Search

A recent study conducted at University Hospital in Aachen, Germany, explored the ethical acceptability of telemedicine consultations (TC) from the perspective of nursing home residents. The research identified various ethical challenges related to autonomy, participation, privacy, and beneficence when using TC for older adults in nursing homes. The study concluded that while there are ethical challenges, the use of TC for nursing home residents can be ethically acceptable with the implementation of specific recommendations to promote acceptability. This research provides valuable insights into the ethical considerations of using telemedicine in nursing homes and offers guidance for future research to enhance care for residents from an ethical perspective. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine conducted a study in Western Province, Zambia, to understand why malaria transmission persists despite high levels of vector control. The study found that children not sleeping under insecticide-treated nets experienced more infectious mosquito bites compared to those who did, highlighting the importance of ITN use. The research concluded that new tools and strategies are needed to reduce the malaria burden in such settings. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the University of Montreal are conducting a cluster randomized controlled trial in rural Madagascar to evaluate the impact of whole genome sequencing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis on tuberculosis case detection in high-incidence settings. The study aims to determine if routine genomic surveillance can improve case detection by identifying outbreaks and focusing on active case finding in communities where disease transmission is suggested by genomic typing. The trial will compare different intervention strategies over a two-year observational period, with the primary outcome being the number of detected cases per 100,000 people per year. The research is published in Trials and is available for further reading. [Extracted from the article]

A research study conducted by the University of Helsinki explored the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) in improving emotional well-being and emotion regulation among adolescents with elevated ADHD symptoms. The study involved 342 students in different groups, with results showing that the MBI group exhibited positive effects on acceptance, while rumination decreased in the inactive control group. The findings suggest that universal MBIs in schools may benefit adolescents with ADHD symptoms, but further research is needed to fully understand the impact on emotional well-being. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a clinical trial, NCT06666036, focused on increasing first-time mothers' use of postpartum family planning and improving postnatal care in Bangladesh. The trial aims to strengthen existing health systems and community-level efforts to enhance uptake of family planning and postnatal care among first-time mothers. The study will evaluate the impact of these interventions through a cluster randomized control trial, with a focus on adolescent and young first-time mothers in Bangladesh. The trial is ongoing and aims to contribute to scalable and effective approaches for improving maternal and neonatal outcomes in the region. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted in Malawi tested a model of depression care that utilized the country's existing HIV delivery system. The intervention involved clinical officers providing medications for depression and community members delivering psychotherapy. Results showed improvements in depressive symptoms, overall functioning, and even reductions in blood pressure among participants with hypertension. The study highlighted the cost-effectiveness and broader health benefits of integrating mental health interventions into existing chronic care models in low-income countries. [Extracted from the article]

A new clinical trial, NCT06664567, aims to evaluate the impact of a proactive strategy by general practitioners in providing colorectal cancer screening kits to patients aged 50-74, compared to the standard practice of sending invitation letters. The trial will assess participation rates in CRC screening and outcomes of positive test results. Despite efforts to increase screening rates in France, they remain below the desired level, prompting this study to explore new approaches to improve screening participation. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the University of Talca in Chile are conducting a study to compare the effectiveness of a multidimensional collaborative approach for treating adult depression in primary care clinics in Chile with usual care. The study aims to address key factors associated with complex presentations of major depression, such as childhood trauma, suicidality, and comorbidities. The research emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed and interprofessional approaches to treating depression, with the primary outcome being a reduction in depressive symptoms. The study involves 394 depressed adults aged 18 to 65 in twelve clinics in Chile's Maule Region and is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens are conducting a 5-year research project called BE-SAFE, funded by the European Commission and the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research, and Innovation. The project aims to reduce the use of benzodiazepine and sedative hypnotics in older adults with sleep problems to improve patient safety in Europe. The interdisciplinary approach involves experts from multiple European countries and Canada, with the goal of developing trustworthy clinical guidelines and implementation recommendations to reduce the risks associated with these medications. The project is expected to reach a wide audience, including healthcare professionals, older adults, and healthcare system leaders, with the ultimate goal of improving patient safety and healthcare outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

