scholarly journals The Challenge of Promoting the Health of Refugees and Migrants in Europe: A Review of the Literature and Urgent Policy Options

Challenges ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Glenn Laverack
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Migrant Health ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Culturally Competent ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Future Policy

This paper provides a rapid review of the literature on the current knowledge on health promotion for improved refugee and migrant health in the European region. The aim of the paper is to identify implications for future policy and practice. The literature review used standard systematic methodologies to search databases followed by data extraction and synthesis. General sources of grey literature were also included in the review as well as consultations with people working in the field. The paper identifies the lack of knowledge on how to engage with refugees and migrants in a culturally competent way, to address fear and violence and the application of health literacy. The review of the literature also identifies evidence to support peer education, working with community-based organisations and the tailoring of interventions to the needs of refugees and migrants. The paper concludes with a discussion of the technical content and future implications for the implementation of health promotion programs.

scholarly journals Measuring frailty in younger populations: a rapid review of evidence

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. e047051
Author(s):  
Gemma F Spiers ◽  
Tafadzwa Patience Kunonga ◽  
Alex Hall ◽  
Fiona Beyer ◽  
Elisabeth Boulton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Outcomes ◽  
Predictive Validity ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Frailty Index ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Adult Age ◽  
The Impact

ObjectivesFrailty is typically assessed in older populations. Identifying frailty in adults aged under 60 years may also have value, if it supports the delivery of timely care. We sought to identify how frailty is measured in younger populations, including evidence of the impact on patient outcomes and care.DesignA rapid review of primary studies was conducted.Data sourcesFour databases, three sources of grey literature and reference lists of systematic reviews were searched in March 2020.Eligibility criteriaEligible studies measured frailty in populations aged under 60 years using experimental or observational designs, published after 2000 in English.Data extraction and synthesisRecords were screened against review criteria. Study data were extracted with 20% of records checked for accuracy by a second researcher. Data were synthesised using a narrative approach.ResultsWe identified 268 studies that measured frailty in samples that included people aged under 60 years. Of these, 85 studies reported evidence about measure validity. No measures were identified that were designed and validated to identify frailty exclusively in younger groups. However, in populations that included people aged over and under 60 years, cumulative deficit frailty indices, phenotype measures, the FRAIL Scale, the Liver Frailty Index and the Short Physical Performance Battery all demonstrated predictive validity for mortality and/or hospital admission. Evidence of criterion validity was rare. The extent to which measures possess validity across the younger adult age (18–59 years) spectrum was unclear. There was no evidence about the impact of measuring frailty in younger populations on patient outcomes and care.ConclusionsLimited evidence suggests that frailty measures have predictive validity in younger populations. Further research is needed to clarify the validity of measures across the adult age spectrum, and explore the utility of measuring frailty in younger groups.

scholarly journals What have we learned about COVID-19 volunteering in the UK? A rapid review of the literature

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guanlan Mao ◽  
Maria Fernandes-Jesus ◽  
Evangelos Ntontis ◽  
John Drury
Keyword(s):  
Community Engagement ◽  
Social Trust ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
National Level ◽  
Community Support ◽  
Public Institutions ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Mutual Aid ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Background Community engagement and volunteering are essential for the public response to COVID-19. Since March 2020 a large number of people in the UK have been regularly doing unpaid activities to benefit others besides their close relatives. Although most mutual aid groups emerged from local neighbourhoods and communities, official public institutions also fostered community volunteering, namely through the community champions scheme. By considering a broad definition of COVID-19 volunteering, this article describes a systematic review of the literature focused on one broad question: What have we learned about COVID-19 volunteering both at the UK national level and the more local community level? Methods A rapid review of the literature in peer-reviewed databases and grey literature was applied in our search, following the PRISMA principles. The search was conducted from 10 to 16 of October 2020, and sources were included on the basis of having been published between January and October 2020, focusing on COVID-19 and addressing community groups, volunteering groups, volunteers, or community champions in the UK. Results After initial screening, a total of 40 relevant sources were identified. From these, 27 were considered eligible. Findings suggest that food shopping and emotional support were the most common activities, but there were diverse models of organisation and coordination in COVID-19 volunteering. Additionally, community support groups seem to be adjusting their activities and scope of action to current needs and challenges. Volunteers were mostly women, middle-class, highly educated, and working-age people. Social networks and connections, local knowledge, and social trust were key dimensions associated with community organising and volunteering. Furthermore, despite the efforts of a few official public institutions and councils, there has been limited community engagement and collaboration with volunteering groups and other community-based organisations. Conclusions We identified important factors for fostering community engagement and COVID-19 volunteering as well as gaps in the current literature. We suggest that future research should be directed towards deepening knowledge on sustaining community engagement, collaboration and community participation over time, during and beyond this pandemic.

