Introduction Drowning is a leading cause of unintentional death among children on the autism spectrum, emphasising the need for tailored water competency interventions. Autism-related factors such as wandering, sensory differences and limited danger awareness increase drowning risk. Evidence suggests structured aquatic programmes improve water safety, yet guidance on effective components and implementation fidelity in community settings remains limited. Methods and analysis This type 1 hybrid effectiveness-implementation randomised controlled trial will evaluate AquOTic, an occupational…
Background Multiple family group therapy (MFGT) using the 4Rs and 2Ss (rules, responsibility, relationships, respectful communication, stress management and social support) framework has demonstrated effectiveness in addressing mental health and behavioural problems in high-income countries. However, the MFGT requires cultural adaptation for sub-Saharan African contexts where family structures, traditional healing practices and community support systems differ substantially from Western therapeutic models. Objective To systematically document the cultural adaptation process of the 4Rs and 2Ss…
Introduction Chronic non-specific knee pain represents a prevalent and disabling musculoskeletal condition that often lacks a clearly identifiable structural cause and evidence-based management strategies. Photobiomodulation therapy combined with a static magnetic field (PBMT-sMF) has been proposed as a non-invasive approach capable of modulating inflammation, reducing oxidative stress and promoting tissue repair. However, high-quality clinical evidence regarding its effectiveness in this population remains scarce. This trial aims to investigate the effects of PBMT-sMF on pain intensity…
Introduction Congenital myopathies (CMYO) are a group of rare hereditary muscle diseases defined by characteristic abnormalities on muscle biopsy. Several types, including the core myopathies central core disease and multi-minicore disease, nemaline myopathy and centronuclear myopathy, have been identified based on the characteristic histopathological changes and attributed to various genetic backgrounds. The most prominent clinical features are generalised muscle weakness often pronounced axially, variable cardiorespiratory and bulbar impairment, and skeletal and joint involvement. Currently…
Introduction Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or non-binary and intersex (LGBTI) populations experience persistent health inequities, including poorer mental and physical health outcomes and higher unmet healthcare needs compared with non-LGBTI populations. These inequities are partly attributable to insufficient training of primary care physicians (PCPs) in LGBTI health. However, evidence on effective and scalable training interventions for PCPs remains limited, particularly outside North America. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a self-directed e-learning programme—Improving Care…
Introduction Methadone exerts analgesic effects through μ-opioid receptor affinity and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonism, which may benefit refractory cancer pain with neuropathic components. Methadone can be introduced by the ‘stop-and-go’ (SAG) method or the ‘add-on’ (AO) method, in which low-dose methadone is added to existing opioids. Observational studies suggest AO may improve pain control but no double-blind randomised controlled trial (RCT) has evaluated this approach. Therefore, the primary aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of conducting a double-blind RCT…
Introduction Pathology of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) is commonly treated with either tenotomy or tenodesis, which provide comparable clinical outcomes but have distinct disadvantages. A novel self-locking biceps tenodesis aims to combine the benefits of both techniques. Comparative evidence in patients without full-thickness rotator cuff tears is limited. This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes and complications of self-locking biceps tenodesis and biceps tenodesis with 360° suture anchor in patients without full-thickness rotator cuff tears. Methods and analysis This…
A phase 2 trial of Merck & Co.’s anti-TL1A monoclonal antibody has missed its primary endpoint, closing off one avenue for expansion of an asset acquired in a $10.8 billion takeover. The setback was offset by a midphase win in another indication.
This cohort study evaluates patient characteristics associated with completion of screening for health-related social needs, identification of at least 1 need, total identified needs, and assistance requests across a multistate US health system.
This cohort study describes 6-month chronic pain trajectories using weekly assessments and evaluates the value of routinely collected baseline sociodemographic and clinical variables in estimating trajectories.
This cohort study evaluates racial and ethnic differences in the diagnostic performance of transvaginal ultrasound for detecting endometrial neoplasia.
This economic evaluation assesses the cost-effectiveness and life-years gained of endovascular vs bypass revascularization for chronic limb-threatening ischemia.
An Elevance Health Public Policy Institute study found rural patients used telehealth less than non-rural patients across all chronic conditions and insurance types. The post Report: Telehealth Uptake Is Lagging in Rural Areas appeared first on MedCity News .
There is wide variation in antithrombotic regimens after valve-in-valve (ViV) TAVR and no significant differences in outcomes, according to a study published July 27 in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.
by Angeliki Apostolou, Reuben Simfukwe, Adrias Saint, Bridget Mushani, Hannah Chekhchar, Pearl Aovare, Kouamivi M. Agboyibor, Karlijn A. C. Meeks, George F. Mkoma, Charles Agyemang, Felix P. Chilunga Background Type 2 diabetes and hypertension are major public health challenges in sub-Saharan Africa, yet treatment control remains poor. Patient adherence to key treatment pillars (medication, lifestyle advice, and self-monitoring) is essential for treatment control, yet adherence across these pillars has not been comprehensively synthesized. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to…
by Junjie Lin, Mika Kivimäki, Zifan Zhang, Hui Wang, Yangyang Cheng, Xiaolin Xu Background Impairments in physical, psychological, and cognitive functioning are associated with an increased risk of falls. However, how these functional domains change longitudinally before and after fall events remains unclear. We examined individual and joint trajectories of these outcomes preceding and following falls. Methods and findings Using data collected between 2010 and 2021 from three national cohorts in China, the UK, and the USA, we included 28,773 adults aged ≥60 years and performed 1:1 matching…
Introduction The Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) faces the significant public health challenges of high cervical cancer incidence and suboptimal human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine coverage alongside broader adolescent health concerns such as high adolescent pregnancy rates and inadequate sexual and reproductive health (SRH) literacy. This study protocol outlines an approach to address these interconnected issues comprehensively by evaluating an integrated service delivery model. Methods and analysis This study employed a quasi-experimental design with mixed methods to assess the impact…
Objectives To explore and map the literature on referral pathway gaps and improvement strategies in primary healthcare (PHC) to secondary healthcare (SHC) referrals, and to categorise both gaps and improvements using the Quintuple Aim framework for healthcare improvement—a model encompassing patient experience, population health, costs, provider well-being and health equity. Design Scoping review guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s framework, refined by the Joanna Briggs Institute and reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping…