Delivery Technology Research Articles

Recent Advances in Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems

Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS), particularly transdermal patches, represent a significant advancement in pharmaceutical technology, offering non-invasive drug administration through the skin. These systems provide controlled release mechanisms and improved therapeutic outcomes. The evolution of TDDS has effectively addressed various limitations of conventional drug delivery methods, by escaping first-pass metabolism and maintaining steady plasma drug concentrations. Technological innovations have introduced sophisticated materials and formulation strategies, including advanced polymer matrices, smart delivery systems, and novel permeation enhancers. The integration of nanotechnology has expanded the scope of transdermal delivery, enabling the administration of previously unsuitable drug molecules. Current knowledge of skin structure and its barrier function has led to improved transdermal patch designs incorporating microemulsions, nanocarriers, and smart polymers. Advanced technologies such as microneedles, iontophoresis, and sonophoresis have significantly improved drug permeation capabilities. Marketed formulations demonstrate successful implementation of these technologies, while ongoing research continues to optimize characterization methods and delivery mechanisms. The development of more effective and patient-friendly transdermal systems has resulted in improved therapeutic outcomes and enhanced patient compliance, marking a significant advancement in drug delivery technology. Recent innovations suggest a promising future for transdermal delivery systems in addressing complex therapeutic challenges and meeting diverse patient needs.

Bridging the Archipelago: E-Governance and Access to Public Services in Sulu, Philippines

Geographic isolation, socioeconomic challenges, and security concerns have historically hindered public service delivery in Sulu, Philippines. This study investigated the role of e-governance in bridging this gap and enhancing citizen engagement with government services. A mixed-methods approach was employed. Quantitative analysis of government records assessed service utilization pre- and post-implementation of e-governance initiatives. A survey of 300 Sulu residents evaluated experiences with e-governance platforms. Qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with citizens and government officials provided contextual insights. E-governance platforms significantly increased public service utilization. Citizens reported improved convenience, reduced travel time and costs, and greater transparency. Challenges include digital literacy, limited internet connectivity, and trust in online platforms. In conclusion, e-governance has the potential to improve service access in Sulu. Successful implementation requires addressing infrastructure limitations, promoting digital literacy, and building trust in online services. This study informs strategies for leveraging technology for inclusive service delivery in marginalized communities.

Mechanically mediated cargo delivery to cells using microfluidic devices.

Drug delivery technologies, which are a crucial area of research in the field of cell biology, aim to actively or passively deliver drugs to target cells to enhance therapeutic efficacy and minimize off-target effects. In recent years, with advances in drug development, particularly, the increasing demand for macromolecular drugs (e.g., proteins and nucleic acids), novel drug delivery technologies and intracellular cargo delivery systems have emerged as promising tools for cell and gene therapy. These systems include various viral- and chemical-mediated methods as well as physical delivery strategies. Physical methods, such as electroporation and microinjection, have shown promise in early studies but have not been widely adopted due to concerns regarding efficiency and cellular viability. Recently, microfluidic technologies have provided new opportunities for cargo delivery by allowing for precise control of fluid dynamic parameters to achieve efficient and safe penetration of cell membranes, as well as for foreign material transport. Microfluidics-based mechanical delivery methods utilize biophysical phenomena, such as cell constriction and fluid shear, and are associated with high throughput and high transfection efficiency. In this review, we summarize the latest advancements in microfluidic mechanical delivery technologies, and we discuss constriction- and fluid shear-induced delivery strategies. Furthermore, we explore the potential application of artificial intelligence in optimizing cargo delivery technologies, aiming to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for the future development of novel cellular drug delivery technologies.

TECHNICAL AND PATENT PERSPECTIVE ON FILM FORMING TOPICAL SPRAYS

Film-forming systems were a viable option for topical and transdermal medication administration in the present study. Medication administered via the skin serves two purposes: topical treatment of skin disorders and transdermal drug absorption into the circulation. Apart from the ease of self-administration, the topical route provides a broad and diverse surface and functions as a substitute for oral and hypodermic injection drug delivery routes. Existing dosage forms, such as creams, patches, and ointments, have several drawbacks. In addition to being unsightly, patches can be painful to put on curved surfaces, create discomfort while peeling off, and most often cause skin irritation because of their occlusive qualities, which block sweat ducts and prevent perspiration from evaporating from the skin surface. This review encompasses the mechanism of polymers, such as ethyl cellulose and Eudragit types, plasticizers, and penetration enhancers utilized in film formation. Overall, polymeric film-forming sprays exhibit substantial potential for the convenient administration of antibiotics and antiseptics to treat bacterial, fungal, and viral skin infections. The application of topical medication is thought to result in both local and systemic effects. The physicochemical characteristics of the medication and patient adherence determine how well the topical treatment works. Poor permeability and poor adherence to the skin are some of the disadvantages of conventional pharmaceutical formulations for topical and dermatological administration. The development of medication delivery technologies intended for topical administration to the skin includes the use of topical film-forming systems.

