Traditional Health Care System Research Articles

JATAMANSI (NARDOSTACHYS JATAMANSI DC. ): INSIGHT OF ITS MORPHOLOGY AND ITS MEDICINAL USE IN AYURVEDA

Ayurveda is a traditional system of natural health care that originated in India's ancient Vedic times. Its primary emphasis is on disease prevention and maintaining mankind's health. In Ayurveda, various medicinal plants have been mentioned to cure diseases. The precious medicinal plants are the backbone of the Ayurvedic system of medicine. One such medicinal plant, Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi DC.), has remained an all-time favourite of Vaidya's since ancient Vedic times to treat diseases. It is an endangered, primitive, and therapeutic herbal agent belonging to the family Valerianaceae and has been reported to have many therapeutic activities like Antioxidant, Antifungal, hepatoprotective, and cardioprotective. It is a well-known drug in the list of Medhya drugs. This review article summarises the potential benefits of this medicinal plant as reported in offline and online literature. The review also highlights the need to use this plant in the Ayurvedic system of medicine and prospects for further research.

The Access Paradox: unmet healthcare needs among young adults in Alberta - an exploratory study of the systemic ironies in healthcare accessibility.

There is a pressing need to investigate how young adults' access to healthcare, including how delayed help-seeking behaviours and the complexities inherent in traditional healthcare systems, exacerbate the challenges they face. This study explores the associations among functional impairments, self-perceptions of health, anxiety and mood disorders and their potential relationship to unmet healthcare needs among young adults aged 20-29. This cross-sectional study used data from the 2017-2018 Canadian Community Health Survey to analyse a sample of 1636 young adults from Alberta, Canada. Central to the analysis was the application of conceptual framework of access to health care, as it offers a comprehensive view of healthcare access. Among the sampled young adults, 7.0% reported unmet healthcare needs. Self-perceived unmet healthcare needs were significantly associated with anxiety disorders, functional impairments-specifically cognitive and social skills, and self-perceptions of poor or fair mental health, as opposed to those perceiving their mental health as excellent. Multivariable analyses incorporating extraneous variables were not statistically significant, emphasising the critical role of systemic and structural factors in healthcare access. The study presents preliminary insights into the intricate dynamics shaping unmet healthcare needs. These insights can guide future research and practice advances, particularly in developing targeted interventions that effectively reduce healthcare disparities and enhance access to healthcare services for young adults.

Garlic Plant Characteristics and Medicinal Values: A Review

Garlic is a versatile vegetable commonly grown in subtropical and highland groecosystems, which is utilized for its culinary, medicinal, and spice properties. The use of garlic as a medicinal aid can be traced back to ancient times. The health benefits of garlic production are attributed to its antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. The use of garlic is prevalent in both traditional and modern healthcare systems, where it is used to treat a wide range of conditions. Numerous studies have reported the therapeutic properties of garlic, and its effectiveness has been demonstrated in clinical trials. The growing global interest in health and wellness, the widespread use of garlic as a spice, and its potential economic, social, and health benefits have contributed to a surge in its demand worldwide. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the scientific literature on the morphological descriptions of garlic and its nutritional and health significance.

Functional fibers/textiles for smart sensing devices and applications in personal healthcare systems.

Personalized medical diagnostics and monitoring have become increasingly important due to inefficient and delayed medical services of traditional centralized healthcare systems. To enhance the comfort and portability, flexible health monitoring systems have been developed in recent years. In particular, smart fiber/textile-based sensing devices show superiority for continuously monitoring personal health and vital physiological parameters owing to their light weight, good flexibility and inherent miniaturization. This review focuses on the recent advances in smart fiber/textile-based sensing devices for wearable electronic applications. First, fabrication strategies of smart sensing fibers/textiles are introduced in detail. In addition, sensing performances, working principles and applications of smart sensing fibers/textiles such as pressure sensing fibers/textiles, stretchable strain sensing fibers/textiles, temperature sensing fibers/textiles, and biofluid, gas and humidity sensing fibers/textiles in health monitoring are also reviewed systematically. Finally, we propose current challenges and future prospects in the area of fiber/textile-based sensors for wearable healthcare monitoring and diagnosis systems. In general, this review aims to give an overall perspective of the promising field by reviewing various fiber/textile-based sensing devices and highlighting the importance for researchers to keep up with the sequential exploration of soft sensing fibers/textiles for applications in wearable smart systems.

