-
Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024This review aims to map studies on governmental and institutional decision-making processes in emergencies. The literature reveals various approaches used by governments... (Review)
Review
This review aims to map studies on governmental and institutional decision-making processes in emergencies. The literature reveals various approaches used by governments in managing emergencies. Consequently, this article suggests the need for a systematic literature review to outline how institutional decision-makers operate during emergencies. To achieve this goal, the most widely used databases in psychological research were consulted, with a specific focus on selecting scientific articles. Subsequently, these studies were rigorously assessed for their relevance using a structured literature selection process following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. At the conclusion of the review process, nine studies were identified, each suggesting different methods by which governments manage emergencies. This diversity arises because emergency decision-making processes must account for numerous variables that change depending on the type of crisis and the specific context. However, several critical aspects have emerged, such as the centrality of pre-disaster planning to improve intervention practices and methods, attention to information gaps that inevitably arise during an emergency, and the importance of streamlining and delegating decision-making to emergency responders in the field to counter the phenomenon of centralized decision-making that often hampers crucial interventions during emergencies.
PubMed: 38920812
DOI: 10.3390/bs14060481 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024Gambling disorder (GD) is a pressing public health concern with significant societal costs. The recently developed nudge theory, which is rooted in behavioral economics,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Gambling disorder (GD) is a pressing public health concern with significant societal costs. The recently developed nudge theory, which is rooted in behavioral economics, aims to influence the decision-making behaviors of individuals by implementing changes in the environment.
AIM
This scoping review aims to synthesize the literature on nudge theory as it relates to gambling.
METHODS
This scoping review accords with the Arksey and O'Malley framework, as refined by Levac et al. It includes only articles from peer-reviewed journals that focus, as main themes, on both nudge theory and gambling. The final study selection includes six articles.
RESULTS
The scoping review process led to studies explaining how (1) nudges aim to prod people toward healthier gambling choices, fostering the adoption of more responsible gambling practices, and (2) some gambling features, called dark nudges (or sludges), exploit and harm the decision-making processes of people who gamble.
CONCLUSION
This scoping review highlights the fact that many stakeholders are involved in the field of gambling, and that better cooperation between them would promote safer and more responsible gambling practices. Future research is also needed to empirically test nudges to develop a better understanding of their impact on those who gamble.
Topics: Gambling; Humans; Decision Making; Psychological Theory; Choice Behavior; Behavior, Addictive; Economics, Behavioral
PubMed: 38915754
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1377183 -
Iranian Journal of Public Health May 2024The educational needs of future health administrators, prioritizing their needs, and developing a relationship between these needs and the needs of the community are... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The educational needs of future health administrators, prioritizing their needs, and developing a relationship between these needs and the needs of the community are very important to provide better responsiveness. We aimed to identify the knowledge and skills required for health care management students as future managers of the health community.
METHODS
In this systematic literature review, all studies conducted between 1990 and 2021 were searched in such databases as MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest Iran Medex, Magiran and Scientific Information Database (SID), and the collected data were analyzed via the thematic analysis method.
RESULTS
Findings of this study were divided into two main categories and fourteen subcategories, including knowledge-related factors (awareness of the structure and processes in the field of health and knowledge of management science) and skill-related factors (planning, coordination, organization, leadership, control and evaluation, management of financial resources and budgeting, service management, communication and information management, human resource management, implementation of participatory and team activities, crisis management, entrepreneurship, innovation, marketing, policymaking, and decision-making).
CONCLUSION
By identifying the knowledge and skills that students need, it is possible to empower them through necessary education. Therefore, by providing responsive education, developing skills, and improving capabilities, we can take an effective step to improve the quality of health system services.
PubMed: 38912152
DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v53i5.15582 -
Cureus May 2024Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's immune response to infection becomes unregulated, causing organ dysfunction and a heightened risk of... (Review)
Review
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's immune response to infection becomes unregulated, causing organ dysfunction and a heightened risk of mortality. Despite increased awareness campaigns, its prevalence escalates, annually afflicting over 1.7 million adults in the United States. This research explores the potential of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) in septic shock management, aiming to highlight its capacity to improve patient outcomes and reduce mortality. Adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines, our comprehensive search across 51,534 studies, using keywords such as plasmapheresis, plasma exchange therapy, therapeutic plasma exchange, septic shock, and reduction in mortality integrated with medical subject headings terms, led to the meticulous selection of six pivotal studies. Through rigorous evaluation with tools such as the revised Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool, Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and Assessment of Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews, we extracted strong evidence supporting TPE's significant impact on decreasing mortality in septic shock patients compared to standard care, as demonstrated in three randomized controlled trials and one cohort study, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.43 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.26-0.72). Additionally, two meta-analyses further validate TPE's effectiveness, showing a mortality reduction with an OR of 0.30 (95% CI = 0.20-0.46). This advantage also extends to critically ill COVID-19 patients, underscoring TPE's crucial role in modulating the coagulation cascade, decreasing sepsis-related complications, and reducing the risk of bleeding and organ failure. Nevertheless, the benefits of TPE must be carefully balanced against potential risks such as hypocalcemia, hypotension, and citrate toxicity, especially in patients with underlying renal or liver issues, emphasizing the importance of shared decision-making. While TPE emerges as a promising therapy, its formal integration into standard care protocols awaits further confirmation, highlighting the critical need for more in-depth research to conclusively determine its efficacy and safety in septic shock management.
