Health Technology Research Articles

Medical technologies, telemedicine and artificial intelligence for neurotrauma and neurorehabilitation.

Medical technologies, telemedicine and artificial intelligence for neurotrauma and neurorehabilitation.

Exploring the Needs of People With Chronic Low Back Pain and Health Care Professionals for mHealth Devices to Support Self-Managed Physical Activity and Pain: User-Centered Design Approach

Background Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a major economic and social problem worldwide. Despite the variety of recommended treatments, long-term self-management of this condition is complex and requires the development of innovative interventions. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies hold great promise for the management of chronic pain, particularly to support physical activity. However, their implementation is challenged by a lack of user compliance and limited engagement, which may be due to insufficient consideration of the needs of potential users during development. Objective This study aims to explore the needs of people with CLBP and health care professionals regarding mHealth technologies to support self-managed physical activity, and to delineate design recommendations based on identified needs. Methods A participatory study was conducted using a 3-phase, user-centered design approach: needs investigation with a group of experts in a workshop (phase 1), needs exploration with end users in focus groups (phase 2), and validation of needs using Delphi questionnaires followed by the development of a set of recommendations (phase 3). Results A total of 121 people with CLBP, expert patients, health care professionals, rehabilitation researchers, and biomechanical engineers participated in this study. The results indicated how technology could help people with CLBP overcome their difficulties with managing physical activity. Specific needs were formulated concerning device objectives, expected strategies, functionalities, technical features, conditions of use, and potential facilitators and barriers to use. These needs were validated by consensus from the potential end users and translated into design recommendations. Conclusions This study provides design recommendations for the development of an mHealth device specifically adapted for people with CLBP.

Updates on the feasibility of utilizing e-learning to sustain medical radiation technology education in light of the escalating conflict in Sudan.

The purpose of the following paper is to offer an update on the feasibility of using e-learning to sustain medical radiation technology education in light of Sudan's ongoing crisis. The Sudanese acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research issued a resolution on October 7, 2023, to reopen higher education and scientific research institutes, as well as resume all academic activities at both governmental and private higher education institutions, effective October 15, 2023. Unfortunately, due to infrastructure deficiencies and a lack of appropriate capabilities to resume face-to-face teaching of medical radiation technology in Sudan's safe states, the majority of universities, including several medical radiation technology colleges, have decided to continue the educational process via e-learning. However, Sudan's e-learning system, currently the sole means of maintaining medical radiation technology education, suffers from significant flaws. If these challenges persist, students may graduate with a limited theoretical and practical grasp. Furthermore, the implementation of this style of education deprives eligible students, particularly those living in conflict zones, of the educational opportunities they require in light of the increased threat of war continuation.

The Origins of Engineered Biomaterials: NSF-Funded, University of Washington Engineered Biomaterials (UWEB)

The University of Washington Engineered Biomaterials (UWEB) Engineering Research Center (ERC) was funded from 1996 to 2007 by the U.S. National Science Foundation. The mission of UWEB was to advance biomaterials by integrating modern biology with materials science. UWEB specifically focused on the healing and integration of medical implants. UWEB teamed biologists, physicians, engineers, and industry and demonstrated three paths that might advance biomaterials so they could seamlessly integrate and heal in the body. The three primary lines of investigation were precision porous scaffolds, super-non-fouling surfaces, and the control of matricellular proteins. The UWEB program set the groundwork for the modern field of immunoengineering. Also, UWEB invested significantly in training scientists/engineers who could freely integrate advances in biological sciences, state-of-the-art materials science, and medical technology. This historical summary of the UWEB program demonstrates that federal investment in interfacing forefront fields can yield dividends with benefits for society and the economy.

Are random price generators useful for health policy processes and analysis? effectiveness of random price generators in health policy processes and analysis

This paper discusses why using random price generators in an economic model for medical markets may be useful. It summarizes the different steps for the development of the model and describes an original contribution of the physicians’ choice model with random drug prices applied to Type 2 diabetes in the US. Pharmaceutical markets have been supply-driven to boost life science and medical technologies; however, with the widening inequalities inside national health systems and the global agenda for universal health coverage, more economic research is being done to strengthen the analysis of demand for healthcare services. Research, especially, examines more disaggregated levels of demand systems to understand the heterogeneity of physicians’ choices and better capture patient needs. It can also be an approach to calibrate supply and demand adjustments in medical markets. This paper argues that choice modeling is particularly relevant, using random price generators in a structural model where a demand approach is useful. If validated by additional experimental studies, this first study by Professors Huttin & Hausman (2021) could be used in advanced value assessment frameworks. Random price generators on medical markets could also be tested with additional models that fit oligopolistic market structures (e.g., models for differentiated product markets such as the Berry–Levinsohn–Pakes model). It may also help with a policy analysis process that addresses major disruptive transformations of market dynamics, evolving boundaries in science, fast digitalization, and artificial intelligence-based information systems.

Evaluation of infectious agents in the pediatric palliative care unit

Aim: The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, changes in patient profile, prolonged life expectancy, increased use of medical devices and technologies such as catheters, intravenous fluids, gastrostomy and tracheostomy have led to changes in the number and types of microorganisms isolated from infections and cultures. There are no data on infections seen in pediatric palliative care. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of infections and the pathogens produced in culture, to identify the sites of growth and to review what should be done. Materials and Methods: This was planned as a cross-sectional, retrospective study between 11/18/2018 and 09/01/2023. Sociodemographic data, reason for hospitalization, number of hospitalizations, primary diagnoses, comorbid conditions, medical devices and technology used, time and place of culture, number of cultures, microorganisms grown and factors associated with culture growth were examined. Statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS 18.0 program. p

Sustainable Management of Agrifood Systems: Interdisciplinary Workshop as a Learning Tool in Bioresource Technology in secondary and technical education in Agriculture at ECIT Riachão do Poço, Paraiba, Brazil

This article addresses the project of an Interdisciplinary Workshop, AGROTEC, and the implementation of the sensory garden at ECIT Riachão do Poço, in Paraíba, as an interdisciplinary learning tool for high school and technical students in agriculture, including the topics of bioresource technology. The municipality of Riachão do Poço, located in the state of Paraíba, with a semi-arid tropical climate, is rich in agricultural practices. The objective of the Technical Course in Agriculture at the school seeks to promote a comprehensive and contextualized education. The workshop aimed to integrate knowledge from the disciplines of plant health, agricultural soils, horticulture, olericulture and bioresource technology, providing students with practical and meaningful experiences for their training. The methodology used included holding an interactive workshop, where students could apply theories in a practical environment, encouraging collaboration and active learning. At the end, students also had a class on media content management, disseminating the work carried out in the workshop. The results demonstrated an increase in student motivation, resulting in greater learning, obtaining higher grades than at the beginning of the subjects, in addition to a greater awareness of sustainability and agroecological practices. The project not only enriched the students' education, but also strengthened the school community, demonstrating the success of the interdisciplinary approach in technical education. The experience reaffirms the importance of pedagogical innovations in the training of critical professionals prepared for the challenges of the agricultural sector, especially in the areas of bioresource technology.

The societal burden associated with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a cross-sectional burden-of-disease study.

In the general population the prevalence of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is 2-3%. There is growing awareness of how AIS affects the quality of life of patients. However, the extent of the societal burden AIS poses remains poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the societal burden of AIS. A cross-sectional burden of disease study was conducted using a bottom-up, prevalence-based approach. Patients with AIS or guardians of a child diagnosed with AIS residing in the Netherlands were eligible for inclusion. The survey was distributed between June - December 2022 and was completed once by each participant. Costs were assessed using the institute for Medical Technology Assessment - Medical Consumption and Productivity Cost Questionnaires. The health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed using the EuroQol 5D-5L/EuroQol 5D Youth and the Scoliosis Research Society-22 revised questionnaires. Costs and HRQoL were identified, measured, and valued. Participants (n = 229) were predominantly female (92%), on average 35 years old, and were employed (65%). The societal cost for a patient with AIS in the Netherlands was €12,275 per year. The largest costs were estimated for the healthcare and productivity losses. The mean utility score for adults was 0.7 (SD 0.20). Severe pain was experienced by 10% of the adult participants and 44% reported to experience moderate pain/discomfort. Statistically significant differences between different age groups were present for the sector costs and HRQoL. AIS negatively impacts societal costs and the HRQoL. Reducing the burden that is posed on the productivity sector by AIS and further improving the HRQoL for AIS patients is needed.

Building Mutually Beneficial Collaborations Between Digital Navigators, Mental Health Professionals, and Clients: Naturalistic Observational Case Study.