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Predictive Healthcare: A Data-Driven Approach to Early Diagnosis and Personalized Treatment

As noted, healthcare delivery systems are systems that always present organizational difficulties for any user and everyone related to these systems, but AI today is one of the widely-discussed and most frequently considered innovations that have prospects for radical improvement of the patient’s state and quality of life. AI solutions are on the verge of becoming integrated into clinical practice thanks to enhanced developments in the field, which means that there is a need to cover the part played by these technologies in healthcare and equip healthcare providers with the knowledge and resources needed to achieve that. This review article provides a broad, although dated, systematic synthesis of AI in clinical practice today, reviewing potential uses of AI in disease taxonomy and diagnosis, treatment suggestions, patient participation, and utilizing methodologies to consider the ethical and legal issues of AI and the persistent need for human insights and expertise. In order to establish the nature of the relationships and possible effects of AI in healthcare environments, the paper reviews the literature using PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and EMBASE databases. According to the findings, the application of AI technologies in health care delivery can greatly improve disease diagnosis, therapy choice, and clinical testing because, in contrast to human decision-making, AI algorithms analyze extensive data sets and outcompete human experts in specific tasks. It is accurate, cost-effective, time efficient, and free from human errors, advances the fields of pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine, optimizes the dosing of drugs, improves overall population health, establishes virtual healthcare services, and enhances mental health care, education, and trust between patients and physicians. Nevertheless, these and the following issues cannot be left unresolved: data privacy, AI bias, and the indispensability of the human factor.

Review on Oral Osmotic Tablet

Traditional oral medication delivery methods provide the drug with an immediate release and an efficient concentration at the intended location. Such a dosage regimen could lead to unexpected, ever-changing plasma concentrations. As a result, numerous regulated medication delivery systems are created. Among these, osmotic drug delivery systems (ODDS) and pulsatile drug delivery systems (PDDS) are becoming more and more significant because they improve patient treatment efficacy and compliance by delivering the medicine at precise times based on the course and physiological requirements of the disease. They regulate the drug’s delivery by using the osmotic pressure theory.To a significant extent, the drug’s release is unaffected by GIT physiological variables. Both targeted and systemic medication delivery are possible with these methods. The theoretical idea of drug delivery, various oral osmotic drug delivery system types, factors influencing the drug delivery system, benefits and drawbacks of these delivery systems, fundamental osmotic system components, evaluation parameters, difficulties, and emerging technologies in oral controlled drug delivery are all “highlighted” in this review.

Comprehensive review on advanced antipyretic and anti-nociceptic agents: Efficacy; safety and emerging therapies

Fever; characterized by an increased core temperature; is a complex physiological reaction to illness involving acute-phase reactants and many physiological; endocrinological; and immunological systems. Antipyretics; chiefly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and paracetamol; are essential for the management of fever and related discomfort. These medicines primarily function by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes; so diminishing the production of prostaglandin E2 in the hypothalamus and subsequently decreasing the thermal set point. Although paracetamol is acknowledged for its safety when utilized correctly; it presents concerns of hepatic toxicity and overdose; requiring vigilant monitoring; especially in pediatric patients or those with concomitant conditions. Conversely; ibuprofen typically has greater antipyretic efficacy; particularly in pediatric populations; although its application may be constrained by gastrointestinal adverse effects and renal considerations. Recent breakthroughs in this domain concentrate on improving the safety and efficacy of antipyretic drugs; particularly for at-risk populations such as the elderly and children. Innovations like COX-2 selective inhibitors and advanced delivery technologies; including nanomedicine; offer exciting opportunities for enhancing pain management and fever therapy. Future study should emphasize the customization of therapy according to pharmacodynamics; possible drug interactions; and patient attributes to enhance therapeutic results. An interdisciplinary approach is crucial for the appropriate management of fever and pain; enhancing patient welfare and progressing clinical practices in antipyretic and antinociceptive therapies.

