Human Care Research Articles

The hype of artificial intelligence in neonatology: How close are we to real AI?

Background. Artificial intelligence (AI) use in medicine has rapidly evolved, offering significant advancements in patient monitoring and diagnosis. However, the application of AI in neonatology presents unique challenges compared to adult medicine. While adult patients can often be monitored and treated autonomously through AI-powered tools like telemedicine, newborns, particularly preterm infants, are entirely dependent on continuous human care. In neonatology, human interaction—especially the tactile and empathetic care provided by nurses and doctors—remains critical, and AI systems are not equipped to replace this essential element of care. Concerns that AI might displace medical personnel in neonatal settings are unfounded, as human intervention remains irreplaceable. Discussion. Current AI technologies, often referred to as AI, are more accurately described as advanced machine learning algorithms and sophisticated software rather than true general artificial intelligence (AGI). These systems can efficiently perform well-defined tasks, such as monitoring vital signs and adjusting mechanical ventilators. However, they lack the broader understanding and adaptability necessary for independent clinical decision-making. They cannot interpret complex clinical contexts or address multifactorial medical decisions, which are still the domain of human expertise. Despite the limitations, AI holds significant potential in neonatology. It can assist in optimizing treatment protocols, such as adjusting mechanical ventilation in real-time or personalizing antibiotic treatments based on microbiological data. Furthermore, clinical decision support systems (CDSS) powered by AI can provide clinicians with evidence-based recommendations, thereby enhancing decision-making processes and improving patient outcomes. Conclusion. While promising, AI in neonatology remains a supplementary tool rather than a replacement for human judgment. Its role will likely expand, but direct human care and expertise will continue to be essential in neonatal medicine, mitigating concerns about job displacement among healthcare professionals.

Anatomical parameters do not determine linear breaking strength or dimensions of the porcine biliary system

Abstract Background The porcine gall bladder and cystic duct gained attention in experimental research aimed at improving human clinical care. While the common bile duct has been investigated before, there is almost no data on the porcine cystic duct. Its relevance for research originates from its potential use in xenotransplantation. Methods We included 10 consecutive pigs (1♀, 9♂) that had been sacrificed after participation in another study. At necropsy, the distance from the biliary papilla to the gall bladder (gall bladder distance) was measured. The cystic duct was then subjected to linear traction. Ethical approval for the study was granted. Associations between force measurements and anatomical parameters were tested by correlation analysis. Results The pigs had a mean body weight of 21.9 kg (standard deviation 2 kg), a mean liver weight of 590 g (standard deviation 88 g), and a mean crown rump length of 67.3 cm (standard deviation 3 cm). The gall bladder distance was 8.2 cm (95% confidence interval: 7.6–8.7 cm). The cystic duct withstood mean linear traction forces of 4.8 N (95% confidence interval: 3.7–5.8 N) and could be elongated by a mean of 6 mm (95% confidence interval: 3.9–8 mm). Linear breaking strength was neither correlated to gall bladder distance (R = 0.3, 95% confidence interval: − 0.41 to 0.78, P = 0.406) or crown rump length (R = 0.42, 95% confidence interval: − 0.28 to 0.83, P = 0.222) nor liver weight (R = 0.02, 95% confidence interval: − 0.62 to 0.64, P = 0.954) or body weight (R = 0.36, 95% confidence interval: − 0.35 to 0.81, P = 0.304). This was also true for gall bladder distance. Conclusions Our study indicates that allometric parameters were not associated with the gall bladder distance or its resistance to traction forces. Consequently, substantial variation of these parameters can be expected in these surgically important parameters, which cannot be derived from easily accessible anatomical parameters.

The relationship between psychological capital and humanistic caring ability among mental health nurses in Saudi Arabia

BackgroundThe ability to provide humanistic care has a significant impact on the therapeutic relationships in psychiatric services, which in turn influences patients’ outcomes.AimTo examine the relationship between psychological capital and humanistic care ability among mental health nurses in Saudi Arabia.MethodsA descriptive correlational research design was implemented in this study. A convenience sampling method was used to collect information from 500 mental health nurses from a governmental mental health facility. The data were collected using the psychological capital questionnaire and the caring ability inventory.ResultsThe results revealed high levels of psychological capital and humanistic care ability among mental health nurses. Psychological capital significantly predicted humanistic care ability (\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\:{R}^{2}=$$\\end{document} 0.630, F(1,498) = 851.16, p< 0.001). Also, there were significant relationships between sociodemographic variables and psychological capital (age, educational level, and professional title) and humanistic care ability (age and years of experience).ConclusionPsychological capital was found to be be positively associated with the humanistic care ability of mental health nurses. The findings of this study suggest that nursing managers should explore strategies from the viewpoint of positive psychology to enhance the psychological capacity of mental health nurses to provide humanistic care abilities, which can effectively improve nurses-patients’ relationships and outcomes in clinical practice.

