International journal of health sciences
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How informatics is shaping the future of emergency medicine: An in-depth analysis-review article
Get PDFBackground: Emergency Medicine Informatics (EMI) represents a transformative intersection of information technology and emergency medical services aimed at enhancing patient care and operational efficiency. This review article explores the evolution, current applications, and future directions of EMI. The background outlines how EMI integrates technologies such as Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS), telemedicine, data analytics, and interoperability to optimize emergency care. Aim: The aim of the article is to provide a comprehensive overview of how these informatics tools have advanced and their impact on emergency medicine. Methods: The methods involve a detailed review of recent literature and technological advancements in EMI. Results: Results indicate that EHRs improve patient information management, CDSS enhance decision-making with evidence-based recommendations, telemedicine expands access to remote care, and data analytics facilitate predictive and prescriptive insights. Challenges such as interoperability issues, data security, and implementation costs are also discussed. Conclusion: The conclusion emphasizes that while EMI has significantly improved patient outcomes and operational efficiency, ongoing advancements are needed to address current limitations and further enhance the field. Future directions include enhancing interoperability, advancing analytics capabilities, expanding telemedicine, focusing on user-centered design, and strengthening data security
A study of the effects of variety and season of collection on the amounts of bioactive compounds in Algerian olive leaves
Get PDFThis study explored the bioactive contents (including chlorophyll, carotenoid, phenolic and flavonoid compounds) of olive leaves (Olea europaea L.) from three Algerian cultivars (Aberkane, Aharoun, and Akerma) across four distinct seasonal periods (autumn, winter, spring, and summer). The investigation involved performing antioxidant potential tests. The findings indicated that all cultivars are rich in bioactive compounds and the Aberkane olive leaves exhibited the highest levels of chlorophyll a (2518.79 ± 19.32 µg/g), chlorophyll b (816.22 µg/g), carotenoid (120.22 ± 6.72 µg/g) phenolic (596.97 ± 29.07 mg GAE/g DE) and flavonoid (374.05 ± 12.54 mg EQ/g DE) compounds. Aberkane olive leaves presented also the best results of DPPH scavenger activity (IC50: 38.40 ± 1.75 µg/ml) and ferric reducing power (A0.5: 22.34 ± 1.98 µg/ml). In general, leaves collected during summer demonstrated the highest contents of bioactive compounds and the best antioxidant activities, compared to other seasons. Consequently, it can be deduced that both the cultivar type and the season of collection exert significant influences on the bioactive content and antioxidant potential of olive leaves
Psychological distress in mothers of teenagers with cancer: Clinical study
Get PDFThe current study aims to determine the level of psychological stress experienced by mothers of teenagers with cancer, as well as their coping strategies in dealing with this challenging situation. To test the hypothesis, we applied a semi-structured clinical interview guide developed by the researcher and tested the Perceived Stress Scale for Feinstein et al. with the case. After analysing and discussing the results, it was found that the case experienced a high level of perceived psychological stress
Advancements in pre-hospital emergency care: Challenges and innovations
Get PDFBackground: The development of newer communication and monitoring technologies using mobile devices in pre-hospital aspects of care is changing the focus and practice of emergency medical services (EMS). Aim: This study focuses on the role that played by mHealth solutions in increasing the quality of pre-hospital care and, in turn, patient outcomes. Methods: This paper aimed at identifying mHealth applications, devices and their implementation in EMS, and the success rate and issues associated with it. Results: There is evidence the application of mHealth solutions has enhanced real-time communication, patient data acquisition and care coordination between EMS personnel and hospitals for enhanced patient outcome. However, issues like data security and training must be solved These are challenges that need to be overcome these include the following. Conclusion: Citizen mHealth technologies are improving pre-hospital care, and the possibilities of even larger improvements may be seen if implementation barriers are addressed
The importance of nursing in healthcare systems
Get PDFNursing is an international, contemporary, dynamic and vital component of health systems. Like other health workers, nurses contribute to protecting and promoting health; preventing illness, injury and disability; alleviating suffering and palliating illness; and restoring health and productivity. However, social, economic and political structures too often undermine nursing and other health workers’ competence, confidence, and authority, and thwart their keenest endeavours to serve the people in need of care and cure. For centuries now, nurses and midwives have listened, observed and acted where action was needed, and, when faced with unmet need of such proportion, made loud that voice. And, for centuries, the answers have been variations on the same theme of deference, disdain or downright hostility. Even today, in the early twenty-first century, nurses, particularly younger, female, marginalised and migrant nurses, continue to experience this. Compounded by structural inequalities of gender and social class, their attempts to push for reform rarely gain traction
PHC visits trends effects on control of blood pressure for hypertensive patients following up in PHCs in Makkah, Saudi Arabia
Get PDFHypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney disease. In Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of hypertension is estimated to be 14%. Primary health care centers (PHCCs) play a major role in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of hypertensive patients in Saudi Arabia. This study employed a cross-sectional design to collect data from medical records of hypertension patients registered with primary health care centers (PHCCs) in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The data was obtained through a comprehensive review of these medical records. Out of the 16,623 patients included in the study, the average annual visit frequency was 5.5 for females and 6 for males. 65.6% (10,910 patients) completed all four annual visits. There was no statistically significant difference in visit completion rates between males and females. The visit count was found to be negatively correlated with Systolic BP (-0.151, 95% CI [-0.195, -0.165]), Diastolic BP (-0.137, 95% CI [-0.147, -0.117]), and MAP (-0.176, 95% CI [-0.191, -0.161]), with a P-value < 0.001 for all parameters. Our findings indicate that the number of visits to Makkah Primary Health Centers positively influences blood pressure control in hypertensive patients
The role of artificial intelligence in predicting disease outbreaks: A multidisciplinary approach
Get PDFThis transdisciplinary research examines the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in forecasting disease epidemics. The rising frequency and complexity of epidemics need proactive solutions, and AI provides robust capabilities for evaluating extensive information, recognizing trends, and producing predicting insights. The study analyzes many AI models and technologies, including statistical models and machine learning approaches, assessing their strengths and limitations via case studies and benchmarking. A primary emphasis is the vital function of interdisciplinary cooperation, amalgamating the proficiency of nurses (offering real-time clinical data), medical record professionals (guaranteeing data quality and accessibility), and biochemists (giving molecular-level insights). The paper examines difficulties including ethical concerns, data protection, and the need for effective governance systems. Additionally, it examines prospective future avenues, such as deep learning, ensemble learning, the amalgamation of data from wearable devices and social media, and the implementation of the One Health paradigm. Improvements in genetic monitoring, expedited diagnostics, and citizen science activities are emphasized as vital components in augmenting epidemic prediction and response. The work underscores the revolutionary potential of AI, enabled by interdisciplinary cooperation, to enhance global health security and disease outbreak control
The effect of cholecalciferol supplementation on PTH and increasing the glomerular filtration rate in kidney transplant patients at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center
Get PDFThe association between oral cholecalciferol and GFR has been identified in various renal transplant populations around the globe. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of oral cholecalciferol supplementation on the GFR and serum PTH levels, with other parameters in the Saudi kidney transplant population. A retrospective observational study was conducted on a cohort of 174 kidney recipients who underwent transplantation and had serum 25-Hydroxy VD level tests performed (2018-2022) at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Jeddah, KSA. Generalized and linear mixed effects regression models were conducted. The percentage of GFR >60 (25.86% vs 78.16%, P<.0001) and VD insufficiency (< 30 ng/mL) (36.21% vs 6.90%, P<.0001) were significantly different between pre-& post-transplant periods, respectively. After adjustment, significant changes were found in post-transplant GFR, hemoglobin levels, serum creatinine levels, blood urea nitrogen levels, hematocrit levels, PTH levels, and VD 25-Hydroxy from the baseline. Calciferol 1000/2000 IU and 50,000 IU (P<.0001) were significantly more effective in increasing the odds of having GFR >60 as compared to other supplements (P=0.75). VD supplementations may be particularly beneficial in improving kidney function in kidney transplant patients, as this contributes to normalizing GFR levels and creatinine levels and reducing PTH levels
Cancer prevention and early detection: Emerging technologies and interventions
Get PDFBackground: Precision oncology is transforming early cancer detection among average-risk individuals. Advances in next-generation sequencing have led to significant insights into the cancer genome and the identification of biomarkers to improve early detection. Aim: This article examines emerging technologies and interventions in cancer prevention and early detection, focusing on the latest advancements in screening methodologies. Methods: The review analyzes various single- and multi-cancer early detection tests, discussing their methodologies, biomarker identification, clinical trial results, and the challenges associated with current screening approaches. Results: Innovative tests, such as multi-cancer early detection (MCED) assays, have shown superior sensitivity compared to traditional methods by identifying circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) before symptoms arise. While promising, these technologies face challenges, including the potential for false positives and negatives, overdiagnosis, and disparities in access to testing. Conclusion: Emerging technologies in cancer detection hold great potential to revolutionize screening practices. However, careful consideration of their clinical utility and potential harms is necessary to ensure equitable access and effective implementation
Interventions utilizing smartwatches in healthcare: A comprehensive literature review
Get PDFBackground: The rise of wearable technology has significantly transformed health management, with smartwatches becoming essential tools for enhancing health and wellness. Their capabilities include monitoring various health metrics and facilitating proactive health management. However, systematic reviews examining the impact of smartwatches on health outcomes remain limited. Aim: This review aims to synthesize the existing evidence on smartwatch interventions in clinical research and assess their effectiveness in improving health-related outcomes. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in Scopus and PubMed for studies published up to April 2023. Inclusion criteria focused on clinical studies utilizing smartwatches, reporting quantitative health outcomes. Data extraction involved details on target diseases, smartwatch models, study designs, and health outcomes, while quality assessment was performed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) tool. Results: The search yielded 1,099 records from Scopus and 353 from PubMed, leading to 13 studies that met inclusion criteria. Interventions primarily targeted cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, mental health, and other health issues. Most studies demonstrated moderate methodological quality, with two rated strong. The majority of interventions provided notifications and reminders to enhance patient engagement and adherence. Conclusion: Smartwatches show promise in clinical settings, improving health outcomes across various conditions