Bridging Gaps in Shared Decision-Making for Anxiety Disorders: A Commentary on Villena et al.

This commentary reflects on the recent study by Villena et al., which addresses the need for enhanced shared decision-making (SDM) for individuals with anxiety disorders. As a psychiatrist with expertise in anxiety management, I commend the study's emphasis on patient involvement and its alignment with real-world clinical challenges. The findings, particularly regarding patients' preferences for psychological interventions and the current trend towards pharmacological treatments, highlight the need to better align treatment approaches with evidence-based guidelines. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of psychoeducation and active coping strategies like exposure techniques. These insights offer valuable contributions towards improving patient-centred care and SDM in anxiety disorder treatment.

Aromatherapy for Sleep Promotion in the ICU: Insights and Future Directions.

BACKGROUND: The effects of inhaled aromatherapy on sleep quality in critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) have been widely studied. Specific essential oil combinations have been highlighted for their potential to promote sleep in these patients. AIM: To offer additional insights and future directions for the application of aromatherapy in improving sleep quality among critically ill patients, considering the current evidence and addressing gaps in research. DISCUSSION: While certain blends of essential oils, such as lavender, Matricaria recutita, and neroli, have shown promise, other studies have produced mixed results regarding the optimal aromatherapy interventions. Integrating aromatherapy with other non-pharmacological approaches, such as earplugs, eye masks, or music, may offer enhanced sleep benefits. Further research is needed to evaluate aromatherapy's effects on specific populations, such as intubated patients, and to assess feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and potential adverse effects. CONCLUSION: Aromatherapy shows promise for improving sleep quality in critically ill patients but should be integrated with other evidence-based, non-pharmacological interventions. Addressing research gaps is crucial for developing comprehensive strategies to enhance sleep quality in ICU settings.

Addressing the barrier of transport costs in accessing headache care in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The article by Leone et al. (2024) highlights the significant barrier of transport costs in accessing headache care for HIV-positive patients in Malawi, a concern that resonates with challenges observed in opioid agonist therapy (OAT) in Taiwan. This letter draws parallels between the findings of Leone et al. and the Taiwanese experience, where distance to treatment centers has been shown to influence patients' choice of OAT. The discussion underscores the importance of expanding healthcare service availability and exploring telemedicine as potential solutions to mitigate geographical barriers. Integrating these approaches could improve patient retention and treatment outcomes in both regions. This commentary emphasizes the broader implications of transport-related barriers in healthcare access, advocating for strategic interventions to enhance healthcare delivery in resource-limited settings.