Peer-reviewed Articles Research Articles

Web-based interventions for fear of cancer recurrence: A scoping review with a focus on suggestions for the development and evaluation of future interventions

Purpose The objective of this scoping review is to provide an overview of the available evidence on the effectiveness of web-based interventions for fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) and a discussion of drawbacks and possible improvements for web-based interventions identified in the reviewed studies. These steps fulfil the aim of this review, which is to offer suggestions for developing future web-based interventions based on the reviewed studies. Methods Five databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS and Web of Science) were searched. Original peer-reviewed articles, written in English, on web-based interventions for FCR were included for review. The data from the included studies was synthesised thematically. Results We included 34 papers reporting on 28 interventions. Most of the studies in the papers were quantitative and mixed quantitative studies with a qualitative element, e.g. an interview post-intervention. Interventions were most commonly trialled with women breast cancer patients. Top three countries where studies were conducted were USA, Australia and the Netherlands. The most common theoretical framework for interventions is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), followed by mindfulness-based and mixed CBT, mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), relaxation approaches. FCR was the primary focus/measure in 19 Studies, in 9 studies FCR was a secondary/related outcome/measure. Overall, the evidence of efficacy of web-based interventions on FCR is mixed. Conclusions The existing research suggests several key points for producing more robust evidence about the effectiveness of web-based interventions for FCR. First, the studies suggest that it is a priority to better define eligibility criteria to proactively include people with higher levels of FCR. Second, there is a need for longer-term follow-up and outcome measuring period. Third, research examining the reasons for dropout from web-based interventions for FCR is critical to improve the effectiveness of web-based interventions. Fourth, while web-based interventions do not involve the costs of transportation, traveling time, space, equipment, cleaning, and other expenses, further cost utility analyses should be performed. Finally, future studies should assess how intervention accessibility, adherence, and effectiveness can be improved across different intervention designs, varying from intensive synchronous individual therapist-assisted web-based programme to blended designs combining the advantages of face-to-face and internet-based elements, to entirely self-managed programmes. Implications for cancer survivors Developing and evaluating more accessible FCR treatments have been identified among top international FCR research priorities (Shaw et al. 2021). While there is some evidence that web-based interventions can be as effective as face-to-face interventions, currently there is a dearth of systematic data about the ways in which the web-based modality specifically can enhance supportive care for FCR. Developing knowledge about effective web-based interventions has implications for cancer survivors as they can be presented with more accessible, low-cost and low-burden options for managing fear of cancer recurrence.

Overcoming barriers and harnessing facilitators in the implementation of interprofessional education in pharmacy: insights and future directions

Abstract Introduction Interprofessional education (IPE) is increasingly recognized as vital for preparing pharmacy students for the collaborative demands of healthcare. Effective integration of IPE into pharmacy curricula not only aligns with educational standards but also equips students with essential skills for collaborative practice. However, the practical challenges and facilitators influencing the success of these initiatives remain underexplored. This systematic review aims to fill this gap by examining the real-world challenges and enablers encountered during the implementation of IPE within pharmacy education, drawing insights from existing literature and case studies. Aim This study seeks to identify key barriers and facilitators in the implementation of IPE among pharmacy educators and to propose strategies that can enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of IPE in pharmacy curricula. Methods This review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021244892) and included peer-reviewed articles published after September 2015 that discuss IPE implementation in pharmacy education. Relevant databases such as MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science were meticulously searched in March 2021. The Kirkpatrick’s Evaluation Model (KEM) was utilized to assess the impact levels of IPE activities, focusing particularly on the qualitative aspects of implementation challenges and facilitators. Data extraction was performed, and the methodological quality of the studies was critically appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). The research was approved by The University of Lincoln Ethics Approval System (LEAS), Research Ethics Committee on 15/02/2021 (Ref: 2021_5301). Results Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria, showcasing a range of outcomes from successful to challenging implementations. The analysis identified several facilitators that contributed to successful IPE, including strong institutional support, active faculty engagement, and alignment of IPE activities with core curricular goals. Effective communication and ongoing professional development were also highlighted as critical. Conversely, significant barriers included logistical constraints, such as scheduling conflicts and resource limitations, resistance from faculty accustomed to traditional teaching methods, and a lack of standardized assessment tools to measure long-term outcomes of IPE initiatives. Discussion/Conclusion The findings underscore the complexity of implementing IPE in pharmacy education, pointing to the need for comprehensive strategies that address both pedagogical and logistical challenges. It is imperative that future IPE initiatives consider these factors to enhance the integration and sustainability of interprofessional collaboration in pharmacy training programs. Understanding the dynamics of implementing IPE within pharmacy curricula is crucial for fostering effective educational practices. This review not only sheds light on the current landscape of IPE implementation but also serves as a foundation for developing actionable strategies to overcome barriers and leverage facilitators. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies and innovative pedagogical models to bridge the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical execution, ensuring that pharmacy education remains responsive to the evolving needs of the healthcare sector. Reference 1. El Nsouli, Dayana, et al. “The application of Kirkpatrick’s evaluation model in the assessment of interprofessional simulation activities involving Pharmacy Students: A Systematic Review.” American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, vol. 87, no. 8, Aug. 2023, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajpe.2023.02.003.