XAI Driven Intelligent IoMT Secure Data Management Framework.

The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) has transformed traditional healthcare systems by enabling real-time monitoring, remote diagnostics, and data-driven treatment. However, security and privacy remain significant concerns for IoMT adoption due to the sensitive nature of medical data. Therefore, we propose an integrated framework leveraging blockchain and explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) to enable secure, intelligent, and transparent management of IoMT data. First, the traceability and tamper-proof of blockchain are used to realize the secure transaction of IoMT data, transforming the secure transaction of IoMT data into a two-stage Stackelberg game. The dual-chain architecture is used to ensure the security and privacy protection of the transaction. The main-chain manages regular IoMT data transactions, while the side-chain deals with data trading activities aimed at resale. Simultaneously, the perceptual hash technology is used to realize data rights confirmation, which maximally protects the rights and interests of each participant in the transaction. Subsequently, medical time-series data is modeled using bidirectional simple recurrent units to detect anomalies and cyberthreats accurately while overcoming vanishing gradients. Lastly, an adversarial sample generation method based on local interpretable model-agnostic explanations is provided to evaluate, secure, and improve the anomaly detection model, as well as to make it more explainable and resilient to possible adversarial attacks. Simulation results are provided to illustrate the high performance of the integrated secure data management framework leveraging blockchain and XAI, compared with the benchmarks.

Pharmacognostic Study of Butea monosperma a versatile medicinal plant

Throughout human history, plants have been employed as medicine in traditional health care systems and are seen as a source of long, healthy human life. Various plant components, including the roots, leaves, stem, bark, flowers, and seeds, have been utilised to treat a variety of diseases. India has a wide variety of medicinal plants. Out of the many commonly used medical plants, Butea monosperma is a possible medicinal plant widely appreciated for its ability to treat elephantiasis and treat night blindness and other vision problems. Bark is a spicy, acrid, and bitter food and laxative. Its leaves are beneficial for eye conditions and have anti-inflammatory properties. Flowers are helpful for gonorrhoea, scorching urine, and irritation. It is a member of the Fabaceae family, which includes more than 150 genera and 1600 species.The current study was designed to go into greater detail on how macroscopical and microscopical characteristics of leaves and stems were viewed. In the current situation, when there are no regulatory regulations to control the quality of herbal pharmaceuticals, the physicochemical characteristics investigations offered reference information in regard to its identification parameters considered substantially in the path of acceptability of herbal drugs.

Economic Evaluations and Equity in the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Imaging Exams for Medical Diagnosis in People With Skin, Neurological, and Pulmonary Diseases: Protocol for a Systematic Review.

Traditional health care systems face long-standing challenges, including patient diversity, geographical disparities, and financial constraints. The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) in health care offers solutions to these challenges. AI, a multidisciplinary field, enhances clinical decision-making. However, imbalanced AI models may enhance health disparities. This systematic review aims to investigate the economic performance and equity impact of AI in diagnostic imaging for skin, neurological, and pulmonary diseases. The research question is "To what extent does the use of AI in imaging exams for diagnosing skin, neurological, and pulmonary diseases result in improved economic outcomes, and does it promote equity in health care systems?" The study is a systematic review of economic and equity evaluations following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) and CHEERS (Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards) guidelines. Eligibility criteria include articles reporting on economic evaluations or equity considerations related to AI-based diagnostic imaging for specified diseases. Data will be collected from PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and reference lists. Data quality and transferability will be assessed according to CHEC (Consensus on Health Economic Criteria), EPHPP (Effective Public Health Practice Project), and Welte checklists. This systematic review began in March 2023. The literature search identified 9,526 publications and, after full-text screening, 9 publications were included in the study. We plan to submit a manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal once it is finalized, with an expected completion date in January 2024. AI in diagnostic imaging offers potential benefits but also raises concerns about equity and economic impact. Bias in algorithms and disparities in access may hinder equitable outcomes. Evaluating the economic viability of AI applications is essential for resource allocation and affordability. Policy makers and health care stakeholders can benefit from this review's insights to make informed decisions. Limitations, including study variability and publication bias, will be considered in the analysis. This systematic review will provide valuable insights into the economic and equity implications of AI in diagnostic imaging. It aims to inform evidence-based decision-making and contribute to more efficient and equitable health care systems. DERR1-10.2196/48544.

