonsurgical options. Clinician perspectives noted patient challenges with fibroids, prompting calls for enhanced education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and accessible care to address crucial aspects of fibroid management and improve women's well-being. Clinicians identified a lack of patient awareness and unequal access to fibroid care, highlighting the need for improved education and addressing disparities. Findings also emphasized the importance of considering multidimensional aspects of fibroid care and adapting to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, recommending broader education, affordability, interdisciplinary collaboration, and research for better fibroid health care.

Challenges in Healthcare Delivery in Sant Kabir Nagar District: In the View of Healthcare Infrastructure and Healthcare Workforce

Challenges in Healthcare Delivery in Sant Kabir Nagar District: In the View of Healthcare Infrastructure and Healthcare Workforce

Assessing the Effectiveness of Leadership Styles among Nurses in Tertiary Hospitals of Peshawar

Background: The healthcare sector increasingly recognizes the importance of leadership styles in shaping the work environment, employee satisfaction, and patient care outcomes. Leadership within nursing teams, particularly in tertiary hospitals, plays a crucial role in addressing the challenges of healthcare delivery and staff retention. The diversity in leadership styles—authoritarian, democratic, and laissez-faire—offers various approaches to managing nursing teams and influencing healthcare outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of different leadership styles among nurses working in tertiary hospitals in Peshawar and to explore their impact on nursing practice and healthcare delivery. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed, involving 240 nurses from Khyber Teaching Hospital and Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar. Participants were selected using a convenience sampling technique. A structured questionnaire, comprising socio-demographic items and leadership style assessments, was utilized for data collection. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25, focusing on frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations to evaluate the distribution of leadership styles. Results: The majority of participants reported a high range of authoritarian (44.2%), democratic (44.2%), and laissez-faire (46.3%) leadership styles. The prevalence of very high range was significant for authoritarian (43.3%) and democratic (40%) styles, indicating a strong inclination towards these leadership approaches among nursing staff. The study also highlighted a positive association between democratic leadership styles and job satisfaction among nurses. Conclusion: The findings underscore the diversity of leadership styles among nurses in tertiary hospitals in Peshawar, with a notable preference for authoritarian and democratic approaches. This diversity suggests the need for flexible leadership training programs tailored to the dynamic requirements of healthcare settings. Enhancing leadership skills among nurses is crucial for improving healthcare delivery and achieving better patient care outcomes.

Projecting the Future Pediatric Subspecialty Workforce: Summary and Recommendations.

This article summarizes the findings of a Pediatrics supplement addressing the United States workforce for 15 pediatric subspecialties. It includes results from a microsimulation model projecting supply through 2040; growth is forecasted to be uneven across the subspecialties with worsening geographic maldistribution. Although each subspecialty has unique characteristics, commonalities include (1) the changing demographics and healthcare needs of children, including mental health; (2) poor outcomes for children experiencing adverse social drivers of health, including racism; and (3) dependence on other subspecialties. Common healthcare delivery challenges include (1) physician shortages for some subspecialties; (2) misalignment between locations of training programs and subspecialists and areas of projected child population growth; (3) tension between increasing subsubspecialization to address rare diseases and general subspecialty care; (4) the need to expand clinical reach through collaboration with other physicians and advanced practice providers; (5) the lack of parity between Medicare, which funds much of adult care, and Medicaid, which funds over half of pediatric subspecialty care; and (6) low compensation of pediatric subspecialists compared with adult subspecialists. Overall, subspecialists identified the lack of a central authority to monitor and inform child healthcare provided by pediatric subspecialists as a challenge. Future research on the pediatric subspecialty workforce and the children it serves will be necessary to ensure these children's needs are met. Together, these articles provide overarching and subspecialty-specific recommendations to improve training, recruitment, and retention of a diverse workforce, implement innovative models of care, drive policy changes, and advise future research.

Health services interventions to improve the quality of care in rare disease: a scoping review

Background: Rare diseases are often complex, multisystem disorders requiring specialized, lifelong care. These diseases share significant challenges in healthcare delivery, including diagnostic delays, limited access to specialists, and lack of effective treatments. Objectives: To aggregate and critically examine innovative health services interventions for rare diseases, with the goal of identifying potentially scalable strategies to improve care. Eligibility criteria: Peer-reviewed original research published in English reporting results of interventions to improve guideline-concordant care, care coordination, and care transitions in rare disease populations. Using Covidence software, two researchers independently screened all texts against preestablished inclusion and exclusion criteria, with conflicts resolved through consensus discussion with a third researcher. Sources of evidence: Comprehensive searches were conducted in April 2022 in Ovid MEDLINE, Embase.com, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and ClinicalTrials.gov. Charting methods: Two researchers independently extracted study characteristics and results from eligible full texts using Covidence software, with any conflicts resolved through consensus discussion with a third researcher. Results: Our search identified 2899 articles. After screening for eligibility criteria, 12 articles describing health services interventions in rare diseases were identified. Most studies were conducted in Europe and involved adult participants. Three main intervention targets were identified: (1) increasing patients’ access to multidisciplinary expertise (e.g. using expert panels/tumor boards, integrating additional disciplines into care teams, and creating a hotline for specialist advice); (2) using technology to give point-of-care physicians access to information (e.g. electronic medical record templates/decision-support); and (3) standardizing care through clinical care pathways. Conclusion: This review identified several efficacious interventions to improve healthcare delivery for individuals with a single rare disease. Testing these strategies across broader groups of rare disease patients could more efficiently improve healthcare delivery for the rare disease community, facilitating patients’ timely access to treatments, improving their health outcomes, and potentially reducing healthcare costs with economies of scale.