Co-design for stroke intervention development: Results of a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Co-design methodology seeks to actively engage end-users in developing interventions. It is increasingly used to design stroke interventions; however, limited guidance exists, particularly with/for individuals with stroke who have diverse cognitive, physical and functional abilities. Thus, we describe 1) the extent of existing research that has used co-design for stroke intervention development and 2) how co-design has been used to develop stroke interventions among studies that explicitly used co-design, including the rationale, types of co-designed stroke interventions, participants involved, research methodologies/approaches, methods of incorporating end-users in the research, co-design limitations, challenges and potential strategies reported by researchers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A scoping review informed by Joanna Briggs Institute and Arksey & O'Malley methodology was conducted by searching nine databases on December 21, 2022, to locate English-language literature that used co-design to develop a stroke intervention. Additional data sources were identified through a hand search. Data sources were de-duplicated, and two research team members reviewed their titles, abstracts and full text to ensure they met the inclusion criteria. Data relating to the research objectives were extracted, analyzed, and reported numerically and descriptively. RESULTS: Data sources used co-design for stroke intervention development with (n = 89) and without (n = 139) explicitly using the term 'co-design.' Among studies explicitly using co-design, it was commonly used to understand end-user needs and generate new ideas. Many co-designed interventions were technology-based (65%), and 48% were for physical rehabilitation or activity-based. Co-design was commonly conducted with multiple participants (82%; e.g., individuals with stroke, family members/caregivers and clinicians) and used various methods to engage end-users, including focus groups and workshops. Limitations, challenges and potential strategies for recruitment, participant-engagement, contextual and logistical and ethics of co-designed interventions were described. CONCLUSIONS: Given the increasing popularity of co-design as a methodology for developing stroke interventions internationally, these findings can inform future co-designed studies.

Housing Conditions and Health Implications for Migrant Agricultural Workers in Canada: A Scoping Review.

Migrant agricultural workers face various health inequities that have led to preventable illness and death. This paper investigates how material housing conditions have shaped physical and mental health outcomes for temporary foreign workers in Canadian agriculture. We conducted a scoping review of literature on migrant agricultural worker housing in Canada published between 2000-2022, analysing insights on the physical quality of workers' housing in relation to international frameworks on housing quality. Our review revealed a range of housing-related health risks, including: (1) Sanitation, food security, and water; (2) Thermal safety, electricity, and utilities; (3) Habitability of structure, air quality, and exposure to hazards; (4) Spacing, privacy, and co-worker relations and; (5) Geographic proximity to necessary services and social opportunities. Although housing has been increasingly recognized as a social determinant of health, little research examines how migrant farmworkers' accommodations shape their health outcomes, particularly in Canada. This scoping review provides timely insights and recommendations to inform research, policy, and public health interventions.

Association of SARS-CoV-2 infection with neurological impairments in pediatric population: A systematic review.

Neurological manifestations have been widely reported in adults with COVID-19, yet the extent of involvement among the pediatric population is currently poorly characterized. The objective of our systematic review is to evaluate the association of SARS-CoV-2 infection with neurological symptoms and neuroimaging manifestations in the pediatric population. A literature search of Cochrane Library; EBSCO CINAHL; Global Index Medicus; OVID AMED, Embase, Medline, PsychINFO; and Scopus was conducted in accordance with the Peer Review of Electronic Search Strategies form (October 1, 2019 to March 15, 2022). Studies were included if they reported (1) COVID-19-associated neurological symptoms and neuroimaging manifestations in individuals aged <18 years with a confirmed, first SARS-CoV-2 infection and were (2) peer-reviewed. Full-text reviews of 222 retrieved articles were performed, along with subsequent reference searches. A total of 843 no-duplicate records were retrieved. Of the 19 identified studies, there were ten retrospective observational studies, seven case series, one case report, and one prospective cohort study. A total of 6985 individuals were included, where 12.8% (n = 892) of hospitalized patients experienced neurocognitive impairments which includes: 1) neurological symptoms (n = 294 of 892, 33.0%), 2) neurological syndromes and neuroimaging abnormalities (n = 223 of 892, 25.0%), and 3) other phenomena (n = 233 of 892, 26.1%). Based on pediatric-specific cohorts, children experienced more drowsiness (7.3% vs. 1.3%) and muscle weakness (7.3% vs. 6.3%) as opposed to adolescents. Agitation or irritability was observed more in children (7.3%) than infants (1.3%). Our findings revealed a high prevalence of immune-mediated patterns of disease among COVID-19 positive pediatric patients with neurocognitive abnormalities.

Phage Therapy in the Management of Urinary Tract Infections: A Comprehensive Systematic Review.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a problem worldwide, affecting almost half a billion people each year. Increasing antibiotic resistance and limited therapeutic options have led to the exploration of alternative therapies for UTIs, including bacteriophage (phage) therapy. This systematic review aims at evaluating the efficacy of phage therapy in treating UTIs. We employed a comprehensive search strategy for any language, any animal, and any publication date. A total of 55 in vivo and clinical studies were included. Of the studies, 22% were published in a non-English language, 32.7% were before the year 1996, and the rest were after 2005. The results of this review suggest that phage therapy for UTIs can be effective; more than 72% of the included articles reported microbiological and clinical improvements. On the other hand, only 5 randomized controlled trials have been completed, and case reports and case series information were frequently incomplete for analysis. Overall, this comprehensive systematic review identifies preliminary evidence supporting the potential of phage therapy as a safe and viable option for the treatment of UTIs.

Exploring the Poststroke Experiences and Needs of South Asian Communities Living in High-Income Countries: Findings from a Scoping Review.

Despite the high prevalence of stroke among South Asian communities in high-income countries, a comprehensive understanding of their unique experiences and needs after stroke is lacking. This study aimed to synthesize the literature examining the experiences and needs of South Asian community members impacted by stroke and their family caregivers residing in high-income countries. A scoping review methodology was utilized. Data for this review were identified from seven databases and hand-searching reference lists of included studies. Study characteristics, purpose, methods, participant characteristics, results, limitations, recommendations, and conclusions were extracted. Data were analyzed using descriptive qualitative analysis. In addition, a consultative focus group exercise with six South Asian community members who had experienced a stroke and a program facilitator was conducted to inform the review interpretations. A total of 26 articles met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Qualitative analysis identified four descriptive categories: (1) rationale for studying the South Asian stroke population (e.g., increasing South Asian population and stroke prevalence), (2) stroke-related experiences (e.g., managing community support versus stigma and caregiving expectations), (3) stroke service challenges (e.g., language barriers), and (4) stroke service recommendations to address stroke service needs (e.g., continuity of care). Several cultural factors impacted participant experiences, including cultural beliefs about illness and caregiving. Focus group participants from our consultation activity agreed with our review findings. The clinical and research recommendations identified in this review support the need for culturally appropriate services for South Asian communities across the stroke care continuum; however, more research is necessary to inform the design and structure of culturally appropriate stroke service delivery models.

Association of SARS-CoV-2 Infection with Neurological Symptoms and Neuroimaging Manifestations in the Pediatric Population: A Systematic Review.

Background: Neurological manifestations have been widely reported in adults with COVID-19, yet the extent of involvement among the pediatric population is currently poorly characterized. The objective of our systematic review is to evaluate the association of SARS-CoV-2 infection with neurological symptoms and neuroimaging manifestations in the pediatric population. Methods: A literature search of Cochrane Library; EBSCO CINAHL; Global Index Medicus; OVID AMED, Embase, Medline, PsychINFO; and Scopus was conducted in accordance with the Peer Review of Electronic Search Strategies form (October 1, 2019 to March 15, 2022). Studies were included if they reported (1) COVID-19-associated neurological symptoms and neuroimaging manifestations in individuals aged < 18 years with a confirmed, first SARS-CoV-2 infection and were (2) peer-reviewed. Full-text reviews of 222 retrieved articles were performed, along with subsequent reference searches. Results: A total of 843 nonduplicate records were retrieved. Of the 19 identified studies, there were ten retrospective observational studies, seven case series, one case report, and one prospective cohort study. A total of 6,985 individuals were included, where 12.8% of hospitalized patients experienced neurocognitive impairments: MIS-C (24.2%), neuroinflammation (10.1%), and encephalopathy (8.1%) were the most common disorders; headaches (16.8%) and seizures (3.8%) were the most common symptoms. Based on pediatric-specific cohorts, children experienced more drowsiness (7.3% vs. 1.3%) and muscle weakness (7.3% vs. 6.3%) as opposed to adolescents. Agitation or irritability was observed more in children (7.3%) than infants (1.3%). Conclusion: Our findings revealed a high prevalence of immune-mediated patterns of disease among COVID-19 positive pediatric patients with neurocognitive abnormalities.

Scoping review protocol of the use of codesign methods in stroke intervention development.

INTRODUCTION: Codesign is an emerging research method to enhance intervention development by actively engaging non-researchers (eg, people who have had a stroke, caregivers and clinicians) in research. The involvement of non-researchers in research is becoming increasingly popular within health studies as it may produce more relevant and effective findings. The stroke population commonly exhibits challenges such as aphasia and cognitive changes that may limit their participation in codesign. However, the use of codesign within the stroke literature has not been comprehensively reviewed. This scoping review will determine: (1) what is the extent, range and nature of stroke research that has used codesign methods? (2) What codesign methods have been used to develop stroke interventions? (3) What considerations for codesigning interventions with people who have stroke are not captured in the findings? METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a protocol for a scoping review to identify the literature relating to stroke, and codesign will be conducted on OVID Medline, OVID Embase, OVID PsychINFO, EBSCO CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, PEDro-Physiotherapy Evidence Database and Global Index Medicus. Studies of any design and publication date will be included. Title and abstract and full-text review will be conducted independently by two reviewers. Data will be extracted, collated and then summarised descriptively using quantitative (eg, numerical descriptions) and qualitative (eg, textual descriptions) methods. Numerical summaries will map the extent (eg, number of studies), range (eg, types of studies) and nature (eg, types of interventions developed) of the literature on this topic. A thematic analysis will provide insights into the codesign methods (eg, activities, non-researchers), including heterogeneity across and within studies. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This review protocol does not require ethics approval as data has not been collected/analysed. The findings will highlight opportunities and recommendations to inform future codesign research in stroke and other populations who exhibit similar challenges/disabilities, and they will be disseminated via publications, presentations and stakeholder meetings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERREGISTRATION: Open Science Framework: 10.17605/OSF.IO/NSD2W.

