Healthcare
○ MDPI AG
Preprints posted in the last 90 days, ranked by how well they match Healthcare's content profile, based on 16 papers previously published here. The average preprint has a 0.05% match score for this journal, so anything above that is already an above-average fit.
Gai, S.; Li, D.; Borchert, G.; Huang, F.; Leng, X.; Huang, J.
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BackgroundShort-video platforms have become increasingly important sources of health information for the general public. However, the informational quality and dissemination patterns of content related to specific therapeutic modalities, such as enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP), remain insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to evaluate the informational quality of EECP-related videos on a short-video platform and to examine the relationship between content quality and user engagement. MethodsA cross-sectional content analysis was conducted on EECP-related short videos identified through keyword-based searches. Informational quality was independently assessed using four validated instruments: the Global Quality Scale (GQS), the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria, the modified DISCERN instrument (mDISCERN), and the Video Information and Quality Index (VIQI). Video characteristics and user engagement metrics were extracted and analyzed. ResultsOverall, EECP-related videos demonstrated low-to-moderate informational quality across all assessment tools. Longer video duration was consistently associated with higher informational quality scores. In contrast, user engagement metrics, including the number of likes and comments, showed weak or negative associations with informational quality. Compared with videos addressing other coronary heart disease treatments, EECP-related videos were less frequently represented and received lower overall engagement. ConclusionsEECP-related content on short-video platforms is characterized by limited visibility and modest informational quality, with a notable misalignment between user engagement and informational value. These findings suggest that clinically relevant but complex therapies such as EECP may be structurally disadvantaged in short-video health communication environments.
Hawke, L. D.; Hou, J.; Upham, K.; van Kesteren, M. R.; Munro, C.; Hauer, S.; Sendanyoye, C.; Halsall, T.; Quilty, L.; Hamilton, C.; Barbic, S. P.; Wang, W.
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Background. People with lived/living experience of health conditions, as well as caregivers, are increasingly engaged in research. This study aimed to develop and pilot test a new tool measuring the impact of lived/living experience engagement on the research. The measure is called the Measure of Engagement Tool for Research and lived Experience (METRE). Method. We conducted a qualitative descriptive study among 28 people with lived/living experience and caregivers and 12 academic researchers to understand the impacts of engagement. Using the findings, we drafted the METRE. We pilot tested the METRE among 13 people with lived/living experience and caregivers and 10 academic researchers. Insights were used to refine the scale. Results. Qualitatively, participants identified multiple domains of impact of engagement on research, which guided scale development. Pilot testing of the draft METRE revealed it being straightforward to complete, providing a thorough evaluation of the impact of engagement. However, some areas of improvement were recommended. The draft items showed acceptable preliminary performance. Conclusions. An assessment tool is now available to assess the impact of lived/living experience engagement on the research. Additional research is required to evaluate its psychometric properties. Tools to evaluate the impact of engagement on research will help advance the science of engagement and support engaged research teams in their work.
Wei, X.; Xao, X.; Hou, J.; Wang, Q.
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Background & Aims: Accurate assessment of clinical malnutrition using anthropometric and functional indicators could improve the care of elderly trauma patients in intensive care units (ICUs). This study aimed to develop an AI-driven malnutrition assessment toolbox based on a minimal set of clinically feasible indicators. Methods: Multiple machine learning models, including logistic regression, support vector machines, k-nearest neighbors, decision trees, random forests, XGBoost, and neural-network-based ensemble models, were developed using different indicator configurations from a clinically collected patient dataset. Models were trained using baseline and longitudinal measurements to predict malnutrition risk. SHAP analysis was used to interpret the importance of selected indicators. Results: Baseline (Day 1) data alone did not provide a reliable prediction, whereas longitudinal measurements substantially improved performance. Models based on a minimal indicator set, including bilateral mid-upper arm circumference, calf circumference, and key static variables, outperformed models using the full indicator set. Tree-based methods consistently outperformed linear and distance-based models, with the three-time-point XGBoost achieving the best individual performance. Neural-network-based ensemble models further improved predictive stability. The best overall performance was achieved by the ensemble model using the minimal indicator set from Day 1 and Day 3. SHAP analysis confirmed the importance of the selected indicators. Conclusions: This AI-driven toolbox provides an efficient and clinically feasible approach for early malnutrition assessment in elderly trauma patients in the ICU. Its strong performance with a minimal indicator set supports its potential for integration into clinical workflows and future digital twin systems for intelligent nutritional management.
