Recommendations For Healthcare Professionals Research Articles

Practical Recommendations for Navigating Digital Tools in Hospitals: Qualitative Interview Study.

The digitalization of health care organizations is an integral part of a clinician's daily life, making it vital for health care professionals (HCPs) to understand and effectively use digital tools in hospital settings. However, clinicians often express a lack of preparedness for their digital work environments. Particularly, new clinical end users, encompassing medical and nursing students, seasoned professionals transitioning to new health care environments, and experienced practitioners encountering new health care technologies, face critically intense learning periods, often with a lack of adequate time for learning digital tools, resulting in difficulties in integrating and adopting these digital tools into clinical practice. This study aims to comprehensively collect advice from experienced HCPs in Switzerland to guide new clinical end users on how to initiate their engagement with health ITs within hospital settings. We conducted qualitative interviews with 52 HCPs across Switzerland, representing 24 medical specialties from 14 hospitals. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed through inductive thematic analysis. Codes were developed iteratively, and themes and aggregated dimensions were refined through collaborative discussions. Ten themes emerged from the interview data, namely (1) digital tool understanding, (2) peer-based learning strategies, (3) experimental learning approaches, (4) knowledge exchange and support, (5) training approaches, (6) proactive innovation, (7) an adaptive technology mindset, (8) critical thinking approaches, (9) dealing with emotions, and (10) empathy and human factors. Consequently, we devised 10 recommendations with specific advice to new clinical end users on how to approach new health care technologies, encompassing the following: take time to get to know and understand the tools you are working with; proactively ask experienced colleagues; simply try it out and practice; know where to get help and information; take sufficient training; embrace curiosity and pursue innovation; maintain an open and adaptable mindset; keep thinking critically and use your knowledge base; overcome your fears, and never lose the human and patient focus. Our study emphasized the importance of comprehensive training and learning approaches for health care technologies based on the advice and recommendations of experienced HCPs based in Swiss hospitals. Moreover, these recommendations have implications for medical educators and clinical instructors, providing advice on effective methods to instruct and support new end users, enabling them to use novel technologies proficiently. Therefore, we advocate for new clinical end users, health care institutions and clinical instructors, academic institutions and medical educators, and regulatory bodies to prioritize effective training and cultivating technological readiness to optimize IT use in health care.

Abstract 4136975: Lipoprotein (a) Discovery Project: Assessing Patient and Professional Education Needs

Introduction: It is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans have high lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] levels. High levels of Lp(a) are an independent, predominantly inherited, and causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). More investigation is needed to better understand the gaps in both professional and patient education on Lp(a) and its associated risk with ASCVD. Goals: The American Heart Association (AHA) is implementing a national 3-year initiative called the Lp(a) Discovery Project to understand system-level practice patterns for patients screened for high Lp(a) and develop models for national education. We aim to gauge an understanding of healthcare professional (HCP) and patient awareness, perceptions, knowledge, and behaviors of Lp(a) to develop a comprehensive educational approach that ultimately encourages patient-provider shared decision-making. Methods: To assess patient education needs, an online survey was conducted from October 11 to November 6, 2023, by Harris Insights&Analytics LLC with a nationally representative sample of 3,006 U.S. adults 18 years+. To assess professional education needs, the AHA engaged 10 champions from diverse health systems with established Lp(a) screening processes and workflows to participate in a Learning Healthcare System model to share best practices, inform on models for Lp(a) screening, and provide input on professional education topics. Results: The patient survey revealed that 34% of adults do not perceive high Lp(a) to pose an increased risk of heart attack, peripheral artery disease or stroke. If told that high Lp(a) does increase this risk, 63% are motivated to have their Lp(a) level checked and 88% would be motivated to reduce their risk for these conditions if they had high Lp(a). Ultimately, HCP recommendation was the most significant driver in getting screened among those who had their Lp(a) measured (61%). AHA-led champion interviews revealed that primary and specialty care HCPs need education on the importance of Lp(a) testing and cascade screening for family members as well as care considerations for patients with high Lp(a). Conclusion: Given that patients are most likely to be screened for Lp(a) if their HCP recommends it, we will focus on 1) educating patients and HCPs on the connection between Lp(a) and risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke and 2) providing HCPs with guidance on care considerations for those with high Lp(a) including cascade screening.