scholarly journals Identifying enablers and barriers to referral, uptake and completion of lifestyle modification programmes: a rapid literature review

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. e045094
Author(s):  
Yvonne Zurynski ◽  
Carolynn Smith ◽  
Joyce Siette ◽  
Bróna Nic Giolla Easpaig ◽  
Mary Simons ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Lifestyle Modification ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
International Health ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Relevant Evidence ◽  
Literature Reviews

ObjectiveTo identify current, policy-relevant evidence about barriers and enablers associated with referral, uptake and completion of lifestyle modification programmes (LMPs) for secondary prevention of chronic disease in adults.DesignA rapid review, co-designed with policymakers, of peer-reviewed and grey literature using a modified Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses framework.Data sourcesMedline, Embase, Scopus, PsycINFO and CINAHL were searched for relevant studies and literature reviews. Grey literature was identified through Advanced Google searching and targeted searching of international health departments’ and non-government organisations’ websites.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesDocuments published 2010–2020, from high-income countries, reporting on programmes that included referral of adults with chronic disease to an LMP by a health professional (HP).Data extraction and synthesisData from grey and peer-reviewed literature were extracted by two different reviewers. Extracted data were inductively coded around emergent themes. Regular meetings of the review group ensured consistency of study selection and synthesis.ResultsTwenty-nine documents were included: 14 grey literature, 11 empirical studies and four literature reviews. Key barriers to HPs referring patients included inadequate HP knowledge about LMPs, perceptions of poor effectiveness of LMPs and perceptions that referral to LMPs was not part of their role. Patient barriers to uptake and completion included poor accessibility and lack of support to engage with the LMPs. Enablers to HP referral included training/education, effective interdisciplinary communication and influential programme advocates. Support to engage with LMPs after HP referral, educational resources for family members and easy accessibility were key enablers to patient engagement with LMPs.ConclusionsFactors related to HPs’ ability and willingness to make referrals are important for the implementation of LMPs, and need to be coupled with support for patients to engage with programmes after referral. These factors should be addressed when implementing LMPs to maximise their impact.

scholarly journals What do we know about girls in the care and criminal justice systems?

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 134-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Fitzpatrick
Keyword(s):  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Looked After Children ◽  
Criminal Justice Systems ◽  
The Law ◽  
Future Policy ◽  
And Control

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight the neglect of girls in care who come into conflict with the law, arguing that a gender-neutral approach in this area risks further marginalising an already vulnerable population. Design/methodology/approach A critical review of the literature and current policy climate is undertaken to explore what is known about the experiences of females in the justice system, as well as knowledge gaps. Findings Evidence on the prevalence and nature of offending by girls in care is limited. However, as looked after children, girls may be more likely to have their own behaviour unnecessarily criminalised. Whilst females and males share some prior experiences of victimisation and trauma, girls also have distinct needs and may be assessed and managed by state care and control systems in very different ways. Research limitations/implications The paper is not based on primary research and does not present a systematic review of the literature. Practical implications The need to listen to girls and young women, and a far greater recognition of backgrounds of trauma must underpin future policy and practice. Diversion from the formal criminal justice system wherever possible is also a key goal to aspire to. Originality/value This paper focuses on the specific experiences of females. It calls for a gender-sensitive, trauma-informed approach to working with girls and women from the care system who come into conflict with the law, and questions the value of criminalising those whom the state previously deemed to be in need of welfare and support.

scholarly journals Smoking Cessation Messages for Pregnant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women: A Rapid Review of Peer-Reviewed Literature and Assessment of Research Translation of Media Content

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (17) ◽  
pp. 9341
Author(s):  
Tara Flemington ◽  
Gina La Hera-Fuentes ◽  
Michelle Bovill ◽  
Allison Hart ◽  
Jessica Bennett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Torres Strait Islander ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Research Translation ◽  
Attitudes And Beliefs ◽  
Torres Strait ◽  
Promotion Campaigns

This review summarized literature about knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women from Australia who smoke during pregnancy, then examined the extent that existing health promotion materials and media messages aligned with evidence on smoking cessation for pregnant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of pregnant Aboriginal women who smoke tobacco were identified in the literature. Health promotion campaigns were retrieved from a grey literature search with keywords and social and professional networks. Key themes from peer-reviewed papers were compared against the content of health promotion campaigns using the Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing Model, the Behavior Change Wheel and thematic analysis. Eleven empirical studies and 17 campaigns were included. Empirical studies highlighted women sought holistic care that incorporated nicotine replacement therapy, engaged with their family and community and the potential for education about smoking cessation to empower a woman. Health promotion campaigns had a strong focus on ‘engagement with family and community’, ‘knowledge of risks of smoking,’ ‘giving up vs cutting down’ and ‘culture in language and arts’. There were similarities and variances in the key themes in the research evidence and promotion materials. Topics highly aligned included risks from smoking and quitting related issues.