Ng, J. Y.; Tan, J.; Syed, N.; Adapa, K.; Gupta, P. K.; Li, S.; Mehta, D.; Ring, M.; Shridhar, M.; Souza, J. P.; Yoshino, T.; Lee, M. S.; Cramer, H.
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Background: Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) chatbots have shown utility in assisting with various research tasks. Traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) is a patient-centric approach that emphasizes holistic well-being. The integration of TCIM and GenAI presents numerous key opportunities. However, TCIM researchers' attitudes toward GenAI tools remain less understood. This large-scale, international cross-sectional survey aimed to elucidate the attitudes and perceptions of TCIM researchers regarding the use of GenAI chatbots in the scientific process. Methods: A search strategy in Ovid MEDLINE identified corresponding authors who were TCIM researchers. Eligible authors were invited to complete an anonymous online survey administered via SurveyMonkey. The survey included questions on socio-demographic characteristics, familiarity with GenAI chatbots, and perceived benefits and challenges of using GenAI chatbots. Results were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis. Results: The survey received 716 responses. Most respondents reported familiarity with GenAI chatbots (58.08%) and viewed them as very important to the future of scientific research (54.37%). The most acknowledged benefits included workload reduction (74.07%) and increased efficiency in data analysis/experimentation (71.14%). The most frequently reported challenges involved bias, errors, and limitations. More than half of the respondents (57.02%) expressed a need for training to use GenAI chatbots in the scientific process, alongside an interest in receiving training (72.07%). However, 43.67% indicated that their institutions did not offer these programs. Discussion: By developing a deeper understanding of TCIM researchers' perspectives, future AI applications in this field can be more informed, and guide future policies and collaboration among researchers.
Shakya, N. R.; Dahal, S.; Shrestha, N.; Webb, G.; Stensdotter, A.-K.
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BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted healthcare services globally, particularly in low-resource settings. This study explores the impact of the pandemic on physiotherapy services in Nepal. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 12 physiotherapists, while quantitative data were gathered from an onsite survey of 29 health facilities at six different districts of Province III of Nepal. Inductive thematic analysis approach was used to analyze the qualitative data, and descriptive statistics were used for the closed ended questions. ResultsThe findings were categorized into sub-themes under two major themes: i) Pandemic effect on physiotherapy services and patient care and ii) Adaptation, innovation and collaboration. The study revealed a significant disruption in physiotherapy services with a notable decline in patient flow and service availability. Most patients, especially those with disabilities and post-operative needs, experienced worsening conditions due to limited access to care. There was an increased recognition of the role of physiotherapy in acute respiratory care and post-COVID-19 recovery. Tele-rehabilitation was explored as an alternative care method but faced challenges in implementation. More than half (62.07%) of the centers reported uninterrupted physiotherapy services, whereas almost one third (31.03%) experienced service suspension. Most centers (89.7%) had personal protective equipment available, and majority (86.2%) of the physiotherapists worked in multidisciplinary team: fever clinics, triage, emergency care, respiratory physical therapy, and nursing and administrative support were among the expanded roles. Several centers (37.9%) used virtual care with telephone consultation serving as the primary modality. Virtual service was mostly absent in centers where in-person services persisted. ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted physiotherapy services in Nepal, leading to service disruptions and compromised patient care. It highlighted the need to further incorporate physiotherapy into the healthcare system and enhance rehabilitation services to improve continued patient care.
Valdes, A.; Hussain, B.; Timmons, S.