The exemplary PDS partnership award: an overview and review of publications from award recipients

PurposeThe National Association for School-University Partnerships ([NASUP], formerly known as the National Association for Professional Development Schools [NAPDS]), annually awards the Exemplary PDS Partnership Award to partnerships who exemplify many or all of the NAPDS Nine Essentials (NAPDS, 2021). This article provides an overview of the Exemplary PDS Award and provides a review of peer-reviewed journal articles published by recipients of the NASUP/NAPDS Exemplary PDS Partnership Award between 2014 and 2024.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses a basic review of literature.FindingsFindings indicate that most Exemplary PDS Awards between 2014 and 2024 cite the NAPDS Essentials 1 and 4. Essential 1 focuses on PDS partnerships have a comprehensive mission and mutually beneficial partnership that advances teaching, learning, and equity. Essential 4 focuses on innovative practice and reflecting on PDS partnership activities.Originality/valueThis article provides a review of peer-reviewed journal articles published by recipients of the Exemplary PDS Award.

Applications and Concerns of ChatGPT and Other Conversational Large Language Models in Health Care: Systematic Review

Background The launch of ChatGPT (OpenAI) in November 2022 attracted public attention and academic interest to large language models (LLMs), facilitating the emergence of many other innovative LLMs. These LLMs have been applied in various fields, including health care. Numerous studies have since been conducted regarding how to use state-of-the-art LLMs in health-related scenarios. Objective This review aims to summarize applications of and concerns regarding conversational LLMs in health care and provide an agenda for future research in this field. Methods We used PubMed, ACM, and the IEEE digital libraries as primary sources for this review. We followed the guidance of PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) to screen and select peer-reviewed research articles that (1) were related to health care applications and conversational LLMs and (2) were published before September 1, 2023, the date when we started paper collection. We investigated these papers and classified them according to their applications and concerns. Results Our search initially identified 820 papers according to targeted keywords, out of which 65 (7.9%) papers met our criteria and were included in the review. The most popular conversational LLM was ChatGPT (60/65, 92% of papers), followed by Bard (Google LLC; 1/65, 2% of papers), LLaMA (Meta; 1/65, 2% of papers), and other LLMs (6/65, 9% papers). These papers were classified into four categories of applications: (1) summarization, (2) medical knowledge inquiry, (3) prediction (eg, diagnosis, treatment recommendation, and drug synergy), and (4) administration (eg, documentation and information collection), and four categories of concerns: (1) reliability (eg, training data quality, accuracy, interpretability, and consistency in responses), (2) bias, (3) privacy, and (4) public acceptability. There were 49 (75%) papers using LLMs for either summarization or medical knowledge inquiry, or both, and there are 58 (89%) papers expressing concerns about either reliability or bias, or both. We found that conversational LLMs exhibited promising results in summarization and providing general medical knowledge to patients with a relatively high accuracy. However, conversational LLMs such as ChatGPT are not always able to provide reliable answers to complex health-related tasks (eg, diagnosis) that require specialized domain expertise. While bias or privacy issues are often noted as concerns, no experiments in our reviewed papers thoughtfully examined how conversational LLMs lead to these issues in health care research. Conclusions Future studies should focus on improving the reliability of LLM applications in complex health-related tasks, as well as investigating the mechanisms of how LLM applications bring bias and privacy issues. Considering the vast accessibility of LLMs, legal, social, and technical efforts are all needed to address concerns about LLMs to promote, improve, and regularize the application of LLMs in health care.

