Increasing experience in the use of papaya for burn injuries in an African context, potential and limitations

Safe and Effective Escalation of Evidence-Based Chemotherapy for Mature B Cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma in a Low Resource Setting

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Refugee women’s experiences negotiating motherhood and maternity care in a new country: A meta-ethnographic review

‘I know my place’; a meta-ethnographic synthesis of disadvantaged and vulnerable women's negative experiences of maternity care in high-income countries

BackgroundDespite remarkable achievements in antiretroviral therapy (ART), losses to follow-up (LTFU) might prevent the long-term success of HIV treatment and might delay the achievement of the 90–90-90 objectives. This scoping review is aimed at the description and analysis of the strategies used in high-income countries to reengage LTFU in HIV care, their implementation and impact.MethodsA scoping review was done following Arksey & O′Malley’s methodological framework and recommendations from Joanna Briggs Institute. Peer reviewed articles were searched for in Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science; and grey literature was searched for in Google and other sources of information. Documents were charted according to the information presented on LTFU, the reengagement procedures used in HIV units in high-income countries, published during the last 15 years. In addition, bibliographies of chosen articles were reviewed for additional articles.ResultsTwenty-eight documents were finally included, over 80% of them published in the United States later than 2015. Database searches, phone calls and/or mail contacts were the most common strategies used to locate and track LTFU, while motivational interviews and strengths-based techniques were used most often during reengagement visits. Outcomes like tracing activities efficacy, rates of reengagement and viral load reduction were reported as outcome measures.ConclusionsThis review shows a recent and growing trend in developing and implementing patient reengagement strategies in HIV care. However, most of these strategies have been implemented in the United States and little information is available for other high-income countries. The procedures used to trace and contact LTFU are similar across reviewed studies, but their impact and sustainability are widely different depending on the country studied.

BackgroundThere have been fundamental shifts in the attitude towards, access to and nature of long term care in high income countries. The proportion and profile of the older population living in such settings varies according to social, cultural, and economic characteristics as well as governmental policies. Changes in the profiles of people in different settings are important for policy makers and care providers. Although details will differ, how change occurs across time is important to all, including lower and middle income countries developing policies themselves. Here change is examined across two decades in England.Methods and FindingsUsing the two Cognitive Function and Ageing Studies (CFAS I: 77% response, CFAS II: 56% response), two population based studies of older people carried out in the same areas conducted two decades apart, the study diagnosis of dementia using the Automated Geriatric Examination for Computer Assisted Taxonomy, health and wellbeing were examined, focusing on long term care. The proportion of individuals with three or more health conditions increased for everyone living in long term care between CFAS I (47.6%, 95% CI: 42.3–53.1) and CFAS II (62.7%, 95% CI: 54.8–70.0) and was consistently higher in those without dementia compared to those with dementia in both studies. Functional impairment measured by activities of daily living increased in assisted living facilities from 48% (95% CI: 44%-52%) to 67% (95% CI: 62%-71%).ConclusionsHealth profiles of residents in long term care have changed dramatically over time. Dementia prevalence and reporting multiple health conditions have increased. Receiving care in the community puts pressure on unpaid carers and formal services; these results have implications for policies about supporting people at home as well as for service provision within long term care including quality of care, health management, cost, and the development of a skilled, caring, and informed workforce.

Health utilization and need assessment data suggest there is considerable variation in access to outpatient specialist care. However, it is unclear if the types of barriers experienced are specific to chronic disease groups or experienced universally. This systematic review provides a detailed summary of common and unique barriers experienced by chronic disease groups when accessing and receiving care, and a synthesized list of possible health service initiatives to improve equitable delivery of optimal care in high-income countries. Quantitative articles describing barriers to specialist outpatient services were retrieved from CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase, and PyscINFO. To be eligible for review, studies: were published from 2002 to May 2014; included samples with cancer, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, arthritis, ischaemic heart disease, stroke, asthma, chronic pulmonary disorder (COPD) or depression; and, were conducted in high-income countries. Using a previously validated model of access (Penchansky and Thomas’ model of fit), barriers were grouped according to five overarching domains and defined in more detail using 33 medical subject headings. Results from reviewed articles, including the scope and frequency of reported barriers, are conceptualized using thematic analysis and framed as possible health service initiatives. A total of 3181 unique records were screened for eligibility, of which 74 studies were included in final analysis. The largest proportion of studies reported acceptability barriers (75.7 %), of which demographic disparities (44.6 %) were reported across all diseases. Other frequently reported barriers included inadequate need assessment (25.7 %), information provision (32.4 %), or health communication (20 %). Unique barriers were identified for oncology, mental health, and COPD samples. Based on the scope, frequency and measurement of reported barriers, eight key themes with associated implications for health services are presented. Examples include: common accommodation and accessibility barriers caused on service organization or physical structure, such as parking and appointment scheduling; common barriers created by poor coordination of care within the healthcare team; and unique barriers resulting from inadequate need assessment and referral practices. Consideration of barriers, across and within chronic diseases, suggests a number of specific initiatives are likely to improve the delivery of patient-centered care and increase equity in access to high-quality health services.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12939-015-0179-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Evolution of skin grafting for treatment of burns: Reverdin pinch grafting to Tanner mesh grafting and beyond

Disconnected universes. Advanced kidney research versus absence of basic kidney care in high income countries.

Health systems in high-income countries have experienced significant organizational and financial reforms over the last 25 years. The implications of these changes for the effectiveness of health care systems need to be examined, particularly in relation to their effects on the quality of health services (a pertinent issue in the United Kingdom in light of the Francis Report). Systematic review methodology was used to locate and evaluate published systematic reviews of quantitative intervention studies (experimental and observational) on the effects of health system organizational and financial reforms (system financing, funding allocations, direct purchasing arrangements, organization of service provision, and service integration) on quality of care in high-income countries. Nineteen systematic reviews were identified. The evidence on the payment of providers and purchaser-provider splits was inconclusive. In contrast, there is some evidence that greater integration of services can benefit patients. There were no relevant studies located relating to funding allocation reforms or direct purchasing arrangements. The systematic review-level evidence base suggests that the privatization and marketization of health care systems does not improve quality, with most financial and organizational reforms having either inconclusive or negative effects.

Pregnant women from migrant and refugee backgrounds living in high-income countries (HIC) are at increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes compared with women born in the host country. Women from migrant and refugee background have perinatal healthcare needs that are recognised internationally as a public health priority. The aim of this study was to identify, appraise and synthesise available evidence on the effectiveness of models of care in pregnancy or first 12months postpartum for women from migrant and refugee backgrounds living in HIC. Care models were mapped in terms of (a) effectiveness at improving service access, (b) effectiveness at improving maternal and infant health outcomes, (c) acceptability and appropriateness from the perspective of women and (d) acceptability and appropriateness from the perspective of service providers. Using systematic scoping review methodology, qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research published in English 2008-2019 were included. The databases MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Joanna Briggs Institute were searched between 27 February 2019 and updated 27 December 2019. Qualitative and quantitative data were analysed narratively. Seventeen studies, involving 1,499 women and 203 service providers, were included. A diverse range of interventions were identified, including bilingual/bicultural workers, group antenatal care and specialised clinics. All identified interventions were acceptable to women, and improved access, however, few provided evidence of improved perinatal outcomes. Gaps identified for future research include the use of qualitative and quantitative approaches to ascertain the experiences of women, their families, service providers and impact on perinatal outcomes. Synthesis of the included studies indicates the key elements of acceptable and accessible models, which were as follows: culturally responsive care, continuity of care, effective communication, psychosocial and practical support, support to navigate systems, flexible and accessible services.

SummaryGlobally, sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common inherited haemoglobinopathy. The highest burden of SCD is encountered in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), most of which lack the resources to contend with the disease. There is a marked divide between care for individuals with SCD in high‐income countries (HICs) versus LMICs, whereby the few disease‐modifying therapies and curative regimens are only accessible to those in HICs. As such, blood transfusion remains central to the emergent treatment and prevention of complications of SCD. However, there are a myriad of related challenges in LMICs, which have impeded efforts to treat patients with SCD effectively. In addition to blood safety and availability, examples that impact SCD specifically include capabilities to detect and/or manage red blood cell alloimmunization, capacity for automated red cell exchange, limited immunohematology, suboptimal quality oversight with a lack of safeguards to prevent transfusion of incompatible blood and limited or absent post‐transfusion surveillance to detect and/or manage transfusion‐associated adverse events. Consequently, clinical practices that are otherwise regarded as standard of care in HICs remain the exception in LMICs, highlighting disparities in care. A multifaceted approach that prioritizes transfusion support in LMICs is needed to improve care for patients with SCD.

The use of autograft skin is essential in the treatment of full thickness burns and large cutaneous defects. Both autograft thickness and condition of the wound bed modulate aesthetic and functional outcomes. Thicker autografts contract less and maintain greater functionality as the scar matures. The presence of hypodermis can also positively affect the eventual appearance and functionality of the wound site by modulating contraction and alleviating inflammation and cellular stress responses. In this study, we characterize wound-site physical and cellular characteristics following split-thickness skin grafting onto hypodermis vs. onto fascia. Compared to autografts grafted onto fascia, identical thickness autografts grafted onto fat demonstrated reduced contraction, enhanced mobility and vascularity, and reduced topographical variability. Grafts onto fat also showed reduced levels of myofibroblasts and leukocytic infiltration. The status of the wound bed prior to engraftment is an important contributor of skin quality outcome. The presence of hypodermis is associated with improved functional and aesthetic qualities of split thickness skin grafts, which are correlated with reduced presence of myofibroblasts and leukocytic infiltration.

PurposeAlthough laparoscopy has transformed surgical care in high-income countries, access remains limited in Africa. This calls for tailored laparoscopic education in such contexts to enable the training necessary to expand laparoscopic surgery. We aimed to describe the implementation, evaluation, and sustainability of a laparoscopic simulation lab in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.MethodsWe founded a laparoscopic simulation lab at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) and implemented a simulation curriculum. We conducted a prospective curricular evaluation focusing on both process and outcome metrics.ResultsWe established laparoscopic simulation training at MUHAS. This entailed securing a dedicated space, equipping the laboratory, and training a lab manager to be a simulation educator. Fifty-one participants completed 1,909 h of laparoscopic training at the simulation lab and received 3,940 individual pieces of online feedback. Analysis of task completion times and performance showed improvement in all tasks in pre-test task videos compared to final task videos. Nine of 20 graduates responding to a questionnaire (45%) actively performed laparoscopic surgery within their institutions. Among these respondents, all felt that participating in LAPP was very helpful or essential to their practice.ConclusionsWe implemented a laparoscopic curriculum at a new simulation lab in Tanzania. Residents, fellows, and faculty from across Tanzania dedicated substantial time and effort over more than 18 months to complete the curriculum, improve their laparoscopic skills, and change their operative practices. This report may serve as a blueprint for those looking to implement, evaluate, and sustain curricula in similar settings.

The increasing number of older adults with complex care needs underscores the urgent need for improved coordination between health and social services, emphasizing the importance of integrated care models. The Social Return on Investment (SROI) framework is a valuable tool for evaluating the social, economic, and environmental impact of healthcare interventions, including integrated long-term care (LTC) solutions. However, a gap remains in reviews specifically analyzing its application to integrated LTC interventions. To examine how SROI has been used to evaluate integrated LTC interventions, particularly for older adults. A scoping review of peer-reviewed and grey literature was conducted, covering January 2012 to June 2024, through MEDLINE, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and citation searches. Three independent reviewers assessed study eligibility, following PRISMA guidelines. Data were extracted using PICOS terms and organized into summary tables detailing study characteristics and SROI findings. Out of 556 screened papers, only 11 studies met the inclusion criteria, with most conducted in the UK. SROI evaluations focused on Personal and Community Resources, such as improved physical and mental health and social connections, while Public Resource benefits, including reduced healthcare workloads, were noted in seven studies. Financial proxies came from sources like HACT Social Value Bank and Global Value Exchange. All studies reported positive SROI ratios, though methodological limitations affect interpretation. The application of SROI to integrated LTC remains limited, primarily UK-based and reliant on context-specific methodologies. Expanding its use requires standardized methods, broader geographic representation, and localized proxies for more accurate evaluations.