The clinical trial NCT06661343 aims to improve PrEP adherence among Black men who have sex with men (MSM) through two interventions: C4 and C4+3MV. The study focuses on individualized care coordination, addressing structural needs, and behavioral change sessions to support participants in continuing their PrEP use. The trial will assess PrEP adherence through self-report, biomarker validation, and various outcome measures related to HIV testing frequency, mental health, stigma, and healthcare support. The goal is to reduce disparities in HIV prevention efforts and optimize PrEP adherence among Black MSM. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest focused on the management of Diabetes Mellitus in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a Family Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support program delivered in faith-based organizations by community health workers. The research highlighted the high prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the RMI and emphasized the importance of culturally sensitive interventions for communities in low-resource settings. The study protocol was designed to provide innovative information that could inform similar interventions in other Pacific Islander communities and low-resource countries. [Extracted from the article]

The RELIANT 2 trial is a randomized controlled study comparing the diagnostic yield of robotic assisted bronchoscopy with integrated cone beam computed tomography to electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy with integrated digital tomosynthesis for patients undergoing bronchoscopy to biopsy a pulmonary lesion. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of these technologies in diagnosing pulmonary nodules, with a focus on improving diagnostic yield. The trial is not yet recruiting participants, with an enrollment goal of 440 individuals and a completion date set for July 8, 2027. The study is being conducted by Vanderbilt University Medical Center and aims to provide valuable insights into advanced diagnostic bronchoscopy techniques. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Warwick in Coventry, United Kingdom, focused on Positive Family Connections, a family-systems program for families of children aged 8-13 with developmental disabilities. The feasibility cluster randomized-controlled trial involved 60 families and showed high retention rates and fidelity of delivery. While the intervention did not significantly impact family functioning, it did show improvements in parental well-being and family relationships, suggesting potential benefits. The study was peer-reviewed and published in the Journal of Family Psychology, indicating the feasibility of further research on Positive Family Connections. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Rutgers University Cancer Institute have developed a telehealth intervention called TELESCOPE to facilitate shared decision-making for lung cancer screening in primary care settings. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention compared to enhanced usual care, involving patient navigators delivering decision coaching sessions and low-dose CT scan orders. The research seeks to support high-quality shared decision-making and guideline-concordant lung cancer screening uptake in diverse patient populations. The study protocol was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov and published in BMC Primary Care. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the University of Liverpool focused on optimizing psychotherapies for perinatal depressive symptoms by strengthening social support networks. The research highlighted the effectiveness of the Thinking Healthy Program (THP), a low-intensity cognitive behavioral therapy-based intervention, in treating perinatal depression. The study found that social support played a significant role in driving the intervention effects for improving the severity of depressive symptoms and its various dimensions. For more information, the full article can be accessed through Cambridge Prisms: Global Mental Health. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by the University of Washington focused on evaluating the impact of suicide prevention training for substance use disorder counselors. The training, known as Preventing Addiction Related Suicide (PARS), was found to improve counselors' knowledge, attitudes, and confidence in working with suicidal patients. The research concluded that PARS offers an effective and engaging method to enhance suicide care for both counselors and clients in intensive outpatient programs. The study was peer-reviewed and can be accessed through the Journal of Substance Use & Addiction Treatment. [Extracted from the article]

A recent research study conducted at the University of North Carolina focused on the impact of pediatrician training on the utilization of stimulant diversion prevention strategies by providers, as reported by adolescent patients with ADHD. The study found that pediatric practices that received a one-hour stimulant diversion prevention workshop showed increased use of prevention strategies and improved parent-patient communication about diversion. The results suggest that brief training workshops for pediatricians can be effective in addressing stimulant diversion concerns and promoting safe use of stimulants. [Extracted from the article]

A school-based trial in New York City compared the effectiveness of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) in preventing dental caries in children. The study found similar control rates for both interventions, supporting the use of minimally invasive treatments in school dental programs. Children treated by nurses with SDF had lower failure rates, and the number of affected surfaces influenced the risk of failure. The results suggest the importance of secondary preventive therapies for managing dental caries in school settings. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a clinical trial in Uganda, NCT06647797, focusing on a communication strategy to promote HIV testing by reassuring individuals about stable relationships and healthy families with the availability of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The trial aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of this strategy among clients and partners in assisted partner notification and antenatal care programs in two hospitals. The study seeks to address barriers to testing, particularly among couples, and leverage the growing availability of PrEP to increase testing and entry into treatment or prevention among partnered individuals in Uganda. [Extracted from the article]

A clinical trial in Tanzania aims to assess the impact of integrating in-person skills practice with adaptive e-learning on healthcare providers' refresher learning progress in pediatric care. The trial will compare providers using a digital platform for skills practice to those using paper-based methods to determine effectiveness. Participants will engage in adaptive e-learning modules and in-person skills practice sessions facilitated by clinical champions. The study seeks to enhance pediatric care outcomes in low-resource settings through blended learning strategies. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a cluster randomized controlled trial aimed at promoting physical activity among low-resourced mothers in New York City. The study, known as the Free Time for Wellness (FT4W) Effectiveness Trial, focuses on addressing the prevalence of physical inactivity among women with children and low socioeconomic status. The trial will test the effectiveness of an innovative multilevel physical activity intervention to increase physical activity levels among this demographic group. The study will involve three arms with different interventions, including fitness classes, childcare, and peer support activities, to assess the impact on physical activity outcomes and other secondary measures. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a newly launched clinical trial, NCT06655857, focusing on interventions to promote kidney transplant equity. The trial evaluates the impact of community health workers and provider education on kidney transplant waitlisting compared to usual care. The study aims to address unmet social needs, reduce bias in clinical decision-making, and improve language in electronic health records to enhance patient outcomes. The trial is not yet recruiting participants and is set to be completed by November 30, 2027. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a randomized controlled trial, NCT06655038, aimed at improving the implementation of tobacco-free school policies to prevent adolescent smoking. The trial focuses on setting up an advocacy coalition in secondary schools to assess its effectiveness in preventing smoking and shifting smoking norms among adolescents. Schools in the intervention arm will establish a task force of stakeholders, share best practices, and refer nicotine-dependent individuals to smoking cessation programs. The study will evaluate the impact of the advocacy coalition on smoking prevalence and social norms over a two-year period. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by the Department of General Practice in Dublin, Ireland, focused on recruiting general practitioners and older patients with multimorbidity to randomized trials. The research aimed to explore barriers and facilitators to recruitment and retention in a cluster randomized controlled trial. Findings indicated that enrolling older patients with multimorbidity in clinical trials is possible but requires significant resources and planning. The study emphasized the importance of careful recruitment planning and attention to trial documentation when including older individuals with multiple medical conditions in randomized controlled trials. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) are conducting a cluster randomized trial to improve the implementation of pediatric depression screening protocols in a large healthcare system. The study focuses on team communication training to enhance coordination and prompt service linkage for adolescents aged 12-18 years. The goal is to optimize team communication to increase compliance with depression screening, reduce time to service linkage, and improve patient engagement in addressing youth mental health. The trial registration number is NCT06527196, and the study protocol is published in Implementation Science Communications. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the University of Texas San Antonio explored Hispanic adults' experiences with diabetes self-management education and support programs delivered at church. The research found that participants valued the church setting for its convenience and support system, with positive changes in beliefs, knowledge, skills, behaviors, and health outcomes reported. Participants in the faith-based group appreciated the incorporation of spiritual teachings and lay leaders' facilitation, leading to a sense of empowerment and improved outlook on living with diabetes. The study concluded that church-based diabetes self-management programs using a faith-based approach hold promise for adoption and sustainability in Hispanic communities. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the REdressing Long-tErm Antidepressant uSE (RELEASE) trial, a pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial aimed at determining the effectiveness of a multi-strategy intervention to support safe cessation of long-term antidepressants in general practice. The intervention includes patient education, resources, and medication review, as well as education and training for general practitioners. The primary comparison is between the RELEASE intervention and Usual Care, with a secondary comparison between two types of RELEASE interventions. The document emphasizes transparency and internal validity through a statistical analysis plan to guide the analysis and reporting of trial findings. [Extracted from the article]

A new clinical trial in Taiwan, NCT06637241, aims to compare the effectiveness of injury prevention between risk stratification care and usual care in adolescent baseball players. Due to the high risk of throwing arm injuries in baseball players, this study seeks to provide tailored care guidelines based on injury risks and evaluate the effectiveness of this model through a randomized controlled trial. The goal is to promote a more efficient and clinically applicable injury prevention approach for youth baseball teams in Taiwan, focusing on improving the quality of life and reducing the incidence of arm injuries among players. [Extracted from the article]