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Abstract Objective: Frailty is an important concern in old age. Inflammation can cause frailty. Anti-inflammatory food supplements can play a role in slowing down frailty processes and consequences. This study explored the views of people (aged 50-89 years) on the need to develop a frailty supplement, preferences for its form and how older people could be encouraged to use such a supplement. Design: We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews and used a framework method to analyse the data. Participants: 30 participants from a city in the UK. Setting: These participants were recruited from social housing, care homes, foodbanks and the wider population. Participants were from diverse ethnic, gender and age backgrounds. Results: Participants identified a strong need for the development of a food-based supplement for frailty. They expressed excitement for the supplement and viewed it as something which they would be happy to integrate in their daily food routine. In terms of preferences, our participants wanted to have multiple options, however, a biscuit-based supplement was preferred by most. The participants preferences were mainly based on taste of the supplement, its effectiveness, convenience in use and affordability. Muslim participants in the sample said they would be happy to use this supplement if it was developed using Halal ingredients. In terms of creating awareness and encouraging people to use the proposed supplement, participants suggested a variety of marketing methods. These included: word of mouth, face to face sessions with older adults, social media, especially YouTube and advertising on TV. Conclusion: The participants were generally open to the idea of a food-based supplement and felt that it could easily fit with their existing food practices and lifestyles. Keywords: older adults, frailty, food supplement, co-creation, healthy ageing
Magee, K.; Roth, E.; Cherney, L. R.; Cohen-Zimerman, S.
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BackgroundLong Covid, also referred to as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), is characterized by symptoms that persist or emerge weeks to months following acute COVID-19 illness. Cognitive impairments affecting attention, memory, and executive functioning--commonly described as "brain fog"--are frequently reported. Currently, limited evidence-based cognitive rehabilitation interventions specifically target these impairments. ObjectivesThis pilot randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability, and to develop preliminary data regarding efficacy of Attention Process Training-3 (APT-3), a computerized attention training program, for individuals with Long Covid-related brain fog. MethodsThis study uses a three-arm randomized controlled design. Participants are randomized to (1) Immediate Attention Training, (2) Delayed Attention Training, or (3) Music Activity. Participants complete comprehensive cognitive assessments at baseline, post-intervention, and one-month follow-up. The Immediate Attention Training group completes a 4-week APT-3 intervention, while the Music Activity group engages in a 4-week music-based listening activity. The Delayed Attention Training group dont receive any intervention for 4 weeks. Following completion of the final assessment, participants in the Music Activity and Delayed Attention Training groups are offered the APT-3 intervention. Feasibility and acceptability outcomes include recruitment, retention, and adherence numbers, and participant satisfaction. Preliminary data regarding efficacy will be determined using objective cognitive tests and subjective self-report measures. ConclusionsThis pilot trial will inform the feasibility and acceptability of APT-3 and generate preliminary efficacy data to guide the design of a future fully powered randomized controlled trial targeting brain fog associated with Long Covid.
Sun, R.; Lin, S.; Jiao, Z.; Rao, C.; Su, X.; Hu, S.; Zhao, Y.; Zhang, H.; Shi, Q.; Liu, S.; Feng, W.; Cheng, Z.; Wang, X.; Zhou, C.; Wang, J.; Ling, Y.; Shen, Z.; Tian, H.; Zheng, Z.
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BackgroundCardiac surgery significantly improves clinical endpoints but imposes challenges in postoperative recovery. Assessing patient-reported outcome is crucial for optimal care. However, no cardiac surgery-specific tools currently exist to adequately capture postoperative recovery experience. ObjectivesTo develop and validate a recovery scale after cardiac surgery (Fuwai-CRS). MethodsThis study was conducted from May 2023 to December 2024, comprising: (1) a qualitative study (Cohort 1) enrolling postoperative patients of cardiac surgery and medical staffs to develop the draft scale through literature review, semi-structured interview and Delphi consensus; and (2) a single-center prospective validation study (Cohort 2) to finalize the scale and evaluate psychometric properties. ResultsIn Cohort 1, a 17-item draft Fuwai-CRS was generated based on literature review, semi-structured interview (40 patients and medical staffs) and a Delphi study (15 experts). In Cohort 2 (n=500), a 9-item Fuwai-CRS was finalized by data distribution assessment, hierarchical cluster and factor analysis, and its understandability, reliability, validity and responsiveness were found acceptable. ConclusionsThe Fuwai-CRS is a concise and valid tool for recovery assessment after cardiac surgery.