Ethical implications in using robots among older adults living with dementia.

The aging of the world's population due to accelerating demographic shift on all continents is causing increasing pressure worldwide, giving rise to a "crisis of care" or "care wave." The increase in longevity is resulting in an increase in chronic diseases (such as dementia), an increase in care needs to perform the activities of daily living, and situations of isolation and profound loneliness among older adults. These circumstances are opening the debate on the need to use technology, such as robots, to improve the wellbeing of older adults and their caregivers. The aim of this paper is to address the ethical questions in using social and companion robots for people with dementia, such as concerning consent, the replacement of human care, the potential for increased dependency, and the burden on caregivers. Involving older adults and other stakeholders offers the potential to pursue robotics to support older people while also ensuring a strong ethical commitment. The study is a review of high-impact articles on the topic of the use of social and companion robots with older people with dementia.

A qualitative interview study exploring continuity within a community integrated palliative care model and the influence of remote and digital approaches to care.

Demand for palliative care is rising. Recent UK policy approaches promote integrated care models - collaborations between generalist practitioners and multidisciplinary specialists - and remote and digital practices. The extent to which different forms of continuity are supported within this evolving context is currently unclear. To explore the experience of continuity and impact of remote and digital practices within an integrated palliative care model. A qualitative interview study of patients and bereaved relatives recruited from a GP practice list and healthcare professionals delivering the integrated palliative care service for that population. 20 narrative and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 patients, relatives, and professionals between May 2022 and November 2023. They explored how care was delivered or received, focusing on coherency and the use of remote and digital practices. Data were theorized using a novel framework that considered psychodynamic, biomedical, sociotechnical, and sociopolitical domains of continuity. The need for human care and connection were of primary importance and affected by intersubjective, biomedical, sociotechnical, and sociopolitical factors that influenced continuity of care. Despite the logistical ease of remote and digital practices, professionals had to work harder or around technologies to provide a 'caring' service. This was exacerbated by a lack of co-localisation, loss of longitudinal relationships, and reduction in tacit knowledge. Numerous complex factors and the exacerbating effects of remote and digital practices influence continuity and coherency within an integrated palliative care model.

Starting From Scratch: Husbandry Techniques to Establish the First Population of 'Akikiki (Oreomystis bairdi) in Human Care Using Wild-Collected Eggs.

Conservation breeding programs can save species from extinction by establishing assurance populations that provide individuals for achieving species recovery goals in the wild. However, keeping animals in human care can result in the selection of phenotypes that may be suboptimal for post-release survival and reproduction. It is therefore essential that conservation breeding programs provide animals with naturalistic conditions that facilitate the performance of species-typical behaviors, an endeavor that is also a vital aspect of animal welfare. Here, we describe how we established a conservation breeding program for the 'Akikiki (Oreomystis bairdi), a Hawaiian honeycreeper that is facing imminent extinction in the wild. We share how we utilized the species' native habitat as a template for developing husbandry practices with a primary focus on how we simulate wild environmental conditions in enclosures, mimic naturalistic foraging experiences, and facilitate pair bonding and parental breeding behaviors.

Reflection on the Application of Virtual Reality in Tourism Education

With the widespread application of virtual reality (VR) technology in tourism education, educators must critically reflect on the ethical issues it raises. This paper analyzes the implementation of VR in tourism education and explores its impact on students' authentic learning experiences. The study examines the practical effects of virtual learning in teaching, offering advanced case studies of VR education and addressing the challenges encountered during its use. Findings suggest that the application of VR in education must prioritize the process-based experience of learners, emphasizing the importance of preserving students' opportunities to engage with educational reality. The study advocates for maintaining the humanistic care found in traditional teaching while reconfiguring new pedagogical practices in integrating technology and education.

Attitudes towards people living with HIV/AIDS through the EAPVVS-E: A descriptive analysis in nursing students

BackgroundDespite advances in antiretroviral treatment, stigma towards people with HIV/AIDS continues to exist. Nursing students, as future key players in health care, must advocate for the elimination of stigma through education, empathy and the creation of a supportive environment. This holistic approach is crucial to improving their quality of life and moving towards the eradication of HIV/AIDS. AimTo identify nursing students' attitudes towards people living with HIV or AIDS and their relationship with sociodemographic and academic-cultural variables of the participants. DesignA cross-sectional study was performed. SettingsThe research was carried out in the Nursing Degree of the Faculty of Health Sciences of the Ceuta Campus of the University of Granada. ParticipantsConvenience sampling was used to recruit 284 students of the degree in Nursing. MethodsData were collected voluntarily and on an anonymous basis, using the “Attitudes Towards People Living with HIV/AIDS Scale in Nursing Students”. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed. ResultsFactors 1 (Professional Practice), 2 (Social Integration) and 3 (Partner and Family) exhibited mean scores considered to be favourable attitudes (>4 points). In contrast, Factor 4, called Benevolent Stigma, had a mean score of 3.68 ± 0.97. Religious beliefs, academic year, sexual orientation, academic practices and age are considered influential variables in the different factors. ConclusionsNursing students present attitudes with favourable scores. However, these results highlight the importance of influencing the different factors, especially in the second year of the Bachelor's Degree in Nursing in our sample. Thus, an educational intervention in this area would be necessary to reinforce the values of humanised care.

Dementia-Friendly Hospital-The Perspective of Professional Dementia Experts.

To investigate the professional dementia experts' understanding of a dementia-friendly hospital to identify its characteristics. We used a qualitative design embedded in a case study. A total of 16 semi-structured expert interviews were conducted with 17 professional dementia experts. Using inductive content analysis, the interviews were analysed in a participatory manner involving a group of researchers and dementia experts. We identified six characteristics of dementia-friendly hospitals: Proud to be dementia-friendly-That's what we want; Seeing the human being-Taking care of everyone; Having everyone on board-It's a collective task; Being professional-It takes more than being nice and kind; Rethinking the 'running' system-We have to change, not them; and Being part of the community-Thinking beyond the hospital. The concept of a dementia-friendly hospital seems complex and requires a rethinking of the traditional hospital. For a conceptualisation, the involvement of people with dementia and their relatives is important to gain a comprehensive understanding. A dementia-friendly hospital is characterised by professional care that comprises a safe, familiar and supportive environment, is prepared but also flexible, has everyone on board, and sees the human being. To become dementia-friendly, individual interventions such as training courses can be a starting point. However, an overall concept is required that also includes components that contribute to successful implementation and a welcoming culture of people with dementia. Our findings on the perspective of professional dementia experts contribute to the conceptualisation of dementia-friendly hospitals. We reported our study according to the COREQ checklist. The investigation of the perspective of professional dementia experts is one part of a larger study. In this overall DEMfriendlyHospital study, we interviewed professional dementia experts, people with dementia and their relatives and also involved them in a participatory manner in various stages of the research process.

State of HIV costing in Latin America and the Caribbean: a systematic literature review.

To summarize available data on unit costs for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing, prevention, and care interventions in Latin America and the Caribbean. We conducted a systematic literature review of costing studies published between 2012 and 2024, and selected those reporting empirically measured costing data. The available data were categorized according to predefined intervention categories and compared by time and place. We also explored variations in unit costs by intervention type. Of 1 746 studies identified, 22 met the inclusion criteria, which provided 103 unique unit cost estimates from nine countries. About 50% of the included studies were published between 2019 and 2021. Antiretroviral therapy services had the most cost data available (39% of unit costs), followed by inpatient care (27%) and HIV testing (24%). Considerable cost variations were observed both within and between interventions. Our analysis underscores the need for accurate and reliable cost data to support HIV budgeting and decision-making efforts. We identified several gaps in the availability of cost data and emphasize the importance of presenting results more effectively by incorporating key contextual variables. Given the challenges of shrinking budgets and sustainability risks, robust evidence is indispensable to inform priority setting and budget allocation for HIV services.

Advance care planning: a multifaceted contributor to human rights-based care.

Advance care planning: a multifaceted contributor to human rights-based care.

Comparative efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions for anxiety in adult intensive care unit patients: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

The primary goal of the intensive care unit is to the anxiety of conscious patients is often ignored in the care unit. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of various non-pharmacological therapies for anxiety disorders in adult patients in the intensive care unit, in order to enhance humanistic care in the intensive care unit and to promote the patients' physical and mental recovery together. We conducted a systematic and comprehensive search of the literature in five databases (including the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EBSCO, Web of Science, and Embase) covering nearly a decade for randomized controlled trials of non-pharmacological therapies to reduce anxiety in adult intensive care unit patients. Two researchers independently assessed the quality of the literature, collected and condensed the data, and used STATA software to perform a network meta-analysis. The ranking probabilities for each intervention were calculated using the Surface under the Cumulative Ranking (SUCRA) method. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO. This study ultimately included 26 randomized controlled trials involving 2791 adult ICU patients. Non-pharmacological interventions for anxiety in adult ICU patients included music therapy, aromatherapy, ICU diary, virtual reality, massage therapy, monitoring room diary, and health education. when compared to the control group (usual care), aromatherapy + music therapy [MD = -2.65, 95% CI (-4.76, -0.54)] (P = 0.0137) and music therapy [MD = -1.77, 95% CI (-3.40, -0.13)] (P = 0.0338) were superior in reducing anxiety in adult ICU patients. The results of the network meta-analysis showed that aromatherapy combined with music therapy significantly alleviated anxiety in adult ICU patients (SUCRA: 99.8%). Music therapy combined with aromatherapy has demonstrated superior effectiveness compared to other non-pharmacological interventions for reducing anxiety in awake adults in the ICU. However, the underlying mechanisms of this combined therapy require further exploration. Future research on the use of music therapy combined with aromatherapy in the care unit may help reduce anxiety in patients while fostering their physical and mental healing; however, individual variances and unique clinical circumstances must be considered.

The Relationships Between Activities of Daily Living, Depression, and Quality of Life in Older Adults with Multiple Chronic Conditions: A Path Analysis

ABSTRACT Objectives This study was conducted to determine the relationships between activities of daily living (ADL), depression, and quality of life. Specifically, the study aimed to evaluate the potential mediating role of depression in the relationship between activities of daily living and quality of life in a sample of Iranian older adults. Methods This cross-sectional study recruited 118 older adult adults with multiple chronic conditions in Iran from December 2022 to September 2023. Data were collected using a demographic and health information questionnaire, the Katz Index, the Lawton scale, Old-World Health Organization Quality of Life, and the Geriatric Depression Scale. Path analysis was used to test the hypothesis. Results Participants’ average age was 70.15 ± 6.91 years. BADL (B = 0.2, p = .02), and depression (B = −0.25, p = .004) were significantly related to the quality of life. The standardized indirect effect of BADL on quality of life was 0.08 (p = .006). Conclusions According to the results of this study, functional status can directly and also, indirectly affect the quality of life of older adults with multiple chronic conditions through depression. Clinical Implications Health care providers are advised to carefully assess older adults’ mental health and functional status and consider their relationships to quality of life.

Comparative Study and Analysis of Social Structure and Cultural Values in Chinese and Korean Movies

A comparative study of social structure and cultural values in Chinese and Korean films reveals the unique perspectives and profound differences between the two countries in reflecting social reality and conveying cultural values in their films. Chinese movies tend to depict harmonious and intimate family relationships when showcasing family structure, emphasizing the importance of the family as an individual's emotional support and spiritual sustenance. Korean movies, on the other hand, focus more on showcasing the complexity and conflicts within families, reflecting social reality and the depth of human nature through the entanglements among family members. This difference reflects the different emphasis on family values and social values between China and South Korea. In terms of social class, Chinese movies often focus on the survival status and struggle process of the lower class society, showcasing social injustice and contradictions by telling stories of ordinary people. This kind of attention reflects the humanistic care of Chinese films towards vulnerable groups and their profound reflection on social issues. Korean movies, on the other hand, tend to reveal and criticize the power and corruption of the upper class, reflecting the dark side of society by depicting social phenomena such as collusion between politics and business, and power and money transactions. This difference reflects the different orientations of social class concepts and social responsibility between China and South Korea.

Reparative futures

The past is present in all future making activities. However, there is more that futuring processes can do to engage with past-present relationships, namely by bringing to the fore frameworks of reparation and redress. This article explores how ideas of reparative action may offer generative resources for Futures Studies. It suggests that in order to create futures characterised by justice it is essential to listen to and engage with ongoing histories of repression, violence and domination and find ways to talk about the past that support individuals, communities and nations to reimagine and remake social relations that are just and inclusive. The article explores reparative futures as they are negotiated in practice, through the lens of their pedagogical potential and ethical demands, and as world-making political possibilities. In doing so, it highlights the necessity for enhanced dialogue between Future Studies and the ‘reparative turn’ within the humanities and social sciences. We explore the tensions and unresolved questions of reparative futures along with the possibilities for future-making practices characterised by justice, care, creativity and humility for humans and nonhumans.