Enhancing healthcare professionals' biopsychosocial perspective to chronic pain: assessing the impact of implementing an interdisciplinary training program.

Advancements in clinical science have shown the necessity for a paradigm shift away from a biomedical toward a biopsychosocial approach. Yet, the translation from clinical science into clinical practice is challenging. The aim of this study was to assess the short-term and mid-term changes in pain knowledge and attitudes and guideline-adherent recommendations of healthcare professionals (HCP) by means of an interdisciplinary training program (ITP) about chronic pain. Belgian HCPs, with a priority for medical doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses, psychologists, and pharmacists in primary care, participated in the ITP, which contained 2 e-learning modules and two 7-hour workshops provided in small interdisciplinary groups in 5 cities. The objective of ITP was to improve HCP's competencies for integrating biopsychosocial chronic pain management with a cognitive behavioral approach into clinical practice. Primary outcomes were changes in knowledge and attitudes about pain and guideline-adherent recommendations for continuation of physical activity, sports, and work; avoiding bed rest; and not supporting opioid usage measured through 2 clinical vignettes. They were measured before, immediately after, and 6 months after the ITP. Changes were analyzed using (generalized) linear mixed models. A total of 405 HCPs participated. The knowledge and attitudes about pain scores improved at post-training (Δ = 9.04, 95% confidence interval 7.72-10.36) and at 6-month follow-up (Δ = 7.16, 95% confidence interval 5.73-8.59). After the training program, HCPs provided significantly more recommendations in accordance with clinical guidelines. Thus, an ITP can improve the biopsychosocial perspective of chronic pain management among HCPs in the short-term and mid-term.

“Do You Yourself Have Any Idea What is Going On?”: Invitations for Lay Diagnosis in Dutch Primary Care Physiotherapy

ABSTRACT Lay perspectives are important in the recovery of patients with nonspecific pain as they influence levels of pain and patients’ pain experiences. Although previous interactional research has focused on patients’ unsolicited attempts to share their perspectives, health professions also employ specific techniques to solicit them. Physiotherapists are recommended to assess lay perspectives and include them in treatment. One way to do so is through invitations for lay diagnosis (this paper). However, little is known about how lay perspectives are constructed through these invitations and how physiotherapists follow up on them. In this study, physiotherapy intakes were analyzed using conversation analysis. We found that invitations for lay diagnosis are frequently embedded in previous health care visits or patients’ knowledge gathering activities. Patients often express low epistemic status when they construct their lay perspectives and engage in lay diagnostic activity in response to these invitations. Additionally, physiotherapists’ responses in the third position, such as follow-up questions, may influence the further development of patients’ lay perspectives. These invitations provide patients an opportunity to share their views on their health issues, but also create an interactional challenge due to the reversal of usual epistemic dynamics. The study highlights the complexity of doing lay diagnosis, which can include diagnoses or explanations of varying specificity. The specificity and elaboration of these perspectives are influenced by the physiotherapists’ subsequent responses. We provide recommendations for healthcare professionals to facilitate lay diagnosis, and our findings contribute to the discussion around patient empowerment, shared decision making, and patient centered care.

Executive Summary: Topical Management of Malignant Cutaneous Wounds: Canadian Best Practice Recommendations for Health Care Professionals Developed by Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (in collaboration with the Canadian Palliative Care Nursing Association).

Malignant cutaneous wounds pose unique challenges in patient care, requiring specialized attention to alleviate local symptoms and enhance health-related quality of life. As the prevalence of these wounds continues to rise with improving cancer survival rates, it is essential to establish comprehensive best practice recommendations for their topical management. To address this need, a task force was assembled from across Canada, consisting of members from Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Canada and the Canadian Palliative Care Nursing Association. The purpose of these recommendations is to provide a framework for the topical management of malignant cutaneous wounds for health care professionals, emphasizing the substantial role of their support persons. Recognizing the impact of cultural humility and the need to deliver care that respects individual beliefs and practices is crucial in providing effective and equitable care. The 23 presented recommendations aim to guide nurses, the interdisciplinary team, and the health system to enhance the overall quality of malignant cutaneous wound care management.