PubMed: 38910774
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60947 -
Cureus May 2024Inguinal hernia repair is a common surgical intervention. Advancements in minimally invasive techniques, specifically laparoscopic (LR) and robot-assisted (RR)... (Review)
Review
Inguinal hernia repair is a common surgical intervention. Advancements in minimally invasive techniques, specifically laparoscopic (LR) and robot-assisted (RR) approaches, have reshaped the landscape of surgical options. This meta-analysis aimed to systematically assess and compare the effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic and robot-assisted inguinal hernia repair through a comprehensive review of the literature. A systematic search of databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published up to November 30, 2023. Fifteen studies, encompassing a total of 64,568 participants, met the inclusion criteria. Pooled estimates for key outcomes, including duration of operation, overall complications, and surgical site infection (SSI), were calculated using random-effects models. This meta-analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in the duration of surgery, favoring laparoscopic repair over robot-assisted techniques (mean difference: 26.85 minutes, 95% CI (1.16, 52.54)). Overall complications did not significantly differ between the two approaches (odds ratio: 1.54, 95% CI (0.83, 2.85)). However, a significantly greater risk of SSI was identified for robot-assisted procedures (odds ratio: 3.32, 95% CI (2.63, 4.19)). This meta-analysis provides insights into the comparative effectiveness of laparoscopic and robot-assisted inguinal hernia repair. While laparoscopy has shorter operative times and comparable overall complication rates, the increased risk of SSI during robot-assisted procedures necessitates careful consideration in clinical decision-making. Surgeons and healthcare providers should weigh these findings according to patient characteristics, emphasizing a personalized approach to surgical decision-making. The evolving landscape of inguinal hernia repair warrants ongoing research to refine techniques and optimize outcomes for the benefit of patients undergoing these procedures.
PubMed: 38910645
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60959 -
American Journal of Preventive Medicine Jun 2024As patients become increasingly involved in healthcare decision-making, it is important to examine the drivers behind patient choice of doctor (PCOD); the initial... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
As patients become increasingly involved in healthcare decision-making, it is important to examine the drivers behind patient choice of doctor (PCOD); the initial decision can have lasting impacts on patients' trust in providers and outcomes. However, limited studies have explored PCOD relative to socioeconomic status (SES) or health disparity. This review identified similar preferences and varied decision criteria in PCOD across SES groups.
METHODS
PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and relevant cross-references were searched for articles published between January 2007-September 2022. Papers were screened using Covidence. Included studies examined PCOD by income and/or educational levels. Analysis was performed in 2022-2023.
RESULTS
From 4,449 search results, 29 articles were selected (16 countries, 14 medical specialties, total of 32,651 participants). Higher-SES individuals ranked physician characteristics (e.g., qualifications, empathy) or performance more important than cost or convenience. Lower-SES individuals often had to prioritize logistical factors (e.g., insurance coverage, distance) due to resource constraints and gaps in knowledge or awareness about options. Despite differing healthcare systems, such divergence in PCOD were relatively consistent across countries. Some patients, especially females and disadvantaged groups, favored gender-concordant physicians for intimate medical matters (e.g., gynecologist); this partiality was not limited to conservative cultures. Few researchers investigated the outcomes of PCOD and indicated that lower-SES populations inadvertently chose, experienced, or perceived lower quality care.
DISCUSSION
Patients' decision criteria varied by SES, even under national systems intended for universal access, indicating the impacts of social determinants and structural inequities. Health education supporting patient decision-making and research on how SES affects PCOD and outcomes could help reduce health disparity.
PubMed: 38906427
DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2024.06.012 -
SAGE Open Nursing 2024While vaccines are crucial for disease prevention, disparities in vaccination coverage persist among youths aged 10 to 29 years, including within the United States.... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
While vaccines are crucial for disease prevention, disparities in vaccination coverage persist among youths aged 10 to 29 years, including within the United States. Serious games are emerging as a new strategy to address vaccine hesitancy. This systematic review aimed to aggregate and assess the current evidence on game-based interventions to improve youth vaccination rates, evaluating their impact and identifying factors influencing their effectiveness.
METHODS
This systematic review was conducted through a meticulous search and evaluation of literature from databases including PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature database, ProQuest platform, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Studies were included if they (a) were designed with the purpose of improving youth vaccination rates; (b) were published in English; (c) were published between January 2011 and June 2023; and (d) evaluated the effect of game-based interventions. Search terms included Medical Subject Headings terms and keywords of the eligible articles.
RESULTS
Out of 269 studies, 11 were included in the final analysis of this review. The earliest study dated back to 2013, with 5 being randomized controlled trial and 6 studies incorporating theoretical models in their design or outcome measures. The findings indicated a generally positive effect of game-based interventions on vaccine-related knowledge. However, the impact on actual vaccine uptake was limited. In-game avatar customization and collaboration games were found as effective tools for player engagement.