Prest, K.; Barnicot, K.; Drew, S.; Hurt, C.; Nicklin, D.; Harden, A.; Heys, M.
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BackgroundCaregiver skills training programmes are well-researched in the fields of autism and intellectual disability, but children with motor disorders such as cerebral palsy remain underrepresented despite their high prevalence. These caregivers face unique challenges, and group programmes may provide family-centred care through information provision, problem-solving and peer support. MethodsSystematic searches of five databases (CINAHL, Medline, Embase, PsychINFO and ERIC) were conducted for interventional studies of group programmes aiming to improve the skills, confidence and wellbeing of caregivers of children with neurodisability focusing on motor disorders. Data were extracted on study and intervention characteristics and outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed, effect sizes calculated, and results summarised descriptively using forest plots. ResultsOf 6093 studies identified, 21 studies met inclusion criteria (nine randomised-controlled trials, two quasi-experimental and ten pre-post designs). Most reported on programmes developed in resource-constrained settings and addressed caregiver skills, coping strategies, or health-promoting behaviours. Outcomes were grouped according to caregiver wellbeing, caregiver skills and confidence, and social support and family functioning. Child outcomes were reported separately. Most caregiver outcomes showed positive effects, though most studies had high risk of bias due to self-reported outcomes and lack of blinding of intervention allocation and outcome measurement. DiscussionGroup-based training programmes show promise for improving caregiver skills and wellbeing. Clinicians and stakeholders in high-income countries may learn from these innovations in low-resource settings. Future research should strengthen protocol reporting, address attrition, control for confounding factors, and establish a core set of caregiver-reported outcomes to better capture programme impact. Systematic review registrationPROSPERO registration CRD42024595002
Myint, K. Z. Y.; Genka, I.; Taguchi, J.; Kusano, T.
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ObjectiveThere is no validated questionnaire in Japan to measure the culture of safety in ambulatory care clinics. Therefore, we developed the Japanese version of the Medical Office Survey on Patient Safety Culture (MOSPSC) of the Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) in the United States with the aim to establish a tool for evaluating and benchmarking the safety culture of outpatient clinics in Japan. Materials and methodsThis research uses both qualitative and quantitative approaches to translate, adapt and validate the MOSPSC questionnaire which consists of 62 questions. The process involved seven steps such as translation by two independent bilingual physicians, drafting and reviewing, backtranslation by two separate translation companies, semantic equivalence assessment by AHRQ and revision, pretest, focused discussion, and finalizing the questionnaire after expert review and proofreading. An actual safety culture survey was conducted with mainly online and paper versions at four clinics in Tokyo. The survey results were then evaluated for patient safety dimensions, reliability and construct validity. ResultsEfforts are made to select appropriate terminology during tool adaptation processes due to different language and medical system between Japan and the United States. The response rate in the actual survey was 66.4% (242/364). Confirmatory factor analysis showed that factor loading and goodness of fit indices were better when 3 items were removed from the original 10-composite model with 38 items. The Cronbachs alpha coefficients of composite measures ranged from 0.62 to 0.78 in the original model and 0.62 to 0.85 in the new model, indicating good internal consistencies. ConclusionsConsidering the differences in medical systems, culture, and language between the United States and Japan, the instrumented was adapted with a satisfactory content validity and reliability.
Syed, M. A.; Alnuaimi, A. S.; El Kaissi, D. B.; Syed, M. A.