Community-Based Mental Health Improvement Initiatives: A Narrative Review and Indiana Case Study.

There is a global mental health crisis: mental illness is underrecognized, underdiagnosed, and undertreated with adverse effects on mental, physical, and social health. In the United States, there is an insufficient number of traditional psychiatric and psychological resources to provide the mental health care needed to solve this crisis. Community-based interventions could be an important adjunct to traditional mental health care. An evaluation of peer-reviewed articles was performed describing community-based interventions and identified 3 approaches with some evidence of effectiveness: (1) interventions that enhance community mental health literacy to improve recognition of early signs of mental illness for early engagement and provide community, family, and peer support; (2) community clinics providing social, medical, and mental health care and support to transition-age youth (15-25 years); and (3) social networking activities to enhance interactions among elders suffering from social isolation and loneliness. Multisector, multidisciplinary, and multicomponent interventions involving health care providers and community-based organizations had the best evidence of effectiveness and should target transition-age youth and elders.

Qualitative research in the Academy of Human Resource Development-sponsored journals

Purpose Qualitative paradigmatic perspectives are increasingly recognized as providing in-depth, rich and nuanced interpretations and critiques of complex phenomena. Nonetheless, positivist and post-positivist epistemologies still dominate social science disciplines. The authors were unable to identify published information on the state of qualitative research in human resource development (HRD) despite the numerous theoretical foundations, epistemological stances and global approaches that shape HRD. To fill this gap, this study determined the prevalence of qualitative designs, data collection methods and data analysis techniques that have been used in Academy of Human Resource Development (AHRD)-sponsored journals. This study identified gaps in the use of qualitative research to be explored by HRD scholars to advance research and practice. Design/methodology/approach A descriptive case study approach was used to determine the state of qualitative research in three AHRD-sponsored journals. Findings Qualitative articles have increased in number but still account for a lower percentage of articles when compared with other peer-reviewed articles, including quantitative methodologies and conceptual papers. Most articles lacked grounding in stated ontology and epistemology needed to guide researchers’ investigations, potentially leading to weakened methodological choices, interpretations and authenticity of conclusions. Research limitations/implications To provide in-depth understanding of HRD-related phenomena, all important elements of qualitative articles should be addressed to strengthen the credibility and authenticity of the research process. Qualitative theorists and researchers can build on and embrace the soundness of qualitative research and theories in HRD. Expanding on the credibility and authenticity of rigorously conducted qualitative research will help to broaden the perspectives of researchers who may be hesitant to explore this methodology of inquiry. This will strengthen methodological sophistication and expand the knowledge base of qualitative research. Practical implications HRD professors/instructors will find this study to be a useful guide for graduate students who are exploring and using qualitative inquiry for their research and for understanding others’ research. Practitioners will also find it useful to understand HRD research to determine possible interventions in their workplaces. Originality/value This study identifies trends and patterns of epistemologies and methods used in HRD qualitative articles and provides a foundation on which to build future studies and establish unexplored, unconventional qualitative methodologies and methods.

A scoping review of the literature on computational thinking in education in the Arab world

This study aims to identify the nature and the extent of recent research studies on computational thinking in the Arab educational systems. The analyzed studies were gathered from English and Arabic educational sources. The selected publications were peer-reviewed journal articles over the past ten years that dealt with computational thinking in education in the Arab world. The selected studies were analyzed based on language, publication date, educational setting, educational discipline, site, primary purpose, research method, sample, and adopted definition of computational thinking. Twenty-eight research articles were selected for the investigation. The analysis revealed that the majority of the examined research studies were published in the Arabic language after the year 2020 in K-12 educational settings. The majority of the examined studies were conducted in programming and computer science in a few Arab countries. In addition, the majority of the examined studies focused on how to develop students’ computational thinking levels using various interventions. The majority of the studies employed a limited number of participants and used different forms of experimental research designs. The studies adopted different forms of the definition of computational thinking. Based on the findings, recommendations for future studies were presented.

The peri-operative implications of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors: a narrative review.

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors are a novel class of antihyperglycaemic drugs used in the management of type 2 diabetes, that improve glycaemic control, cardiovascular outcomes and promote weight loss. They are also approved for the treatment of heart failure and chronic kidney disease in patients with or without diabetes. This narrative review discusses the peri-operative effects and implications of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors and gives an overview of current evidence and existing peri-operative guidelines. We conducted a literature review to identify peer-reviewed English language articles published since 2000, with further articles identified by reviewing the references of key papers. Peri-operative sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor use carries a risk of euglycaemic ketoacidosis. Although clinically significant diabetic ketoacidosis remains a rare event, sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors inhibitor-associated diabetic ketoacidosis has been observed across almost all surgical specialities. Ketoacidosis may present with any blood glucose level. Existing guidelines are inconsistent and may be a source of clinical confusion. Based on the half-life of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, we recommend withholding treatment for 72 h before elective surgery (5 half-lives), with additional multidisciplinary input for specific procedures with dietary alterations and in patients with poorly controlled diabetes of cardiac/renal disease. In the event of emergency surgery or any surgery within 72 h of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor administration, we recommend pre-, intra- and postoperative blood ketone monitoring (6 hourly for 24 h post-surgery and until full oral diet is resumed). Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor treatment should only be resumed after resumption of full oral diet in the absence of ketosis.

Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Cardiac Arrhythmias

A narrative review was performed, analyzing peer-reviewed articles from databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science to examine the mechanistic links between sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), and cardiac arrhythmias, emphasizing intermittent hypoxia, autonomic imbalance, and intrathoracic pressure swings as key pathways. Studies, including the DREAM and CESAAR trials, consistently demonstrate that SDB patients face elevated risks: more than doubling the likelihood of overall arrhythmias (OR 2.24; 95% CI 1.48–3.39), quadrupling the risk of AF (OR 4.02; 95% CI 1.03–15.74), and tripling the risk of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) with higher apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) values. Additionally, SDB doubles the risk of bradyarrhythmia, such as sinus pause, second and third-degree atrioventricular block, and intraventricular conduction delay (OR 2.50; 95% CI 1.58–3.95). According to meta-analytical findings, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is a pivotal intervention, significantly reducing AF recurrence by 42% and lowering VA incidence by 58%. Moreover, CPAP therapy diminishes sinus bradycardia and occurrences of sinus pause and may reduce the necessity for pacemaker implantation. Recognizing SDB as a modifiable risk factor for cardiac arrhythmias highlights the importance of early diagnosis and effective management, primarily through CPAP therapy, to improve cardiovascular outcomes.

Challenges of workforce diversity uptake in the construction industry: a mixed review approach

PurposeWorkforce diversity is essential for success from the perspectives of economic development and intellectual property. However, the construction industry is losing out on these gains due to the low diversity among them. The study aims to identify challenges impeding workforce diversity in construction literature through a mixed review approach.Design/methodology/approachThe study desk reviewed 188 relevant construction peer-reviewed articles and conference papers with no restrictions on the time range. The study adopted the mixed methodology review approach through bibliometric and systematic content analyses.FindingsThe study identified 67 challenges and further classified them into 4 broad categories. These were industry-related, organisational-, personal or attitudinal- and health-related challenges. Organisational challenges were the most prevalent challenges of diversity uptake in the construction industry. The publications' most influential sources, countries/regions and annual trends were also discussed.Practical implicationsClassifying the challenges hindering diversity contributes to the existing knowledge base. The framework's interrelationships among categorised barriers will enable construction professionals to make informed decisions in promoting diversity in the industry.Originality/valueThis study has a broad geographical reach, allowing the findings to be widely applicable to the diverse practice of the worldwide construction sector.

Beyond boundaries: exploring a generative artificial intelligence assignment in graduate, online science courses.