In Situ Light-Source Delivery During 5-Aminulevulinic Acid-Guided High-Grade Glioma Resection: Spatial, Functional and Oncological Informed Surgery

Background/Objectives: 5-aminulevulinic acid (5-ALA)-guided surgery for high-grade gliomas remains a challenge in neuro-oncological surgery. Inconsistent fluorescence visualisation, subjective quantification and false negatives due to blood, haemostatic agents or optical impediments from the external light source are some of the limitations of the present technology. Methods: The preliminary results from this single-centre retrospective study are presented from the first 35 patients operated upon with the novel Nico Myriad Spectra System©. The microdebrider (Myriad) with an additional in situ light system (Spectra) can alternately provide white and blue light (405 nm) to within 15 mm of the tissue surface to enhance the morphology of the anatomical structures and the fluorescence of the pathological tissues. Results: A total of 35 patients were operated upon with this new technology. Eight patients (22.85%) underwent tubular retractor-assisted minimally invasive parafascicular surgery (tr-MIPS). The majority had high-grade gliomas (68.57%). Fluorescence was identified in 30 cases (85.71%), with residual fluorescence in 11 (36.66%). The main applications were better white–blue light alternation and visualisation during tr-MIPS, increase in the extent of resection at the border of the cavity, identification of satellite lesions in multifocal pathology, the differentiation between radionecrosis and tumour recurrence in redo surgery and the demarcation between normal ependyma versus pathological ependyma in tumours infiltrating the subventricular zone. Conclusions: This proof-of-concept study confirms that the novel in situ light-source delivery technology integrated with the usual intraoperative armamentarium provides a spatially, functionally and oncologically informed framework for glioblastoma surgery. It allows for the enhancement of the morphology of anatomical structures and the fluorescence of pathological tissues, increasing the extent of resection and, possibly, the prognosis for patients with high-grade gliomas.

Traditional vs. Tech-Driven: A Comparative Analysis of Service Delivery Models in Line Agencies across Urban and Rural Sulu, Philippines

This study investigated the impact of technology on public service delivery in Sulu, Philippines, by comparing traditional and tech-driven models in line agencies across urban and rural settings. The research aimed to identify the benefits, challenges, and factors influencing the adoption and effectiveness of technology in enhancing citizen access, satisfaction, and efficiency. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative surveys of citizens (n=300) and government employees (n=150) with qualitative interviews of key stakeholders (n=20) in both urban and rural line agencies. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, comparative analysis, and thematic analysis of interview transcripts. Simulated data was generated based on existing literature and reports to supplement primary data collection where access was limited. Tech-driven service delivery models in urban areas led to increased citizen access, reduced processing times, and improved transparency. However, challenges persisted in rural areas due to limited infrastructure, digital literacy gaps, and cultural preferences for traditional approaches. Factors influencing successful technology adoption included leadership commitment, staff training, community engagement, and ongoing technical support. In conclusion, this study highlights the transformative potential of technology in public service delivery in Sulu while emphasizing the need for context-specific strategies to address the unique challenges in rural communities. Recommendations include targeted investments in infrastructure, digital literacy programs, and culturally sensitive technology integration to ensure equitable access and maximize the benefits of tech-driven service delivery across Sulu.

Preparation, characterization, stability and functional properties of andrographolide loaded kafirin/carboxymethyl cellulose composite particles using antisolvent precipitation method

Enhancing the oral bioavailability of hydrophobic nutraceuticals and protecting bioactive components through encapsulation systems has gained significant attention in food science. This study explored the preparation and characterization of kafirin (Kaf)/carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) composite nanoparticles for encapsulating andrographolide (AG) using the antisolvent precipitation method. The optimal Kaf to CMC mass ratio was identified as 4:1, resulting in nanoparticles with an average diameter of 146.4 nm. CMC markedly improved the water dispersibility of the nanoparticles compared to Kaf alone. The formation of these composite nanoparticles was mainly driven by hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic interactions. Compared to Kaf nanoparticles, the Kaf/CMC nanoparticles showed enhanced encapsulation efficiency, gastrointestinal release characteristics, and stability. Additionally, AG-loaded composite nanoparticles showed exhibited superior biological safety and anti-cancer effects, highlighting their potential for therapeutic applications. In conclusion, Kaf/CMC composite nanoparticles present a promising delivery system for hydrophobic nutraceuticals and drugs, contributing to advancements in drug delivery technologies and nutraceutical formulations.

Revolutionizing healthcare in Somalia: the role of digital innovations in enhancing access and quality

Somalia’s healthcare system faces significant challenges, including limited infrastructure, a shortage of healthcare professionals (2.5 physicians per 10,000 people), and geographic disparities in access to care, leading to only 35% of the population having access to basic health services. Despite these, Somalia is embracing digital health technologies to address these challenges and to improve healthcare delivery. Telehealth platforms such as Baano and SomDoctor provide remote consultations and specialized care to overcome geographical barriers. mHealth solutions, including Hello! Caafi, leverages Somalia’s expanding telecommunications network to deliver healthcare information and services. The development of an electronic immunization registry demonstrated the role of digital health records in streamlining health services and improving data accuracy. Despite the potential benefits, challenges persist, including limited and unreliable Internet access (27.6% penetration rate), and the need to ensure data privacy and security. Capacity building and digital literacy enhancement among healthcare providers and populations are crucial. Learning from successful digital health initiatives in African countries that have effectively used digital health technologies for medical supply delivery and for improved healthcare access is essential. The roadmap for Somalia emphasizes government leadership, public-private partnerships, context-specific solutions, and investment in digital infrastructure, capacity building, and data privacy measures. This perspective explores current digital health innovations in Somalia and their potential impact on healthcare access and quality, outlining a roadmap for establishing a sustainable digital health ecosystem.

Intradermal delivery of a liposomal formulation encapsulating amphiphilic ascorbic acid by iontophoresis for promotion of collagen synthesis

Collagen is a structural protein in skin that is an important component for maintaining skin functions, such as elasticity. As the amount and functional capacity of collagen in the skin decreases with age, wrinkles and skin sagging are induced. Treatment of the skin with vitamin C (ascorbic acid, AsA) is attracting attention as a means of inducing collagen production. However, penetration of AsA into the skin is difficult due to its hydrophilicity. To overcome this limitation, we focused on a combination of iontophoresis (ItP), which is a non-invasive intradermal drug delivery technology, and use of a liposome formulation, to improve skin penetration of AsA. In this study, palmitoylated AsA was used to increase the encapsulation efficiency into liposomes. We prepared liposomes encapsulating palmitoylated AsA (AsA-lipo) and performed ItP of fluorescently-labeled AsA-lipo on the shaved dorsal skin of rats. Fluorescence of the liposomes was observed in skin sections following ItP, indicating that AsA-lipo was delivered into the skin. The amount of collagen in the skin after ItP of AsA-lipo increased with the number of doses, and the amount of collagen mRNA also showed an increasing trend. Furthermore, the amount of hydroxyproline, which is a major component of collagen, was significantly increased in skin treated with AsA-lipo via ItP. In conclusion, results of this study demonstrate the successful promotion of skin collagen synthesis by non-invasive iontophoretic intradermal delivery of AsA-lipo.

Prevent hypoglycaemia when using automated insulin delivery systems in type 1 diabetes requires near normal glycaemic variability

AimAlthough newer technologies of insulin delivery in type 1 diabetes have facilitated an improvement in glycaemic control the risk of hypoglycaemia remains a threat. Therefore, it is important to define the thresholds of glycaemic variability below which the risk of hypoglycaemia can be eliminated or at least minimized. MethodsRandomized controlled trials conducted from 2017 to 2023 comparing Sensor-Augmented-Pumps and Augmented Insulin Delivery Systems (n = 16 and 22 studies, respectively) were selected. A weighted linear model of regression was used to compute the relationship between glycaemic variability and times spent below glucose range. The intercepts of regression lines with the abscissa axis (time below range = 0 %) defined the glycaemic variability thresholds. ResultsPositive relationships were observed between the 2 metrics. The scatter plots indicated that the times spent below range never reached the value of 0 % and that the glycaemic variability never fell below 28 %. By extrapolating the regression lines, the glycaemic variability at intercepts with time below range < 70 mg/dL of 0 % was 30.1 % with sensor augmented pumps and 18.9 % with automated insulin delivery. For a time below range < 54 mg/dL of 0 % the respective glycaemic variability values were 32.7 % and 19.9 % (with sensor augmented pumps and automated insulin delivery, respectively). ConclusionsImportantly, glycaemic variability targets and ambient hyperglycaemia are interdependent. Users of automated insulin delivery need to reach a glycaemic variability of 18 % to 20 % to minimize or eradicate the risk of hypoglycaemia. Such values are those observed in healthy non-diabetic people.