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BackgroundArtificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being integrated into healthcare systems, with growing applications in clinical decision support, workflow optimization, and population health management. While substantial investments have been made in digital infrastructure, the successful adoption of AI in primary care depends critically on the readiness, awareness, and educational preparedness of healthcare professionals. Global health authorities emphasize the need for ethically grounded and workforce-focused approaches to AI integration; however, evidence on clinicians readiness for AI, particularly in primary care settings and in the Middle East region, remains limited. ObjectivesThis study aims to assess the level of awareness, perceptions, attitudes, and educational needs related to AI among healthcare professionals working within Qatars Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC). In addition, it seeks to examine organizational factors influencing the integration of AI-focused education in primary care and to develop an AI readiness framework that can inform targeted training strategies and policy planning. MethodsThis study will adopt a mixed-methods design guided by the Organizational Readiness for Change (ORC) framework, adapted for AI integration in primary care. The quantitative component will consist of an anonymous, census-style online survey distributed to all healthcare professionals across PHCC health centers and headquarters, assessing AI awareness, attitudes, training needs, and perceived infrastructure readiness. Composite AI awareness and attitude scores will be calculated, and regression analyses will be used to explore factors associated with AI readiness. The qualitative component will include semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions using maximum variation sampling to capture diverse professional perspectives. Qualitative data will be analyzed thematically, following COREQ and SRQR reporting standards. Quantitative and qualitative findings will be integrated to generate an AI readiness profile and an actionable education roadmap aligned with national digital health priorities. DiscussionThis study will provide the first comprehensive assessment of AI readiness among primary care healthcare professionals in Qatar. By identifying knowledge gaps, training priorities, and organizational enablers and barriers, the findings are expected to inform the development of evidence-based AI education strategies within continuing professional development frameworks. The proposed AI readiness framework may also offer a transferable model for other health systems seeking to align workforce development with responsible AI implementation in primary care.
Yang, K.; Liu, X.; Cui, J.; Liu, J.; Wu, Y.; Liu, Z.; Zhang, J.; Ji, H.; Chen, Q.
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BackgroundEnhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) optimizes perioperative management for colorectal cancer (CRC), improving short-term outcomes, but its impact on long-term outcomes remains inconclusive, supporting the need for this meta-analysis. This study evaluates the effect of perioperative ERAS (therapy-focused) on 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year postoperative survival in patients with CRC. MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following a pre-registered protocol in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Medline Ovid, and Cochrane Library Wiley were searched up to December 31, 2025, for clinical studies reporting long-term postoperative survival outcomes of patients with CRC undergoing ERAS implementation. Of 1,063 retrieved reports, 10 studies (5,876 patients) were included in Kaplan-Meier-based meta-analyses and eight studies (5,556 patients) in aggregated data meta-analyses. Data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers, with study quality and risk of bias assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and RevMan software. Effect sizes were pooled using fixed- or random-effects models according to heterogeneity, with cross-validation and subgroup analyses examining the influence of tumor stage and ERAS adherence. The pre-specified primary outcome was postoperative overall survival (OS) [≥]12 months, and the secondary outcome was disease-free survival (DFS). ResultsERAS significantly improved OS at 1 year (93.2%, 95% CI: 92.3-94.2 vs. 90.2%, 95% CI: 89.1-91.2), 2 years (86.7% vs. 81.3%), 3 years (81.1% vs. 72.4%), 5 years (70.9% vs. 60.6%) (all P<0.01). The pooled HR for mortality was 0.72 (95% CI: 0.63-0.83, P<0.01), indicating a 28% reduction in long-term mortality. Stage I-II tumors and ERAS adherence [≥]70% conferred the greatest benefits. DFS did not show a statistically significant improvement (HR=0.90, 95% CI: 0.68-1.19, P=0.45). Included studies were of moderate to high quality (NOS score 6-9). ConclusionsPerioperative ERAS significantly improves 1- to 5-year OS and reduces long-term mortality in patients with CRC, with the greatest benefits in early-stage disease and high adherence. These findings support ERAS as a critical component of comprehensive CRC care.
