Interaction between inflammatory bowel disease, physical activity, and myokines: Assessment of serum irisin levels.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, showed a wide spectrum of intestinal and extra-intestinal manifestations, which rendered the patients physically inactive and impaired their quality of life. It has been found that physical activity is a non-pharmacological intervention that improves the quality of life for those patients. Irisin is one member of the myokines secreted by muscle contraction during exercise and could be used as an anti-inflammatory biomarker in assessing the physical activity of IBD patients. In addition, experimental studies showed that exogenous irisin significantly decreased the inflammatory markers and the histological changes of the intestinal mucosa observed in experimental colitis. Furthermore, irisin produces changes in the diversity of the microbiota. Therefore, endogenous or exogenous irisin, via its anti-inflammatory effects, will improve the health of IBD patients and will limit the barriers to physical activity in patients with IBD.

A scenario based approach to optimizing cost-effectiveness of physician-staffed Helicopter Emergency Medical Services compared to ground-based Emergency Medical Services in Finland.

OBJECTIVES: Since Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) is an expensive resource in terms of unit price compared to ground-based Emergency Medical Service (EMS), it is important to further investigate which methods would allow for the optimization of these services. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of physician-staffed HEMS compared to ground-based EMS in developed scenarios with improvements in triage, aviation performance, and the inclusion of ischemic stroke patients. METHODS: Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was assessed by comparing health outcomes and costs of HEMS versus ground-based EMS across six different scenarios. Estimated 30-day mortality and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were used to measure health benefits. Quality-of-Life (QoL) was assessed with EuroQoL instrument, and a one-way sensitivity analysis was carried out across different patient groups. Survival estimates were evaluated from the national FinnHEMS database, with cost analysis based on the most recent financial reports. RESULTS: The best outcome was achieved in Scenario 3.1 which included a reduction in over-alerts, aviation performance enhancement, and assessment of ischemic stroke patients. This scenario yielded 1077.07-1436.09 additional QALYs with an ICER of 33,703-44,937 €/QALY. This represented a 27.72% increase in the additional QALYs and a 21.05% reduction in the ICER compared to the current practice. CONCLUSIONS: The cost-effectiveness of HEMS can be highly improved by adding stroke patients into the dispatch criteria, as the overall costs are fixed, and the cost-effectiveness is determined based on the utilization rate of capacity.

Financial toxicity, coping strategies, and quality of life among Chinese patients with hematologic malignancies: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: Financial toxicity is used to describe the financial hardship experienced by cancer patients. Financial toxicity may cause negative consequences to patients, whereas little is known in Chinese context. This study aimed to explore the level of financial toxicity, coping strategies, and quality of life among Chinese patients with hematologic malignancies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective, observational study among 274 Chinese patients with hematologic malignancies from November 2021 to August 2022 in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center. Clinical data were extracted from electronic clinical records. Data on financial toxicity, coping strategies, and quality of life were collected using PRO measures. Chi-square or independent t test and multivariate logistic regression were performed to explore the associated factors of financial toxicity and quality of life, respectively. Effects of financial toxicity on coping strategies were examined using Chi-square. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 50.2 (± 14.6) years. Male participants accounted for 57.3%. About half of the participants reported high financial toxicity. An average median of ¥200,000 on total medical expenditures since the diagnosis was reported. The average median monthly out-of-pocket health expenditure relating to cancer treatment was ¥20,000 (range ¥632-¥172,500) after reimbursement. Reduce daily living expenses (64.9%), borrowing money (55.7%), and choosing cheaper regimens (19.6%) were the commonly used strategies to cope with financial burden. Financial toxicity was negatively associated with quality of life (ß = 0.071, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Financial toxicity was not uncommon in patients with hematological malignancies. Reducing daily living expenses, abandoning treatment sessions, and borrowing money were the strategies commonly adopted by participants to defray cancer costs. Additionally, participants with high level of financial toxicity tended to have worse quality of life. Therefore, actions from healthcare providers, policy-makers, and other stakeholders should be taken to help cancer patients mitigate their financial toxicity.

Early vocational rehabilitation and psychological support for trauma patients to improve return to work (the ROWTATE trial): study protocol for an individually randomised controlled multicentre pragmatic trial.