Generative artificial intelligence (GAI) offers increased accessibility and personalized learning, though the potential for inaccuracies, biases, and unethical use is concerning. We present a newly developed research paper assignment that required students to utilize GAI. The assignment was implemented within three online, asynchronous graduate courses for medical laboratory sciences. Student learning was assessed using a rubric, which rated students' effective integration and evaluation of GAI-generated content against peer-reviewed research articles, thus demonstrating their critical thinking and synthesis skills, among other metrics. Overall rubric scores were high, suggesting that learning outcomes were met. After field testing, we administered a 16-item survey about GAI utilization, contribution to learning, and ethical concerns. Data (n = 32) were analyzed, and free-response answers were thematically coded. While 93.8% of respondents found the GAI-generated content to be "very good" or "excellent," 28.1% found inaccuracies, and 68.8% "strongly agreed" or "agreed" that GAI should be allowed to be used as a tool to complete academic assignments. Interestingly, however, only 28.1% "strongly agreed" or "agreed" that GAI may be used for assignments if not explicitly authorized by the instructor. Though GAI allowed for more efficient completion of the project and better understanding of the topic, students noted concerns about academic integrity and the lack of citations in GAI responses. The assignment can easily be modified for different learning preferences and course environments. Raising awareness among students and faculty about the ethical use and limitations of GAI is crucial in today's evolving pedagogical landscape.

AI AND MACHINE LEARNING IN BUSINESS PROCESS AUTOMATION: INNOVATING WAYS AI CAN ENHANCE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCIES OR CUSTOMER EXPERIENCES IN U.S. ENTERPRISES

This study presents a comprehensive review of the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in enhancing business processes across various industries. By examining a total of 75 peer-reviewed articles, the review highlights key areas where AI and ML have demonstrated significant impact, including operational efficiency, customer engagement, and strategic decision-making. Findings indicate that AI-driven process optimizations, particularly through predictive maintenance and resource management, have led to substantial cost savings and improved productivity by minimizing downtime and enhancing workflow efficiencies. Additionally, AI’s ability to support personalized customer experiences—through recommendation systems, dynamic pricing, and chatbots—has proven instrumental in driving customer satisfaction, retention, and engagement, making it a critical tool in customer relationship management. Furthermore, the strategic adoption of AI and ML has enabled data-driven decision-making, allowing companies to respond more effectively to market changes and forecast business outcomes with greater accuracy. The study also explores the transition from Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to AI as a foundational step, illustrating how RPA provides a structured entry point for advanced AI applications, creating an automation-ready environment. However, challenges such as technical limitations, ethical concerns, and organizational resistance persist, underscoring the need for careful implementation strategies. Addressing these challenges will be vital for organizations aiming to maximize the benefits of AI-driven automation in an increasingly competitive digital landscape. This review underscores the significant potential of AI and ML in reshaping business models and emphasizes the importance of ongoing research and development in these fields to support sustainable and scalable innovations.

Indigenous evaluation

Background: Indigenous evaluation incorporates Indigenous ways of knowing and draws upon cultural paradigms (Indigenous Evaluation Toolkit, 2022). Indigenous evaluation literature is limited in both quantity and quality outcomes resulting in a lack of clarity. This scoping review was conducted to identify guiding principles, Indigenous evaluation methodologies, and explore key concepts and gaps within the literature. Methods: This scoping review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist and Arskey and O’Malley’s Scoping Review Framework. It included peer-reviewed articles and grey literature. Articles were identified through electronic database searching and reference lists using keywords. This review only included data written in English, available in full text, included keywords and identified the author and title of the publication. Articles that were not specific to Indigenous peoples or outlined Indigenous methodologies that were not related to evaluation were excluded. Results: Out of 348 articles, 94 met the inclusion criteria for this review. The literature revealed 13 guiding principles (collaboration, respect, relationships, self-determination, flexibility, trust, truth, reciprocity, power, time, sovereignty, responsibility/accountability, and relevance) and 15 Indigenous evaluation methodologies (culturally responsive, community-based, participatory, storytelling, empowerment, decolonizing, strength-based, self-reflection/location, mixed methods, talking circles, tribal critical theory, two-eyed seeing, the 4 R’s, trauma-informed approach, and ethical space). Conclusion: Key findings in this review demonstrate the need for further development of a culturally responsive Indigenous evaluation approach and for future research to outline how to put Indigenous evaluation methodologies and guiding principles into practice. Filling this gap will make a significant contribution to the field of evaluation research for Indigenous peoples, communities, and evaluators.

(Re)conceptualising Good Care in Hospital Settings From the Perspectives of Older Persons: A Concept Analysis Using Pragmatic Utility.

To understand good care from the perspective of hospitalised older persons. Older persons are the largest group of hospital users, and numbers will increase in the next decades. Hospital organisations are attempting to transform traditional care models to meet the specialised needs of hospitalised older persons. To achieve this, healthcare providers including nurses and administrators need to understand the perspectives of hospitalised older persons on what constitutes good care. This knowledge is critical to nursing to ensure that care aligns with the perceived needs of hospitalised older persons. However, good care from the viewpoints of hospitalised older persons remains ambiguous and poorly delineated in the literature. We conducted a concept analysis using the pragmatic utility method. To identify peer-reviewed articles, we searched CINAHL, MedLine, PsycINFO, Scopus and Embase databases for related literature using the keywords and related terms to 'good care', 'hospital or acute care' and 'older persons'. Twenty-two peer-reviewed articles out of 2144 search results were included. The heterogeneity of older persons' perspectives and limitations in the literature on good care led to a tentative understanding. Good care, a partially mature concept, is the provision of person-centred, culturally sensitive, holistic and integrated care that fosters autonomy, control and participation, resulting in a sense of belonging, smooth transitions, optimal management of clinical conditions, satisfaction in care and informed older persons and family caregivers. Older persons are a heterogeneous group with diverse perceptions of good care. Instead of seeking a common understanding of good care, efforts should be focused on identifying individual preferences, values and goals of hospitalised older persons. The components of good care are important for many hospitalised older persons and can serve as a starting point for improvements in practice settings. However, this understanding is tentative and may overlook critical aspects of care at an individual level. Hospital organisations, healthcare providers and nurses should be cognizant of this limitation and cultivate adaptability for an individualised approach to care.

Use of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Risk Prediction Model Development to Support Cancer Care Delivery: A Scoping Review.

The integration of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) into electronic health records (EHRs) has enabled systematic collection of symptom data to manage post-treatment symptoms. The use and integration of PRO data into routine care are associated with overall treatment success, adherence, and satisfaction. Clinical trials have demonstrated the prognostic value of PROs including physical function and global health status in predicting survival. It is unknown to what extent routinely collected PRO data are used in the development of risk prediction models (RPMs) in oncology care. The objective of the scoping review is to assess how PROs are used to train risk RPMs to predict patient outcomes in oncology care. Using the scoping review methodology outlined in the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis, we searched four databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, and Web of Science) to locate peer-reviewed oncology articles that used PROs as predictors to train models. Study characteristics including settings, clinical outcomes, and model training, testing, validation, and performance data were extracted for analyses. Of the 1,254 studies identified, 18 met inclusion criteria. Most studies performed retrospective analyses of prospectively collected PRO data to build prediction models. Post-treatment survival was the most common outcome predicted. Discriminative performance of models trained using PROs was better than models trained without PROs. Most studies did not report model calibration. Systematic collection of PROs in routine practice provides an opportunity to use patient-reported data to develop RPMs. Model performance improves when PROs are used in combination with other comprehensive data sources.

Fathers' impact on outcomes in the treatment of eating disorders: A scoping review.

Male caregivers' participation in eating disorder (ED) treatment for their affected children is less consistent than female caregivers', with unclear effects. To clarify the impact, this scoping review examined literature on male caregiver involvement in ED treatment, focusing on its impact on fathers, treatment processes, and their affected children. A search encompassing English and French peer-reviewed articles from 1990 to 2022 was conducted. Studies distinguishing between mothers and fathers, addressing Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or International Classification of Diseases ED diagnoses, and involving active interventions were included. From 1651 initially identified articles, 251 were retained after abstract and title review, and 45 metall criteria. Documented outcomes indicated fathers' engagement in ED treatment improved their well-being and family functioning, but these gains were not consistently tied to treatment outcomes. Father attendance, improved caregiving skills, and their expectations of treatment correlated with better outcomes for their affected child. Father involvement in ED treatment remains under-explored. This review emphasises fathers' positive impact while highlighting the need to better understand the link with overall patient outcomes. We call for proactive exploration of how to surmount barriers to fathers' involvement and ensure that paternal contributions are optimised in ED treatment alongside those of female caregivers.

Scoping review of countries’ practices missed by health emergency preparedness and response quantitative tools: COVID-19 and Ebola response experiences

IntroductionAfter the COVID-19 pandemic and previous disease outbreaks, it is critical to continuously examine the preparedness measurement tools and level of country preparedness for future health emergencies. Existing preparedness quantitative...