The University of Washington conducted research on community-wide mass drug administration platforms for soil-transmitted helminths in Benin, India, and Malawi. The study aimed to describe coverage of mass drug administration and factors influencing treatment uptake. Results showed high coverage rates across all sites and rounds, with unique individual and community-level factors affecting treatment. The research suggests that targeted programming can address these factors to improve treatment outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at New York University conducted a cluster-randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy of a technology-assisted health coaching intervention for weight management in primary care. The study enrolled 489 patients, with the primary outcome being weight change at 12 months. Results showed no significant difference in weight change between the intervention group and the enhanced usual care group, indicating that the intervention did not achieve clinically important weight loss. The researchers suggest exploring higher-intensity interventions and options like medication and bariatric surgery in future studies. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a cluster randomized controlled trial aimed at improving pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake among Black cis-gender women through the UPDOs intervention. The study utilizes a Motivational PrEP Cascade framework within salon-based clusters to assess the impact on PrEP uptake. The research also examines barriers and facilitators influencing PrEP decision-making among Black women and aims to understand the implementation of UPDOs for future scalability. The trial is expected to enroll 1000 participants, with a primary completion date set for June 30, 2029. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Porto Alegre, Brazil, aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an evidence-based checklist in managing brain-dead potential organ donors in intensive care units. The study involved 63 hospitals and found inconclusive results regarding the checklist's ability to reduce loss of potential donors to cardiac arrest. Adherence to the checklist's actions was highlighted as a crucial factor in its effectiveness. For more information, readers can refer to the original research article published in JAMA Network Open. [Extracted from the article]

The Saint-Louis Hospital in Paris, France, conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial to enhance interpersonal relationships and team cohesion among healthcare professionals in intensive care units (ICUs). The trial, known as the 'Hello Bundle' intervention, aimed to reduce burnout rates among ICU healthcare professionals by fostering positive social interactions and a supportive work environment. The trial involved implementing a six-component intervention in selected ICUs and comparing outcomes such as burnout rates, emotional exhaustion, and patient-centered care ratings between intervention and control clusters. This research holds promise for addressing burnout in ICU settings and benefiting both healthcare professionals and patients. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted in Uganda evaluated the impact of two newer-generation long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) on malaria incidence. The research found a 23% reduction in malaria cases in the first 12 months after distribution, but this effect was not sustained in the following months. The study suggests the need for improved strategies to maintain the effectiveness of LLINs and adjusting distribution frequency based on local malaria transmission intensity. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Emory University School of Medicine explored the impact of caregiver adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) screening and pediatrician-led discussions on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in a pediatric primary care clinic serving predominantly Hispanic and low socioeconomically resourced families. The research found that screening or brief discussions of ACEs with trauma-informed care providers did not lead to worsening PTSD symptoms in caregivers. This study highlights the importance of addressing ACEs in healthcare settings to potentially improve health outcomes for both caregivers and their children. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a clinical trial, NCT06626321, focusing on increasing flu vaccination rates among older adults through personalized nudges to clinicians and patients. The trial involves interventions such as pre-visit text message reminders, default pended orders in the EHR, and monthly peer comparison feedback. The study aims to address disparities in flu vaccination rates among older adults and evaluate the effectiveness of nudges in primary care settings. The trial is a replication of a previous study conducted at three health systems and will now be conducted at Lancaster General Health for the 2024-2025 flu season. [Extracted from the article]