Various Alternative Therapies and their Treatment on Various Disease

The alternative medicine encompasses a diverse array of therapies and practices diverging from conventional biomedical approaches. This study delves into the multifaceted nature of alternative therapies, including Ayurveda, homeopathy, acupuncture, naturopathy, yoga, herbal medicine, massage therapy, and more. Emphasizing its widespread use globally, the research examines the reasons behind its popularity, citing factors like patient autonomy and alignment with personal beliefs. The assessment evaluates the effectiveness of these therapies in treating various illnesses and their acceptance among diverse populations. Additionally, the paper discusses the coexistence and integration of alternative medicine with traditional healthcare systems and highlights the challenges and perceptions surrounding its adoption. This exploration underscores the increasing embrace of alternative medicine and its role in healthcare alternatives for a substantial segment of the population

ConnectShareCare builds connections among care partners of people with serious illness

AbstractPeople living with chronic illnesses naturally turn to peers and community members to address the need for emotional support, practical advice, and quick help with emergent problems. Health systems have been slower to incorporate the expertise that comes from patients and caregivers/ care partners’ lived experience into the design and delivery of care. A coproduction learning health system model aims to draw on the expertise of all to deliver optimal “whole person” care and to capture learning for improvement in the process of care delivery. This model harnesses naturally occurring peer‐to‐peer connections outside the traditional healthcare system into facilitated support networks, which extend the scope of services offered by the health system to support lay care partners, thereby improving their resiliency and inviting them to share their expertise with others. With patients and care partners, we co‐designed and piloted an online facilitated support network, connectsharecare.org, to help persons providing care or support to an adult with a serious illness better prepare to cope with surprises that arise post diagnosis and/or during bereavement. The team prioritized two network functions (1) connecting care partners to information and (2) facilitating emotional support. Between its launch in April 2021 and January 2023 the network has grown to more than 200 members with more than 3,500 posts over 21‐months. Most members report satisfaction with the support and information received, and say that the network helps them find meaning and purpose by supporting others. The most frequently used discussion threads focus on well‐being, emotions, and sources of joy and hope. The network is being adapted and improved as we learn from the data generated. It is feasible to engage a multi‐stakeholder team to co‐design an online peer‐to‐peer facilitated support network for care partners of people with serious illness. ConnectShareCare is valued by care partners. This work has the potential to contribute to a coproduction learning health system for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias by (1) prioritizing and addressing potentially unique needs of their care partners, (2) generating data for continuous quality improvement, and (3) contributing to scientific knowledge.

Design of blockchain-enabled secure smart health monitoring system and its testbed implementation

Smart healthcare technology is transforming from the traditional healthcare system in every manner conceivably. Smart healthcare provides several advantages over the existing approaches. However, it suffers from healthcare data security and privacy issues. As the Internet attackers may get access to sensitive healthcare data through the use of various types of cyber attacks. In this paper, an architecture of a blockchain-enabled secure smart health monitoring system has been presented (in short, it is called as BSSHM). BSSHM consists of various health data monitoring sensors, i.e., temperature, heartbeat, etc., which monitor the real time health data of the different patients. The healthcare data of the patients can be transmitted to the connected health servers in a secure way, where this data can be stored securely for its various uses. The formal security verification of the proposed BSSHM is also done through the widely-accepted Scyther tool. It has been proved that BSSHM is able to defend various potential attacks.

ConnectShareCare builds connections among care partners of people with serious illness

