Healthcare

Research

17 pages, 324 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Mobile Health Literacy, Stroke-Related Health Knowledge, Health Beliefs, and Self-Efficacy on the Self-Care Behavior of Patients with Stroke

by Hana Kim, Aro Han, Hyunjung Lee, Jiwoo Choi, Hyohjung Lee and Mi-Kyoung Cho

Healthcare 2024, 12(19), 1913; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12191913 - 24 Sep 2024

Viewed by 782

Abstract

Background: The recent substantial increase in the incidence of stroke cases has resulted in high medical expenses. Stroke necessitates ongoing care, emphasizing the importance of consistent self-management. The occurrence of stroke impacts healthcare costs and has far-reaching effects on social services, encompassing disability, [...] Read more.

Background: The recent substantial increase in the incidence of stroke cases has resulted in high medical expenses. Stroke necessitates ongoing care, emphasizing the importance of consistent self-management. The occurrence of stroke impacts healthcare costs and has far-reaching effects on social services, encompassing disability, unemployment, and other related concerns beyond individuals and families. This study aimed to assess the impact of mobile health literacy, stroke-related health knowledge, health beliefs, and self-efficacy on self-care behaviors of patients with stroke to plan tailored self-care interventions for this patient population. Methods: This descriptive survey included 99 stroke patients from three hospitals, which provided treatment equivalent to or better than general hospitals, in City C and was conducted between 7 July 2023 and 30 May 2024. The data collected from hospitalized stroke patients were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression. Results: The self-care behavior of patients with stroke who participated in the study was 73.01 ± 12.24 points. Stroke self-efficacy was identified as a significant factor influencing stroke self-care behaviors and eating habits. Mobile health literacy and stroke self-efficacy also influenced medication and self-care behavior, whereas hypertension and stroke self-efficacy affected lifestyle self-care behaviors. Conclusions: Strengthening stroke self-efficacy, improving mobile health literacy, and addressing comorbidities such as hypertension are important for promoting self-care behavior in stroke patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Care in Chronic Diseases)

14 pages, 1675 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effectiveness and Safety of Chuna Manual Therapy Adjuvant to Western Medicine in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Investigator-Initiated, Pilot Trial

by Jiwon Park, Minji Kwon, Beom-Joon Lee, Kwan-Il Kim and Hee-Jae Jung

Healthcare 2024, 12(2), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12020152 - 9 Jan 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1173

Abstract

Recently, non-pharmacological treatments are gaining increasing importance for improving the quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This pilot study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of conducting extensive research on Chuna manual therapy (CMT). This study investigated the effectiveness [...] Read more.

Recently, non-pharmacological treatments are gaining increasing importance for improving the quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This pilot study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of conducting extensive research on Chuna manual therapy (CMT). This study investigated the effectiveness and safety of CMT adjuvant to Western medicine (WM) in patients with COPD. Forty patients with COPD were randomized into two groups in a 1:1 ratio: experimental (CMT plus WM) and control (WM only) groups. The CMT intervention was administered once a week for eight weeks. The primary outcome measured was the 6-min walk distance (6MWD). Secondary outcomes measured were: forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), assessments using the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for dyspnea, the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and the EuroQoL five-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D). The mean differences in FEV1 (L) between Weeks 1 and 8 were statistically significant between the groups (p = 0.039). Additionally, the experimental group showed improved 6MWD, mMRC, VAS for dyspnea, CAT, SGRQ (total), and EQ-VAS scores than the control group. However, the differences between the two groups were not statistically significant. No adverse events were observed during this trial. CMT has the potential to alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, and delay the decline in lung function in patients with COPD. The results of this pilot study could lead to large-scale clinical trials in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Care in Chronic Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 294 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fatigue among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: The Impact of Spirituality and Illness Perceptions

by Maria Vasilaki, Eugenia Vlachou, Anna Kavga, Ourania Govina, Eleni Dokoutsidou, Eleni Evangelou, Anastasia Ntikoudi, Alexandra Mantoudi and Victoria Alikari

Healthcare 2023, 11(24), 3154; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11243154 - 12 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1650