BACKGROUND: Moderately severe or major trauma (injury severity score (ISS) > 8) is common, often resulting in physical and psychological problems and leading to difficulties in returning to work. Vocational rehabilitation (VR) can improve return to work/education in some injuries (e.g. traumatic brain and spinal cord injury), but evidence is lacking for other moderately severe or major trauma. METHODS: ROWTATE is an individually randomised controlled multicentre pragmatic trial of early VR and psychological support in trauma patients. It includes an internal pilot, economic evaluation, a process evaluation and an implementation study. Participants will be screened for eligibility and recruited within 12 weeks of admission to eight major trauma centres in England. A total of 722 participants with ISS > 8 will be randomised 1:1 to VR and psychological support (where needed, following psychological screening) plus usual care or to usual care alone. The ROWTATE VR intervention will be provided within 2 weeks of study recruitment by occupational therapists and where needed, by clinical psychologists. It will be individually tailored and provided for ≤ 12 months, dependent on participant need. Baseline assessment will collect data on demographics, injury details, work/education status, cognitive impairment, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic distress, disability, recovery expectations, financial stress and health-related quality of life. Participants will be followed up by postal/telephone/online questionnaires at 3, 6 and 12 months post-randomisation. The primary objective is to establish whether the ROWTATE VR intervention plus usual care is more effective than usual care alone for improving participants' self-reported return to work/education for at least 80% of pre-injury hours at 12 months post-randomisation. Secondary outcomes include other work outcomes (e.g. hours of work/education, time to return to work/education, sickness absence), depression, anxiety, post-traumatic distress, work self-efficacy, financial stress, purpose in life, health-related quality of life and healthcare/personal resource use. The process evaluation and implementation study will be described elsewhere. DISCUSSION: This trial will provide robust evidence regarding a VR intervention for a major trauma population. Evidence of a clinically and cost-effective VR intervention will be important for commissioners and providers to enable adoption of VR services for this large and important group of patients within the NHS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN: 43115471. Registered 27/07/2021.

Gender Inequalities of Health and Quality of Life in Informal Caregivers in Spain: Protocol for the Longitudinal and Multicenter CUIDAR-SE Study.

BACKGROUND: The aging population and increased disability prevalence in Spain have heightened the demand for long-term care. Informal caregiving, primarily performed by women, plays a crucial role in this scenario. This protocol outlines the CUIDAR-SE study, focusing on the gender-specific impact of informal caregiving on health and quality of life among caregivers in Andalusia and the Basque Country from 2013 to 2024. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyze the gender differences in health and quality of life indicators of informal caregivers residing in 2 Spanish autonomous communities (Granada, Andalusia, and Gipuzkoa; Basque Country) and their evolution over time, in relation to the characteristics of caregivers, the caregiving situation, and support received. METHODS: The CUIDAR-SE study uses a longitudinal, multicenter design across 3 phases, tracking health and quality of life indicators among informal caregivers. Using a questionnaire adapted to the Spanish context that uses validated scales and multilevel analysis, the research captures changes in caregivers' experiences amid societal crises, notably the 2008 economic crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. A multistage randomized cluster sampling technique is used to minimize study design effects. RESULTS: Funding for the CUIDAR-SE study was in 3 phases starting in January 2013, 2017, and 2021, spanning a 10-year period. Data collection commenced in 2013 and continued annually, except for 2016 and 2020 due to financial and pandemic-related challenges. As of March 2024, a total of 1294 participants have been enrolled, with data collection ongoing for 2023. Initial data analysis focused on gender disparities in caregiver health, quality of life, burden, perceived needs, and received support, with results from phase I published. Currently, analysis is ongoing for phases II and III, as well as longitudinal analysis across all phases. CONCLUSIONS: This protocol aims to provide comprehensive insights into caregiving dynamics and caregivers' experiences over time, as well as understand the role of caregiving on gender inequality in health, considering regional variations. Despite limitations in participant recruitment, focusing on registered caregivers, the study offers a detailed exploration of the health impacts of caregiving in Spain. The incorporation of a gender perspective and the examination of diverse contextual factors enrich the study's depth, contributing significantly to the discourse on caregiving health complexities in Spain. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/58440.