Ng, J. Y.; Bhavsar, D.; Krishnamurthy, M.; Dhanvanthry, N.; Fry, D.; Kim, J. W.; King, A.; Lai, J.; Makwanda, A.; Olugbemiro, P.; Patel, J.; Virani, I.; Ying, E.; Yong, K.; Zaidi, A.; Zouhair, J.; Lee, M. S.; Lee, Y.-S.; Nesari, T. M.; Ostermann, T.; Witt, C. M.; Zhong, L.; Cramer, H.
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BackgroundArtificial intelligence chatbots (AICs) are increasingly being integrated into scholarly publishing, with the potential to automate routine editorial tasks and streamline workflows. In traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) publishing, editorial and peer review processes can be particularly complex due to diverse methodologies and culturally embedded knowledge systems, presenting unique opportunities and challenges for AIC adoption. MethodsAn anonymous, online cross-sectional survey was distributed to the editorial board members of 115 TCIM journals. The survey assessed familiarity and current use of AICs, perceived benefits and challenges, ethical concerns, and anticipated future roles in editorial workflows. ResultsOf 5119 invitations, 217 eligible participants completed the survey. While approximately 70% of respondents reported familiarity with AI tools, over 60% had never used AICs for editorial tasks. Editors expressed strongest support for text-focused applications, such as grammar and language checks (81.0%) and plagiarism/ethical screening (67.4%). Most respondents (82.8%) believed that AICs would be important or very important to the future of scholarly publishing; however, the majority (65.3%) reported that their journals lacked AI-specific policies and training programs to guide editors and peer reviewers. ConclusionsMost TCIM editors believe that AICs have potential to support routine editorial functions but also have limited adoption into editorial and peer review processes due to practical, ethical, and institutional barriers. Additional training and guidance are warranted by journals to direct responsible and ethical use if AICs are to be adopted in TCIM academic publishing.
Dani, R.; Dave, D.
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Global healthcare is targeting patient-centred care, as it leads to better health outcomes and higher level of patient satisfaction. Patient-centred communication, is an important part of patient-centred care because it focuses on involving patients in their care. Recent surveys both nationally and globally have shown that patients are not involved enough in their own healthcare decisions. This problem is especially common among the elderly with chronic conditions. This study aimed to describe patient-healthcare professional interactions, expectations, and satisfaction in physiotherapy within an understudied context, thereby providing important, specific data on ICE dynamics and satisfaction in the specific setting. Cross-sectional study of participants in scheduled consultations was conducted. Two government physiotherapy centres, seven private physiotherapy centres and two trust centres with physiotherapy facilities in Gujarat, India. 232 patients (from various public and private physiotherapy clinics) participated in the study. Patients' ideas, concerns, expectations (ICE) and satisfaction were explored. Almost 88% of patients reported their thoughts and explanations about their symptoms during the consultation. Most patients described not having any concerns about the diagnosis/treatment, and more than two-third of patients consulting PTs expected explanation for their symptoms. Almost 90% patients were satisfied with the consultation. The study revealed that while most patients conveyed their thoughts during consultations, very few expressed their concerns. Overall, patients were satisfied with their consultations.
Albathi, M.; Gross, A. W.; Weston, C. M.; Connors, C.; Malik, M.; Wu, A. W.
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ObjectiveTo develop and conduct preliminary testing of the reliability and validity of the Healthcare Worker (HCW) Culture of Support Scale (COS), intended to assess health worker perceptions of institutional support resources and organizational culture related to their well-being. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted with 533 HCWs from ambulatory clinic and rural hospital settings. The survey included validated measures and newly developed items. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA/CFA) were employed to determine the factor structure. Internal consistency and construct validity were assessed using Cronbachs and correlation with mental health outcomes. ResultsThe COS demonstrated a robust three-factor structure: 1) Organizational Support ( = 0.83), 2) Access to Peer Support ( = 0.92), and 3) Availability of Support ( = 0.97), accounting for 84.9% of variance. Cronbachs alpha for the overall scale was 0.94. CFA confirmed excellent model fit (RMSEA =.049, CFI =.992). Higher COS scores correlated with lower burnout (r = -.47, p <.001) and anxiety (r = -.35, p <.001), and greater resilience (r =.30, p <.001). ConclusionPreliminary evidence suggests that the COS is a reliable and valid measure of HCWs perceptions of organizational support for worker well-being. This scale and the three subscales can provide healthcare institutions with a way to evaluate organizational initiatives to enhance worker well-being and workforce resilience. Further testing is recommended in diverse settings.