Abstract

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) can cause fatigue, negatively affecting the daily functioning and health of individuals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of spirituality and illness perceptions on fatigue among patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. In this [...] Read more.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) can cause fatigue, negatively affecting the daily functioning and health of individuals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of spirituality and illness perceptions on fatigue among patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. In this cross-sectional, descriptive study, 100 patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus completed the Fatigue Assessment Scale, the FACIT Sp-12 scale, and the Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised assessing fatigue, spirituality, and illness perceptions, respectively. The mean age of the sample was 52.18 ± 15.53 years and 65% were insulin-treated patients. The mean score for the FACIT Sp-12 scale was 31.86 ± 7.7, for the FAS 27.0 ± 7.63, and for the Consequences and Emotional Representations of IPQ-R 25.5 ± 5.3. Statistically negative significant correlations were observed between the FACIT Sp-12 total score and the FAS subscales (r = −0.44 to −0.48, p < 0.01) and positive correlations between the “IP—Consequences and Emotional Representations” subscales and FAS scores. The total score of the FACIT Sp-12 (β = −0.35) was a negative predictor while Consequences and Emotional Representations (β = 0.28) were positive predictors of the total FAS Score. Participants scored moderate levels of total fatigue. Spirituality and positive illness perceptions may have a protective effect on the fatigue of patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Care in Chronic Diseases)

14 pages, 1010 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Innovative Integrated Motivational Interviewing for Dual Management in Tuberculosis Patients with Diabetes (MID-DOT) in Malaysia

by Zahiruddin Wan Mohd, Siti Rohana Ahmad, Nor Azwany Yaacob, Noorsuzana Mohd Shariff, Mat Zuki Jaeb and Zalmizy Hussin

Healthcare 2023, 11(13), 1929; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11131929 - 4 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1572

Abstract

(1) Background: Achieving successful tuberculosis (TB) treatment outcomes among diabetic patients is a real challenge as TB complicates control of diabetes. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated dual management educational module, MID-DOTS, which uses the mmotivational interviewing (MI) technique [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Achieving successful tuberculosis (TB) treatment outcomes among diabetic patients is a real challenge as TB complicates control of diabetes. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated dual management educational module, MID-DOTS, which uses the mmotivational interviewing (MI) technique implemented within directly observed treatment as part of a short course (DOTS) program in TB patients with diabetes (TB/DM). A randomized controlled trial was conducted in the northeastern state of Malaysia. (2) Methods: One hundred and twenty-four TB patients with diabetes received educational intervention using a MID-DOT module that used the MI technique, which was repetitively applied by TB nurses throughout a 6-month DOTS program while another 122 patients were given standard health education. Study outcomes include the proportion of patients with successful TB treatment, and changes in HbA1c and diabetic self-care scores at 6 months. (3) Results: The successful TB treatment outcome was 88% in the intervention group versus 72% in the control group (RR = 1.24; 95%CI 1.16, 1.58). A significant reduction of HbA1c (mean difference 0.82%; 95%CI 0.66, 0.98) and significantly higher diabetes self-care score (mean difference 8.49; 95%CI 7.38, 9.59) were also shown in the intervention group. (4) Conclusions: A dual TB/DM educational strategy which integrates the MI technique applied repetitively within the DOTS program is effective in increasing successful TB treatment as well as improving diabetic outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Care in Chronic Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 799 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Osteoporosis Care to Reduce Denosumab-Associated Hypocalcemia for Patients with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease and End-Stage Renal Disease

by Chia-Tien Hsu, Ya-Lian Deng, Mu-Chi Chung, Shang-Feng Tsai, Shih-Yi Lin and Cheng-Hsu Chen

Healthcare 2023, 11(3), 313; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11030313 - 20 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2479

Abstract

The incidence of hypocalcemia is high in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing denosumab treatment. Since 2018, we have carried out a “multidisciplinary integrated care program for osteoporosis among patients with CKD and ESRD” in our hospital. [...] Read more.

The incidence of hypocalcemia is high in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing denosumab treatment. Since 2018, we have carried out a “multidisciplinary integrated care program for osteoporosis among patients with CKD and ESRD” in our hospital. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of denosumab-associated hypocalcemia among patients with advanced CKD and ESRD before and after the integrated care program. We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients on their first dose of denosumab treatment from January 2012 to December 2021. A total of 3208 patients were included in our study. Among the 3208 patients, there were 101 dialysis patients, 150 patients with advanced CKD (stage 4 and 5), and 2957 patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) higher than or equal to 30. The incidence of post-treatment severe hypocalcemia (corrected calcium level less than 7.0 mg/dl) within 30 days was significantly higher in the dialysis and advanced CKD group than in patients with an eGFR higher than or equal to 30 (6.9% vs. 2.0% vs. 0.1%, respectively, p < 0.001). Based on the results of the multivariate regression model, poor renal function (p < 0.05) and lower baseline corrected calcium level (p < 0.05) were associated with severe hypocalcemia within 30 days following the first dose of denosumab treatment. The incidence of post-treatment severe hypocalcemia within 30 days in advanced CKD and dialysis patients was significantly lower after the integrated care program (6.8% vs. 0.8%, p < 0.05). Our study shows that multidisciplinary integrated care may reduce the incidence rate of denosumab-associated severe hypocalcemia among patients with advanced CKD and ESRD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Care in Chronic Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 244 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Healthcare Experiences of African Americans with a Dual Diagnosis of HIV/AIDS and a Nutrition-Related Chronic Disease: A Pilot Study

by Meena Mahadevan, Ndidiamaka Amutah-Onukagha and Valerie Kwong

Healthcare 2023, 11(1), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11010028 - 22 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1921

Abstract

For HIV-positive African Americans, the mistrust of medical providers due to anticipation of unequal treatment care, prejudice, and bias can become a major deterrent to medication and treatment adherence. Although programs and services incorporate strategies to improve patient–provider relationships, a deeper understanding of [...] Read more.

For HIV-positive African Americans, the mistrust of medical providers due to anticipation of unequal treatment care, prejudice, and bias can become a major deterrent to medication and treatment adherence. Although programs and services incorporate strategies to improve patient–provider relationships, a deeper understanding of their healthcare experiences, especially among those with a dual diagnosis of HIV/AIDS and a nutrition-related chronic disease, is lacking. This qualitative study aimed to address this gap by conducting focus groups with participants who identified themselves as being African American, and having a dual diagnosis of HIV/AIDS, and a chronic disease. Content analysis generated several major themes, highlighting the impact of a negative healthcare experience on their ability to self-manage their health. Factors such as lack of consistency in care team, negative interactions with doctors, feelings of stigma due to prejudice and bias from healthcare staff, loss of privacy, and the need for comprehensive services that targeted their physical, emotional, and nutritional health emerged as recurring sub-themes. These findings provide the foundation for the design of a comprehensive intervention model that helps participants to communicate their medical needs more effectively, thus optimizing their overall health outcomes and quality of life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Care in Chronic Diseases)

9 pages, 250 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Translation and Validation of Nursing Students’ Knowledge and Attitudes of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Health Concerns Survey in the Greek Language

by Evangelos C. Fradelos, James Montegrico, Judith Cornelius, Vissarion Bakalis, Maria Malliarou, Ioanna V. Papathanasiou, Georgia Fasoi, Martha Kelesi, Evridiki Kaba and Victoria Alikari

Healthcare 2022, 10(12), 2547; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10122547 - 15 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2391

Abstract

Nursing students have limited knowledge of providing quality care to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. The aim of this study was to explore the psychometric properties of the Nursing Students’ Knowledge of and Attitudes toward Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Health [...] Read more.

Nursing students have limited knowledge of providing quality care to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. The aim of this study was to explore the psychometric properties of the Nursing Students’ Knowledge of and Attitudes toward Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Health Concerns (NKALH) survey as well as to examine whether sociodemographic variables may affect attitudes toward LGBT individuals. In this cross-sectional study which was carried out from January–March 2022, 258 nursing students from two Greek universities completed the NKALH. For survey translation, the procedure of forward and backward translation was followed. Construct validity, reliability, and internal consistency were explored via confirmatory factor analysis, the test–retest reliability method, and Cronbach’s alpha index. The correlation between the dimensions of the attitude subscale was used to explore convergent validity. Analyses were carried out with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 26.0. The level of significance was set at <0.05. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed that the attitude subscale consists of three dimensions (Comfortable, Responsibility, Willingness to Care). The Pearson test (r) revealed strong correlations between two measurements (Comfortable r = 0.932, p < 0.001, Responsibility r = 0.938, p < 0.001, and Willingness to Care r = 0.915, p < 0.001), indicating good reliability. The Cronbach’s alpha index of the total scale was 0.783, highlighting its good internal consistency. Bivariate analysis revealed that sexual orientation, religion, and age are related to knowledge and attitudes toward LGBT individuals. The NKALH survey is a valid and reliable tool to measure the knowledge and attitudes of Greek nursing students on the health concerns of LGBT individuals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Care in Chronic Diseases)

13 pages, 901 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Medication Adherence in Hypertensive Individuals in Panama 2019: A National Cross-Sectional Study

by Carlos Guerra, Eric Conte, Angela Isabel Del Rio, Jorge Motta, Ilais Moreno Velásquez and Hedley Knewjen Quintana

Healthcare 2022, 10(11), 2244; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10112244 - 9 Nov 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3446

Abstract

Poor medication adherence is a public health concern leading to a large burden of cardiovascular disease among persons with hypertension. Using data from 3281 persons with diagnosed hypertension (N = 622,581) from the Panamanian National Health Survey (ENSPA) collected in 2019, we assessed [...] Read more.

Poor medication adherence is a public health concern leading to a large burden of cardiovascular disease among persons with hypertension. Using data from 3281 persons with diagnosed hypertension (N = 622,581) from the Panamanian National Health Survey (ENSPA) collected in 2019, we assessed the national prevalence of low-moderate medication adherence in hypertensive individuals using the 4-scale Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (4-MMAS) and identifying gender-specific associated factors. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between possible risk factors and low-moderate medication adherence with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) stratified by gender. The national prevalence of low-moderate medication adherence was 78.2% (95% CI: 74.7–81.0%); in men it was 74.4% (95% CI: 67.5–80.3%) and in women it was 81.4% (78.4–84.0%). In women, low-moderate medication adherence was associated with living in indigenous area (OR: 5.15; 95% CI: 1.40–18.98), educational level (OR no formal education: 0.77, 95% CI 0.28–2.14; OR for primary education: 0.76, 95% CI 0.38–1.56; OR for secondary education: 0.90, 95% CI 0.48–1.70; Higher education as reference), increased BMI (normal as reference, OR for overweight: 1.35, 95% CI: 0.73–2.50, OR for obesity: 1.65, 95% CI: 0.90–3.03) and medical diagnosis of anxiety/depression (OR: 4.89, 95% CI: 1.36–17.49). However, in men, it was associated with having secondary education (OR: 2.94; 95% CI: 1.03–8.36), currently smoking (OR: 16.74, 95% CI: 1.83–152.70), taking antihypertensive medication with denial of hypertension diagnosis (OR: 4.35, 95% CI: 1.11–17.11) and having less than three annual check-ups (OR for no health check-ups: 2.97, 95% CI: 0.63–13.88; OR for 1–2 check-ups: 1.61, 95% CI: 0.78–3.32: three or more health check-ups: reference). Time since diagnosis was inversely associated with low-moderate adherence. This study assesses for the first time the national prevalence of low-moderate medication adherence among hypertensive individuals in Panama. Low-moderate medication adherence is an important public health issue that should be addressed to achieve blood pressure control in patients diagnosed with hypertension, taking into account gender-specific factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Care in Chronic Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

8 pages, 487 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vascular Risk Factors in Ischemic Stroke Survivors: A Retrospective Study in Catalonia, Spain

by Silvia Reverté-Villarroya, Rosa Suñer-Soler, Jose Zaragoza-Brunet, Gisela Martín-Ozaeta, Patricia Esteve-Belloch, Iago Payo-Froiz, Esther Sauras-Colón and Fidel Lopez-Espuela

Healthcare 2022, 10(11), 2219; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10112219 - 5 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1685

Abstract

Background: The distribution of vascular risk factors (VRFs) and stroke management vary by geographic area. Our aim was to examine the percentage of the VRFs according to age and sex in ischemic stroke survivors in a geographical area on the Mediterranean coast of [...] Read more.