Promoção da saúde: compreensão de idosos participantes de atividades remotas em grupos / Health promotion: understanding of elderly people participating in remote group activities / Promoción de la salud: comprensión de las personas mayores que participan en actividades grupales a distancia

Introdução: A longevidade é uma conquista na sociedade e dessa forma, é indispensável o apoio dos profissionais da saúde, a fim de ressignificar o envelhecimento. A promoção da saúde do idoso pode ser realizada por meio de ações em grupos. Objetivo: Compreender as ações promotoras da saúde, que são praticadas pelas pessoas idosas, participantes de atividades remotas em grupo. Metodologia: Estudo descritivo, exploratório de caráter qualitativo. Foram convidados idosos participantes de um projeto de extensão universitária. Os critérios de inclusão foram idade igual ou superior a 60 anos, independente do gênero, e grau de escolaridade. O grupo remoto ocorreu semanalmente, durante 13 encontros, com uma hora de duração. Os dados foram coletados através de uma entrevista semiestruturada contendo questões sobre a compreensão referente às ações promotoras da saúde que realizavam em seu cotidiano. As respostas foram categorizadas através da Análise de Conteúdo, modalidade temática. Resultados: Participaram 11 pessoas idosas, com idade entre 60 e 81 anos, predominantemente mulheres e viúvas. Três categorias emergiram das análises sendo elas: 1. Autocuidado: ações promotoras da saúde, 2. Dificuldades vivenciadas para promover a saúde; 3. Percepção sobre a qualidade de vida e satisfação quanto à saúde. Conclusão: A compreensão do grupo abarcou a promoção da saúde em seus aspectos físico, mental e o social, distanciando-se do pensamento focado na ausência de doença. Cada pessoa idosa maneja, a seu modo, as formas de se manter saudável. (AU)

Introduction: Longevity is an achievement in society and, therefore, the support of health professionals is essential to give new meaning to aging. Promoting the health of the elderly can be carried out through group actions. Objective: To understand health-promoting actions, which are practiced by elderly people, participants in a group of remote activities. Methodology: Descriptive, exploratory study of qualitative nature. Elderly people participating in a university extension project were invited. The inclusion criteria were age equal to or over 60 years old, regardless of gender, and level of education. The remote group took place weekly, for 13 meetings, lasting one hour. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview containing questions about understanding regarding the health-promoting actions they carried out in their daily lives. The responses were categorized using Content Analysis, thematic modality. Results: 11 elderly people participated, aged between 60 and 81 years, predominantly women and widows. Three categories emerged from the analyses: 1. Self-care: health-promoting actions, 2. Difficulties experienced to promote health; 3. Perception of quality of life and health satisfaction. Conclusion: The group's understanding encompassed the promotion of health in its physical, mental and social aspects, moving away from thinking focused on the absence of disease. Elderly people manage, in their own way, ways to stay healthy. (AU)

Introducción: La longevidad es un logro en la sociedad y, por ello, el apoyo de los profesionales de la salud es fundamental para darle un nuevo significado al envejecimiento. La promoción de la salud de las personas mayores se puede realizar a través de acciones grupales. Objetivo: Comprender acciones de promoción de la salud, practicadas por las personas mayores, participantes de un grupo de actividades a distancia. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo, exploratorio, de carácter cualitativo. Se invitó a personas mayores que participan en un proyecto de extensión universitaria. Los criterios de inclusión fueron edad igual o mayor a 60 años, independientemente del sexo y nivel de estudios. El grupo remoto se desarrolló semanalmente, durante 13 reuniones, con una duración de una hora. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de una entrevista semiestructurada que contenía preguntas sobre la comprensión de las acciones de promoción de la salud que realizaban en su vida diaria. Las respuestas fueron categorizadas mediante Análisis de Contenido, modalidad temática. Resultados: Participaron 11 personas mayores, con edades entre 60 y 81 años, predominantemente mujeres y viudas. De los análisis surgieron tres categorías: 1. Autocuidado: acciones promotoras de la salud, 2. Dificultades vividas en la promoción de la salud; 3. Percepción de calidad de vida y satisfacción con la salud. Conclusión: La comprensión del grupo abarcó la promoción de la salud en sus aspectos físicos, mentales y sociales, alejándose del pensamiento centrado en la ausencia de enfermedad. Cada persona mayor logra, a su manera, maneras de mantenerse saludable. (AU)

Intervention effects of telenursing based on M-O-A model in empty-nest older adult individuals with chronic diseases: a randomized controlled trial.

Aim: This study aims to verify the effectiveness of M-O-A telenursing intervention model in improving the health status and quality of life of the empty-nest older adult individuals with chronic diseases by a randomized comparative trial. Methods: M-O-A telenursing intervention model was constructed based on the needs of the participants. The control group (N = 39) received routine nursing, the experimental group (N = 39) received M-O-A telenursing intervention in addition to routine nursing. After 12 weeks of intervention, the intervention effects of being a participant in the two groups were evaluated. SPSS 26.0 was used for data analysis. Results: After 12 weeks of intervention, for the experimental group, each dimension of quality of life based on EQ-5D-3L became better, especially for "pain/discomfort," "anxiety/depression," "HRQoL" and "EQ-VAS" (all p < 0.05) and each dimension of quality of life based on SF-36 became better too, especially for "GH," "BP," "RE," "MH," "VT," "SF," "PCS," "MCS," "SF-36" (all p < 0.05). In addition, there was a statistical downward trend in blood pressure, blood glucose, weight, BMI, fat rate, nap duration, number of nocturnal awakenings, light sleep rate and a statistical upward trend in water rate, basal metabolic rate, nighttime sleep duration, deep sleep rate, rapid eye movement sleep rate, especially at the end of intervention (all p < 0.05). While for the control group, there was no statistical improvement in all these aspects. Conclusion: The M-O-A telenursing model could effectively regulate quality of life and health condition of the empty-nest older adult individuals with chronic diseases, making it worthy of further promotion and application.

Assessment of work-related stress utilizing the Find My Stress mobile application among university students and adult workers amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate work-related stress and the efficacy associated with the newly developed Find My Stress mobile application. The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced the quality of life, transcending geographical boundaries and inducing stress that has detrimentally affected health and work efficiency. METHODS: A total of 440 male and female participants, comprising university students and adult workers, were enrolled in the study. Participants completed an assessment in the application that consisted of three components: 1) perceived work stress, 2) environmental stress factors, and 3) application efficiency. RESULTS: University students exhibited higher perceived stress levels compared to adult workers (p = 0.031). The predominant physical factors contributing to musculoskeletal disorders in university students were identified as movement and posture factors, particularly related to vibration and organization. Conversely, environmental factors took precedence in adult workers, followed by posture and movement. The reliability of the perceived work stress questionnaire was evaluated by Cronbach's alpha coefficient and yielded a value of 0.96. The Find My Stress application demonstrated high efficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated levels of work stress were observed in both university students and adult workers. Initial signs of musculoskeletal disorders in university students primarily manifested in the neck and upper back, arms, and hands, while adult workers predominantly reported complaints related to the arms and hands. The Find My Stress application emerges as a valuable tool for screening occupational stressors.

Assessment and management patterns for chronic musculoskeletal pain in the family practice setting.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pain affects 11% of the US population. Most patients who experience pain, particularly chronic musculoskeletal pain, seek care in primary care settings. Assessment of the patient pain experience is the cornerstone to optimal pain management; however, pain assessment remains a challenge for medical professionals. It is unknown to what extent the assessment of pain intensity is considered in context of function and quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To understand common practices related to assessment of pain and function in patients with chronic musculoskeletal disorders. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. METHODS: A 42-item electronic survey was developed with self-reported numeric ratings and responses related to knowledge, beliefs, and current practices. All physicians and non-physician clinicians affiliated with the AAFP NRN and 2000 AAFP physician members were invited to participate. RESULTS/FINDINGS: Primary care clinicians report that chronic joint pain assessment should be comprehensive, citing assessment elements that align with the comprehensive pain assessment models. Pain intensity remains the primary focus of pain assessment in chronic joint pain and the most important factor in guiding treatment decisions, despite well-known limitations. Clinicians also report that patients with osteoarthritis should be treated by Family Medicine. CONCLUSIONS: Pain assessment is primarily limited to pain intensity scales which may contribute to worse patient outcomes. Given that most respondents believe primary care/family medicine should be primary responsible for the care of patients with osteoarthritis, awareness of and comfort with existing guidelines, validated assessment instruments and the comprehensive pain assessment models could contribute to delivery of more comprehensive care.

Impella versus VA-ECMO for the treatment of patients with cardiogenic shock: the Impella Network Project - observational study protocol for cost-effectiveness and budget impact analyses.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) encompasses several health technologies including Impella pumps and venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). However, while they are widely used in clinical practice, information on resource use and quality of life (QoL) associated with these devices is scarce. The aim of this study is, therefore, to collect and comparatively assess clinical and socioeconomic data of Impella versus VA-ECMO for the treatment of patients with severe CS, to ultimately conduct both a cost-effectiveness (CEA) and budget impact (BIA) analyses. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a prospective plus retrospective, multicentre study conducted under the scientific coordination of the Center for Research on Health and Social Care Management of SDA Bocconi School of Management and clinical coordination of Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute in Milan. The Impella Network stemmed for the purposes of this study and comprises 17 Italian clinical centres from Northern to Southern Regions in Italy. The Italian network qualifies as a subgroup of the international Impella Cardiac Surgery Registry. Patients with CS treated with Impella pumps (CP, 5.0 or 5.5) will be prospectively recruited, and information on clinical outcomes, resource use and QoL collected. Economic data will be retrospectively matched with data from comparable patients treated with VA-ECMO. Both CEA and BIA will be conducted adopting the societal perspective in Italy. This study will contribute to generate new socioeconomic evidence to inform future coverage decisions. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: As of May 2024, most of the clinical centres submitted the documentation to their ethical committee (N=13; 76%), six centres received ethical approval and two centres started to enrol patients. Study results will be published in peer-reviewed publications and disseminated through conference presentations.

An exploratory randomised trial investigating feasibility, potential impact and cost effectiveness of link workers for people living with multimorbidity attending general practices in deprived urban communities.

BACKGROUND: Social prescribing link workers are non-health or social care professionals who connect people with psychosocial needs to non-clinical community supports. They are being implemented widely, but there is limited evidence for appropriate target populations or cost effectiveness. This study aimed to explore the feasibility, potential impact on health outcomes and cost effectiveness of practice-based link workers for people with multimorbidity living in deprived urban communities. METHODS: A pragmatic exploratory randomised trial with wait-list usual care control and blinding at analysis was conducted during the COVID 19 pandemic (July 2020 to January 2021). Participants had two or more ongoing health conditions, attended a general practitioner (GP) serving a deprived urban community who felt they may benefit from a one-month practice-based social prescribing link worker intervention.. Feasibility measures were recruitment and retention of participants, practices and link workers, and completion of outcome data. Primary outcomes at one month were health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L) and mental health (HADS). Potential cost effectiveness from the health service perspective was evaluated using quality adjusted life years (QALYs), based on conversion of the EQ-5D-5L and ICECAP-A capability index to utility scoring. RESULTS: From a target of 600, 251 patients were recruited across 13 general practices. Randomisation to intervention (n = 123) and control (n = 117) was after baseline data collection. Participant retention at one month was 80%. All practices and link workers (n = 10) were retained for the trial period. Data completion for primary outcomes was 75%. There were no significant differences identified using mixed effects regression analysis in EQ-5D-5L (MD 0.01, 95% CI -0.07 to 0.09) or HADS (MD 0.05, 95% CI -0.63 to 0.73), and no cost effectiveness advantages. A sensitivity analysis that considered link workers operating at full capacity in a non-pandemic setting, indicated the probability of effectiveness at the €45,000 ICER threshold value for Ireland was 0.787 using the ICECAP-A capability index. CONCLUSIONS: While the trial under-recruited participants mainly due to COVID-19 restrictions, it demonstrates that robust evaluations and cost utility analyses are possible. Further evaluations are required to establish cost effectiveness and should consider using the ICE-CAP-A wellbeing measure for cost utility analysis. REGISTRATION: This trial is registered on ISRCTN. TITLE: Use of link workers to provide social prescribing and health and social care coordination for people with complex multimorbidity in socially deprived areas. TRIAL ID: ISRCTN10287737. Date registered 10/12/2019. Link: https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN10287737.