CONCLUSION
The review findings indicated that serious games boost vaccine knowledge but lack strong evidence for influencing youth vaccine uptake. More rigorous research and tailored game designs are needed to determine the effectiveness of game-based interventions and effectively address the diverse needs of youth in vaccine decision-making.
PubMed: 38903195
DOI: 10.1177/23779608241256998 -
Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare :... Jun 2024Literature surrounding miscarriage is broad in scope, yet narrative constructions following miscarriage are significantly under-researched. Few studies have sought to... (Review)
Review
Literature surrounding miscarriage is broad in scope, yet narrative constructions following miscarriage are significantly under-researched. Few studies have sought to understand sense-making processes following miscarriage, including how and why people story their experience. Consequently, the complexities and nuances of these processes have not been adequately explored. This review aimed to gain insight into what is already known about how people story their experience of miscarriage, as well as research gaps and limitations. A systematic literature review of qualitative literature was conducted across four databases to identify relevant research related to miscarriage narratives and sense-making. Eligibility criteria was applied to a staged screening process to identify the highest quality, peer-reviewed research. Ten studies were included in the review and presented as a narrative synthesis. The literature was divided into five collective themes: women's perspectives, male partner's perspectives, couples' perspectives, healthcare professional's perspectives, and cultural perspectives. The literature review summarises existing knowledge about narrative processes in relation to miscarriage, as well as highlighting research gaps, clinical implications, and directions for future research. When working with those who have experienced involuntary child loss and infertility, there is a need for professionals to have appropriate training to support the provision of compassionate, individualised care and decision-making. The role of language requires consideration as there is a need to address over-medicalised systems of knowledge, and it is important that there is understanding regarding the need for expression, and the various ways that individuals might express their feelings and loss.
PubMed: 38901061
DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2024.100997 -
Health Informatics Journal 2024Although exercise benefits female cancer survivors, clinical decision-making regarding timing, frequency, duration, and intensity is lacking. Optimizing exercise... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Although exercise benefits female cancer survivors, clinical decision-making regarding timing, frequency, duration, and intensity is lacking. Optimizing exercise interventions in this population is necessary. This study aimed to describe existing digital home-based exercises and to assess their effectiveness at improving physical health in female cancer survivors upon completion of therapy.
DESIGN
We conducted a systematic review using articles from Web of Science, Embase and Medline (Ovid). We included intervention studies examining the effects of digital home-based exercise programs on post-treatment recovery in female cancer survivors. Rob2 and ROBIN I were used to assess quality of studies. Quality-of-life, fatigue score, and physical performance were assessed using meta-analysis.
RESULTS
This study involved 1578 female cancer survivors in 21 interventions. Following guidelines and supervised exercise with coaches led to better outcomes than interventions without guidelines, programs without coaches, or lower intensity exercise. Exercise led to significant improvement in some physical performance outcomes. Significant improvements were seen in physical performance outcomes, including the 6-min walk test, metabolic equivalent task, and number of steps per day.
CONCLUSION
Providing cancer survivors with standard guidelines for home-based, coach-supervised, vigorous exercise on digital platforms could improve their physical function, health, and quality-of-life.
Topics: Humans; Cancer Survivors; Female; Exercise Therapy; Quality of Life; Exercise
PubMed: 38898568
DOI: 10.1177/14604582241263668 -
Journal of Robotic Surgery Jun 2024The aim of this review is to map the current research on the needs of gynecological patients treated with robotic surgery. Systematic Rapid Review. Pubmed, Web of... (Review)
Review
The aim of this review is to map the current research on the needs of gynecological patients treated with robotic surgery. Systematic Rapid Review. Pubmed, Web of Science, Google Scholar. Search was limited from the years 2017-2021. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement was followed. Rapid review is a synthesis of information produced in a shorter time than systematic reviews, which allows clinical nurses to access evidence in the decision-making process. The methodological steps implemented were the following: (1) needs assessment and topic selection, (2) study development, (3) literature search, (4) screening and study selection, (5) data extraction, (6) risk-of-bias assessment and (7) knowledge synthesis. The search yielded 815 articles, 746 were excluded after screening the title and abstract, and 69 full-text syntheses were performed. Only 10 articles were included in the final analysis. This research evaluated the effects of robotic surgery on the patient under seven themes; operative time, length of stay, complications, estimated blood loss, pain, survivor, and conversion. Five studies were on endometrial cancer, one study on gynecologic cancer, two studies on hysterectomy, one study on patient safety, and one study on cervical cancer. The results show that robotic surgery can change the needs of patients by solving ongoing problems in gynecological patients. This requires a better understanding of robotic surgery procedures while facilitating nursing care over patient care.
Topics: Humans; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Female; Patient Care; Gynecologic Surgical Procedures; Operative Time; Length of Stay; Blood Loss, Surgical; Hysterectomy; Patient Safety; Postoperative Complications; Endometrial Neoplasms; Genital Neoplasms, Female; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms
PubMed: 38896293
DOI: 10.1007/s11701-024-01955-1