AbstractPeople living with chronic illnesses naturally turn to peers and community members to address the need for emotional support, practical advice, and quick help with emergent problems. Health systems have been slower to incorporate the expertise that comes from patients and caregivers/ care partners’ lived experience into the design and delivery of care.A coproduction learning health system model aims to draw on the expertise of all to deliver optimal “whole person” care and to capture learning for improvement in the process of care delivery. This model harnesses naturally occurring peer‐to‐peer connections outside the traditional healthcare system into facilitated support networks, which extend the scope of services offered by the health system to support lay care partners, thereby improving their resiliency and inviting them to share their expertise with others.With patients and care partners, we co‐designed and piloted an online facilitated support network, connectsharecare.org, to help persons providing care or support to an adult with a serious illness better prepare to cope with surprises that arise post diagnosis and/or during bereavement. The team prioritized two network functions (1) connecting care partners to information and (2) facilitating emotional support.Between its launch in April 2021 and January 2023 the network has grown to more than 200 members with more than 3,500 posts over 21‐months. Most members report satisfaction with the support and information received, and say that the network helps them find meaning and purpose by supporting others. The most frequently used discussion threads focus on well‐being, emotions, and sources of joy and hope. The network is being adapted and improved as we learn from the data generated.It is feasible to engage a multi‐stakeholder team to co‐design an online peer‐to‐peer facilitated support network for care partners of people with serious illness. ConnectShareCare is valued by care partners. This work has the potential to contribute to a coproduction learning health system for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias by (1) prioritizing and addressing potentially unique needs of their care partners, (2) generating data for continuous quality improvement, and (3) contributing to scientific knowledge.

Determination of Ash values of some Anti-anaemic Ethnomedicinal plants of Ranchi District, Jharkhand

The traditional health care system (hodopathy) is based on the use of medicinal plants as the natural medications show better compatibility with human body, easily available with less side effects. These plants contain so many chemical compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phenolic compounds etc. that make them potential herbs and are used to cure various ailments like anaemia. Anaemia is a condition in which the hemoglobin level of the body decreases. The present study is based on extensive and intensive field survey that was made during 2019-2023. A large number of ethno medicinal plants have been documented during the survey work by interviewing local healers, knowledgeable persons, vaidyas etc. by preparing a questionnaire. Some of the medicinal plants like Psidium guajava, Carica papaya, Moringa oleifera and Spinacia oleracia were selected and ash values were determined which was found to be highest in Spinacea oleraceae i.e. 20.8 % followed by Moringa oleifera (14.5%), Carica papaya (14%) and Psidium guajava (9.5 %). The findings will help help in determining potential, quality and benefit of these plants in treatment of anaemia.

Facilitating Healthcare Sector through IoT: Issues, Challenges, and Its Solutions

INTRODUCTION: Nowadays, the Internet of Things (IoT) is one of the thriving technologies which incredibly enhances the standardization and modernization of any field. Healthcare has been facing so many conundrums that now could be catered to by the technology of IoT. IoT has found its application in the healthcare sector in the form of various health monitoring devices as well as sma4rfj, and tjti88lirt wearables for efficiently monitoring the health status of patients and improving upon the traditional infrastructure. Further, IoT in healthcare introduces and identifies the intelligent trend and directions by which one can be aware of health, fitness, and ailments. In this way, IoT progressively adds to the medical field and healthcare. At the same time, there are some challenges which are pertaining to IoT in healthcare which include the breaching of confidential information such as patient data.
 OBJECTIVES: The paper aims to discuss the solutions to this problem in detail. 
 METHODS: The paper fulfils its objectives through the deployment of technology such as blockchain and fog computing. This paper delineates the comparative study of how IoT assimilates healthcare.
 RESULTS: The paper discusses various identified technologies to overcome the challenges in IoT for healthcare.
 CONCLUSION: The amalgamation of IoT with healthcare shows efficacious outcomes. It can even create the difference between life and death. IoT overcomes the shortcomings of the traditional healthcare system. However, there are some challenges of securities associated with the IoT technology which can be coped with some measures such as cryptography, and blockchain etc.

Decentralized Healthcare System using Blockchain

Abstract—This research paper explores the integration of blockchain technology in healthcare to establish a decentralized system that enhances security, privacy, and patient control over health data. The proposed framework utilizes blockchain's tamper-resistant ledger to create a transparent and secure repository for patient records, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality. Smart contracts enable automated and controlled data sharing, fostering collaboration among healthcare stakeholders. Real-world implementations and case studies illustrate the potential impact of this decentralized healthcare system in revolutionizing data management, research collaboration, and patient outcomes. The findings highlight the significance of blockchain in addressing critical challenges in traditional healthcare systems, presenting a promising solution for a more secure and patient-centric future. Keywords—Distributed Ledger, Smart Contracts, Data Integrity, Patient Control, User interface, Regulatory compliance, Immutable Ledger

Traditional management of female infertility in Africa: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionInfertility adversely affects the sexual reproductive health and overall quality of life of people. Recent estimates show that about one in six people (both men and women) experience infertility in...

Electronic Medical Records Using Blockchain Technology

Blockchain technology has emerged as a crucial tool for ensuring security and reliability in various domains, particularly in healthcare. In this study, we utilize blockchain to establish an append-only chain of transaction blocks, ensuring the integrity and security of patient medical records. By employing blockchain, we aim to safeguard patient data, grant specific clinicians’ access to medical records, and ensure user privacy. The doctor will only receive prescription information after the patient has granted access, ensuring comprehensive protection for both parties. Consensus mechanisms within the blockchain guarantee consistency among blocks and require agreement from existing nodes before adding new transactions. Traditional healthcare systems often result in delays in data exchange and strict restrictions on access due to concerns about sensitive data leakage. By integrating blockchain technology into healthcare records and data, this article seeks to enhance data sharing while mitigating the risks of data tampering and security breaches.

DIVERSITY OF MEDICINAL PLANTS FROM MELGHAT FOREST OF AMRAVATI DISTRICT (MS) INDIA

Medicinal plants have been used for thousands of years in developing countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), traditional healthcare systems serve 70-80% of the population in India. Medicinal plants (MPs) and herbal remedies play an essential role in indigenous medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha. The Melghat region is known for its rich biodiversity and cultural value. The present survey was carried out to document the traditional uses of medicinal plants among the korku triable community which are located in Melghat region of Amravati disrict, India. The Melghat forest has great diversity in medicinal plants. More than 769 naturalised plant species are listed in the Flora of Melghat belonging to about 400 genera representing 97 families. Local people are aware of medical cures produced from different plant species belonging to various families to treat a wide range of ailments.

Future Elderly Care Exploration and Practices: The Application of Intelligent Medical Technology in Promoting Health and Well-being Among the Elderly

The aging population is a global phenomenon, presenting challenges that modern societies have never faced before. Traditional healthcare systems, often under resourced and overburdened, are struggling to meet the complex needs of an increasing elderly population. This paper delves into innovative solutions through the adoption of intelligent medical technology, highlighting its significance in enhancing the health and well-being of the elderly. By exploring current practices, analyzing real-world case studies, and identifying the potential hurdles in technology adoption, this study provides insights into developing a more responsive, efficient, and inclusive future elderly care model.

A Narrative on the Patterns, Dynamics, and Issues on the Traditional Health System at Tapaz, Capiz, Philippines

The addition of modern and traditional healthcare systems helps in advancing the holistic health practices and give people in Tapaz a wide choice of possibilities. Traditional healers and contemporary healthcare practitioners must work together to achieve this integration, which calls for an open line of communication and respect for one another. Analysis stressed upon the diversified traditional medical beliefs and practices of Tapaz while highlighting the usage of spiritual healing techniques and herbal remedies. It enlightens the value of community dynamics and information sharing. Further review also notes the system’s difficulties, including globalization and the requirement for integration with contemporary medical procedures. In the end, the research emphasizes the value of cultural preservation and the possible advantages of incorporating traditional medical procedures within Tapaz’s larger healthcare system.

E-Prescription: A practical application of information and communications technology in perspective of Bangladesh

ObjectivesThe healthcare management authorities are responsible for delivering convenient services to the patients. The traditional healthcare management system is quite old and impractical in many cases, including a physical visit. Additionally, the COVID-19 epidemic makes the existing system unattainable, which creates an uncomfortable situation for visiting doctor's chambers that is risky both for doctors and patients. An electronic-prescription (e-prescription) management system can switch the existing one to the online appointment and doctor consulting system. Many developed countries have already adopted such e-prescription management systems, although low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) like Bangladesh are apathetic. So implementing e-prescription management systems in all countries, including Bangladesh, is the demand of time, especially when information and communication technologies (ICT) are at hand. MethodWe design, develop and test an ICT-based online doctor and patient management system utilizing the latest software and web development tools. ResultsIn the developed e-prescription management system, the patient can visit their profile to make an appointment according to their need and doctor's availability. After that, the patient consults with the doctor based on the appointment's approval by the admin panel. Finally, the patient receives an online e-prescription and collects the medicine from a registered pharmacy with access to the online e-prescription. The e-prescription management system records patient history, including e-prescription, making handling patients easy. ConclusionThe proper use of the developed e-prescription management system will solve many existing problems of the existing healthcare management system, including many concerns that arise due to the advent of COVID-19.