A clinical trial, NCT06633393, aims to investigate the impact of personalized myopia prediction on high myopia risk and consultation behavior in school-aged children in China. The trial utilizes an artificial intelligence-based myopia prediction system to enhance risk awareness, promote proactive prevention, and improve adherence to medical advice. By accurately predicting future high myopia risk, the trial seeks to reduce the burden of high myopia in children. The trial is not yet recruiting participants and is expected to be completed by February 28, 2026. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Emory University conducted a study on American Indian and Alaska Native adolescents to explore the relationship between pain interference, Tribal identity, and substance use. The study found that pain interference was associated with alcohol use and prescription opioid misuse among these adolescents. Tribal identity was shown to moderate the association between pain interference and alcohol use, suggesting a protective role of Tribal identity in preventing substance use. This research, supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, highlights the importance of culturally grounded prevention strategies for substance use among indigenous youth. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the African Population and Health Research Center in Nairobi, Kenya, evaluated the impact of expanded health insurance coverage on reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health (RMNCH) services in impoverished households. The study found that while improved coverage did not have a statistically significant impact on RMNCH outcomes, there was a substantial increase in the utilization of RMNCH services in both control and treatment areas. The researchers suggest that further research is needed to understand how insurance provision, community health volunteer training, and healthcare quality interact to ensure optimal care for pregnant women and young children. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at the American College of Surgeons examined the extent of within-hospital temporal clustering of postoperative complications using data from the American College of Surgeons, National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP). The study found that temporal clusters of postoperative complications were rarely observed in the data. The researchers suggest that this methodology could be useful in assessing clustering in other surgical areas. The full study can be accessed for free online. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the University of Washington examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients receiving medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD). The study found that pandemic-induced isolation partially mediated changes in pain interference levels among these patients. Higher levels of pre-pandemic pain interference and opioid use were associated with increased feelings of isolation during social distancing measures. The study suggests that interventions promoting social connection could reduce pain interference and improve the quality of life for patients on MOUD. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from Linkoping University outlines a study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial on the implementation of a mobile health (mHealth) obesity prevention program called MINISTOP 3.0 within Swedish child healthcare. The study aims to compare two different implementation strategies for MINISTOP 3.0 and evaluate its acceptability, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness. The researchers will also explore the sustainability of the program and evaluate its effectiveness on children's lifestyle behaviors and body mass index. The study will provide important implementation evidence for mHealth interventions in child healthcare and has the potential to be generalized to other digital interventions in this field. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Boise State University provides empirical reference values for design parameters in multilevel implementation trials for mental health. The study aimed to determine sample size by aggregating data from multilevel implementation trials in mental health. The researchers generated values for effect size, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and covariate R2 at each level using trial data and published research reports. The study concluded that these reference values can be used to develop meaningful sample size determinations for multilevel implementation trials in mental health. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Shaanxi Normal University in rural China explored the effects of a center-based early childhood development intervention on the mental health of caregivers. The study involved 1652 caregivers in 50 villages who received individualized parenting training, one-on-one parenting classes, and access to open play spaces in village parenting centers over a two-year period. The findings revealed sustained and significant intervention effects on caregivers' anxiety and stress symptoms, with increased parenting time investment, alterations in parenting styles, and changes in trust levels identified as primary mechanisms driving these effects. The study highlights the importance of addressing mental health issues in rural China and suggests avenues for intervention through the provision of parenting knowledge and spaces facilitating caregiver-child interactions. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Columbia University Irving Medical Center discusses research on breast cancer and the low uptake of chemoprevention among women with high-risk breast lesions. The study focuses on the use of web-based decision support tools to improve informed choice about chemoprevention. Interviews with 25 providers revealed three themes: providers' confidence in chemoprevention and the utility of decision support tools, barriers to chemoprevention such as time constraints and patient concerns about side effects, and the need for early implementation of decision support tools. The study suggests that decision aids may help overcome these barriers and recommends a multi-faceted intervention. [Extracted from the article]

A clinical trial is being conducted in the United Arab Emirates to evaluate the effectiveness of applying extra virgin olive oil topically, along with standard preventive measures, in reducing the risk of pressure injuries (PIs) among hospitalized patients with limited mobility. PIs are a significant concern for hospitalized patients, particularly older adults, and can cause harm in healthcare settings. Previous interventions have shown some success in reducing the prevalence of PIs, but recent data from the hospital conducting this study revealed a rising incidence. The trial aims to assess whether topical olive oil can be an effective preventive measure for PIs in mobility-compromised patients. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital highlights the need for evidence-based interventions to increase colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among low-income, uninsured, and minority populations that receive care in community health centers (CHCs). The researchers are conducting a multilevel, multi-component pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial at eight CHCs in Boston, Los Angeles, and Rapid City. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of two interventions, mailed FIT outreach with text reminders and mailed FIT-DNA with patient support, in increasing screening participation and follow-up after abnormal screening in under-resourced clinical settings. The primary outcome is the completion rate of CRC screening at 90 days. [Extracted from the article]