Health-related Quality of Life of Patients with Rosacea: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Real-world Data.

Patients with rosacea commonly experience stigmatization, which induces stress and thereby exacerbates their symptoms. Given the strong effects of rosacea on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), addressing the physical and psychosocial aspects of rosacea is essential. To examine the effects of rosacea on HRQoL, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis involving real-world data. PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cross-sectional studies, and case series evaluating the HRQoL of patients with rosacea were included. HRQoL assessment tools such as the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Rosacea-Specific Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (RosaQoL) were used. Data on 13,453 patients were retrieved from 52 eligible studies: 4 RCTs, 15 case series, and 33 cross-sectional studies. Compared with healthy controls, patients with rosacea had significantly lower DLQI scores (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.81 to -1.37). The DLQI scores after treatment were higher than those before treatment (SMD = -1.451, 95% CI = -1.091 to -1.810). The pooled estimates for the overall DLQI and RosaQoL scores were 8.61 and 3.06, respectively. In conclusion, patients with rosacea have lower HRQoL compared with healthy individuals, and treatment for rosacea improves their HRQoL.

Identification of Ethical Issues and Practice Recommendations Regarding the Use of Robotic Coaching Solutions for Older Adults: Narrative Review.

BACKGROUND: Technological advances in robotics, artificial intelligence, cognitive algorithms, and internet-based coaches have contributed to the development of devices capable of responding to some of the challenges resulting from demographic aging. Numerous studies have explored the use of robotic coaching solutions (RCSs) for supporting healthy behaviors in older adults and have shown their benefits regarding the quality of life and functional independence of older adults at home. However, the use of RCSs by individuals who are potentially vulnerable raises many ethical questions. Establishing an ethical framework to guide the development, use, and evaluation practices regarding RCSs for older adults seems highly pertinent. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper was to highlight the ethical issues related to the use of RCSs for health care purposes among older adults and draft recommendations for researchers and health care professionals interested in using RCSs for older adults. METHODS: We conducted a narrative review of the literature to identify publications including an analysis of the ethical dimension and recommendations regarding the use of RCSs for older adults. We used a qualitative analysis methodology inspired by a Health Technology Assessment model. We included all article types such as theoretical papers, research studies, and reviews dealing with ethical issues or recommendations for the implementation of these RCSs in a general population, particularly among older adults, in the health care sector and published after 2011 in either English or French. The review was performed between August and December 2021 using the PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Explore, SpringerLink, and PsycINFO databases. Selected publications were analyzed using the European Network of Health Technology Assessment Core Model (version 3.0) around 5 ethical topics: benefit-harm balance, autonomy, privacy, justice and equity, and legislation. RESULTS: In the 25 publications analyzed, the most cited ethical concerns were the risk of accidents, lack of reliability, loss of control, risk of deception, risk of social isolation, data confidentiality, and liability in case of safety problems. Recommendations included collecting the opinion of target users, collecting their consent, and training professionals in the use of RCSs. Proper data management, anonymization, and encryption appeared to be essential to protect RCS users' personal data. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis supports the interest in using RCSs for older adults because of their potential contribution to individuals' quality of life and well-being. This analysis highlights many ethical issues linked to the use of RCSs for health-related goals. Future studies should consider the organizational consequences of the implementation of RCSs and the influence of cultural and socioeconomic specificities of the context of experimentation. We suggest implementing a scalable ethical and regulatory framework to accompany the development and implementation of RCSs for various aspects related to the technology, individual, or legal aspects.

"Back Health 24/7/365"-A Novel, Comprehensive "One Size Fits All" Workplace Health Promotion Intervention for Occupational Back Health among Hospital Employees.