Effects of humanistic care combined with positive psychological intervention on self-efficacy, psychological resilience and QoL in patients with deep vein thrombosis of lower extremities.

Effects of humanistic care combined with positive psychological intervention on self-efficacy, psychological resilience and QoL in patients with deep vein thrombosis of lower extremities.

System Innovation: A Holistic Approach to Disrupting With Love and Human Caring, by Julie Kennedy Oehlert and Kathleen Sitzman.

The bright vision presented by this book provides an invigorating push to bring out the inner anarchist hidden in even the most complacent of health professionals. This book renews the ongoing discussion of how theory-driven change can be used to ground and promote the integration of love and human caring into system innovation. Each chapter of this book provides concrete and realistic application strategies to front-line practice and gives intensive guidance on how to linguistically and intellectually challenge the barriers within an organization that can undermine a vision of holistic caring. For leaders of teams, this book provides invaluable tools to build a culture of caring and maintain a team that perceives caring from both leadership and the organization as a whole. For team members, this book is a reminder that an expectation of workplace culture that is positive, supportive, and fosters growth is not out of reach; it simply has yet to be implemented within their system.

Analysis of the Effect of Humanistic Care in the Process of Pre-Hospital Emergency Care

Objective: To explore the effectiveness of humanistic care in pre-hospital emergency care. Methods: From April 2020 to January 2021, 80 pre-hospital emergency patients were studied. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: a control group (n = 40), which received conventional care, and an experimental group (n = 40), which received humanistic care. The effects of nursing care and psychological state were compared between the two groups. Results: The experimental group showed better nursing outcomes and a more positive psychological state compared to the control group (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Humanistic care in pre-hospital emergency settings is more effective in reducing patients’ anxiety and depression, enhancing the operational abilities and service attitudes of nursing staff, and increasing the emergency success rate.

Barriers and facilitators to bridging the healthcare digital divide for the older adults: A qualitative research from patients in China.

The aim of this study was to explore the barriers and facilitators underlying the healthcare digital divide by using qualitative methodologies, integrated with the Capabilities, Opportunities, Motivations, and Behaviors (COM-B) as well as the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW) theoretical frameworks. To conduct a thorough analysis, semi-structured，in-depth interviews were orchestrated among a cohort of older patients who had experiences with digital healthcare systems. Data were meticulously analyzed via Colaizzi's seven-step methodological procedure. Nine barriers were elucidated, including physical limitation, inadequate training and support, self-imposed denial, failure to rebuild the digital healthcare environment, equipment constraints, deficits in communication and feedback, skepticism regarding data accuracy and validity, sense of social deprivation, and network information boycott. Conversely, eleven facilitators were identified, encompassing peer modeling, availability of training and support, reconstructive efforts toward the digital healthcare environment, mandatory usage, familial influence, media impact, scientific publicity and education, enhancement of self-efficacy, sense of social participation, perceived convenience, and access to healthful information. Based on the COM-B and BCW models, healthcare organizations may be able to improve their digital healthcare support systems (capabilities), technical design, network speed, and equipment configuration (opportunities), as well as focus on "human-computer integration," the parallel existence of digital technology and humanistic care, and taking into account the issues of information security, accuracy, and human rights equality (motivation) while benefiting the patients, in order to bridge the healthcare digital divide for the older adults.

The Application, Limitations, and Improvement Measures of MOOCs in Education in the New Era

MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) are an internet-based online education model that provides teaching resources and services to global users via web platforms. The development of MOOCs can be traced back to 2002, with significant acceleration in recent years. In education, MOOCs have been widely applied, such as in flipped classrooms and teacher training. They offer high flexibility and rich learning resources, significantly improving students' learning efficiency and reducing learning costs. However, MOOCs also face challenges, such as uneven teaching quality, lack of learner self-discipline, and insufficient humanistic care. For the sustainable development of MOOCs, there is a need to strengthen teacher training, improve teaching quality, enhance teaching evaluation and feedback, and perfect online education regulation. With the rapid development of information technology and the internet, MOOC education has become a prominent educational model. This paper aims to discuss the application of MOOCs in education in the new era, analyze the existing problems, and propose effective improvement measures to more effectively promote the development of MOOC education.