Abortive and Prophylactic Therapies to Treat Migraine in Pregnancy: A Review.

Migraine is a common issue during pregnancy, often affected by hormonal changes. More than half of the womenaffected by migraine experience improvement in or remission of migraine symptoms, particularly during the second and third trimesters, with those having menstrual migraines or migraines without aura benefiting the most. However, a small percentage of women may see a worsening of their migraines, especially those with migraine with aura, and some may even develop migraines for the first time during pregnancy, often in the first trimester. Postpartum, many women experience a recurrence of migraines, likely due to the drop in estradiol and endorphin levels. A literature search was performed in PubMed for articles published from 2013 through 2023, and 80 out of 362 publications were included. When it comes to managing pregnant women with migraine, non-pharmacological treatments are preferred, including lifestyle modifications and avoiding known triggers. When medication is necessary, acetaminophen is the first-line treatment, with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugsand triptans regarded as secondary options, though trimester-specific risks limit their use. Preventive treatments, if required, may include low doses of β-blockers or amitriptyline but should be used cautiously. This article aims to provide a concise overview of the existing research on the acute and prophylactic use of medications to treat migraines in pregnant and lactating women. Furthermore, it presents recommendations for healthcare professionals managing pregnant females presenting with migraine in clinical settings.

Medical gendered racism and Black women's experiences of genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder in the USA - A conceptual exploration.

Medical gendered racism in the USA has been and continues to be a significant issue for Black women across various healthcare domains, including sexual and pelvic healthcare. The experiences of Black women with Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder, characterised by pain with sexual intercourse, are particularly understudied in relation to medical gendered racism. This paper advances existing research on Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder by employing Black feminist thought and intersectionality as theoretical frameworks. We seek to conceptualise how medical gendered racism impacts Black women's experiences with genito-pelvic pain and the quality of their healthcare. We offer a nuanced, culturally sensitive approach to doing so and to clinical practice, and provide actionable recommendations for healthcare professionals. This work aims to equip researchers and healthcare practitioners with the knowledge and tools to acknowledge, understand, and support effective treatment of genito-pelvic pain experienced by Black women in the USA.

Dietary and Lifestyle Management of Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea: A Comprehensive Review.

Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (FHA) is a condition characterized by the absence of menstruation, which is increasingly affecting young women. However, specific recommendations for treating and preventing this condition are lacking. Based on a review of the available literature, this article provides practical and feasible dietary management recommendations for healthcare professionals and researchers in women's health and nutrition. It answers the question of what interventions and nutritional recommendations are necessary to restore menstrual function in women struggling with FHA. Physicians recommend an energy availability threshold of 30 kcal/kg FFM/day to prevent FHA. Also, energy availability below and above this threshold can inhibit LH pulsation and cause menstrual disorders. In addition, the risk of menstrual disorders increases with a decrease in the caloric content of the diet and the duration of the energy deficit, and women with FHA have significantly lower energy availability than healthy women. It is essential to ensure that adequate kilocalories are provided throughout the day (regular meals that are a source of proper glucose) to avoid a negative energy balance, as glucose has been proven to affect LH pulses and T3 and cortisol concentrations in the body. Dietary intervention should focus on increasing the caloric content of the diet, thus increasing energy availability and restoring energy balance in the body. Treatment and diagnosis should also focus on body composition, not just body weight. An increase in body fat percentage above 22% may be required to restore menstrual function. In women with FHA, even an increase in body fat mass of one kilogram (kg) increases the likelihood of menstruation by 8%. It is advisable to reduce the intensity of physical activity or training volume, while it is not advisable to give up physical activity altogether. It is also important to ensure adequate intake of micronutrients, reduce stress, and incorporate cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Supporting healthcare professionals to reduce weight stigma.

