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Abstract Background Healthcare systems globally are confronted with a shortage of nurses. Various strategies to address this have been applied, including active recruitment of internationally qualified nurses. Nurse managers may have a central role in supporting workplace integration. This study aimed to explore how domestically qualified nurses and internationally qualified nurses viewed the role of nursing management and its impact on workplace integration. Method Semi-structured interviews with 21 domestically and 14 internationally qualified nurses were conducted. Nurses were selected using purposive sampling. Snowball sampling was applied to reach a sufficient sample size. Interviews were pseudonymized and transcribed. Transcripts were coded according to Qualitative Content Analysis with data structured into themes and subthemes. Results Five key themes related to impact of nursing management on workplace integration were identified: (a) Appropriate Placement, (b) Recruitment Process, (c) Leadership Support, (d) Workforce Shortage, and (e) Additional Burden/ Increased Workload. Active support by nursing leadership and the opportunity for shared-decision making was seen as a key factor. Increased workload, additional time and resources requirements associated with orientation of internationally qualified nurses and pressures from staff shortages were highlighted as hindrances. Inappropriate placement of internationally qualified nurses was perceived as key hindrance that could be addressed by nursing management. An imbalanced ratio between domestically and internationally qualified nurses was perceived as challenging by domestically qualified nurses. Conclusion Integration of internationally qualified nurses to clinical practice brings several challenges that may be positively impacted by nursing management through appropriate placement of internationally qualified nurses, supportive nurse managers and adequate preparation of domestically qualified nurse mentors/preceptor. Implications for practice Nurse managers should ensure that internationally qualified nurses’ work experience matches local clinical unit vacancies before hiring them. Peer support is a supportive factor for internationally qualified nurses. Nurse managers should find a balanced ratio between internationally and domestically qualified nurses in the roster. Introducing mentors or preceptors at ward level may be a strategy decrease work-related stress in both nursing groups. Registration number The study has been prospectively registered (27 June 2019) at the German Clinical Trial Register (DRKS00017465).

Abstract Background Geriatric rehabilitation aims at increasing physical and social activity and maintaining the functional reserve of older people. However, the continuity of geriatric rehabilitation in the outpatient setting is limited due to a lack of structured aftercare programs. In order to overcome this, a three-month multimodal home-based intervention program (GeRas) was implemented. The aim of this early qualitative process evaluation was to assess GeRas in terms of perceived reach, effectiveness/efficacy, adoption/uptake, implementation, and maintenance/sustainability (Domains within the RE-AIM Framework) from the perspective of patients who received the intervention and healthcare providers who were involved in the delivery of the intervention. Methods In a qualitative process evaluation, 13 healthcare providers and 10 patients were interviewed throughout the beginning of the implementation period of GeRas to capture early experiences using a semi-structured interview guide. The interview guide and qualitative content analysis was guided by the RE-AIM Framework. Results The GeRas program was perceived to be largely well implemented and beneficial by healthcare providers and patients. According to healthcare providers, GeRas showed more advantages compared to usual care. Additionally, outcome expectations were mainly met (Domain 1: Effectiveness). However, the implementation of the intervention delivered via the eHealth system was perceived as challenging (Domain 2: Adoption). Nevertheless, the outpatient physical exercise, the outpatient counselling, and the continuous care after discharge improved perceived well-being regardless of the intervention type (Domain 3: Implementation). To facilitate the continued use of GeRas, technical requirements should be created to increase user-friendliness and to motivate patients to continue the training in the long term (Domain 4: Maintenance). Conclusion Although initial experiences with the implementation and effectiveness of GeRas were positive in general, organisational and technical issues need to be resolved to enhance sustainable and successful implementation of the GeRas program. Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00029559). Registered 5/10/2022.