scholarly journals Financing of surgery and anaesthesia in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. e051617
Author(s):  
Martilord Ifeanyichi ◽  
Ellis Aune ◽  
Mark Shrime ◽  
Jakub Gajewski ◽  
Chiara Pittalis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
National Level ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Health Priorities ◽  
Situational Analysis ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Anaesthesia Care

ObjectiveThis study aimed to provide an overview of current knowledge and situational analysis of financing of surgery and anaesthesia across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).SettingSurgical and anaesthesia services across all levels of care—primary, secondary and tertiary.DesignWe performed a scoping review of scientific databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Global Health and African Index Medicus), grey literature and websites of development organisations. Screening and data extraction were conducted by two independent reviewers and abstracted data were summarised using thematic narrative synthesis per the financing domains: mobilisation, pooling and purchasing.ResultsThe search resulted in 5533 unique articles among which 149 met the inclusion criteria: 132 were related to mobilisation, 17 to pooling and 5 to purchasing. Neglect of surgery in national health priorities is widespread in SSA, and no report was found on national level surgical expenditures or budgetary allocations. Financial protection mechanisms are weak or non-existent; poor patients often forego care or face financial catastrophes in seeking care, even in the context of universal public financing (free care) initiatives.ConclusionFinancing of surgical and anaesthesia care in SSA is as poor as it is underinvestigated, calling for increased national prioritisation and tracking of surgical funding. Improving availability, accessibility and affordability of surgical and anaesthesia care require comprehensive and inclusive policy formulations.

scholarly journals Determining the period of communicability of SARS-CoV-2: A rapid review of the literature

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mina Park ◽  
Colleen Pawliuk ◽  
Tribesty Nguyen ◽  
Amanda Griffitt ◽  
Linda Dix-Cooper ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Grey Literature ◽  
Viral Clearance ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Median Length ◽  
Viral Isolation ◽  
Viral Shedding ◽  
Ovid Medline ◽  
Contact Transmission

Introduction: How long individuals may transmit virus after infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is unclear. Understanding the communicability period of SARS-CoV-2 is important to inform the period of isolation required to prevent nosocomial and community spread. The objective of this study was to identify the reported communicable period of SARS-CoV-2, based on a rapid review of existing literature. Methods: Studies reporting empirical data on the period of communicability of SARS-CoV-2 through investigations of duration of communicability based on in-person contact ('contact transmission'), isolation and culture of virus ('viral isolation'), and viral shedding by detection of nucleic acids by RT-PCR ('viral shedding') were identified through searches of peer-reviewed and pre-print health sciences literature databases (Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, medRxiv and arXiv) and the grey literature. Articles were screened for relevance, then data were extracted, analyzed, and synthesized. Results: Out of the 165 studies included for qualitative analysis, one study investigated contact transmission, three investigated viral isolation, 144 investigated viral shedding, and 17 studies focused on both viral shedding and viral isolation. The median length of time until viral clearance across all viral isolation studies was nine days; however, the maximum identified duration was 32 days. Studies with data on both viral isolation and viral shedding showed a prolonged maximum time until viral clearance for viral shedding (9 days vs 24 days). Discussion: Findings from this review support a minimum 10-day period of isolation; however, additional observation should be considered for individuals being released into high-risk settings.

scholarly journals Death and dying in prehospital care: what are the experiences and issues for prehospital practitioners, families and bystanders? A scoping review

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. e036925
Author(s):  
Michelle Myall ◽  
Alison Rowsell ◽  
Susi Lund ◽  
Joanne Turnbull ◽  
Mick Arber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Prehospital Care ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Death And Dying ◽  
Clinical Work ◽  
Hospital Environment ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Literature Report

ObjectiveTo identify the factors that shape and characterise experiences of prehospital practitioners (PHPs), families and bystanders in the context of death and dying outside of the hospital environment where PHPs respond.DesignA scoping review using Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage framework. Papers were analysed using thematic analysis.Data sourcesMEDLINE; Embase; CINAHL; Scopus; Social Sciences Citation Index (Web of Science), ProQuest Dissertations & Theses A&I (Proquest), Health Technology Assessment database; PsycINFO; Grey Literature Report and PapersFirst were searched from January 2000 to May 2019.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesQualitative and mixed methods studies reporting the experiences of PHPs, families and bystanders of death and dying in prehospital settings as a result of natural causes, trauma, suicide and homicide, >18 years of age, in Europe, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.ResultsSearches identified 15 352 papers of which 51 met the inclusion criteria. The review found substantial evidence of PHP experiences, except call handlers, and papers reporting family and bystander experiences were limited. PHP work was varied and complex, while confident in clinical work, they felt less equipped to deal with the emotion work, especially with an increasing role in palliative and end-of-life care. Families and bystanders reported generally positive experiences but their support needs were rarely explored.ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge this is the first review that explores the experiences of PHPs, families and bystanders. An important outcome is identifying current gaps in knowledge where further empirical research is needed. The paucity of evidence suggested by this review on call handlers, families and bystanders presents opportunities to investigate their experiences in greater depth. Further research to address the current knowledge gaps will be important to inform future policy and practice.

scholarly journals Research co-design in health: an overview of reviews

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Slattery ◽  
Alexander K Saeri ◽  
Peter Bragge
Keyword(s):  
Data Extraction ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
End Users ◽  
Senior Author ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Design Processes ◽  
Hand Search ◽  
Study Planning ◽  
Conducting Research

BACKGROUNDBillions of dollars are lost annually in health research that fails to create meaningful benefits for patients. Engaging in research co-design - the meaningful involvement of end-users in research - may help address this research waste. This rapid review addressed three related questions: 1.What research co-design processes exist in health settings?2.What do these research co-design processes involve?3.What do we know about the effectiveness of existing research co-design processes?The review focused on the study planning phase of research, defined as the point up to which the research question and study design are finalised. METHODSReviews of research co-design were systematically identified using a rapid review approach (PROSPERO: CRD42019123034). The search strategy encompassed three academic databases, three grey literature databases, and a hand-search of the journal Research Involvement and Engagement. Two reviewers independently conducted the screening and data extraction and resolved disagreements through discussion. Disputes were resolved through discussion with a senior author (PB). One reviewer performed quality assessment. The results were narratively synthesised.RESULTS26 records (reporting on 23 reviews) met the inclusion criteria. Reviews varied widely in their application of ‘research co-design’ and their application contexts, scope and theoretical foci. The research co-design processes identified involved interactions with end-users outside of study planning, such as recruitment and dissemination. Activities involved in research co-design included focus groups, interviews and surveys. The effectiveness of research co-design has rarely been evaluated empirically or experimentally; however qualitative exploration has described positive and negative outcomes associated with co-design. The research provided many recommendations for conducting research co-design, included training participating end-users in research skills, having regular communication between researchers and end-users, setting clear end-user expectations, and assigning set roles to all parties involved in co-design.CONCLUSIONSResearch co-design appears to be widely used but seldom described or evaluated in detail. Though it has rarely been tested empirically or experimentally, existing research suggests that it can benefit researchers, practitioners, research processes and research outcomes. Realising the potential of research co-design may require the development of clearer and more consistent terminology, better reporting of the activities involved, and better evaluation.

scholarly journals Electronic patient-generated health data to facilitate prevention and health promotion: a scoping review protocol

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. e021245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vasileios Nittas ◽  
Margot Mütsch ◽  
Frederic Ehrler ◽  
Milo Alan Puhan
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Health Data ◽  
Final Decision ◽  
Patient Centeredness ◽  
Scoping Reviews ◽  
Prevention And Health Promotion

IntroductionRapidly expanding digital innovations transform the perception, reception and provision of health services. Simultaneously, health system challenges underline the need for patient-centred, empowering and citizen-engaging care, which facilitates a focus on prevention and health promotion. Through enhanced patient-engagement, patient-provider interactions and reduced information gaps, electronic patient-generated health data (PGHD) may facilitate both patient-centeredness and preventive scare. Despite that, comprehensive knowledge syntheses on their utilisation for prevention and health promotion purposes are lacking. The review described in this protocol aims to fill that gap.Methods and analysisOur methodology is guided by Arksey and O’ Malley’s methodological framework for scoping reviews, as well as its advanced version by Levac, Colquhoun and O’Brien. Seven electronic databases will be systematically searched using predefined keywords. Key electronic journals will be hand searched, while reference lists of included documents and grey literature sources will be screened thoroughly. Two independent reviewers will complete study selection and data extraction. One of the team’s senior research members will act as a third reviewer and make the final decision on disputed documents. We will include literature with a focus on electronic PGHD and linked to prevention and health promotion. Literature on prevention that is driven by existing discomfort or disability goes beyond the review’s scope and will be excluded. Analysis will be narrative and guided by Shapiroet al’s adapted framework on PGHD flow.Ethics and disseminationThe scoping review described in this protocol aims to establish a baseline understanding of electronic PGHD generation, collection, communication, sharing, interpretation, utilisation, context and impact for preventive purposes. The chosen methodology is based on the use of publicly available information and does not require ethical approval. Review findings will be disseminated in digital health conferences and symposia. Results will be published and additionally shared with relevant local and national authorities.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document