Despite the efficacy of digital mental health technologies (DMHTs) in clinical trials, low uptake and poor engagement are common in real-world settings. Accordingly, digital technology experts or "digital navigators" are increasingly being used to enhance engagement and shared decision-making between health professionals and clients. However, this area is relatively underexplored and there is a lack of data from naturalistic settings. In this paper, we report observational findings from the implementation of a digital navigator in a multidisciplinary mental health clinic in Sydney, Australia. The digital navigator supported clients and health professionals to use a measurement-based DMHT (the Innowell platform) for improved multidimensional outcome assessment and to guide personalized decision-making. Observational data are reported from implementation logs, platform usage statistics, and response rates to digital navigator emails and phone calls. Ultimately, support from the digital navigator led to improved data collection and clearer communications about goals for using the DMHT to track client outcomes; however, this required strong partnerships between health professionals, the digital navigator, and clients. The digital navigator helped to facilitate the integration of DMHT into care, rather than providing a stand-alone service. Thus, collaborations between health professionals and digital navigators are mutually beneficial and empower clients to be more engaged in their own care.

The adaptation of a single institution diabetes care platform into a nationally available turnkey solution.

Digital decision support and remote patient monitoring may improve outcomes and efficiency, but rarely scale beyond a single institution. Over the last 5 years, the platform Timely Interventions for Diabetes Excellence (TIDE) has been associated with reduced care provider screen time and improved, equitable type 1 diabetes care and outcomes for 268 patients in a heterogeneous population as part of the Teamwork, Targets, Technology, and Tight Control (4T) Study (NCT03968055, NCT04336969). Previous efforts to deploy TIDE at other institutions continue to face delays. In partnership with the diabetes technology non-profit, Tidepool, we developed Tidepool-TIDE, a clinic-agnostic, turnkey solution available to any clinic in the United States. We present how we overcame common technical and operational barriers specific to scaling digital health technology from one site to many. The concepts described are broadly applicable for institutions interested in facilitating broader adoption of digital technology for population-level management of chronic health conditions.

NOVEL DEVICE FOR ENHANCING TUBERCULOSIS DIAGNOSIS FOR FASTER, MORE ACCURATE SCREENING RESULTS

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a leading global cause of illness and death, highlighting an urgent need for rapid, precise diagnostic solutions. Conventional methods, such as chest X-rays and sputum smear microscopy, often lack adequate sensitivity and specificity, resulting in treatment delays and increased transmission. This research introduces a novel device leveraging deep learning to enhance TB diagnosis, utilizing a convolutional neural network (CNN) model designed to automatically detect TB-related abnormalities in chest X-ray images. The device, powered by a large annotated dataset, incorporates transfer learning to fine-tune pre-trained models, maximizing diagnostic performance. Key evaluation metrics—accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score—demonstrate the model’s efficacy compared to traditional diagnostics. Preliminary findings show that the AI-driven approach significantly enhances diagnostic accuracy, reducing false negatives and facilitating faster screenings. These results suggest that embedding AI technology in clinical workflows can enable earlier TB detection, optimize healthcare resources, and improve patient outcomes. Future directions include testing the device across diverse clinical environments and exploring integration with mobile health technologies to broaden access to rapid TB diagnostics.

Hymenoptera and biomimetic surfaces: insights and innovations

The extraordinary adaptations that Hymenoptera (sawflies, wasps, ants, and bees) exhibit on their body surfaces has long intrigued biologists. These adaptations, which enabled the immense success of these insects in a wide range of environments and habitats, include an amazing array of specialized structures facilitating attachment, penetration of substrates, production of sound, perception of volatiles, and delivery of venoms, among others. These morphological features offer valuable insights for biomimetic and bioinspired technological advancements. Here, we explore the biomimetic potential of hymenopteran body surfaces. We highlight recent advancements and outline potential strategic pathways, evaluating their current functions and applications while suggesting promising avenues for further investigations. By studying these fascinating and biologically diverse insects, researchers could develop innovative materials and devices that replicate the efficiency and functionality of insect body structures, driving progress in medical technology, robotics, environmental monitoring, and beyond.

ADVANCES IN LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY

Laparoscopic surgery has established itself as an innovative and effective approach to treating acute abdominal diseases, revolutionizing traditional surgical practices. With the advancement of medical technologies and the growing demand for less invasive procedures, laparoscopy offers significant advantages, such as reduced postoperative pain, shorter recovery time and lower complication rates. This paper explores recent advances in the laparoscopic technique, highlighting its role in the future of minimally invasive surgery. This paper sets out to explore the main advances in laparoscopic surgery, its applications in the treatment of acute abdominal diseases and the future prospects of this minimally invasive approach, discussing how these developments can positively impact surgical practice and the patient experience. This is a literature review with a qualitative approach, using the PubMed, Google Scholar and Scielo databases. To refine the search, the health descriptors “laparoscopic surgery”, “minimally invasive surgery”, “surgical training”, and “inequalities in surgical access” were applied, with a time frame between 2020 and 2022. The methodology adopted for this analysis involves a comprehensive literature review of recent scientific articles, systematic reviews and clinical guidelines. The study examines innovations such as the use of robotics, advanced surgical instruments and improved visualization techniques, which have broadened the indications for laparoscopic surgery. In addition, the research highlights the importance of continuing education for surgeons, emphasizing the need for specific skills to successfully perform laparoscopic procedures. The data shows that laparoscopy not only improves clinical outcomes, but also promotes a more comfortable surgical experience for patients. Therefore, advances in laparoscopic surgery represent a significant milestone in the approach to acute abdominal diseases, establishing a promising future for minimally invasive surgery. The integration of new technologies and techniques, together with the proper training of professionals, is crucial to maximizing the benefits of this approach. Laparoscopy not only transforms surgical treatment, but also redefines patients’ expectations regarding recovery and quality of life. Continued development in this field promises not only better clinical results, but also a positive impact on the efficiency of health services.

Influence of Sultan Abdurrahman School of Health Technology Gwadabawa (SASHTG) on Girl–Child Education and Women Empowerment (Employment) in Gwadabawa, Sokoto State, Nigeria

This study is to determine the positive influence of Sultan School of Health technology Gwadabawa, Sokoto, Nigeria on girl-child education and empowerment using a survey of 300 questionnaires drawn. The major The positive influence of SASHT on girl-child education as submitted by the respondents in order of frequency are: Giving opportunity to the girls/ women to obtain higher education (20.0%), Improvement in mother and child health, reduction in mortalities; by producing female health workers almost in every area or home in Gwadabawa (13.3%), Helps in providing employment to girls/ women (12.7%),Empowering girls/women when they are educated/ employed (10.0%), Better practice of personal/ environmental hygiene (10.0%),Influence girls/ women to be civilized (10.0%),Private practice (10.0%), and the least was Reduction of women scarcity at places of work (5.0%). The table 3 shows the challenges faced by girls/ women when studying at SASHT Gwadabawa in the order of descending score/percentage: Financial burden (50.0%), Requires high IQ (16.7%), Early marriage (16.7%), and Poor lower education (16.7%). The possible solutions to the challenges faced by girls/ women in studying health courses at SASHT were listed. The highest submitted option was giving scholarship to the girls/women (50.0%), creating awareness on the benefits of higher education (33.3%), and reduction of early marriage (16.7%). Indeed, the school is positively impacting on the girl-child education of Gwadabawa and the region (results of x2 show that there is significant difference at p<.05. Improvement in mother and child health, women empowerment, and opportunities for women/ girls to get employment are needed.

Recovery environments in places of daily living: a scoping review and conceptual analysis

BackgroundOwing to advances in medical technology and the promotion of at-home medical care, patients are more frequently being treated in their places of daily living after discharge from acute care hospitals. As medical care and lifestyle are closely linked, the quality of life of the patient and their families therefore depends on the adequate preparation of the recovery environment. Hence, modifying this environment to ensure that the patient’s lifestyle and medical care are complementary is often vital. This study aimed to clarify the concept of recovery environments in places of daily living.MethodsThe literature search and selection of articles were based on a scoping review conducted in Scopus and PubMed, while data extraction and analysis were based on conceptual analysis. Thirty-two articles met the inclusion criteria.ResultsOur analysis of these articles allowed us to classify four types of recovery environments in places of daily living: physical environments appropriate to the health status of the recovering patient, collaborative environments in which intra-family roles are empowered, community environments in which recovering patients are accepted, and service environments in which the required services can be accessed. We also noted the main roles of medical professionals for building relationships with patients: providing decision-making support in places of daily living, creating an environment that empowers patients and their families, and modifying the service environment.ConclusionsFor patients, the main aims of recovery environments in places of daily living are to make them physically comfortable, maintain their identity, and improve their quality of life. Although this study is only a first step towards conceptualizing recovery environments in places of daily living and the final results are tentative, we are nonetheless confident that it will be important for advancing the field of home healthcare research.

Health Technology Assessment for digital health technologies in India: A framework for action.

Health Technology Assessment for digital health technologies in India: A framework for action.

Biomedical Engineering and Measurement Technology

Abstract The intersection of biomedical engineering and measurement technology has transformed the medical landscape, offering innovative solutions for diagnostics, treatment, and patient monitoring. Biomedical engineering encompasses a broad spectrum of applications, from molecular biology and tissue engineering to medical robotics and wearable technologies. Measurement technology, meanwhile, enables precise and real-time data collection through advanced sensing techniques, ensuring that these biomedical systems operate at optimal efficiency. In recent years, significant advancements in medical sensors, imaging technologies, and artificial intelligence have paved the way for improved accuracy and performance in medical diagnostics and treatment. This special issue focuses on the latest developments in these fields, showcasing groundbreaking research that enhances our understanding of physiological phenomena and revolutionizes medical measurement applications. Submissions for this topic in Measurement Science and Technology are open for submission from 03 November 2022 to 31 July 2023 and contains 21 outstanding papers in above research fields.