The National and Global Impact of Systemic and Structural Violence on the Effective Prevention, Treatment, and Management of COVID-19 in African or Black Communities: Protocol for a Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: As COVID-19 ravages the globe and cases increase rapidly, countries are presented with challenging policy choices to contain and mitigate its spread. In Canada and globally, the COVID-19 pandemic has added a new stratum to the debate concerning the root causes of global and racial health inequities and disparities. Individuals who exist as targets of systemic inequities are not only more susceptible to contracting COVID-19, but also more likely to bear the greatest social, economic, and physical burdens. Therefore, data collection that focuses on the impact of COVID-19 on the lives and health of African/Black communities worldwide is needed to develop intersectional, culturally relative, antiracist/antioppression, and empowerment-centered interventions and social policies for supporting affected communities. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this review is to investigate the impact and management of COVID-19 among African/Black individuals and communities, and understand how anti-Black racism and intersectional violence impact the health of African/Black communities during the pandemic. Moreover, the study aims to explore research pertaining to the impact of COVID-19 on Black communities in the global context. We seek to determine how Black communities are impacted with regard to structural violence, systematic racism, and health outcomes, and the ways in which attempts have been made to mitigate or manage the consequences of the pandemic and other injurious agents. METHODS: A systematic search of quantitative and qualitative studies published on COVID-19 will be conducted in MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (EBSCO), Cochrane Library, PsychInfo (Ovid), CAB Abstracts (Ovid), Scopus (Elsevier), Web of Science (Clarivate), and Global Index Medicus. To be included in the review, studies should present data on COVID-19 in relation to African/Black individuals, populations, and communities in the global sphere. Studies must discuss racism, oppression, antioppression, or systemic and structural violence and be published in English, French, Spanish, or Portuguese. According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines, the findings will be synthesized quantitatively and qualitatively through thematic analysis. The risk of bias will not be assessed. RESULTS: Title, abstract, and full-text screening concluded in June 2022. Data collection is in progress and is expected to be completed by December 2022. Data analysis and drafting of the manuscript will be done thereafter. Findings from the scoping review are expected to be provided for peer review in 2023. CONCLUSIONS: This review will collect important data and evidence related to COVID-19 in African/Black communities. The findings could help identify existing gaps in COVID-19 management in African/Black communities and inform future research paradigms. Furthermore, the findings could be applied to decision-making for health policy and promotion, and could potentially influence services provided by health care facilities and community organizations around the globe. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/40381.

Exploring the poststroke experiences and unmet needs of South Asian communities in high-income countries: a scoping review protocol.

INTRODUCTION: South Asian groups experience a higher burden of stroke and poorer functional outcomes after stroke than their White counterparts. However, within the stroke literature, there has been little focus on the unique poststroke needs of the South Asian community and opportunities for community-based services to address these needs. RESEARCH QUESTION: What is the current knowledge base related to the experiences and needs, including unmet needs of people living with stroke and their caregivers from South Asian communities living in high-income countries? AIMS: This is a protocol for a review that intends to synthesise existing studies of the poststroke experiences and needs of individuals from South Asian communities to uncover opportunities for community-based resources to address these needs. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This scoping review methodology will be guided by modified Arksey and O'Malley (2005) and Joanna Briggs Institute frameworks. A search on OVID Medline, OVID Embase, OVID PsycINFO, EBSCO CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, Scopus and Global Index Medicus will be conducted to synthesise existing peer-reviewed literature (all study designs). Grey literature will be searched through detailed hand searching. Literature focusing on the poststroke experiences and needs of South Asian groups impacted by stroke residing in high-income countries will be included. Study descriptors will be extracted (eg, study location, type, methodology). Data will be analysed descriptively and thematically. Team meetings will provide opportunities for peer debriefing, thereby enhancing analytic rigour. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Findings will enhance knowledge of the poststroke experiences and needs of South Asian communities living in high-income countries and identify actionable opportunities for community-based resources to address needs. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval was not required for this scoping review protocol. Community-based organisations will be consulted to provide insights into the analysis and assist with dissemination. Dissemination of findings will also occur through a publication and academic presentations.