Piersson, A. D.; Amartey, C.; Quartei, S. T.; Dzefi-Tettey, K.; Sefogah, P. E.; Lopez, A. R.
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BackgroundMaternal participation in neurodevelopmental research involving neuroimaging and diverse biological samples is essential for understanding prenatal influences on early brain development, yet willingness in low-resource settings remains underexplored. MethodWe surveyed 300 mothers using a structured questionnaire to assess willingness to undergo brain health testing (with a focus on electroencephalography [EEG] and brain magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]), provide biological samples (blood, stool, urine, breast milk, placenta, amniotic fluid, vaginal/nasal fluid, saliva, tears), and consent to 10-year storage. Responses were analysed to examine associations between maternal sociodemographic factors and willingness to consent for each research component. ResultsNinety-two percent of participants expressed willingness for brain health testing, including [~]82% and [~]88% interest in EEG and MRI, respectively, even for untreatable conditions. Self-reported histories of foetal defects (5.3%) and birth defects (7.3%) were notably low. Biospecimen acceptance was highest (>95%) for routine samples (blood, stool, urine) but significantly low for sensitive specimens (breast milk, placenta, amniotic fluid: 51-55%) including (vaginal fluid, saliva, tears: 16-47%). Higher levels of maternal education consistently predicted consent across modalities, while being in a relationship increased willingness for stool, urine, placenta, amniotic fluid, MRI, and EEG. Low income reduced uptake for placenta, amniotic fluid, MRI, and EEG. Only 48% consented to 10-year storage of images and samples for future research. ConclusionThis study demonstrates high maternal willingness for neurodevelopmental research involving brain health testing and routine biospecimens in a low-resource setting. The findings highlight the feasibility of such protocols in a low-resource setting while exposing persistent inequities that risk underrepresenting disadvantaged mothers in maternal-child brain research. Contextually tailored consent models and capacity-building initiatives will be essential to ensure equitable, sustainable engagement across diverse LMIC populations.
Murakami, M.; Ohtake, F.
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While vaccination conflicts have become apparent, physicians' attitudes toward those with differing views remain unclear. Through an online survey of 492 physicians and 5,252 members of the general public in Japan in February 2026, we investigated attitudes toward four vaccines (influenza, measles, HPV, and COVID-19). Intergroup bias was assessed as ingroup minus outgroup attitudes using a feeling thermometer. Multilevel regression examined associations with agreement group and physician status. Intergroup bias was significantly positive in both agreement and disagreement groups across all vaccine types, and was higher in the agreement group. Physicians exhibited higher intergroup bias than the general public. These findings indicate that vaccination conflict is bidirectional: physicians, often viewed as targets of hostility from vaccine-hesitant individuals, themselves exhibit greater intergroup bias toward those with opposing views. Interventions to raise physicians' awareness of their own bias, alongside communication strategies for vaccine-hesitant individuals, are needed.
Corga Da Silva, R.; Romano, M.; Mendes, T.; Isidoro, M.; Ravichandran, S.; Kumar, S.; van der Heijden, M.; Fail, O.; Gnanapragasam, V. E.