Who Veridicts Health? Health Professional Discourses on Performance and Image-Enhancing Drugs (PIEDs), Health, and Masculinity

This article explores the ways in which Australian health professionals performatively constitute the relationships between performance and image-enhancing drugs (PIEDs), health, and masculinity. It draws on the work of Judith Butler, John Law and Bruno Latour to argue that interviews with health professionals stabilize PIEDs, somewhat paradoxically, as inherently dangerous substances that distort and damage “natural” bodies, and as important medical technologies that can reverse this damage when administered “legitimately.” On the basis of interviews with 20 Australian health professionals who, in the course of their work, encounter men who consume PIEDs, we identify some of the mechanisms through which PIED consumers are excluded from health services, and are sometimes enacted as difficult and deceitful. Rather than taking these as reflecting pre-existing truths about PIED consumers, we show how, when framed within the assumed authority of medical expertise, discourses of “the natural,” health and masculinity produce these realities. Through these entanglements, masculinity is performed as natural to the body, and self-guided, experimental and illicit consumption of drugs constitutes the consumer, his body and his masculinity as unnatural, deceptive, and inauthentic. We conclude by arguing that treating men who consume PIEDs as potential co-experts, acknowledging the uses of PIEDs, and having open discussions could improve health outcomes for this group. Such a move, we propose, might also intervene in the iterative practices that work to regulate so-called “real” and “authentic” masculinities to create more expansive possibilities for men.

Deploying a user-friendly GIS mapping tool in post-earthquake Turkey and Syria

Background The February 2023 earthquakes in Turkey and Syria exposed significant gaps in healthcare information systems, which severely hampered communication, coordination, and the overall public health response. These disruptions were primarily due to the lack of real-time, accessible data on healthcare facilities. Methods In response, an interactive Geographic Information System (GIS) tool, coupled with an integrated WhatsApp chatbot, was developed under the platform Afetsaglikharitasi.org. This system enabled real-time mapping and updates on the status of healthcare services, even in areas with limited internet connectivity, facilitating more efficient resource coordination during the disaster response. Results By March 30, 2023, the disaster health map included data from 537 health centers and had reached over 800,000 individuals via social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. The platform attracted over 3,500 unique users, with most accessing it via mobile devices to locate healthcare services. Additionally, shortcomings in the Turkey National Disaster Response Plan (Türkiye Afet Müdahale Planı – TAMP) were identified, particularly the lack of integration of digital health technologies, which hindered resource allocation during the earthquake response and underscored the need for their inclusion in disaster management strategies. Conclusions This study demonstrates the effectiveness of digital health tools in enhancing disaster response and underscores the importance of integrating user-centered, deployable technologies to improve healthcare delivery in emergency settings.

Patient experiences of treatment-resistant depression (TRD): A systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) occurs when depressive symptoms persist after a patient has tried at least two antidepressants at an appropriate dose for an adequate length of time, as judged by their clinician. Understanding what it is like to live with and seek care for TRD can inform treatment planning and contribute to health technology assessments for depression-related therapies. Our objective was to systematically review this evidence through an investigation of qualitative literature about the experiences of people who have TRD. We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and the Web of Science Core Collection. Publications eligible for inclusion were English-language primary empirical qualitative studies or the qualitative component of mixed methods studies examining adults’ experiences with TRD or with specific treatment options for TRD. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted data, as well as critically appraised included studies using the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) instrument. This review was guided by integrative meta-synthesis. Data analysis consisted of a staged coding process similar to grounded theory. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO prior to the search (record ID: CRD42022356813). Sixteen studies were included from screening 18,568 results. Two studies focused on the overall experience of TRD and 14 explored experiences of specific treatments such as ketamine. Patients described the depressive symptoms they experienced, a sense of futility and desperation to find an effective treatment, and their experiences with new, sometimes experimental, therapies including deriving benefits beyond the clinical. Overall, few studies have examined the patient experience of TRD, reflecting the clinical complexity of this patient population. As most literature coalesced around experiences of specific treatments, greater examination of the overall experience of TRD is needed to inform clinical practice, and administrative and funding policy decisions for interventions that may be effective for this patient population. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022356813.