Background: The distribution of vascular risk factors (VRFs) and stroke management vary by geographic area. Our aim was to examine the percentage of the VRFs according to age and sex in ischemic stroke survivors in a geographical area on the Mediterranean coast of Southern Catalonia, Spain. Methods: This was a multicenter, observational, retrospective, community-based study of a cohort, the data of which we obtained from digital clinical records of the Catalan Institute of Health. The study included all patients with a confirmed diagnosis of ischemic stroke who were treated between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2020. Patients met the following inclusion criteria: residing in the study area, age ≥ 18 years, and presenting ≥1 modifiable vascular risk factor. The exclusion criteria were as follows: death patients (non-survivors) and patients without modifiable VRFs. We collected the demographic, clinical, and VRF variables of the total of 2054 cases included, and we analyzed the data according to age groups, sex, and number of VRFs. Results: Most of the patients included were in the 55–80 age group (n = 1139; 55.45%). Of the patients, 56.48% (n = 1160) presented ≤ 2 modifiable VRFs, and the age group <55 years old (67.01%) presented more VRFs. Hypertension and (>80 years old (38.82%)) and dyslipidemia (<55 years (28.33%)) were the most prevalent VRFs. In the age group 55–80 (69.59% men), the prevalence of VRFs was higher ((3–4 VRF (42.76%) and >4 VRF (5.35%)). Conclusions: These results suggest the presence of many VRFs in people diagnosed with ischemic stroke—although with a lower percentage compared to other studies—and the need for specific individualized interventions for the control of modifiable RFs related to primary and secondary prevention of stroke. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Care in Chronic Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

34 pages, 591 KiB

Open AccessReview

Identifying Key Themes of Care Coordination for Patients with Chronic Conditions in Singapore: A Scoping Review

by Chuan De Foo, Jia Yin Yan, Audrey Swee Ling Chan and Jason C H Yap

Healthcare 2023, 11(11), 1546; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11111546 - 25 May 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3265

Abstract

A projected rise in patients with complex health needs and a rapidly ageing population will place an increased burden on the healthcare system. Care coordination can bridge potential gaps during care transitions and across the care continuum to facilitate care integration and the [...] Read more.

A projected rise in patients with complex health needs and a rapidly ageing population will place an increased burden on the healthcare system. Care coordination can bridge potential gaps during care transitions and across the care continuum to facilitate care integration and the delivery of personalised care. Despite having a national strategic vision of improving care integration across different levels of care and community partners, there is no consolidation of evidence specifically on the salient dimensions of care coordination in the Singapore healthcare context. Hence, this scoping review aims to uncover the key themes that facilitate care coordination for patients with chronic conditions in Singapore to be managed in the community while illuminating under-researched areas in care coordination requiring further exploration. The databases searched were PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Results from Google Scholar were also included. Two independent reviewers screened articles in a two-stage screening process based on the Cochrane scoping review guidelines. Recommendation for inclusion was indicated on a three-point scale and rating conflicts were resolved through discussion. Of the 5792 articles identified, 28 were included in the final review. Key cross-cutting themes such as having standards and guidelines for care programmes, forging stronger partnerships across providers, an interoperable information system across care interfaces, strong programme leadership, financial and technical resource availabilities and patient and provider-specific factors emerged. This review also recommends leveraging these themes to align with Singapore’s national healthcare vision to contain rising healthcare costs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Care in Chronic Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3362 KiB

Open AccessReview

Current Healthcare Systems in Light of Hyperendemic NCDs and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Time to Change

by Abdelbaset Buhmeida, Mourad Assidi and Bruce Budowle

Healthcare 2023, 11(10), 1382; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11101382 - 10 May 2023

Viewed by 2416

Abstract

Despite the significant achievements of current healthcare systems (CHCSs) in curing or treating several acute conditions, there has been far less success coping with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), which have complex roots and nonconventional transmission vectors. Owing to the impact of the invisible hyperendemic [...] Read more.