Abstract Background Geriatric rehabilitation aims to maintain the functional reserves of older adults in order to optimize social participation and prevent disability. After discharge from inpatient geriatric rehabilitation, patients are at high risk for decreased physical capacity, increased vulnerability, and limitations in mobility. As a result, ageing in place becomes uncertain for a plethora of patients after discharge from geriatric rehabilitation and effective strategies to prevent physical decline are required. Collaboration between different health-care providers is essential to improve continuity of care after discharge from inpatient geriatric rehabilitation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a multi-professional home-based intervention program (GeRas) to improve functional capacity and social participation in older persons after discharge from inpatient geriatric rehabilitation. Methods The study is a multicenter, three-arm, randomized controlled trial with a three-month intervention period. Two hundred and seventy community-dwelling older people receiving inpatient geriatric rehabilitation will be randomized with a 1:1:1 ratio to one of the parallel intervention groups (conventional IG or tablet IG) or the control group (CG). The participants of both IGs will receive a home-based physical exercise program supervised by physical therapists, a nutritional recommendation by a physician, and social counseling by social workers of the health insurance company. The collaboration between the health-care providers and management of participants will be realized within a cloud environment based on a telemedicine platform and supported by multi-professional case conferences. The CG will receive usual care, two short handouts on general health-related topics, and facultative lifestyle counseling with general recommendations for a healthy diet and active ageing. The primary outcomes will be the physical capacity measured by the Short Physical Performance Battery and social participation assessed by the modified Reintegration to Normal Living Index, three months after discharge. Discussion The GeRas program is designed to improve the collaboration between health-care providers in the transition from inpatient geriatric rehabilitation to outpatient settings. Compared to usual care, it is expected to improve physical capacity and participation in geriatric patients after discharge from inpatient geriatric rehabilitation. Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00029559). Registered on October 05, 2022.

IntroductionWorldwide, the primary care sector played a key role in coping with the challenges of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.MethodsThe aim of this study was to explore the resilience of the German primary healthcare system during the second wave of the pandemic from the perspective of identified interface stakeholders, i.e., representatives of hospitals, district offices, and medical associations. Qualitative data from interviews and focus groups were analyzed according to a resilience framework.ResultsThe main findings include a gap in knowledge transfer, unstructured allocation of responsibilities, and a resulting unregulated flow of patients. Social brokers supported care coordination and knowledge transfer. The response to the capacity to cope with uncertainties was slow and chaotic at the system level and heterogeneous at the individual level. Building on previous relationships fostered functioning communication, while competition in primary care was identified as a barrier to resilience.ConclusionImplications for further research and for strengthening the resilience of primary care can be derived based on this study.

Abstract Aim Examine perceptions of nurses who obtained a recognised nursing qualification in Germany about the integration of internationally qualified nurses (IQN) in the German nursing workforce. Design Qualitative interview study. Methods Semi‐structured interviews with 21 state‐qualified nurses who had graduated from a German nursing program were conducted either face‐to‐face or by telephone. Nurses were selected using the purposive sampling method. Additionally, to reach a sufficient sample size, snowball sampling was applied. Each interview was pseudonymized and transcribed. Transcripts were coded according to Qualitative Content Analysis with data structured into themes and sub‐themes. The study was reported according to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ) checklist for qualitative research. Results Two main themes including sub‐themes were identified: (a) Enabling Factors to Workplace Integration: motivated nursing team, structured orientation program, support by a preceptor, additional practical skills and specific language training and (b) Barriers to Workplace Integration: lack of language proficiency, cultural differences, othering and racism/discrimination. The findings of the study suggest that working in a diverse workplace can be challenging, it is therefore important for successful integration to recognise not only the experiences of IQN but also the perceptions of nurses who work with internationally qualified peers. No patient or public contribution. Registration number The study has been prospectively registered (27 June 2019) at the German Clinical Trial Register (REDACTED).

Abstract Background Primary care is a relevant pillar in managing not only individual, but also societal medical crises. The COVID-19 pandemic has demanded a rapid response from primary care with interventions in the health care system. The aim of this paper was to explore the responses of primary care practitioners (PCP) during the early COVID-19 pandemic and to analyze these with a view on the resilience of the primary health care system from the PCPs perspective. Methods Shortly after the first COVID-19 wave (July—October 2020) n = 39, semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with PCP in practices and at Corona contact points (CCP) in Baden-Wuerttemberg (Germany). Qualitative content analysis was applied, and the evolved categories were related to in a framework for resilience. Results Primary care had an overall strong ability to adapt and show resilience, albeit with wide variance in speed and scope of the responses. When coping with uncertainty, the reasons given by PCPs in favor of opening a CCP mainly involved intrinsic motivation and self-initiative; the reasons against doing so were i.e. the lack of personal protective equipment, problems with space, and worries about organizational burden. A strong association existed between the establishment of a CCP and the use of resources (i.e. existing networks, personal protective equipment, exercising an office of professional political function). Our study predominantly found adaptive aspects for measures taken at medical practices and transformative aspects for setting up outpatient infection centers. PCPs played an important role in the coordination process (i.e. actively transferring knowledge, integration in crisis management teams, inclusion in regional strategic efforts) reaching a high level in the dimensions knowledge and legitimacy. The dimension interdependence repeatedly came into focus (i.e. working with stakeholders to open CCP, interacting among different types of primary care facilities, intersectoral interfaces). A need for regional capacity planning was visible at the time of the interviews. Conclusions The results can be used for practical and research-based institutional and capacity planning, for developing resilience in primary care and for augmentation by perspectives from other stakeholders in the primary health care system.

Abstract Background The increasing nursing shortages worldwide has focused attention on the need to find more effective ways to recruit and retain nurses. The aim of this study was to gain understanding of factors that keep German nurses in nursing and explore their perceptions of factors that contribute to nurses leaving or staying in the profession. Methods An explorative qualitative study was undertaken at four different hospitals (two university hospitals and two public hospitals) in Baden-Wuerttemberg, a state in South Germany. Semi-structured face-to-face or telephone interviews were conducted with 21 state-qualified nurses who had graduated from a German nursing program. Each interview was pseudonymized and transcribed. Transcripts were coded according to Qualitative Content Analysis with data structured into themes and subthemes. The study was reported according to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ) checklist for qualitative research. Results Two themes emerged from the analysis and each theme had several subthemes: a) PUSH FACTORS i.e. factors that may push nurses to consider leaving the profession included limited career prospects, generational barriers, poor public image of nursing, and workplace pressures; b) PULL FACTORS i.e. factors that nurses wished for and could keep them in the profession included professional pride, improved remuneration, recognition of nursing, professionalisation, and improving the image of nursing as a profession. Conclusion The decision to leave or stay in nursing is influenced by a complex range of dynamic push and pull factors. Nurse Managers responsible for stabilizing the workforce and maintaining their health system will continue to have to navigate challenges until working conditions, appropriate wages and career development opportunities are addressed. A key to tackling nursing shortages may be focusing on pull factors and nurse managers listening in particular to the perspectives of junior nurses directly involved in patient care, as giving them opportunity to further develop professionally, reinforcing a strong and supportive workplace relationships, paying an appropriate salary, and improving the public image of nursing profession. Registration number The study has been prospectively registered (27 June 2019) at the German Clinical Trial Register ( DRKS00017465 ).

Abstract Background Inadequate assessment of the severity and urgency of health problems is one of the factors contributing to unnecessary emergency department visits. A software-based instrument for standardized initial assessment (SmED) aims to support healthcare professionals and steer patients to the appropriate source of care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the implementation process of SmED based on the point of view of users in order to facilitate sustainable implementation. Methods A quantitative process evaluation on the basis of a paper-based questionnaire was carried out alongside the implementation of SmED in 26 outpatient emergency care services within 11 federal states in Germany. Healthcare professionals who worked with SmED either at the joint contact points of the outpatient emergency care service and the emergency departments of hospitals ("Joint Counter", German “Gemeinsamer Tresen”) or at the initial telephone contact points of the outpatient emergency care service (116117) were invited to participate in the survey. Results 200 users of SmED completed the questionnaire comprising the five scales: Intervention effectiveness/efficacy, Interprofessional context/occupational Interest, Individual Context, Organisational Framework Conditions, and Medical Context. Several individual characteristics were related to the implementation process of SmED. Female and younger healthcare professionals and participants with less than five years of professional experience tended to evaluate the implementation process as more positive. Factors related to the Individual Context and to the Medical Context were associated with the reported use of SmED (p = 0.004 and 0.041, respectively). Conclusion The involvement of healthcare professionals, particularly more experienced professionals, in the implementation of SmED may help to facilitate sustainable implementation. In addition, training of potential user prior and during the implementation process and the adaption of Organisational Context factors are crucial. Trial registration The study was registered at the German Clinical Trials Register prior to the start of the study (DRKS00017014).