BACKGROUND: Projects for workplace health promotion (WHP) for back pain traditionally focus exclusively on work-related but not on leisure-time stress on the spine. We developed a comprehensive WHP project on the back health of hospital workers regardless of the physical characteristics of their work and compared its effects on sedentary and physically active hospital workers. METHODS: Study assessments were carried out before and six months after participation in the WHP intervention. The primary outcome parameter was back pain (Oswestry Disability Index, ODI). Anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7), work ability (Work Ability Index), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), stress (Perceived Stress Scale-10), and quality of life (Short Form-36) were assessed via questionnaires as secondary outcome parameters. Physical performance was measured via the 30 seconds Sit-to-Stand test (30secSTS). RESULTS: Sixty-eight healthcare workers with non-specific back pain were included in the evaluation study of the WHP project "Back Health 24/7/365". After six months, back pain, physical performance, and self-perceived physical functioning (SF-36 Physical Functioning subscale) improved significantly in both groups. Not a single parameter showed an interaction effect with the group allocation. CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive WHP-intervention showed significant positive effects on hospital workers regardless of the physical characteristics of their work.

Quality of life of Venezuelan migrants in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The economic, social, and health crisis in Venezuela has resulted in the largest forced migration in recent Latin American history. The general scenario in host countries influence migrants' self-perception of quality of life, which can be understood as an indicator of their level of integration. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated socioeconomic and health vulnerabilities, especially for forced migrants. We hypothesized that the adverse circumstances faced by Venezuelan migrants during the pandemic have deepened their vulnerability, which may have influenced their perception of quality of life. This study aims to evaluate the quality of life of Venezuelan migrants in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic. We assessed the quality of life of 312 adult Venezuelan migrants living in Brazil using the World Health Organization WHOQOL-BREF quality of life assessment, which was self-administered online from October 20, 2020, to May 10, 2021. The associations of quality of life and its domains with participants' characteristics were analyzed via multiple linear regression models. Mean quality of life score was 44.7 (±21.8) on a scale of 0 to 100. The best recorded mean was in the physical domain (66.2±17.8) and the worst in the environmental domain (51.1±14.6). The worst quality of life was associated with being a woman, not living with a partner, lower household income, and discrimination based on nationality. Factors associated with overall quality of life and respective domains, especially income and discrimination, were also observed in other studies as obstacles to Venezuelan migrants. The unsatisfactory quality of life among Venezuelans living in Brazil may have been worsened by the pandemic during the study period.

Clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of Structured Psychological Support for people with probable personality disorder in mental health services in England: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence-based psychological treatments for people with personality disorder usually involve attending group-based sessions over many months. Low-intensity psychological interventions of less than 6 months duration have been developed, but their clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness are unclear. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a multicentre, randomised, parallel-group, researcher-masked, superiority trial. Study participants will be aged 18 and over, have probable personality disorder and be treated by mental health staff in seven centres in England. We will exclude people who are: unwilling or unable to provide written informed consent, have a coexisting organic or psychotic mental disorder, or are already receiving psychological treatment for personality disorder or on a waiting list for such treatment. In the intervention group, participants will be offered up to 10 individual sessions of Structured Psychological Support. In the control group, participants will be offered treatment as usual plus a single session of personalised crisis planning. The primary outcome is social functioning measured over 12 months using total score on the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS). Secondary outcomes include mental health, suicidal behaviour, health-related quality of life, patient-rated global improvement and satisfaction, and resource use and costs. The primary analysis will compare WSAS scores across the 12-month period using a general linear mixed model adjusting for baseline scores, allocation group and study centre on an intention-to-treat basis. In a parallel process evaluation, we will analyse qualitative data from interviews with study participants, clinical staff and researchers to examine mechanisms of impact and contextual factors. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study complies with the Helsinki Declaration II and is approved by the London-Bromley Research Ethics Committee (IRAS ID 315951). Study findings will be published in an open access peer-reviewed journal; and disseminated at national and international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN13918289.

Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: Quality of Life and Economic Impacts.

