Qualitative Review Research Articles

A Comparative Tale of Peer-to-Peer, Client-to-Peer and Hybrid Networks in Federated Social Networking Sites in Educational Institutions

Due to increase in use of social networking sites(SNSs) in educational institutions, it has become common for institutions to adopt SNSs in academic institutions. Federated social networking sites(FSNSs) are powerful decentralisation platforms for educational activities. Qualitative scientific thorough review of relevant literature from multiple databases and qualitative survey from experts for Hybrid FSNS validation purposes. Peer-to-peer, client-to-server and hybrid networks present an excellent way of decentralising SNSs, however institution may need to scrutinise underlying functional and non-functional capabilities of each network architecture in order to come up with best platform for their institutions. Contemporary education need eLearning models that addresses critical needs for more effective and scalable educational solutions that can leverage benefits of SNSs while overcoming their limitations. Stakeholders should be able to make an informed decision as to which network to employ in their FSNSs, so that they can benefit from platforms’ specific educational opportunities.

The genetic association between bipolar disorder and dementia: a qualitative review.

Bipolar disorder is a chronic disorder characterized by fluctuations in mood state and energy and recurrent episodes of mania/hypomania and depression. Bipolar disorder may be regarded as a neuro-progressive disorder in which repeated mood episodes may lead to cognitive decline and dementia development. In the current review, we employed genome-wide association studies to comprehensively investigate the genetic variants associated with bipolar disorder and dementia. Thirty-nine published manuscripts were identified: 20 on bipolar disorder and 19 on dementia. The results showed that the genes CACNA1C, GABBR2, SCN2A, CTSH, MSRA, and SH3PXD2A were overlapping between patients with bipolar disorder and dementia. In conclusion, the genes CACNA1C, GABBR2, SCN2A, CTSH, MSRA, and SH3PXD2A may be associated with the neuro-progression of bipolar disorder to dementia. Further genetic studies are needed to comprehensively clarify the role of genes in cognitive decline and the development of dementia in patients with bipolar disorder.

Progress in Remote Sensing and GIS-Based FDI Research Based on Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis

Foreign direct investment (FDI) by transnational companies (TNCs) is the primary indicator of urban globalization. The initial publication on the topic of remote sensing and geographic information system-based urban globalization research was published in 1981. However, the number of publications on this topic remains relatively limited. Despite some advances in the field in recent decades, there is currently no comprehensive review of related research, and it is not clear how the different perspectives and views have been developed. Furthermore, previous literature reviews on the utilization of remote sensing and GIS technology in urban development have predominantly employed quantitative methodologies, which has resulted in a paucity of qualitative analysis. In order to address these shortcomings, this paper employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative and qualitative analyses. This entails the utilization of a combination of the scientometric method and a qualitative literature review method. The findings are as follows: (1) The number of publications is still relatively limited, and research in this area is still in its infancy. (2) Some of the articles are evidently interdisciplinary in nature. (3) Progress has been made in terms of geographic visualization of FDI, macro-environmental research at different scales, global value chains, the micro-geography of TNCs, and globalization of the geo-information industry. (4) The spatial and temporal development pattern, location, and accessibility of FDI have constituted a significant area of research interest in the past. Similarly, the relationships between FDI and regional development, urban growth, land use, and environmental change have emerged as prominent research directions. China’s Belt and Road Initiative is an emerging popular topic. (5) In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the number of papers employing multi-source data and multi-method approaches. (6) The extent of research collaborations between countries is relatively limited, with the majority of such collaborations occurring within the past five years. Finally, based on these research findings, this paper suggests future research directions.

Interventions for great saphenous vein insufficiency: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Great saphenous vein insufficiency (GSVI) adversely affects the quality of life of affected individuals. Minimally invasive endo-venous ablation techniques have emerged as effective and safe treatments, despite the longstanding use of surgical interventions. We aim in our study to evaluate all the available interventions in the literature, either endo-venous or conventional approaches for the treatment of GSVI. A thorough search was performed across four electronic databases to identify relevant studies. A frequentist network meta-analysis (NWM) was executed on the combined data to derive network estimates pertaining to the outcomes of concern. Risk ratios (RRs) were employed as the effect size metric for binary outcomes, while mean differences (MDs) were utilized for continuous outcomes, each reported with a 95% confidence interval. The qualitative review was conducted employing the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool 1. Our NWM included 75 studies encompassing 12,196 patients. Regarding technical success rate within the first 5years after treatment, Endo-venous Laser Ablation (EVLA) with High Ligation and Stripping (HL/S), EVLA alone, Cyanoacrylate Adhesive Injection, cryostripping, HL/S and Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) were significantly better than Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy and F-care. Also, invagination stripping was inferior to all interventions. Conservative Hemodynamic Cure for Venous Insufficiency and Varicose Veins (CHIVA) demonstrated a significantly lower recurrence rate with a RR of 0.35 [0.15; 0.79] compared to RFA, but RFA was more effective in recurrence prevention than HL/S and Mechanochemical Ablation (MOCA), with a RR of 0.63 [0.41; 0.97] and 0.18 [0.03; 0.95], respectively. Endo-venous Steam Ablation (EVSA) emerged as the most effective in reducing post-intervention pain, showing a MD of -2.73 [-3.72; -1.74] compared to HL/S. In Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire outcome, our analysis favored MOCA over most studied interventions, with an MD of -6.88 [-12.43; -1.32] compared to HL/S. Safety outcomes did not significantly differ among interventions. Our findings revealed significant variations in the technical success rates, recurrence rates, and post-intervention pain levels among different interventions. CHIVA exhibited enhanced performance in terms of lower recurrence rates, while EVSA emerged as a promising choice for mitigating post-intervention pain. Additionally, our analysis underscored the significance of patient-reported outcomes, with MOCA consistently yielding favorable results in terms of enhancing quality of life and expediting the return to regular activities.

Measuring Discharge Readiness: Psychometric Evaluation of Instruments for Patients After Abdominal Surgery.

Background and Purpose: Discharge readiness is an important aspect of quality care improvement but is poorly understood among clinicians. This study aims to develop and validate an abdominal surgery discharge readiness instrument (ASDRI). Methods: Through quantitative methods, ASDRI was crafted from qualitative exploration, literature review, and theoretical foundation. The psychometric analysis involved 344 patients with abdominal surgery aged 18 years and above using SmartPLS 4.0.9 software version. Results: The validated ASDRI contains both convergent and discriminant validities. The Average Variance Extracted (AVE) values for all the constructs were above the recommended cutoff point (AVE = 0.4) and demonstrated acceptable reliability (CA = 0.64 - 0.936; CR = 0.81 - 0.95). Conclusions: The ASDRI, comprising 28 items across five factors, emerges as a valid and reliable tool for assessing discharge readiness after abdominal surgery, emphasizing patient-centered discharge planning.

Application of artificial intelligence in dental crown prosthesis: a scoping review

BackgroundIn recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has made remarkable advancements and achieved significant accomplishments across the entire field of dentistry. Notably, efforts to apply AI in prosthodontics are continually progressing. This scoping review aims to present the applications and performance of AI in dental crown prostheses and related topics.MethodsWe conducted a literature search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and IEEE Xplore databases from January 2010 to January 2024. The included articles addressed the application of AI in various aspects of dental crown treatment, including fabrication, assessment, and prognosis.ResultsThe initial electronic literature search yielded 393 records, which were reduced to 315 after eliminating duplicate references. The application of inclusion criteria led to analysis of 12 eligible publications in the qualitative review. The AI-based applications included in this review were related to detection of dental crown finish line, evaluation of AI-based color matching, evaluation of crown preparation, evaluation of dental crown designed by AI, identification of a dental crown in an intraoral photo, and prediction of debonding probability.ConclusionsAI has the potential to increase efficiency in processes such as fabricating and evaluating dental crowns, with a high level of accuracy reported in most of the analyzed studies. However, a significant number of studies focused on designing crowns using AI-based software, and these studies had a small number of patients and did not always present their algorithms. Standardized protocols for reporting and evaluating AI studies are needed to increase the evidence and effectiveness.

Water conflict analysis in a changing context: A qualitative systematic review of trends, patterns, and approaches in Iran

Water conflict analysis in a changing context: A qualitative systematic review of trends, patterns, and approaches in Iran

Organizational Transformation in Adopting Hybrid Work Models: A Literature Review on Organizational Changes and Employee Readiness

This study explores the implications of hybrid work models on organizational dynamics and employee well-being. Through a qualitative literature review approach, the research examines existing literature on hybrid work, focusing on organizational changes, employee readiness, and long-term effects. The methodology systematically reviews scholarly articles, books, and academic sources, synthesizing key themes, theoretical frameworks, and empirical findings. The results reveal mixed findings regarding the impact of hybrid work on various aspects of organizational functioning and employee experiences. While hybrid work offers opportunities for flexibility and autonomy, it also presents challenges such as communication barriers, blurred boundaries between work and personal life, and uncertainties regarding career advancement. Longitudinal studies and comparative analyses across industries, cultures, and geographic regions are recommended to track the evolution of hybrid work arrangements and assess their sustainability in dynamic environments. Interdisciplinary approaches and integrating emerging technologies can contribute to evidence-based decision-making and foster innovation in hybrid work design and implementation.

Navigating treatment for basidiobolomycosis: a qualitative review of 24 cases

Background and ObjectivesZygomycosis, a severe form of fungal infection, is classified into two categories: Mucorales and Entomophthorales. Within the Entomophthorales category, Basidiobolomycosis is a rarely recognized genus that can have significant health implications. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment, which includes the use of antifungal medication and surgical procedures, are vital for enhancing the prognosis of patients. The objective of this study is to investigate the response to treatment in patients hospitalized due to basidiobolomycosis.MethodsWe carried out a retrospective study, in which we analyzed data from 49 patients who were diagnosed with Entomophthorale, Zygomycosis, and Basidiobolomycosis at Namazi Hospital, Shiraz, between the years 1997 and 2019. The data included parameters such as demographic information, clinical symptoms, imaging findings, treatment methods, and patient outcomes.ResultsOut of 49 patients, 24 children, predominantly male (83.3%), were definitively diagnosed with basidiobolomycosis. The ages of the patients ranged from 1 to 16 years, with an average of 5.75 years. The most frequently observed clinical manifestations included abdominal pain (70.8%), fever (54.2%), hematochezia (41.7%), vomiting (20.8%), and anorexia (16.7%). Half of the patients exhibited failure to thrive (FTT), while abdominal distension was present in 25% of the cases, and a palpable abdominal mass was found in 37% of the patients. The primary treatment strategy incorporated surgical interventions complemented by a comprehensive antifungal regimen. This regimen included medications such as amphotericin B, cotrimoxazole, itraconazole, potassium iodide, and voriconazole. These were mainly administered in a combination therapy pattern or as a monotherapy of amphotericin B. Twenty-two patients were discharged, while two patients died due to complications from the disease.ConclusionOur findings indicate that the prevailing treatment modalities generally involve surgical intervention supplemented by antifungal regimens, including Amphotericin B, Cotrimoxazole, Potassium Iodide, and Itraconazole.

IN DUBIO PRO REO: Analysis of criminal liability in borderline personality disorder in domestic violence

This work aims to analyze volition and behavior in Criminal Law and its application in cases of domestic violence, identifying how forms of domestic violence can affect the characteristics of the person with borderline personality disorder along with volition, which can affect the assessment of criminal liability in cases of domestic violence in accordance with the principle of in dubio pro reo. A qualitative literary review was used in the databases Periódicos CAPES, Google Scholar, Scielo (dated from 2000 to 2023); in specialized literature and on the official Planalto website. The emotional instability of the person with BPD along with aspects of affective relationships can lead to aggressive situations within the domestic environment, such as psychological and physical violence that can be marked by impulsivity, as well as intentional, which lead to doubts regarding their judgment, of so that they must be evaluated in the concrete. Therefore, when in doubt about imputability, semi-imputability applies; doubt about semi-imputability, non-imputability applies. It is noted that psychological violence has the nature of semi-imputability, due to the intentional aspects of relational maintenance and physical violence may contain the assumption of non-imputability, linked to impulsiveness and intense anger.

A qualitative systematic review of adolescent's perceptions of sleep: Awareness of, barriers to and strategies for promoting healthy sleep patterns.

To consolidate adolescents' perspectives regarding various aspects of sleep and offer insights to promote healthier sleep habits during their critical developmental years. Six electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, PsycINFO and Web of Science) were searched from their inception dates to June 2023. Data were extracted and meta-summarised using Sandelowski and Barroso's approach and synthesised using Thomas and Harden's thematic analysis framework. Meta-synthesis from 11 peer-reviewed published studies identified four main themes: (1) Awareness and understanding of sleep's significance, (2) The shadows and radiance of slumber, (3) Traversing the sleepscape: trouble bubbles and (4) Illuminating the path: Guiding lights to enhanced sleep. Our review findings suggest a lack of awareness and guidance regarding the significance of sleep and the cultivation of good sleep habits among adolescents. Identified barriers to adequate sleep encompass various factors, including overthinking, poor habits, family/environmental influences, extensive technology use, peer pressure, the fear of missing out, academic demands and involvement in extracurricular activities. Strategies to improve adolescents' sleep health involve multiple sleep strategies, including sleep education, workshops/seminars, parental involvement, incorporating digital well-being practices, the promotion of relaxation techniques and the provision of essential resources. Prioritising sleep health and implementing targeted interventions are key steps to empower adolescents, create supportive environments and shape a healthier future generation. Future research endeavours should focus on evaluating the effectiveness of interventions and exploring the influence of cultural factors. There exists a notable lack of awareness and guidance regarding the significance of sleep and the cultivation of good sleep habits among adolescents. Barriers to achieving adequate sleep among adolescents include overthinking, poor habits, family/environmental influences, extensive technology use, peer pressure, the fear of missing out, academic demands and involvement in extracurricular activities. The collaboration between healthcare institutions, professionals and educational institutions is crucial to facilitate (1) the implementation of sleep education workshops/seminars targeting adolescents, (2) increased parental involvement and role-modelling to instil good sleep practices among adolescents and (3) enhanced integration of digital well-being practices, the promotion of relaxation techniques and accessibility to essential sleep hygiene resources. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. No patient or public contribution. This review was registered on the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42023403775).

2165 Barriers perceived by medical students when considering a career in geriatric medicine.

Abstract Introduction Despite the UK’s increasing life expectancy, and increase in the elderly population, there is an overwhelming lack of Geriatricians in the UK; as of 2022, there is only 1 consultant Geriatrician per 8031 individuals over the age of 65 (BGS, 2023). To meet the complex care needs of this population, there must be a focus on increasing the interest that doctors have towards Geriatric Medicine, with the overall aim being to recruit more doctors into the speciality. Method The aim of this review was to investigate what factors medical students perceive as barriers to pursuing a career in Geriatric Medicine and then, from identifying these, generate a set of comprehensive suggestions as to how to tackle these barriers at a medical school level to increase the interest and ultimately uptake of Geriatric Medicine. The qualitative review contains literature published between 2003 and 2023 accessed using MedLine. Results Six themes were identified in answering our question: (a) high emotional burden, (b) caring for patients with complex needs, (c) negative preconceptions of non-clinical factors (prestige, salary, career progression), (d) negative influence of clinical educators, (e) lack of intellectual stimulation and (f) lack of exposure to the speciality and the elderly. Conclusion The barriers perceived by medical students when considering Geriatrics as a speciality are complex and multifaceted; these barriers must be tackled promptly in order to secure the next generation of Geriatricians. We suggest that this work can be used as a foundation for further qualitative studies with UK medical students to investigate barriers that are specific to UK students. From this, interventional courses designed to increase Geriatric Medicine uptake could be developed to strengthen the UK Geriatric Medicine workforce.

On the ambivalence of granivorous carabids: Weed seed bank regulators, potential crop pests or both?

Carabids have long been beloved by collectors and have recently gained much attention in research as beneficial natural enemies of pests and weeds. With agricultural transformation towards lower herbicide use, carabids are expected to help carry the burden of weed regulation. While there is good evidence to found these expectations on, relying on seed-consuming carabids for natural weed regulation also has clear limitations. One of these is the fact that many carabids can be crop pests themselves, often in addition to their beneficial roles as natural enemies of pests or weeds. In a qualitative review, we gathered the available evidence for 72 carabid species acting as crop pests in 27 crops by damaging crops or consuming their seeds. Based on selected examples from different crops, we portray the historical impact and current state of carabids as crop pests. Due to the scarcity of recent reports, we expect that most carabids acting as crop pests are not a currently relevant economic problem across regions and crops, with beneficial ecosystem services provided by carabids outweighing possible damages. Yet, given the abundance of historical evidence and the current trajectory of agriculture towards a more sustainable management that aims to decrease chemical crop protection and increase carabid populations, we see a need to consider that carabids can, under certain conditions, act as crop pests. In this context, it will be crucial to get a better understanding of potential carabid crop pests around the globe, to identify under which conditions carabids switch roles from ecosystem service provides to ecosystem disservice providers and to understand how this role switching will be affected by climate change and agricultural transformation.

Poverty-free urbanism: six qualitative normative factors and 36 procedures for measuring urban poverty from a deprivation perspective

PurposeThis review article advocates for a holistic approach to interpreting and addressing urban poverty through the proposal of “poverty-free urbanism” (PFU). By introducing PFU as a holistic approach to measuring poverty from a deprivation perspective, this article confronts the multifaceted challenges of urban poverty, transcending mere material limitations.Design/methodology/approachThrough an exhaustive qualitative literature review and content analysis, the study identifies six qualitative normative factors: availability, productivity, innovativeness, diversity, fairness, and well-being.FindingsWhile promising, the applicability and effectiveness of PFU across diverse urban contexts necessitate further refinement and empirical validation. Future research endeavors should prioritize clarifying the concept of PFU, exploring its practical implementation in varied urban settings, and offering actionable recommendations for fostering inclusive and equitable urban development.Originality/valueThese factors, rooted in critical processes such as ensuring essential services, promoting entrepreneurial activities, fostering bottom-up community development, facilitating dynamic typo-morphological transformations, addressing social exclusion and inequality, and promoting healthy communities, offer a holistic approach for policymakers and practitioners in devising sustainable poverty alleviation strategies.

The Effectiveness of Blended Learning, Digital Literacy Programs, and Teacher Training on Student Outcomes in 2024

This study examines the effectiveness of blended learning, digital literacy programs, and teacher training on student outcomes in 2024. The primary objective is to qualitatively analyze the literature to understand how these educational strategies impact student performance and engagement. The research employs a qualitative literature review methodology, synthesizing findings from academic articles, industry reports, case studies, and empirical studies to provide a comprehensive overview of current knowledge in this field. The literature review methodology involves systematically collecting and analyzing scholarly sources that discuss various aspects of blended learning, digital literacy programs, and teacher training. The study categorizes the literature into key themes, such as the benefits of blended learning in providing flexible and personalized education, the role of digital literacy programs in equipping students with essential skills for the digital age, and the impact of continuous teacher training on instructional quality and student achievement. Thematic analysis is used to identify patterns and trends in how these factors influence student outcomes. The findings indicate that blended learning enhances student engagement and learning outcomes by combining traditional and digital instructional methods, offering flexibility and personalized learning experiences. Digital literacy programs are shown to be critical in developing students' competencies in using digital tools and navigating online environments, which are essential skills in the modern educational landscape. Teacher training is highlighted as a key factor in improving teaching practices and, consequently, student performance.

Understanding how justice is considered in climate adaptation approaches: a qualitative review of climate adaptation plans

ABSTRACT Despite a growing focus on climate justice, prior research has revealed scant details about how marginalised groups have been engaged in local climate adaptation processes. This study aims to understand how justice is considered in these processes through a qualitative review of climate adaptation plans and related documents from US municipalities. We reviewed 101 plans published between 2010 and 2021 using the three-dimensional framework of recognitional, distributional, and procedural justice. Overall, our findings revealed a stronger focus on recognitional and distributional justice than procedural. Recognitional justice mainly focused on who is most vulnerable to climate change and how, with most plans adopting a similar understanding of vulnerability. Plans less frequently acknowledged how historical injustices contribute to vulnerability. Distributional justice was addressed through adaptation strategies across six areas (e.g. health and safety, buildings, green infrastructure, professional development, food, and transit), focusing greater attention on expanding existing programmes than new initiatives. Little attention was given to the potential negative impacts of proposed strategies. Procedural justice was mainly considered through one-off opportunities, rather than more extensive engagement in decision-making. Most plans lacked implementation considerations, for justice or otherwise, but when included, details mainly focused on who would be involved and not how strategies would be implemented. These findings provide an array of approaches to incorporate justice in adaptation planning and support several considerations for developing future plans.

Can items derived from international literature be used in national quality of life instruments? A qualitative study conceptualising the EQ-HWB in China

IntroductionThe EQ Health and Wellbeing (EQ-HWB) is a new questionnaire for measuring quality of life (QoL) from a broad perspective. The items of the EQ-HWB were derived based on a ‘qualitative review’ of literature, which reported primarily on Western studies. It can be argued that the QoL is a cultural-related concept and therefore people from China have a different understanding of the QoL. This study aimed to explore whether Chinese citizens could understand the EQ-HWB’s candidate items and what they thought of those items. In doing so, we wanted to examine the face validity of the candidate items and explore if further cultural adaptation is necessary.MethodsThis research was part of the E-QALY project, in which 36 candidate items were selected for the EQ-HWB from a 97-item pool. In China, three interviewers investigated the face validity of these EQ-HWB candidate items in semi-structured qualitative face-to-face interviews. Respondents were invited to report ‘problems’ with regard to the interpretation of the items and these problems were grouped into themes. We explored to what extent those themes related to specific cultural aspects in China. We also classified the rates of reported problems for each item into three groups: 1) less than 20%, 2) from 20–50%, and 3) over 50%.ResultsFor 17 items the rate of reported problems was less than 20%, 15 items fell into the second group (with 20 − 50%) and for 4 items the rate of problems reported was more than 50%. The thematic analysis revealed eight themes: ambiguous problems in the interpretation of 16 items; difficult to understand (11); contained a complex negative expression (10); examples used seemed inappropriate (7); misleading connotation in Chinese (2); long and complex (2); complex response options (1); and use of non-colloquial language (1).DiscussionOur research shows that EQ-HWB candidate items require careful examination to make them more comprehensible. Most of the reported problem themes were generic problems related to the items, and only a few face validity issues appeared to relate to specific cultural aspects in China, even though most of the items were based on Western studies. Our findings are reassuring for the instrument’s international application, especially in China.

Analysis of the use of vagus nerve stimulator in the treatment of epilepsy

Refractory epilepsy poses a significant challenge in neurology due to approximately 30% of patients being resistant to conventional pharmacological treatments. This study investigates the efficacy and safety of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) as a therapeutic alternative for these patients. The primary objective is to analyze the reduction in seizure frequency and improvements in the quality of life of patients treated with VNS. Additionally, the study aims to identify and categorize the side effects associated with the use of VNS. The methodology adopted included a qualitative bibliographic review covering renowned databases such as Scielo, Google Scholar, specialized scientific journals, academic repositories, and virtual libraries. Inclusion criteria considered studies that directly addressed the use of VNS in the treatment of epilepsy, while exclusion criteria eliminated duplicate and methodologically inadequate publications. Results indicate that VNS is effective in reducing seizures and improving quality of life, despite potential side effects. It is concluded that VNS is a viable and cost-effective therapeutic option for patients with refractory epilepsy, highlighting the need for future research to optimize stimulation parameters and minimize adverse effects.

Experiences and meaningfulness of breast cancer survivorship care in improving the quality of life of immigrant women: A qualitative systematic review.

Holistic healthcare approaches tailored to people's needs can enhance quality of life. However, needs of immigrant women in breast cancer survivorship have received little attention. Language barriers can result in significant challenges to accessing healthcare and difficulty in translating information from healthcare providers into self-management. The purpose of this review was to examine the experiences and meaningfulness of breast cancer survivorship care in improving the quality of life for immigrant breast cancer survivors. A qualitative systematic review using a systematic search of peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed articles of empirical research was conducted. Articles about immigrant women who were diagnosed, treated, and completed their initial course of breast cancer treatment were included. Exclusion criteria were non-immigrant women, men, younger than 18 years, no breast cancer diagnosis, not currently undergoing active or advanced treatment, and not receiving palliative or end-of-life care. Thematic synthesis and qualitative systematic review included studies of survivorship care targeting breast cancer treatment and post-treatment. Articles were obtained from PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar searches, with findings configured according to the JBI methodology. Twenty studies, most of moderate-to high-quality were included. The thematic synthesis identified two overall themes regarding breast cancer survivorship care, as well as subthemes for both. The subthemes of the first theme, challenges and experiences accessing and using healthcare services, were inadequate insurance and benefits, less acculturation and decision-making, discrimination and differential treatment, and influencing sociocultural factors. The subthemes of the second theme, facilitators and barriers to accessing and using healthcare services, included ineffective knowledge and communication, lack of continuity and information, cultural and language barriers, limited access to services, and quality of care. Supporting and engaging immigrant women throughout their breast cancer journey is critical. To do so requires integrating advancements in survivorship care as a systematic approach to lead to a better quality of life and improving patient-reported outcomes.

Experiences and meaningfulness of breast cancer survivorship care in improving the quality of life of immigrant women: A qualitative systematic review

Introduction : Les approches de soins holistiques adaptées aux besoins des patients améliorent la qualité de vie. Toutefois, les besoins des femmes immigrantes ayant survécu à un cancer du sein n’ont reçu que peu d’attention. Les barrières linguistiques compliquent considérablement l’accès aux soins de santé, de même que la capacité des femmes à comprendre l’information fournie par les professionnels afin de prendre leur propre santé en charge. L’objectif de la présente revue est d’examiner l’expérience des soins de survie et leur importance pour améliorer la qualité de vie des immigrantes ayant survécu à un cancer du sein. Méthodologie : La présente revue qualitative systématique regroupe des articles de recherche empirique évalués ou non par comité de lecture. Les études retenues portent sur les femmes immigrantes ayant reçu un diagnostic de cancer du sein et une première série de traitements. Étaient exclus les travaux portant sur les femmes non immigrantes, les hommes, les jeunes de moins de 18 ans, les personnes n’ayant pas eu de diagnostic de cancer du sein, celles qui n’étaient pas en traitement actif ou avancé, et celles qui recevaient des soins palliatifs ou de fin de vie. La synthèse thématique et la revue systématique qualitative ciblaient les études sur les soins de survie axées sur les traitements contre le cancer du sein et la période post-traitement. Les articles ont été repérés à l’aide de recherches dans PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science et Google Scholar, et les résultats organisés selon la méthodologie du Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). Résultats : Vingt études ont été retenues, de qualité moyenne à élevée. La synthèse thématique a fait ressortir deux thèmes généraux, subdivisés en sous-thèmes. Pour le premier thème (difficultés et expériences entourant l’accès aux soins de santé et l’utilisation des services), les sous-thèmes étaient : couverture d’assurance et d’avantages sociaux insuffisante, acculturation moindre et influence sur la prise de décisions, discrimination et traitement différentiel, influence des facteurs socioculturels. Pour le second thème (facteurs qui facilitent ou entravent l’accès aux services de santé et leur utilisation), les sous-thèmes étaient : connaissances insuffisantes et communication inefficace, manque de continuité et d’information, barrières culturelles et linguistiques, accès limité aux services et qualité des soins. Conclusion : Il est essentiel de soutenir les femmes immigrantes tout au long de l’expérience du cancer du sein et de les faire participer au processus. Pour ce faire, il faudra intégrer à la pratique les progrès réalisés dans le domaine des soins de survie en adoptant une approche méthodique afin d’améliorer la qualité de vie et l’état de santé rapporté par les patientes.