Abstract Background Patients with multimorbidity (here defined as three or more chronic conditions) require constant treatment and care. Furthermore, they have to manage their health and diseases in daily life. Offering support to patients’ medical self-management is an important task of primary care. The aim of this study was to explore, what further support is needed from the perspective of patients’ and primary care practitioners. Methods A qualitative study using individual semi-structed interviews with 17 patients with multimorbidity and 7 practitioners (4 primary care physicians and 3 practice assistants) was conducted in Germany. Data were audio-recorded, pseudonymised and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was performed using qualitative content analysis to structure data into themes and subthemes. All data were managed and organised in MAXQDA. Results The three broad themes: current status, challenges and further support emerged. Patients reported on unfulfilled needs regarding role or emotional management, like coping with loneliness, loss of independence and, changing habits. The importance of social contact was highlighted by patients and practitioners. Patients articulated further support from their primary care practitioners on coping with the disease. Practitioners’ wished for further support in aspects of social participation, public transport, and community resources. Conclusion Challenges regarding self-management of elderly patients with multimorbidity may be addressed by harnessing social support and community initiatives.

Abstract Background Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs) deliver healthcare that supports the recovery of people with mental illness. The aim of this paper was to explore to what extent team members of five CMHTs newly implemented in five countries perceived that they had introduced aspects of the recovery-oriented, strength-based approach into care after a training week on recovery-oriented practice. In addition, it evaluated what the team members’ perceptions on their care roles and their level of confidence with this role were. Method An observational intervention study using a quantitative survey that was administered among 52 health professionals (21 Nurses, 13 Psychiatrists, 9 Psychologists, 8 Social Workers) and 14 peer workers including the Recovery Self-Assessment Tool Provider Version (RSA-P), the Team Member Self-Assessment Tool (TMSA), and demographic questions was conducted. The measures were self-reported. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate the means and standard deviations for continuous variables and frequencies and percentages for categorical variables (TMSA tool and demographic data). The standard technique to calculate scale scores for each subscale of the RSA-P was used. Bivariate linear regression analyses were applied to explore the impact of predictors on the subscales of the RSA-P. Predictors with significant effects were included in multiple regression models. Result The RSA-P showed that all teams had the perception that they provide recovery–oriented practice to a moderately high degree after a training week on recovery-oriented care (mean scores between 3.85–4.46). Health professionals with fewer years of professional experience perceived more frequently that they operated in a recovery-oriented way (p = 0.036, B = − 0.268). Nurses and peer workers did not feel confident or responsible to fulfil specific roles. Conclusion The findings suggest that a one-week training session on community-based practices and collaborative teamwork may enhance recovery-oriented practice, but the role of nurses and peer workers needs further attention. Trial registration Each trial was registered before participant enrolment in the clinicaltrials.gov database: Croatia, Zagreb (Trial Reg. No. NCT03862209 ); Montenegro, Kotor (Trial Reg. No. NCT03837340 ); Romania, Suceava (Trial Reg. No. NCT03884933 ); Macedonia, Skopje (Trial Reg. No. NCT03892473 ); Bulgaria, Sofia (Trial Reg. No. NCT03922425 ).

Abstract Background The shortage of qualified nurses is a problem of growing concern in many countries. Recruitment of internationally trained nurses has been used to address this shortage, but successful integration in the workplace is complex and resource intensive. For effective recruitment and retention, it is important to identify why nurses migrate and if their expectations are met to ensure their successful integration and promote a satisfying work climate for the entire nursing team. The aim of this study was to examine the perceptions of safety culture, work-life-balance, burnout and job demand of internationally trained nurses and associated host nurses in German hospitals. Methods A multicentric, cross-sectional study was conducted with internationally trained nurses (n = 64) and host nurses (n = 103) employed at two university hospitals in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany. An anonymous paper-based survey was conducted between August 2019 and April 2020. The questionnaire included sociodemographic questions, questions regarding factors related to migration, and the German version of the Assessment of your work setting Safety, Communication, Operational Reliability, and Engagement (SCORE) questionnaire. SCORE is divided into three sections: Safety Culture Domains (six subscales), Work-Life-Balance (one subscale), and Engagement Assessment Tool (four subscales). Results Nurses who migrated to Germany were primarily seeking better working conditions, a higher standard of living, and professional development opportunities. Internationally trained nurses reported lower work-related burnout climate (Mean 55.4 (SD 22.5)) than host nurses (Mean 66.4 (SD 23.5)) but still at a moderately high degree (Safety Culture Domains). Host nurses indicated a higher workload (Mean 4.06 (SD 0.65)) (Engagement Assessment Tool) and a lower Work-Life-Balance (Mean 2.31 (SD 0.66)) (Work-Life-Balance) compared to nurses who trained abroad (Mean 3.67 (SD 0.81) and Mean 2.02 (SD 0.86), respectively). No differences were detected for the other subscales. The Safety Culture Domains and Engagement Assessment Tool showed room for improvement in both groups. Conclusion The study suggest that the expectations migrant nurses had prior to migration may not be met and that in turn could have a negative impact on the integration process and their retention. With increasing recruitment of internationally trained nurses from within Europe but also overseas, it is crucial to identify factors that retain migrant nurses and assist integration. Trial registration The study has been prospectively registered (27 June 2019) at the German Clinical Trial Register ( DRKS00017465 ).

Abstract Background During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic various ambulatory health care models (SARS-CoV-2 contact points: Subspecialised Primary Care Practices, Fever Clinics, and Special Places for Corona-Testing) were organised in a short period in Baden-Wuerttemberg, a region in Southern Germany. The aim of these SARS-CoV-2 contact points was to ensure medical treatment for patients with (suspected) and without SARS-CoV-2 infection. The present study aimed to assess the beliefs and practices of primary care physicians who either led a Subspecialised Primary Care Practice or a Primary Care Practice providing care as usual in Baden-Wuerttemberg during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This cross-sectional study was based on a paper-based questionnaire in primary care physicians during the first wave of the pandemic. Participants were identified via the web page of the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians Baden-Wuerttemberg. The questionnaire was distributed in June and July 2020. It measured knowledge, practices, self-efficacy and fears towards SARS-CoV-2, using newly developed questions. Data was descriptively analysed. Results One hundred fifty-five participants (92 leads of SARS-CoV-2 contact points/ 63 leads of primary care practices) completed the questionnaire. Out of 92 leads of SARS-CoV-2 contact points 74 stated to lead n Subspecialised Primary Care Practices. About half participants of both groups did not fear an own infection with the novel virus (between 50.8% and 62.2%), however about 75% feared financial loss. Knowledge was gained using various sources; main sources were the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (between 82.5% and 83.8%) and the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (RKI) (between 88.9% and 95.9%). Leads of Subspecialised Primary Care Practice felt more confident to perform anamnestic/diagnostic procedures (p

Abstract Background Substantial strides have been made around the world in reforming mental health systems by shifting away from institutional care towards community-based services. Despite an extensive evidence base on what constitutes effective care for people with severe mental ill-health, many people in Europe do not have access to optimal mental health care. In an effort to consolidate previous efforts to improve community mental health care and support the complex transition from hospital-based to community-based care delivery, the RECOVER-E (LaRge-scalE implementation of COmmunity based mental health care for people with seVere and Enduring mental ill health in EuRopE) project aims to implement and evaluate multidisciplinary community mental health teams in five countries in Central and Eastern Europe. This paper provides a brief overview of the RECOVER-E project and its methods. Methods Five implementation sites were selected (Sofia, Bulgaria; Zagreb, Croatia; Skopje, North Macedonia; Kotor, Montenegro; Siret-Suceava, Romania) where hospital-based mental health services are available (care as usual, CAU) for patients with severe mental disorders (severe depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia). The intervention consists of the introduction of a new service delivery model in each site, consisting of community-based recovery-oriented care delivered by trained multidisciplinary community mental health teams (including a peer worker with lived experience of a severe mental disorder). The implementation outcomes of the teams and the effect of the team’s approach on patient and service utilisation outcomes will be evaluated using a mix of research methods. The study includes five planned hybrid implementation-effectiveness trials (1 per site) with patient-level randomization (n = 180, with patients randomised to either care as usual or intervention condition). Effectiveness is evaluated using a pragmatic non-blinded design with patients randomised into two parallel groups: receiving new community-based care or receiving usual care in the form of institutional, hospital-based mental health care. Trial-based health economic evaluation will be conducted; implementation outcomes will be evaluated, with data aligned with dimensions from the RE-AIM framework. Pathways to sustaining project results will be developed through policy dialogue sessions, which will be carried out in each country and through ongoing policy engagement activities at the European level. Discussion The RECOVER-E project has been developed and conducted to demonstrate the impact of implementing an evidence-based service delivery model for people with severe mental illness in different contexts in middle-income countries in Central and Eastern Europe. It is expected that the results will contribute to the growing evidence-base on the health and economic benefits of recovery-oriented and community-based service models for health systems in transition. Trial registration Each trial was registered before participant enrolment in the clinicaltrials.gov database: Site—Croatia, Zagreb (Trial Reg. No. NCT03862209); Montenegro, Kotor (Trial Reg. No. NCT03837340); Romania, Suceava (Trial Reg. No. NCT03884933); Macedonia, Skopje (Trial Reg. No. NCT03892473); Bulgaria, Sofia (Trial Reg. No. NCT03922425)

Abstract Background User understanding of information technology systems (IT-Systems) is a prerequisite for their use. This study aimed to explore how primary care physician trainees learn, understand and use IT-Systems. Methods A paper-based survey study among 301 primary care physician trainees in Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, was performed. The questionnaire included measures of understanding and use of nine specific system features, five possible learning strategies, a validated scale for affinity for technology interaction, and five individual and three practice characteristics. Results The sample comprised 94 respondents (31.6% response rate). Between 3.2 and 59.6% said to know specific systems features well; between 13.8 and 42.6% expressed a wish to know more about specific system features. The predominant strategy for learning system features was explanation by others: 51.7 to 66.7% had applied this strategy to learn the features. Between 18.6 and 41.4% had learned the features by trial and error. A better understanding of system features was associated with the use of a trial and error strategy for learning system features (beta = 0.260, p = 0.012). The use of a greater variety of learning strategies was associated with higher affinity for technology interaction (beta = 0.215, p = 0.037). Conclusion The study suggests that many physicians need a better understanding of IT-Systems. The role of manuals, online resources and courses in learning IT-Systems seems limited. The new generation of primary care physicians seem to learn features of IT-Systems through explanation by others and trying in their ambulatory practices. The relevance of IT-Systems in healthcare is high, but physicians need more support in learning to use system features.

Background: Many people with severe mental illness experience limitations in personal and social functioning. Care delivered in a person's community that addresses needs and preferences and focuses on clinical and personal recovery can contribute to addressing the adverse impacts of severe mental illness. In Central and Eastern Europe, mental health care systems are transitioning from institutional-based care toward community-based care. The aim of this study is to document the level of functioning and perceived support for recovery in a large population of service users with severe mental illness in Central and Eastern Europe, and to explore associations between perceived support for recovery and the degree of functional limitations.Methods: The implementation of community mental health teams was conducted in five mental health centers in five countries in Central and Eastern Europe. The present study is based on trial data at baseline among service users across the five centers. Baseline data included sociodemographic, the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0) for functional limitations, and the Recovery Support (INSPIRE) tool for perceived staff support toward recovery. We hypothesized that service users reporting higher levels of perceived support for their recovery would indicate lower levels of functional limitation.Results: Across all centers, the greatest functional limitations were related to participation in society (43.8%), followed by daily life activities (33.3%), and in education or work (35.6%). Service users (N = 931) indicated that they were satisfied overall with the support received from their mental health care provider for their social recovery (72.5%) and that they valued their relationship with their providers (80.3%). Service users who perceived the support they received from their provider as valuable (b = −0.10, p = 0.001) and who reported to have a meaningful relationship with them (b = −0.13, p = 0.003) had a lower degree of functional limitation.Conclusion: As hypothesized, the higher the degree of perceived mental health support from providers, the lower the score in functional limitations. The introduction of the community-based care services that increase contact with service users and consider needs and which incorporate recovery-oriented principles, may improve clinical recovery and functional outcomes of service users with severe mental illness.

BackgroundArtificial intelligence and the language models derived from it, such as ChatGPT, offer immense possibilities, particularly in the field of medicine. It is already evident that ChatGPT can provide adequate and, in some cases, expert-level responses to health-related queries and advice for patients. However, it is currently unknown how patients perceive these capabilities, whether they can derive benefit from them, and whether potential risks, such as harmful suggestions, are detected by patients. ObjectiveThis study aims to clarify whether patients can get useful and safe health care advice from an artificial intelligence chatbot assistant. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted using 100 publicly available health-related questions from 5 medical specialties (trauma, general surgery, otolaryngology, pediatrics, and internal medicine) from a web-based platform for patients. Responses generated by ChatGPT-4.0 and by an expert panel (EP) of experienced physicians from the aforementioned web-based platform were packed into 10 sets consisting of 10 questions each. The blinded evaluation was carried out by patients regarding empathy and usefulness (assessed through the question: “Would this answer have helped you?”) on a scale from 1 to 5. As a control, evaluation was also performed by 3 physicians in each respective medical specialty, who were additionally asked about the potential harm of the response and its correctness. ResultsIn total, 200 sets of questions were submitted by 64 patients (mean 45.7, SD 15.9 years; 29/64, 45.3% male), resulting in 2000 evaluated answers of ChatGPT and the EP each. ChatGPT scored higher in terms of empathy (4.18 vs 2.7; P

The treatment of non-unions is often complicated by segmental bone defects and bacterial colonization. Because of the limited availability of autologous bone grafts, tissue engineering focuses on antibiotic-loaded bone graft substitutes. HACaS+G is a resorbable calcium sulphate-hydroxyapatite loaded with gentamicin. The osteoinductive, osteoconductive, and anti-infective effect of HACaS+G has already been demonstrated in clinical studies on patients with chronic osteomyelitis. However, especially for the treatment of infected non-unions with segmental bone defects by HACaS+G, reliable clinical testing is difficult and sufficient experimental data are lacking. We used an already established sequential animal model in infected and non-infected rat femora to investigate the osteoinductive, osteoconductive, and anti-infective efficacy of HACaS+G for the treatment of infected non-unions. In biomechanical testing, bone consolidation could not be observed under infected and non-infected conditions. Only a prophylactic effect against infections, but no eradication, could be verified in the microbiological analysis. Using µ-CT scans and histology, osteoinduction was detected in both the infected and non-infected bone, whereas osteoconduction occurred only in the non-infected setting. Our data showed that HACaS+G is osteoinductive, but does not have added benefits in infected non-unions in terms of osteoconduction and mechanical bone stability, especially in those with segmental bone defects.