This study focuses on quality of life (QoL) assessment in chronic urticaria, delving into tools, disease-specific measures, and its profound impact. With expanding therapeutic options, understanding QoL becomes crucial. QoL measures often involve comparisons of patient-reported outcomes in addition to quantitative measures of disease control. Emerging tools include the Urticaria Activity and Impact Measure, which may provide a balanced evaluation. In addition to discussions of the various QoL measures, the psychological impact of chronic urticaria are highlighted, covering emotional burden, stress, and psychiatric comorbidities. Finally, the economic impacts reveal escalating health care costs and cost-effectiveness considerations of therapies like omalizumab.

Non-pharmacological interventions in the management of dementia-related psychosis.

BACKGROUND: It is estimated 20-70% of those living with a dementia diagnosis experience dementia-related psychosis (D-RP). D-RP results in decreased quality of life, increased carer burden, increased rapid cognitive decline, increased need for primary care support, and earlier care/nursing home admission, all which come at a considerable cost to the NHS. Antipsychotic medications prescribed by primary care services are typically used as treatment but have short-term efficacy and dangerous side effects. Effective management with the use of non-pharmacological interventions could safely improve the quality of life of those living with dementia, as well as reduce burden on primary care services and GPs. AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions in the management of D-RP. Studies that measure the effect of non-pharmacological interventions on patient or caregiver quality of life or determine the cost-effectiveness and safety of non-pharmacological interventions against antipsychotic medications will also be included. METHOD: A global systematic literature review was conducted in Medline, Embase, PsychInfo, CINAHL, Web of Science, and CENTRAL. Included studies were analysed using meta-analysis and narrative synthesis. The protocol is registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD42022294750). RESULTS: Data extraction of 18 included papers revealed 4 interventions to show evidence of efficacy in improving D-RP in older adults. Person-centred care, robot pets, cognitive rehabilitation, and music therapy significantly decreased psychosis in care homes and in participants living at home. These results are discussed, and implications noted. CONCLUSION: Future RCTs should focus on specifically improving D-RP, as this was not the primary aim for many interventions.

[Targeted use of comprehensive geriatric assessment tools in cardiology. Part I (literature review).]

The purpose of this review is to demonstrate the importance of using a comprehensive geriatric examination in cardiology, including geriatric aspects of the management of this patient population. Until now, the Russian Federation has completely lacked a geriatric approach to the management of cardiological patients, which provides for consideration of international experience in this survey. The curation of elderly and elderly patients is complicated by the presence of geriatric syndromes and age-associated diseases leading to deterioration of quality of life, repeated hospitalizations, disability and risk of death. The leading geriatric syndrome in geriatric practice is senile asthenia and multiple comorbid polymorbid pathologies of the geriatric patient. A patient admitted to an acute care hospital with a history of cardiovascular comorbid pathology is primarily viewed as a patient at high risk for cardiovascular complications, omitting the risk of adverse outcomes, including loss of independence and impaired functional status. The following literature review demonstrates the importance of defining senile asthenia outside of the geriatrician's office, justifying the need for advanced training for cardiologists in geriatrics.

[Chronic kidney disease and accelerated aging: the role of comprehensive geriatric assessment.]

This review presents data from the literature on the characteristics of the course of chronic kidney disease from the perspective of the geriatric patient. Chronic kidney disease and progression of renal failure is a prototype model of premature and accelerated aging. Many authors have stated that a better mechanistic understanding of the phenomenon of premature aging, early diagnosis of chronic kidney disease, and a geriatric approach to the patient can improve the effectiveness of management and prolongation of life in this category of patients. Comprehensive geriatric assessment is one of the most important tools used by geriatricians and their teams to globally assess elderly patients and plan effective interventions. It is concluded that the use of comprehensive geriatric assessment in patients with chronic kidney disease may improve the clinical status of patients and allow selection of patients who may benefit most from renal replacement therapy compared to a conservative approach. And even in the early stages of chronic kidney disease, a comprehensive geriatric assessment may be useful in formulating a complete intervention plan and optimizing quality of life, autonomy, and prognosis. However, despite recognition of the importance of comprehensive geriatric assessment, the means to implement this tool in nephrology departments have not been developed and require special training programs and appropriate skills. It is concluded that much more needs to be done to realize the continuity of nephrologists and geriatricians in the provision of meaningful skilled care to older patients with chronic kidney disease.