A systematic review of microneedles technology in drug delivery through a bibliometric and patent overview

The transdermal drug delivery (TDD) route has gathered considerable attention for its potential to improve therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic side effects. Among transdermal technologies, microneedle (MN) devices have proven to be a promising approach that combines the advantages of traditional needle injections and non-invasive topical applications. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of progress in transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) via MN from 2000 to 2023, integrating bibliometric analysis and patent landscape to present a multi-faceted perspective on the evolution of this technology. The study identifies key trends, challenges, and opportunities in the research, implementation, and commercialization of MN tools through a systematic examination of scientific literature and an extensive investigation of global patent databases. The study of bibliometric trends reveals the leading experts, organizations, companies, and countries contributing to this field, collaboration networks, and the thematic evolution of research topics. The patent analysis offers insights into innovative trajectories, key players, and geographical distribution of intellectual property. This review resumes the latest advancements in MN devices and provides a strategic outlook that can guide future research directions, promote partnerships, and inform stakeholders involved in the development of TDDS.

Artificial intelligence and big data from digital health applications: publication trends and analysis.

The integration of big data with artificial intelligence in the field of digital health has brought a new dimension to healthcare service delivery. AI technologies that provide value by using big data obtained in the provision of health services are being added to each passing day. There are also some problems related to the use of AI technologies in health service delivery. In this respect, it is aimed to understand the use of digital health, AI and big data technologies in healthcare services and to analyze the developments and trends in the sector. In this research, 191 studies published between 2016 and 2023 on digital health, AI and its sub-branches and big data were analyzed using VOSviewer and Rstudio Bibliometrix programs for bibliometric analysis. We summarized the type, year, countries, journals and categories of publications; matched the most cited publications and authors; explored scientific collaborative relationships between authors and determined the evolution of research over the years through keyword analysis and factor analysis of publications. The content of the publications is briefly summarized. The data obtained showed that significant progress has been made in studies on the use of AI technologies and big data in the field of health, but research in the field is still ongoing and has not yet reached saturation. Although the bibliometric analysis study conducted has comprehensively covered the literature, a single database has been utilized and limited to some keywords in order to reach the most appropriate publications on the subject. The analysis has addressed important issues regarding the use of developing digital technologies in health services and is thought to form a basis for future researchers. In today's world, where significant developments are taking place in the field of health, it is necessary to closely follow the development of digital technologies in the health sector and analyze the current situation in order to guide both stakeholders and those who will work in this field.

Evaluation of physical and chemical modifications to drug reservoirs for stimuli-responsive microneedles.

Hydrogel-forming microneedle (MN) arrays are minimally-invasive devices that can penetrate the stratum corneum, the main barrier to topical drug application, without causing pain. However, drug delivery using hydrogel-forming MN arrays tends to be relatively slow compared to rapid drug delivery using conventional needles and syringes. Therefore, in this work, for the first time, different physical and chemical delivery enhancement methods were employed in combination with PVA-based hydrogel-forming MN arrays. Using a model drug, ibuprofen (IBU) sodium, the designed systems were assessed in terms of the extent of transdermal delivery. Iontophoresis (ITP) and heat-assisted drug delivery technology were investigated as physical permeation enhancement techniques. Ex vivo studies demonstrated that the ITP (0.5mA/cm2)-mediated combination strategy significantly enhanced the transdermal permeation of IBU sodium over the first 6h (~ 5.11mg) when compared to MN alone (~ 1.63mg) (p < 0.05). In contrast, heat-assisted technology showed almost no promoting effect on transdermal delivery. Furthermore, IBU sodium-containing rapidly dissolving lyophilised and effervescent reservoirs, classified as chemical modification methods, were prepared. Both strategies achieved rapid and effective ex vivo IBU sodium permeation, equating to ~ 78% (30.66mg) and ~ 71% (28.43mg) from lyophilised and effervescent reservoirs, respectively. Moreover, in vivo pharmacokinetic studies showed that the IBU sodium plasma concentration within lyophilised and effervescent groups reached a maximum concentration (Cmax) at 4h (~ 282.15µg/mL) and 6h (~ 140.81µg/mL), respectively. These strategies not only provided rapid achievement of therapeutic levels (10-15µg/ml), but also resulted in sustained release of IBU sodium for at least 48h, which could effectively reduce the frequency of administration, thereby improving patient compliance and reducing side effects of IBU sodium.

Noble Gases in Medicine: Current Status and Future Prospects

Noble gases are a valuable but overlooked source of effective and safe therapeutics. Being monoatomic and chemically inert, they nonetheless have a surprisingly wide range of biochemical and medically valuable properties. This mini review briefly summarizes these properties for the most widely used noble gases and focuses and research gaps and missed opportunities for wider use of these intriguing ‘atomic’ drugs. The main research gaps and opportunities lie firstly in the application of advanced computational modelling methods for noble gases and recent developments in accurate predictions of protein structures from sequence (AlphaFold), and secondly in the use of very efficient and selective drug delivery technologies to improve the solubility, efficacy, and delivery of noble gases to key targets, especially for the lighter, poorly soluble gases.

Assessing Satellite-Augmented Connected Vehicle Technology for Security Credentials and Traveler Information Delivery

Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology has the capability to enhance road safety by enabling wireless exchange of telematics and spatiotemporal information between connected vehicles (CVs). Effective V2X communication depends on rapid information sharing between Roadside Units (RSUs), in-vehicle On-Board Units (OBUs), and other connected infrastructure. However, there are increasing concerns with RSUs related to installation needs, reliability, and coverage, especially on rural roadways. This study aims to evaluate the benefits of augmenting CV infrastructure with satellite technology in situations where RSU access or coverage is limited while maintaining V2X security protocols and critical information exchange. The study utilizes data from over 400 personal, fleet, and commercial CVs collected during two real-world pilot deployments in the United States, one in an urban environment in Florida and one in a rural environment in Wyoming. The analysis performed shows that the delivery of critical security credential information and traveler information messages (TIMs) to CVs is dependent on a multitude of environmental and operational reliability factors. Overall, information delivery is faster with dense RSU infrastructure as compared to satellites. However, we show that by augmenting RSU infrastructure with satellite technology, the delivery of information is more robust, improving V2X system reliability, security, and overall road safety.

Managing Angiography Unit Failure in Interventional Radiology: Lessons in Crisis Management and Considerations in Prevention.

Functional and efficient medical equipment is at the core of modern healthcare delivery, particularly in medical imaging. Growing healthcare costs and constrained budgets can delay equipment renewal. Aging equipment risks malfunction, potentially causing injury to patients and staff, and downtimes delaying patient care and impacting departmental revenue. Extensive equipment failure can lead to significant operational disruption which can compromise the delivery of timely and quality healthcare. Although extensive equipment failure is uncommon, 2 interventional radiology divisions at tertiary academic hospitals in Canada and the UK recently faced such a crisis. Their experiences of crisis and recovery inform this review of angiography equipment failure, and the principles learned. The concept of organizational resilience is introduced as a framework through which we review the crises. This concept can be split into successive and cooperative stages of anticipation, coping, and adaptation. Resilient organizations can identify potential threats, cope with unexpected crises, and recover swiftly to ensure future success. The author's experience of critical angiography unit failure, their response, and lessons learned are reviewed. We find these principles are broadly applicable to other medical imaging divisions and relevant to any system reliant on technology for healthcare delivery.

The Development of Operational Model Integrating Digital Technologies into Public Mental Healthcare Services in Nigeria

The availability and utilization of digital technologies can leverage the challenges of the sharp-depleting workforce due to the consistent migration of healthcare professionals (HCPs), the alarming ratio of the number of patients to HCPs, discretional use of digital technologies among HCPs in providing effective therapeutic interventions and mental healthcare services. This study aimed to develop an operational model that integrates digital technologies in mental healthcare service delivery for public facilities in Nigeria. The practice-oriented theory guides the development of the model. A qualitative method assessed the digital technologies used during the COVID-19 pandemic. A non-probability, purposive sampling technique that employed the snowball method was used in selecting the sixteen (16) HCPs from four (4) neuropsychiatric hospitals in South-West Nigeria. Thematic analysis was conducted on qualitative data. Findings from the qualitative analysis revealed several challenges in providing adequate and efficient services in public mental healthcare facilities in Nigeria, such as human resource challenges, brain drain, lack of infrastructure, and strains on HCPs. Findings from this study indicated that digital technologies are sparingly utilized in public mental healthcare service delivery due to a lack of policy and framework. HCPs perceive digital technologies to be beneficial to themselves and their clients. The highlighted benefits to patients are reduced stigmatization levels, decreased financial burden, enhanced accessibility to therapists, strengthened adherence, mitigated relapse incidences and improved intervention. The transition from the traditional/conventional space of mental healthcare service delivery to digital space requires a collaborative approach with Computer scientists (software developers, database administrators), Data scientists, investors, stakeholders and mental HCPs. The proposed model serves as a contemporary framework that the Government, policymakers in the Ministry of Health and management of mental health facilities in Nigeria can adopt, providing the needed awareness of the benefit of technological intervention.