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Background: Clinical documentation and information retrieval consume over half of physicians working hours, contributing to cognitive overload and burnout. While artificial intelligence offers a potential solution, concerns over hallucinations and source reliability have limited adoption at the point of care. Objective: To evaluate clinician-reported time savings, decision-making support, and satisfaction with DR. INFO, an agentic AI clinical assistant, in routine clinical practice. Methods: In this prospective, single-arm pilot study, 29 clinicians across multiple specialties in Portuguese healthcare institutions used DR. INFO v1.0 over five working days within a two-week period. Outcomes were assessed via daily Likert-scale evaluations and a final Net Promoter Score. Non-parametric methods were used throughout. Results: Clinicians reported high perceived time saving (mean 4.27/5; 95% CI: 3.97-4.57) and decision support (4.16/5; 95% CI: 3.86-4.45), with ratings stable across all study days and no evidence of attrition bias. The NPS was 81.2, with no detractors. Conclusions: Clinicians across specialties and career stages reported sustained satisfaction with DR. INFO for both time efficiency and clinical decision support. Validation in larger, controlled studies with objective outcome measures is warranted. Keywords: Medical AI assistant, LLMs in healthcare, Agentic AI, Clinical decision support, Point of care AI
Schaarup, J. R.; Isaksen, A. A.; Hulman, A.
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AimsWe aimed to examine public perceptions of sharing various types of health data relevant for AI development, including electronic health records, audio recordings of consultations, medical images, and genetic information, with actors from either the public or the private sectors. MethodsWe analysed data from 38,740 participants of the Health in Central Denmark survey conducted in 2024. Participants were asked whether they would share different types of health data with an AI solution in healthcare. Each participant was randomised to either of two versions of the scenario and question where the AI application was developed in the public or private sector. Descriptive results (proportions and percentages) were weighted to represent the background population of approx. 1 million people in the Central Denmark Region. The association between randomization group (data recipient) and data sharing attitude ("Yes", "No", "Dont know") was analysed using multinomial logistic regression with "Dont know" as reference category. ResultsParticipants were most willing to share medical images (46%), followed by text from patient journals (39%), genetic information (35%), and audio recordings (27%). There were 12-16% higher proportions of willingness to share with public institutions than with private institutions. A high level of uncertainty was observed for all data types (29-36%) regardless of data recipient. Odds ratios ranged from 1.37 to 1.78 for responding "Yes", and from 0.51 to 0.67 for responding "No" to sharing data with public institutions compared to private institutions. ConclusionsPublic acceptance of health data sharing for AI depends on both the perceived sensitivity of the data and the institutional context of use. Strong public governance, transparent safeguards, and clear communication about data use may be important for maintaining trust and enabling responsible development of AI in healthcare.
Ng, J. Y.; Syed, N.; Melendez, G.; Bilc, M. I.; Koch, A. K.; Cramer, H.
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Burnout, a state of chronic exhaustion often characterized by feelings of emotional exhaustion, cognitive and emotional dysregulation, and psychological distancing, is an increasingly recognized issue within most professions. This syndrome results in diminished job satisfaction, strained interpersonal relationships, and decreased well-being. Socio-demographic factors have been shown to play a role in burnout risk, while trait mindfulness has been identified as an effective method to mitigate it. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of burnout risk and its relationship with mindfulness and socio-demographics among medical researchers. An anonymous, online, cross-sectional survey was administered to corresponding authors published in MEDLINE. The survey consisted of screening and socio-demographic questions, as well as validated assessment tools (i.e., shortened work-related Burnout Assessment Tool [BAT-12] and shortened Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory [FMI-14]). Responses were analysed according to the BAT and FMI guidelines, alongside regression analyses. A total of 1,732 participants completed the survey, yielding a response rate of 1.88%. Overall, 38.8% of participants were at risk or at very high risk of burnout, and the mean mindfulness score was 37.51. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that sex, age, and employment status were significant predictors of burnout risk, while age and region significantly predicted mindfulness. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that, after controlling for socio-demographic variables, mindfulness was a strong and independent negative predictor of burnout risk. These findings on burnout risk and the influence of mindfulness and socio-demographics could guide future research in developing tailored interventions and policies that improve the well-being of medical researchers.