Reconsidering the City of New York Directive on Mental Health Involuntary Removals

Abstract Background Homelessness is a visible manifestation of large-scale societal challenges, such as lack of affordable housing, poverty, and health inequities. Governments may miss opportunities to address these structural problems by removing people experiencing homelessness from public spaces. On 29 November 2022, after a press conference by Mayor Eric Adams, the city of New York issued a directive entitled Mental Health Involuntary Removals. The program authorized mental health providers and NYPD officers to take any person into custody who appears mentally ill and displays inability to meet basic living needs, even when no dangerous act has been observed. Methods We reviewed the existing literature from 1973 to 2023 for studies, enacted legislation, state and federal policies, and interventions related to homelessness, mental health, and admission of people experiencing homelessness into psychiatric hospitals in the United States. We used academic databases, including PubMed, PsycInfo, and JSTOR for peer-reviewed articles, government reports, and policy analyses. Our search strategy included keyword combinations such as “homelessness and mental health,” “policy interventions for homeless populations,” and “health care services costs.” We applied inclusion criteria focusing on reports and articles that directly address the intersectionality of homelessness, mental health policy, and psychiatric care. Results Homelessness and mental illness frequently intersect, creating complex challenges that require nuanced solutions. Forced hospitalization of people experiencing homelessness in New York City, while intended to address critical social and health care issues, carries a risk for significant long-term harm. This approach places strain on the mental health care system and may ultimately exacerbate the problems it purports to resolve.

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy with Instillation for Periprosthetic Infection after Breast Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

Periprosthetic infection after breast reconstruction is not uncommon and can result in loss of the implant pocket and negative patient outcomes. Management of these infections typically involves removal of the prosthesis, treatment with antibiotics, and delayed reconstruction upon infection resolution. The impact of adjunctive use of negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwell (NPWTi-d) on breast pocket salvage rates, time to implant reinsertion, and related outcomes was examined. A systematic literature search using PubMed, Cochrane, OVID, Scopus, and Embase was conducted to identify peer-reviewed articles written in English and published between January 2004 and April 2023 that examined NPWTi-d use in the breast pocket with a history of periprosthetic infection after breast reconstruction. Of the 1703 publications, 6 studies met inclusion criteria, representing 115 patients and 122 breasts. The overall breast pocket salvage rate with NPWTi-d across studies was approximately 92%. In the 6 studies that included prosthesis type and radiation history, overall salvage rates were 97.8% (45 of 46) for pockets containing implants and 93.8% (15 of 16) for pockets containing tissue expanders. Salvage rates were 85.7% (12 of 14) and 91.7% (53 of 58) for irradiated and nonirradiated breasts, respectively. Mean time to implant reinsertion ranged from 2.3 to 10.3 days. In this review, antibiotic therapy along with adjunctive use of NPWTi-d for periprosthetic infections after breast reconstructions was associated with high rates of breast pocket salvage and reduced time to implant reinsertion. Larger prospective and randomized trials are needed to better understand and optimize the effectiveness of NPWTi-d in this population.

The Role of Animal Assisted Therapy in the Rehabilitation of Mental Health Disorders: A Systematic Literature Review

Mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and schizophrenia significantly reduce the daily functioning and quality of life of individuals. Traditional treatments often fall short, thus opening interest in complementary therapies like animal assisted therapy (AAT) which encourages the human-animal bond and gives emotional and psychological support. This review evaluated the efficacy of AAT in treating mental health disorders, and understanding its mechanisms and benefits. A comprehensive literature review was conducted (using databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate) focused on peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews and meta-analyses published in the last 2 decades. Studies indicated that AAT improved mental health outcomes for people with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and schizophrenia. Interaction with therapy animals reduced cortisol levels, increased oxytocin, lowered blood pressure, and increased social engagement and emotional regulation. Benefits included reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and improved social functioning and quality of life. AAT offered a complementary treatment for mental health disorders, providing emotional comfort, improving mood, and serving as a nonpharmacological option for individuals. However, challenges such as individual preferences, allergies, ethical concerns for therapy animals, and logistical issues must be addressed. Future research should focus on the long-term effects and mechanisms involved to optimize the application of AAT in the clinical setting, and alternatives like robotic companion pets could also be explored.