Despite the significant achievements of current healthcare systems (CHCSs) in curing or treating several acute conditions, there has been far less success coping with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), which have complex roots and nonconventional transmission vectors. Owing to the impact of the invisible hyperendemic NCDs and the COVID-19 pandemic, the limitations of CHCSs have been exposed. In contrast, the advent of omics-based technologies and big data science has raised global hope of curing or treating NCDs and improving overall healthcare outcomes. However, challenges related to their use and effectiveness must be addressed. Additionally, while such advancements intend to improve quality of life, they can also contribute the ever-increasing health disparity among vulnerable populations, such as low/middle-income populations, poorly educated people, gender-based violence victims, and minority and indigenous peoples, to name a few. Among five health determinants, the contribution of medical care to individual health does not exceed 11%. Therefore, it is time to implement a new well-being-oriented system complementary or parallel to CHCSs that incorporates all five health determinants to tackle NCDs and unforeseen diseases of the future, as well as to promote cost-effective, accessible, and sustainable healthy lifestyle choices that can reduce the current level of healthcare inequity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Care in Chronic Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 971 KiB

Open AccessReview

Elements Characterising Multicomponent Interventions Used to Improve Disease Management Models and Clinical Pathways in Acute and Chronic Heart Failure: A Scoping Review

by Cristina Pedroni, Olivera Djuric, Maria Chiara Bassi, Lorenzo Mione, Dalia Caleffi, Giacomo Testa, Cesarina Prandi, Alessandro Navazio and Paolo Giorgi Rossi

Healthcare 2023, 11(9), 1227; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11091227 - 25 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2293

Abstract

This study aimed to summarise different interventions used to improve clinical models and pathways in the management of chronic and acute heart failure (HF). A scoping review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement. MEDLINE [...] Read more.

This study aimed to summarise different interventions used to improve clinical models and pathways in the management of chronic and acute heart failure (HF). A scoping review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement. MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, The Cochrane Library, and CINAHL were searched for systematic reviews (SR) published in the period from 2014 to 2019 in the English language. Primary articles cited in SR that fulfil inclusion and exclusion criteria were extracted and examined using narrative synthesis. Interventions were classified based on five chosen elements of the Chronic Care Model (CCM) framework (self-management support, decision support, community resources and policies, delivery system, and clinical information system). Out of 155 SRs retrieved, 7 were considered for the extraction of 166 primary articles. The prevailing setting was the patient’s home. Only 46 studies specified the severity of HF by reporting the level of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) impairment in a heterogeneous manner. However, most studies targeted the populations with LVEF ≤ 45% and LVEF < 40%. Self-management and delivery systems were the most evaluated CCM elements. Interventions related to community resources and policy and advising/reminding systems for providers were rarely evaluated. No studies addressed the implementation of a disease registry. A multidisciplinary team was available with similarly low frequency in each setting. Although HF care should be a multi-component model, most studies did not analyse the role of some important components, such as the decision support tools to disseminate guidelines and program planning that includes measurable targets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Care in Chronic Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 952 KiB

Open AccessReview

Metabolic Syndrome and Chronic Disease Risk in South Asian Immigrants: A Review of Prevalence, Factors, and Interventions

by Meena Mahadevan, Mousumi Bose, Kelly M. Gawron and Renata Blumberg

Healthcare 2023, 11(5), 720; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11050720 - 1 Mar 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3459

Abstract

South Asians (SAs) are among the fastest-growing ethnic groups in the U.S. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a condition that is characterized by multiple health factors that increase the risk for chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes. MetS prevalence among SA [...] Read more.

South Asians (SAs) are among the fastest-growing ethnic groups in the U.S. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a condition that is characterized by multiple health factors that increase the risk for chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes. MetS prevalence among SA immigrants ranges from 27–47% in multiple cross-sectional studies using different diagnostic criteria, which is generally higher compared to other populations in the receiving country. Both genetic and environmental factors are attributed to this increased prevalence. Limited intervention studies have shown effective management of MetS conditions within the SA population. This review reports MetS prevalence in SAs residing in non-native countries, identifies contributing factors, and discusses ways to develop effective community-based strategies for health promotion targeting MetS among SA immigrants. There is a need for more consistently evaluated longitudinal studies to facilitate the development of directed public health policy and education to address chronic diseases in the SA immigrant community. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Care in Chronic Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

7 pages, 629 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Discussion of Whether Various Lifestyle Changes can Alleviate the Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

by Yohei Okawa

Healthcare 2022, 10(10), 2011; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10102011 - 12 Oct 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2751

Abstract

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) causes abdominal pain during bowel movements and is diagnosed according to the Rome IV international diagnostic criteria. Patients diagnosed as having IBS experience abdominal pain at least 1 day/week, on average, over a 3-month period and not 3 days [...] Read more.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) causes abdominal pain during bowel movements and is diagnosed according to the Rome IV international diagnostic criteria. Patients diagnosed as having IBS experience abdominal pain at least 1 day/week, on average, over a 3-month period and not 3 days per month. A diagnosis of IBS is confirmed if symptoms have persisted for more than 6 months. IBS symptoms negatively affect daily life. First, improving daily habits are important to ameliorating IBS symptoms. IBS symptoms can be alleviated by staying active, sleeping, resting and staying stress-free. In addition, it is important to eat three, balanced meals a day on a regular basis and avoid overeating, especially at night. Spicy foods, high-fat foods, and alcohol can exacerbate symptoms. Researchers found, in a literature review, that IBS symptoms can be ameliorated by improving daily habits, thus relieving abdominal pain and the defecation symptoms of IBS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Care in Chronic Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

19 pages, 1946 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Bloodletting for Acute Stroke Recovery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Mikyung Kim and Changho Han

Healthcare 2024, 12(20), 2060; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12202060 - 17 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1006

Abstract

Background: Bloodletting is a non-pharmacological treatment commonly used for acute stroke in traditional East Asian medicine. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of bloodletting in acute stroke recovery. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of eight electronic databases up to 4 June [...] Read more.

Background: Bloodletting is a non-pharmacological treatment commonly used for acute stroke in traditional East Asian medicine. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of bloodletting in acute stroke recovery. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of eight electronic databases up to 4 June 2024 to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Review Manager 5.4 was used for the meta-analysis, with methodological quality assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool and the GRADE approach. Results: Seventeen RCTs were included in this meta-analysis. The bloodletting group showed statistically significant improvements in neurological deficits compared to the non-bloodletting group, as measured using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (mean difference [MD]: −2.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −3.13 to −1.02) and the treatment effective rate (risk ratio: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.11 to 1.22). Motor function also improved significantly in both upper (Fugl-Meyer Assessment, MD: 12.20, 95% CI: 9.67 to 14.73) and lower extremities (MD: 3.86, 95% CI: 2.16 to 5.56). The effect on daily living activities was not significant overall, but benefits were observed in patients treated within three days of stroke onset (Barthel Index, standardized MD: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.01 to 1.69). No significant differences in the frequency of adverse events were observed between the groups. Conclusion: Bloodletting may be an effective and safe adjunctive therapy for patients with acute stroke receiving conventional Western medical treatment. However, further research is necessary because of the small sample sizes and low quality of the included studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Care in Chronic Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 1613 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Gordonia sputi as an Arising Causative Agent of Bacteremia in Immunocompromised Comorbid Dialysis Patients—A Case Report

by Bozhidar Vergov, Andreana Angelova, Alexandra Baldzhieva, Yordan Kalchev, Georgi Tsochev and Marianna Murdjeva

Healthcare 2023, 11(14), 2059; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11142059 - 19 Jul 2023

Viewed by 1605

Abstract

Improvements in medical care have turned severe diseases into chronic conditions, but often their treatment and the use of medical devices are related to specific complications. Here, we present a clinical case of a long-term dialysis patient who was infected with a rare [...] Read more.

Improvements in medical care have turned severe diseases into chronic conditions, but often their treatment and the use of medical devices are related to specific complications. Here, we present a clinical case of a long-term dialysis patient who was infected with a rare opportunistic infectious agent—Gordonia sputi. In recent years, the incidence of Gordonia spp. infections in immunocompromised patients with central venous catheters (CVC) has appeared to rise. The isolation and identification of Gordonia spp. are challenging and require modern techniques. In addition, the treatment is usually persistent and often results in CVC extraction, which is associated with further risk and costs for the patient. We also studied the alterations in the immune status of the patient caused by long-term renal replacement therapy and persistent hepatitis C virus infection. Antibiotic therapy and immunostimulation with Inosine pranobex lead to successful eradication of the infection without the need for CVC replacement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Care in Chronic Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Integrated Care in Chronic Diseases

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (16 papers)

Research

Review

Other

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI