8383 research outputs found
Sort by
An umbrella review of a decade of meta-analyses examining the correlates of multidimensional perfectionism
No full textThe last decade has seen the proliferation of meta-analyses dedicated to perfectionism. Due to the volume of meta-analyses available, some stocktaking is now needed to catalogue existing meta-analytical research, assess the qualities of the work, and direct future research. To fulfil these aims, we conducted the first umbrella review of research examining the correlates of perfectionism. Following a pre-registered protocol, a systematic search provided 43 metaanalyses (79 criterion variables, 379 effects, k = 3,992, N = 694,422). The meta-analyses examined a range of criterion variables covering, primarily, mental health and wellbeing, but also included motivation and performance both across and within cross specific domains (e.g., education, workplace, and sport). Perfectionistic concerns were consistently related to mental ill-health and ill-being. Perfectionistic strivings displayed a similar pattern of relationships but were smaller in size. As a result, overall, perfectionism was also related to mental ill-health and ill-being. The typical risk of bias evident in the meta-analyses were assessed as high with consistent areas of weakness relating to the absence of unpublished research and lack of assessment of methodological quality of primary studies. Some degree of confidence in the findings of the affected research is diminished in these regards. In addition to addressing these issues in future work, to strengthen current evidence, researchers are encouraged to address more complex questions by applying meta-analytic techniques more routinely to the prediction of change over time, incremental predictive ability, and tests of explanatory models
AI-driven triage in emergency departments: A review of benefits, challenges, and future directions
Get PDFBackground
Emergency Departments (EDs) are critical in providing immediate care, often under pressure from overcrowding, resource constraints, and variability in patient prioritization. Traditional triage systems, while structured, rely on subjective assessments, which can lack consistency during peak hours or mass casualty events. AI-driven triage systems present a promising solution, automating patient prioritization by analyzing real-time data, such as vital signs, medical history, and presenting symptoms. This narrative review examines the key components, benefits, limitations, and future directions of AI-driven triage systems in EDs.
Method
This narrative review analyzed peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2024, identified through searches in PubMed, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, and Google Scholar. Findings were synthesized to provide a comprehensive overview of their potential and limitations.
Results
The review identifies substantial benefits of AI-driven triage, including improved patient prioritization, reduced wait times, and optimized resource allocation. However, challenges such as data quality issues, algorithmic bias, clinician trust, and ethical concerns are significant barriers to widespread adoption. Future directions emphasize the need for algorithm refinement, integration with wearable technology, clinician education, and ethical framework development to address these challenges and ensure equitable implementation.
Conclusion
AI-driven triage systems have the potential to transform ED operations by enhancing efficiency, improving patient outcomes, and supporting healthcare professionals in high-pressure environments. As healthcare demands continue to grow, these systems represent a vital innovation for advancing emergency care and addressing longstanding challenges in triage
Urban Microclimates and Their Relationship with Social Isolation: A Review
Get PDFUrban microclimates, which include phenomena such as urban heat islands (UHIs) as well as cooler environments created by shaded areas and green spaces, significantly affect social behavior and contribute to varying levels of social isolation in cities. UHIs, driven by heat-absorbing materials like concrete and asphalt, can increase urban temperatures by up to 12 °C, discouraging outdoor activities, especially among vulnerable populations like the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. In contrast, shaded areas and green spaces, where temperatures can be 2–5 °C cooler, encourage outdoor engagement and foster social interaction. This narrative review aims to synthesize current literature on the relationship between urban microclimates and social isolation, focusing on how UHIs and shaded areas influence social engagement. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, selecting sources based on their relevance to the effects of localized climate variations on social behavior, access to green spaces, and the impact of urban design interventions. A total of 142 articles were initially identified, with 103 included in the final review after applying inclusion/exclusion criteria. Key studies from diverse geographical and cultural contexts were analyzed to understand the interplay between environmental conditions and social cohesion. The review found that UHIs exacerbate social isolation by reducing outdoor activities, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and individuals with chronic health issues. In contrast, shaded areas and green spaces significantly mitigate isolation, with evidence showing that in specific study locations such as urban parks in Copenhagen and Melbourne, such areas increase outdoor social interactions by up to 25%, reduce stress, and enhance community cohesion. Urban planners and policymakers should prioritize integrating shaded areas and green spaces in city designs to mitigate the negative effects of UHIs. These interventions are critical for promoting social resilience, reducing isolation, and fostering connected, climate-adaptive communities. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies and the application of smart technologies such as IoT sensors and urban monitoring systems to track the social benefits of microclimate interventions
How are Retiring and Retired Clergy Supported? Mapping the Provision that the Church of England Offers to Ministers Facing Retirement and in Retirement
Get PDFThe present study scopes the current provision made by the Church of England to prepare and support clergy approaching retirement and in retirement. Engaging with the literature on clergy and ministry, it addresses the following questions: What can be learnt from the support that the Church of England provides to retiring and retired clergy? Are there examples of good practice? It ascertains if differences between stipendiary and self-supporting clergy are considered. It reports on the review of the 42 websites of Anglican Dioceses across England and the Isle of Man employing documentary and thematic analysis. The websites draw attention to provision for retiring and retired clergy. Diocesan initiatives provide examples of good practice, not necessarily making a distinction between stipendiary and self-supporting clergy, but addressing individual needs with the help of Designated Responsible Persons (DRPs) and officers like retired clergy officers (RCOs)
Effects of long-chain n-3 fatty acids supplementation during caloric restriction on body composition in overweight and obese adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Get PDFAims: This systematic review aimed to determine whether caloric restriction-induced reduction in body fat and fat-free mass can be amended by supplementation with long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Methods: Databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and EMBASE, were searched for papers published from the time the databases were created until November 1, 2023. Random-effects model meta-analyses were conducted using Review Manager 5.4.1 software. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the I2. A standardised mean difference with a 95% confidence interval was calculated, and pooled effects were assessed.
Results: The initial search identified 1527 articles, and eleven studies met the review inclusion criteria with a total of 637 participants included. The participants’ ages ranged between 18 and 61 years with a mean body mass index ranging between 27 and 36 kg/m2. The changes in fat-free mass (standardised mean difference = 0.12, 95%CI -0.14 to 0.37, P = 0.36; I2:35%) and fat mass (standardised mean difference = - 0.01; 95% CI -0.25 to 0.24; P = 0.96; I2: 46%) were not different between intervention and control groups.
Conclusion: The current review indicates that long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation during caloric restriction neither attenuates the decline in fat-free mass nor enhances the reduction in fat mass. Considering the small number of studies and interventions included, further research is needed to investigate the effectiveness of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation during caloric restriction
Artificial Intelligence in Nigerian Oncology Practice: A Qualitative Exploration of Oncologists' Perspectives
Get PDFBackground
Artificial intelligence (AI) offers potential solutions to address critical challenges in oncology practice, particularly in resource-constrained settings like Nigeria. However, successful implementation requires understanding healthcare providers' perspectives, which remain largely unexplored in the Nigerian context.
Aim
To explore Nigerian oncologists' perspectives on AI applications in oncology practice, identifying knowledge levels, perceived benefits, implementation barriers, and priority areas for AI integration.
Methods
This qualitative study employed a descriptive exploratory design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 oncologists from nine major Nigerian healthcare institutions. All interviews were conducted in English. These institutions represent tertiary referral centres predominantly located in urbanised areas across different Nigerian geopolitical zones, including Southwest (OAUTH, LUTH, UCH, LASUTH, LAUTH), South-South (ISTH, UBTH), and North-Central (BSUTH, UATH). Participants represented various oncology specialties with experience ranging from 1 to 20 + years. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's six-phase thematic analysis approach with independent coding by multiple researchers to ensure inter-coder reliability.
Results
Nine key themes emerged: (1) Current Knowledge and Awareness of AI in Oncology; (2) Perceived Benefits of AI in Oncology Practice; (3) Perceived Barriers to AI Implementation; (4) AI in Oncology Research; (5) Data Management and Ethical Concerns; (6) Trust and Adoption Readiness; (7) Human-AI Interaction and Patient Dynamics; (8) Future Directions and Knowledge Requirements; and (9) Resource Allocation and Infrastructure Development. Participants demonstrated limited theoretical knowledge of AI applications, with most lacking practical implementation experience. Participants recognised AI's potential to address workforce shortages and improve diagnostic accuracy but identified significant barriers including financial constraints, infrastructure limitations, and insufficient technical expertise.
Conclusion
Nigerian oncologists expressed cautious optimism about AI's potential to transform cancer care delivery despite substantial implementation challenges. Successful AI integration requires addressing infrastructure deficits, developing appropriate regulatory frameworks, and building technical capacity. A phased implementation approach focusing initially on diagnostic support applications is recommended, alongside sustained investment in digital infrastructure and workforce development
Public Attitudes and Preferences Towards Artificial Intelligence in Diagnostic Imaging for Clinical Diagnosis in a low-resource setting (n = 1,032)
No full textReadability of patient education materials on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
Get PDFAims: We assessed the readability level of online patient education materials (PEMs) for cardiac MRI (CMRI) to determine whether they meet the standard health literacy needs as determined by the US National Institutes of Health and the American Medical Association guidelines. Methods and results: We evaluated the readability of CMRI PEMs from 5 websites using the Flesch–Kincaid Reading Ease (FKRE), Flesch–Kincaid grade level (FKGL), Gunning–Fog Index (GFI), Simple Measure of Gobbledygook index (SMOGI), Coleman–Liau Index (CLI), and Automated Readability Index (ARI). PEMs on the British Heart Foundation (BHF) website yielded the highest mean FKRE score, while the RadiologyInfo.org (RadInfo) website yielded the highest mean score on the CLI compared to all the other websites. Statistical analysis of individual predictors revealed that average words per sentence (P < 0.001) and average syllables per word (P < 0.001) were strong determinants of FKRE for the RadInfo PEMs. In contrast, sentences (P = 0.044), words (P = 0.046), average words per sentence (P = <0.001), and average syllables per word (P = <0.001) were significant predictors of FKRE for the InsideRadiology (InsRad) PEMs. The sensitivity analysis consistently confirmed the robustness and primary influence of average words per sentence and average syllables per word. Conclusion: The BHF and American Heart Association emphasize accessible CMRI communication, whereas RadInfo, InsRad, and the European Society of Cardiology PEMs may be less suitable for low-health-literacy audiences. Strategies aimed at enhancing the comprehensibility of patient education materials should primarily focus on reducing the average complexity of words and shortening average sentence lengths