Reducing weight stigma in healthcare is critical to supporting and improving the health of people living with overweight or obesity and decreasing the risk of adverse patient outcomes. We were invited as stigma researchers to participate in an online workshop alongside community members, healthcare professionals and policymakers to codesign guidance for reducing weight stigma in healthcare. This workshop prompted us to reflect on why and how weight stigma should be addressed in healthcare, and to provide recommendations for healthcare professionals and policymakers to reduce weight stigma in healthcare. This paper presents our reflections and recommendations for addressing weight stigma in healthcare following the codesign workshop. Recommendations include targeting individual healthcare professionals and involving clear, practical guidelines and training that leverage the notions of 'do no harm', improving practice and recognising biases. Importantly, such strategies must be couched in broader structural approaches to weight stigma reduction.

Factors influencing physical activity in individuals with head and neck cancer: a scoping review

ObjectivesHigher physical activity (PA) levels are associated with better quality of life in people with head and neck cancer (HNC). Despite this positive association, most individuals with these cancer types...

Interaction of the Gut Microbiome With Cancer Treatment.

The gut microbiome is known to influence health and well-being beyond the gastrointestinal system, including metabolism, mood, and cognitive function. Research on the influence of the gut microbiome on cancer and cancer treatment has expanded in recent decades. This review discusses the effects of the gut microbiome on the pathogenesis of certain cancers, as well as the current guidelines and recommendations for health-care professionals for modifying the gut microbiome in cancer patients currently receiving chemotherapy or immunotherapy. The focus of this review is on five major areas of gut microbiome research (colorectal cancer, melanoma, renal cell carcinoma and non-small cell lung cancer, lymphoma, and acute leukemia) in which therapies, and particularly checkpoint inhibitors, have considerably improved survival outcomes. The relationship between microbial species and therapies to cure malignancies is largely unclear. This review will delineate the relationships being studied and conclusions to draw from the research in these areas thus far.

Expert consensus on enteral nutrition management of preterm infants (2024)

Providing adequate and balanced nutrition for preterm infants, especially extremely/very preterm infants, is the material basis for promoting their normal growth and development and improving long-term prognosis. Enteral nutrition is the best way to feed preterm infants. Previous systematic reviews have shown that using evidence-based standardized feeding management strategies can effectively promote the establishment of full enteral feeding, reduce the duration of parenteral nutrition, improve the nutritional outcomes of preterm infants, and not increase the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis or death. Based on relevant research in China and overseas, the consensus working group has developed 20 recommendations in 5 aspects including the goal of enteral nutrition, transitioning to enteral nutrition, stable growth period enteral nutrition, supplementation of special nutrients, and monitoring of enteral nutrition for preterm infants, using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. The aim is to provide recommendations for healthcare professionals involved in the management of enteral nutrition for preterm infants, in order to improve the clinical outcomes of preterm infants.

Recommendations of Health Care Professionals on the Issue of Breastfeeding in BRCA Carriers.

Purpose: Breastfeeding is associated with numerous short- and long-term neonatal and maternal health benefits. Specifically, in BRCA1/2 female carriers, breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the considerably increased risks of breast and ovarian cancer. Nevertheless, there is paucity of data referring to the recommended postpartum surveillance of BRCA1/2 carriers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the recommendations of health professionals regarding breastfeeding in BRCA carriers. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted using an anonymous questionnaire distributed through the "Good BRCA Genes-a support and information group for BRCA carriers" association. The questionnaire included Likert scale and open-ended questions, aimed to evaluate the performance of health professionals at various aspects of the recommended follow-up. Results: Of the 388 participants, 233 (60.0%) expressed dissatisfaction with explanations provided by health professionals regarding pregnancy and breastfeeding. Women reporting dissatisfaction with explanations were younger (36.8 ± 7.0 years) compared to those satisfied with the explanations (38.8 ± 7.6 years, p = 0.0081). No significant differences were noted between women satisfied and those dissatisfied with the explanations in terms of age of genetic diagnosis, origin, religion, geographic location, and the rates of personal or familial cancer history. Of the 175 responses to an open question "please describe the reasons for unsatisfactory explanation," 76.6% stated they received no explanation on the subject, whereas 5.4% described minimal explanation or conflicting recommendations. Surprisingly, 4.7% recalled being advised to avoid, stop, or limit breastfeeding. Discussion: The results of this survey emphasize the lack of knowledge of health professionals on the issue of breastfeeding in BRCA carriers. As genetic variants in these genes involve significant proportion of the population (up to 2.5% in Ashkenazi Jewish population), raising the awareness of health care personnel to the benefits of breastfeeding in these women seems prudent.

