scholarly journals Telehealth in Management of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review

Author(s):  
Sohrab Almasi ◽  
Farkhondeh Asadi

COVID-19 has created major health-related, economic, and social challenges in societies, and its high contagion has dramatically altered access to healthcare. COVID-19 management can be improved by the use of telehealth. This study aimed to examine different telehealth technologies in the management of COVID-19 disease in the domains of surveillance, diagnosis, screening, treatment, monitoring, tracking, and follow-up and investigate the challenges to the application of telehealth in COVID-19 management. This scoping review was conducted based on Arksey and O’Malley's framework. Searches were performed in Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases to examine the evidence on the effectiveness of telehealth in COVID-19 management. Eventually, 36 articles were selected based on the inclusion criteria. The majority of these studies (33%) were conducted in China. Most services offered via telehealth focused on surveillance, tracking, and follow-up, in that order. Moreover, the most frequently used technologies were social networks, web-based apps, and mobile apps, respectively. The use of telehealth in COVID-19 disease management plays a key role in surveillance, diagnosis, screening, treatment, monitoring, tracking, and follow-up.

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Farzad Gohardehi ◽  
Hesam Seyedin ◽  
Shandiz Moslehi

BACKGROUND: Non-communicable diseases (NCD) such as hypertension (HTN) and diabetes mellitus (DM) have been one of the major health problems in the world. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence rate of DM and HTN following natural and man-made disasters that impose significant economic and psychological burdens on human communities.METHODS: In this systematic and meta-analysis review, all crosssectional studies that at least one of their objectives was to measure the prevalence of HTN or DM in individuals affected by natural and man-made disasters were included. Literature review was done in international databases including PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science, from database inception to February 17, 2019. The extracted data included the bibliographic characteristics of the article, the age of the participants, number of participants, gender, sample size, outcome, duration of the follow-up, and prevalence of DM and HTN. Data were analyzed by STATA software (version11) and random effect method and the I2 index were used to investigate heterogeneity between the articles.RESULTS: A total of 16 articles met the inclusion criteria. Based on the quality assessment, 11 papers were categorized as moderate and 5 paper were categorized as high quality. The prevalence of HTN and DM in disaster-exposed populations were 47.35 (CI 95%: 38.53-56.17) and 13.56 (CI 95%: 10.12-17.01), respectively.CONCLUSION: The results of this study show a high prevalence of HTN and DM in survivors of major disasters, which is higher in comparison to the general population. 


Author(s):  
Won Ju Hwang ◽  
Ji Sun Ha ◽  
Mi Jeong Kim

Background: Scoping reviews of the literature on the development and application of mental health apps based on theoretical suggestions are lacking. This study systematically examines studies on the effects and results of mental health mobile apps for the general adult population. Methods: Following PICOs (population, intervention, comparison, outcome, study design), a general form of scoping review was adopted. From January 2010 to December 2019, we selected the effects of mental health-related apps and intervention programs provided by mobile to the general adult population over the age of 18. Additionally, evaluation of methodological quality was assessed using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) checklist. Results: Fourteen studies were analyzed of 1205 that were identified; duplicate and matching studies were excluded. One was a descriptive study and 13 were experimental, of which randomized control trials (RCTs) accounted for 71.4%. Four of the mobile apps were developed based on cognitive behavior theory, one based on stress theory, and one on ecological instant intervention theory. These apps included breathing training, meditation, and music therapy. Stress, depression, and anxiety decreased using these apps, and some were effective for well-being. Conclusion: With the rapid development of technology related to mental health, many mobile apps are developed, but apps based on theoretical knowledge and well-designed research are lacking. Further research and practices should be conducted to develop, test, and disseminate evidence-based mHealth for mental health promotion. RCT studies are needed to expand the application to mental health services to various populations.


Author(s):  
Endurance Uzobo ◽  
Aboluwaji D Ayinmoro

Background As it is common with the most devastating events in the world, women always seem to be at the most disadvantage position. This situation manifested during the period of COVID-19 lockdown throughout the world and Africa in particular. The purpose of this study is to explore Domestic Violence (DV) cases in African during the COVID-19 lockdown. Methods Data for this study were gleaned from an electronic literature search using various databases PubMed and BioMed Central, Web of Science, etc. Key search words were gender DV during and after COVID-19. A total of 68 records were identified during the search. However, only 46 of these sources met the inclusion criteria. Results From the review done in selected African countries which include Egypt, South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana and Zimbabwe; it was discovered that COVID-19 lockdown across these countries worsens the already existing cases of DV. The study also noted that generally, the response of the government has been very poor in terms of dealing with DV cases in the period of COVID-19 lockdown. Conclusion The study concluded that despite the failures of government in tackling the DV pandemics, NGOs have been very active in championing the cause of those violated while also trying to provide succour to victims. Thus, the study recommended that countries in Africa need to join international initiatives in prioritising DV cases while trying to deal with the virus itself. Thus, one disease should not be traded for another.


2021 ◽  
pp. 002246692110133
Author(s):  
Chung Eun Lee ◽  
Julie Lounds Taylor

Postsecondary educational programs (PSEs) are increasingly an option for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This scoping review synthesized research to understand the impacts of these programs for students with IDD and for campus, and barriers to these programs across stages of engagement (exploration, participation, completion). Studies were identified by searching PubMed, PsycINFO, ERIC, and Web of Science databases and reference lists of included articles. Twenty-one studies met inclusion criteria. Multiple benefits were identified for students with IDD and campus. Persistent barriers across all stages of program engagement included lack of funding and lack of collaboration. Barriers specific to stages included lack of knowledge, options, individualized support, integration into campus, and transportation. Implications for research and practice are discussed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Vuolo ◽  
Cinthia Castro Do Nascimento ◽  
Vânia D’Almeida

Background: Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are caused by a mutation in a specific gene. Enzymatic dysfunction results in a progressive storage of substrates that gradually affects lysosomal, cellular and tissue physiology. Their pathophysiological consequences vary according to the nature of the stored substrate, making LSDs complex and multisystemic diseases. Some LSDs result in near normal life expectancies, and advances in treatments mean that more people reach the age to have children, so considering the effects of LSDs on fertility and the risks associated with having children is of growing importance.Objectives: As there is a lack of clinical studies describing the effect of LSDs on the physiology of reproductivity, we undertook a scoping review of studies using animal models of LSDs focusing on reproductive parameters.Methods: We searched six databases: MEDLINE, LILACS, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase and SciELO, and identified 49 articles that met our inclusion criteria.Results: The majority of the studies used male animal models, and a number reported severe morphological and physiological damage in gametes and gonads in models of sphingolipidoses. Models of other LSDs, such as mucopolysaccharidoses, presented important morphological damage.Conclusion: Many of the models found alterations in reproductive systems. Any signs of subfertility or morphological damage in animal models are important, particularly in rodents which are extremely fertile, and may have implications for individuals with LSDs. We suggest the use of more female animal models to better understand the physiopathology of the diseases, and the use of clinical case studies to further explore the risks of individuals with LSDs having children.


Author(s):  
Maria Silvia De Feo ◽  
Mariano Pontico ◽  
Viviana Frantellizzi ◽  
Ferdinando Corica ◽  
Flaminia De Cristofaro ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose The remarkable amount of preclinical data achieved on 89Zr-PET imaging led to a significant clinical translation, concerning mainly immuno-PET applications. The aim of this systematic review is to provide a complete overview on clinical applications of 89Zr-PET imaging, using a systematic approach to identify and collect published studies performed in humans, sorted by field of application and specific disease subsections. Methods A systematic literature search of articles suiting the inclusion criteria was conducted on Pubmed, Scopus, Central, and Web Of Science databases, including papers published from January 1967 to November 2020. Eligible studies had to be performed on humans through PET imaging with 89Zr-labeled compounds. The methodological quality was assessed through the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic accuracy Studies-2 tool. Results A total of 821 articles were screened. 74 studies performed on humans were assessed for eligibility with the exclusion of further 18, thus 56 articles were ultimately selected for the qualitative analysis. Conclusions 89Zr has shown to be a powerful PET-imaging tool, in particular for radiolabeling antibodies in order to study antigen expression, biodistribution, anticancer treatment planning and follow-up. Other than oncologic applications, 89Zr-radiolabeled antibodies have been proposed for use in inflammatory and autoimmune disorders with interesting results. 89Zr-labeled nanoparticles represent groundbreaking radiopharmaceuticals with potential huge fields of application. To evaluate the clinical usefulness of 89Zr PET-imaging in different conditions and in real-world settings, and to widen its use in clinical practice, further translation of preclinical to clinical data is needed.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Ignacio Jusue-Torres ◽  
Vikram C. Prabhu ◽  
G. Alexander Jones

To better understand Walter Dandy’s intentions and the historical context of his work on hemispherectomy, the authors reviewed his original 1928 publication. Gliomas were considered incurable at that time. Presuming that the loss of motor function denoted a lack of useful tissue in that hemisphere, he pioneered radical removal of the involved cerebral hemisphere. Of the 5 patients operated on by Dandy, 1 died within 48 hours of hemorrhage because of a displaced vascular clip; 1 died of pneumonia in 2 weeks; 2 died of tumor recurrence, at 3 months and 3.5 years, respectively; and a fifth patient was lost to follow-up beyond the 2nd postoperative week. The authors queried the Thomson Reuters Web of Science and Scopus. A total of 88 papers fulfilled inclusion criteria. Half of these papers (44/88) were published after 2012. Only 11% of papers (10/88) quoted Dandy’s paper accurately; half of them were published before 1997. Most publications (76% [67/88]) quoted Dandy incorrectly, all of them from 1997 and later. In the remaining 11 papers (13%), the accuracy of the quotes was unclear. The authors found a trend toward more accurate citation in earlier papers. Critically reviewing Dandy’s report, with an understanding of the historical context, allows a better understanding of his intentions and the value of his contribution.


BMC Surgery ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Julian Scherer ◽  
Frank Keller ◽  
Hans-Christoph Pape ◽  
Georg Osterhoff

Abstract Background eHealth applications have been proposed as an alternative to monitor patients in frequent intervals or over long distances. The aim of this study was to assess whether patients would accept an application on their smartphone to be monitored by their physicians. Methods During September 2017 and December 2017 a survey amongst smartphone users was conducted via paper and web-based questionnaires. Results More than half of the 962 participants (54%) were older than 55 years of age. The majority of the participants (68.7%) would accept a follow-up by a smartphone application obtaining personal healthcare data. 72.6% of all patients older than 55 years of age would use the application. The most prevalent reason against installing the application was data protection. Patients being currently treated in an orthopaedic practice and pedestrians were more eager to accept a follow-up by a mobile app than participants from social media. Conclusion The majority of participants would accept a mobile application, collecting personal health-related data for postoperative follow-up, and saw a direct benefit for the patient in such an application.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 126
Author(s):  
Patricia To ◽  
Ejemai Eboreime ◽  
Vincent Agyapong

One of the many consequences of climate change is an increase in the frequency, severity, and, thus, impact of wildfires across the globe. The destruction and loss of one’s home, belongings, and surrounding community, and the threat to personal safety and the safety of loved ones can have significant consequences on survivors’ mental health, which persist for years after. The objective of this scoping review was to identify primary studies examining the impact of wildfires on mental health and to summarize findings for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use. Literature searches on Pubmed and Embase were conducted in February and April of 2021, respectively, with no date restrictions. A total of 254 studies were found in the two database searches, with 60 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Three other studies were identified and included based on relevant in-text citations during data abstraction. The results show an increased rate of PTSD, depression, and generalized anxiety at several times of follow-up post-wildfire, from the subacute phase, to years after. An increased rate of mental health disorders post-wildfire has been found in both the adult and pediatric population, with a number of associated risk factors, the most significant being characteristics of the wildfire trauma itself. Several new terms have arisen in the literature secondary to an increased awareness and understanding of the impact of natural disasters on mental health, including ecological grief, solastalgia, and eco-anxiety. There are a number of patient factors and systemic changes that have been identified post-wildfire that can contribute to resilience and recovery.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Kent-Marvick ◽  
Sara E. Simonsen ◽  
Ryoko Pentecost ◽  
Eliza Taylor ◽  
Mary M. McFarland

Abstract Background: Despite evidence that loneliness increases during times of transition, and that the incidence of loneliness is highest in young adults, loneliness during pregnancy and new parenthood has not been developed as a program of research. Because loneliness research has primarily focused on older adults and other high-risk populations, the concept of loneliness and its effects on this population are not well understood, leaving a gap in our understanding of the psychosocial needs and health risks of loneliness on pregnant people and new parents. A scoping review has been completed in order to map and synthesize the literature to date on loneliness experienced during pregnancy and the first five years of parenthood.Methods: To address the aim of this review, a wide net was cast in order to detect experiences of perinatal or parental loneliness, and/or instances where loneliness was measured in this population. Among the inclusion criteria were loneliness in people who were pregnant, who were parents in the postpartum period, or who had children aged five years or younger. A search for literature was conducted in December 2020 using nine databases: MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (embase.com), SCOPUS (scopus.com), Cochrane Library including CENTRAL (Wiley), CINAHL (Ebscohost), PsycINFO (Ebscohost), Dissertations & Theses Global (ProQuest) and Sociological Abstracts (ProQuest) and the Web of Science Core Collection (Clarivate).Discussion: Perinatal and parental loneliness studies are limited and have rarely been targeted and developed through a program of research. Loneliness inquiry in this population has frequently been studied in relation to other concepts of interest (e.g., postpartum depression). Alternatively, the importance of loneliness has emerged from study participants as relevant to the research topic during qualitative inquiry. Across studies, the prevalence of loneliness ranged from 32% to 100%. Loneliness was commonly experienced alongside parenting difficulties, with parents feeling as though they were alone in their struggles. As loneliness has been called a sensitive indicator of wellbeing, we believe screening will help healthcare professionals identify common difficulties and early signs of depression experienced during pregnancy and parenthood.The protocol is available on Open Science Framework at DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/BFVPZ.


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