Development of Recommendations for the Digital Sharing of Notes With Adolescents in Mental Health Care: Delphi Study.

In many countries, health care professionals are legally obliged to share information from electronic health records with patients. However, concerns have been raised regarding the sharing of notes with adolescents in mental health care, and health care professionals have called for recommendations to guide this practice. The aim was to reach a consensus among authors of scientific papers on recommendations for health care professionals' digital sharing of notes with adolescents in mental health care and to investigate whether staff at child and adolescent specialist mental health care clinics agreed with the recommendations. A Delphi study was conducted with authors of scientific papers to reach a consensus on recommendations. The process of making the recommendations involved three steps. First, scientific papers meeting the eligibility criteria were identified through a PubMed search where the references were screened. Second, the results from the included papers were coded and transformed into recommendations in an iterative process. Third, the authors of the included papers were asked to provide feedback and consider their agreement with each of the suggested recommendations in two rounds. After the Delphi process, a cross-sectional study was conducted among staff at specialist child and adolescent mental health care clinics to assess whether they agreed with the recommendations that reached a consensus. Of the 84 invited authors, 27 responded. A consensus was reached on 17 recommendations on areas related to digital sharing of notes with adolescents in mental health care. The recommendations considered how to introduce digital access to notes, write notes, and support health care professionals, and when to withhold notes. Of the 41 staff members at child and adolescent specialist mental health care clinics, 60% or more agreed with the 17 recommendations. No consensus was reached regarding the age at which adolescents should receive digital access to their notes and the timing of digitally sharing notes with parents. A total of 17 recommendations related to key aspects of health care professionals' digital sharing of notes with adolescents in mental health care achieved consensus. Health care professionals can use these recommendations to guide their practice of sharing notes with adolescents in mental health care. However, the effects and experiences of following these recommendations should be tested in clinical practice.

Motherhood after Spinal Cord Injury: Breastfeeding, Autonomic Dysreflexia, and Psychosocial Health: Clinical Practice Guidelines.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that children be breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months of age. This recommendation may prove challenging for women with spinal cord injury (SCI) who face unique challenges and barriers to breastfeeding due to the impact of SCI on mobility and physiology. Tailored provision of care from health care professionals (HCPs) is important in helping women navigate these potential barriers. Yet, HCPs often lack the confidence and SCI-specific knowledge to meet the needs of mothers with SCI. An international panel of clinicians, researchers, consultants, and women with lived experience was formed to create an accessible resource that can address this gap. A comprehensive survey on breastfeeding complications, challenges, resources, and quality of life of mothers with SCI was conducted, along with an environmental scan to evaluate existing postpartum guidelines and assess their relevance and usability as recommendations for breastfeeding after SCI. Building on this work, this article provides evidence-based recommendations for HCPs, including but not limited to general practitioners, obstetricians, pediatricians, physiatrists, lactation consultants, nurses, midwives, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists who work with prospective and current mothers with SCI.

Impact of artificial intelligence on health information literacy: guidance for healthcare professionals

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the intricate relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and health information literacy (HIL), examining the rise of AI in health care, the intersection of AI and HIL and the imperative for promoting AI literacy and integrating it with HIL. By fostering collaboration, education and innovation, stakeholders can navigate the evolving health-care ecosystem with confidence and agency, ultimately improving health-care delivery and outcomes for all.Design/methodology/approachThis paper adopts a conceptual approach to explore the intricate relationship between AI and HIL, aiming to provide guidance for health-care professionals navigating the evolving landscape of AI-driven health-care delivery. The methodology used in this paper involves a synthesis of existing literature, theoretical analysis and conceptual modeling to develop insights and recommendations regarding the integration of AI literacy with HIL.FindingsImpact of AI on health-care delivery: The integration of AI technologies in health-care is reshaping the industry, offering unparalleled opportunities for improving patient care, optimizing clinical workflows and advancing medical research. Significance of HIL: HIL, encompassing the ability to access, understand and critically evaluate health information, is crucial in the context of AI-driven health-care delivery. It empowers health-care professionals, patients and the broader community to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. Intersection of AI and HIL: The convergence of AI and HIL represents a critical juncture, where technological innovation intersects with human cognition. AI technologies have the potential to revolutionize how health information is generated, disseminated and interpreted, necessitating a deeper understanding of their implications for HIL. Challenges and opportunities: While AI holds tremendous promise for enhancing health-care outcomes, it also introduces new challenges and complexities for individuals navigating the vast landscape of health information. Issues such as algorithmic bias, transparency and accountability pose ethical dilemmas that impact individuals’ ability to critically evaluate and interpret AI-generated health information. Recommendations for health-care professionals: Health-care professionals are encouraged to adopt strategies such as staying informed about developments in AI, continuous education and training in AI literacy, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and advocating for policies that promote ethical AI practices.Practical implicationsTo enhance AI literacy and integrate it with HIL, health-care professionals are encouraged to adopt several key strategies. First, staying abreast of developments in AI technologies and their applications in health care is essential. This entails actively engaging with conferences, workshops and publications focused on AI in health care and participating in professional networks dedicated to AI and health-care innovation. Second, continuous education and training are paramount for developing critical thinking skills and ethical awareness in evaluating AI-driven health information (Alowais et al., 2023). Health-care organizations should provide opportunities for ongoing professional development in AI literacy, including workshops, online courses and simulation exercises focused on AI applications in clinical practice and research.Originality/valueThis paper lies in its exploration of the intersection between AI and HIL, offering insights into the evolving health-care landscape. It innovatively synthesizes existing literature, proposes strategies for integrating AI literacy with HIL and provides guidance for health-care professionals to navigate the complexities of AI-driven health-care delivery. By addressing the transformative potential of AI while emphasizing the importance of promoting critical thinking skills and ethical awareness, this paper contributes to advancing understanding in the field and promoting informed decision-making in an increasingly digital health-care environment.

Predictors of quality of life in primary caregivers of patients with heart failure: A model of health literacy and caregiving burden

Heart Failure (HF) is a chronic disease that impairs patients' ability to care for themselves. The accumulation of caregiving activities by caregivers to patients creates stress. This study intends to investigate the mediating role of caregiving burden in the relationship between health literacy and quality of life of caregivers. This study is a cross-sectional research conducted through a questionnaire survey. A convenience sampling method was employed to select 410 primary caregivers for the study. The overall mean score for quality of life for caregivers of patients with HF was (49.30±9.64). The results showed that the caregiving burden mediated the relationship between health literacy and quality of life, with the mediating effect accounting for 39.04 % (P < 0.05) of the total effect. Caregiving burden is a mediating variable in the relationship between health literacy and quality of life. Therefore, we offer some recommendations for healthcare professionals: ①We suggest that healthcare professionals provide relevant education and training to caregivers, as this can enhance their knowledge and skills in effectively managing the health condition of patients;②Healthcare professionals can also proactively assess the caregiver's burden level and design personalized support plans based on the assessment results.

A protocol for adapting a clinical practice guideline for the treatment of paediatric asthma for the Egyptian Pediatric Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee

AbstractIntroductionPaediatric asthma is a prevalent and chronic respiratory condition affecting children worldwide. This protocol outlines the methodology for developing a clinical practice guideline (CPG) for the management of paediatric asthma. The goal of this guideline is to provide evidence‐based recommendations for healthcare professionals, improving the quality of care and health outcomes for paediatric patients with asthma.MethodsWe will use the ‘Adapted ADAPTE’ adaption method, a systematic approach to adapt existing guidelines, which consists of three phases (setup, adaptation and finalisation phases), nine modules and 24 steps, with adaptations to the process and tools to suit the Egypt healthcare context and resources.QuestionsClinical questions were prepared using the patient population, interventions, professionals, outcomes and healthcare context (PIPOH) model. This CPG protocol addresses critical clinical questions at the heart of effective asthma management in children. It focuses on the diagnosis of paediatric asthma, considering age‐specific clinical presentations and diagnostic tests, assessment of asthma severity, control medications like inhaled corticosteroids, long‐acting β‐agonists and others, with an emphasis on appropriate tools and criteria. The CPG also delves into the realm of long‐term control treatment, exploring the effectiveness and safety of pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions, while considering individualised needs. Furthermore, it examines strategies for monitoring and adjusting treatment plans over time, ensuring optimal care. These clinical questions form the foundation of the CPG, facilitating evidence‐based care delivery and enhancing health outcomes for paediatric asthma patients.

A Holistic Approach to Expressing the Burden of Caregivers for Stroke Survivors: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review explores the multifaceted challenges faced by caregivers of stroke survivors, addressing the global impact of strokes and the anticipated rise in survivors over the coming decades. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a thorough literature search identified 34 relevant studies published between 2018 and 2023. The review categorizes caregiver burden into four domains: physical health, social functioning, financial issues, and psychological health. Caregivers often experience a decline in physical health, marked by chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, and pain. Emotional distress is prevalent, leading to anxiety and depression, especially in cases of high burden. Financial strains arise from medical expenses and employment changes, exacerbating the overall burden. Contextual factors, such as cultural norms and resource availability, influence the caregiver experience. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale assessed the methodological quality of studies. The conclusion emphasizes tailored interventions and support systems for caregivers, with practical recommendations for healthcare professionals, therapists, mental health professionals, financial counselors, and policymakers. This comprehensive review enhances the understanding of caregiver experiences and provides actionable insights to improve stroke care and rehabilitation The study's novelty lies in its holistic examination of caregiver burden in stroke care, its focus on the recent literature, and its emphasis on forecasting caregiver outcomes, contributing valuable insights for proactive intervention strategies.

WHO Guidelines about Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) for mental, neurological and substance use disorders: Review and Comments

Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) has been instrumental in developing evidence-based guidelines to address mental, neurological, and substance use disorders through its Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP). These guidelines provide essential recommendations for healthcare professionals to deliver effective care in non-specialized health settings. Aim: This article aims to review and analyze the updated WHO guidelines on the mhGAP intervention for mental, neurological, and substance use disorders, focusing on their significance, content, and implications for clinical practice. Methods: A comprehensive review of the WHO documents published in 2023, including the "mhGAP intervention guide for mental, neurological, and substance use disorders in non-specialized health settings" and the "Update of the Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) guidelines for mental, neurological, and substance use disorders, 2015," was conducted. The review examines the scope of the guidelines, their recommendations, and the evidence supporting them. Results: The updated WHO guidelines cover a wide range of mental health conditions, including alcohol use disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, and more. Each guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, with the aim of improving access to quality mental health care in diverse healthcare settings. The guidelines are freely accessible online through the WHO's mhGAP Evidence Resource Centre website, offering detailed evidence profiles and recommendations for healthcare professionals. Conclusions: The WHO guidelines on the mhGAP represent a critical resource for healthcare professionals worldwide, offering evidence-based guidance for the delivery of mental health care. By providing standardized recommendations informed by the best available evidence, these guidelines support the implementation of evidence-based practice and contribute to improved patient outcomes. The WHO's commitment to updating and disseminating these guidelines underscores its dedication to promoting mental health equity and advancing evidence-based care globally.