Effectiveness of Antileishmanial Treatments in Three Endemic Areas of Colombia: A Community-Based Cohort Study.

The effectiveness of treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in rural settings remains underexplored. This study assessed the effectiveness of standard antileishmanial treatments using a community-based approach supported by mobile health (mHealth) in three rural areas of Colombia. From January 2018 to September 2021, we assessed treatment outcomes, adherence, and adverse drug reactions in CL patients, with the support of the Guaral+ST app. Treatment decisions were made by providers at health facilities at each site in accordance with national guidelines, whereas treatment follow-up and presumptive case identification were made by trained community leaders and health agents at the community level. In total, 231 participants received antileishmanial treatment (63 received miltefosine, 110 meglumine antimoniate, and 58 pentamidine). Disease presentation was mild (median number of lesions = 1, interquartile range [IQR]: 1-2) and of short duration (1.5 months, IQR: 1-3). The strategy yielded information on the therapeutic outcomes in 81% of study participants. Effectiveness, measured as the proportion of cure at 90 to 180 days, was 86.3% (95% CI: 73.3-93.48) for miltefosine; 77.6% (67.5-85.3) for meglumine antimoniate, and 73.1% (59.0-83.6) for pentamidine. The effectiveness of pentamidine in children ≤10 years old was 79.4% (61.6-90.3). This is one of the few reports of effectiveness of pentamidine in children with prospective data collection in the Americas. Adverse drug reactions occurred in 32% of patients, most frequently with meglumine antimoniate. Our findings demonstrate that standard antileishmanial treatments are effective in rural areas where the disease is endemic and that mHealth has a pivotal role in improving patient follow-up and data collection on therapeutic outcomes.

Effect of Tele-ICU on Clinical Outcomes of Critically Ill Patients: The TELESCOPE Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Despite its implementation in several countries, there has not been a randomized clinical trial to assess whether telemedicine in intensive care units (ICUs) could improve clinical outcomes of critically ill patients. Objective: To determine whether an intervention comprising daily multidisciplinary rounds and monthly audit and feedback meetings performed by a remote board-certified intensivist reduces ICU length of stay (LOS) compared with usual care. Design, Setting, and Participants: A parallel cluster randomized clinical trial with a baseline period in 30 general ICUs in Brazil in which daily multidisciplinary rounds performed by board-certified intensivists were not routinely available. All consecutive adult patients (aged ≥18 years) admitted to the participating ICUs, excluding those admitted due to justice-related issues, were enrolled between June 1, 2019, and April 7, 2021, with last follow-up on July 6, 2021. Intervention: Remote daily multidisciplinary rounds led by a board-certified intensivist through telemedicine, monthly audit and feedback meetings for discussion of ICU performance indicators, and provision of evidence-based clinical protocols. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was ICU LOS at the patient level. Secondary outcomes included ICU efficiency, in-hospital mortality, incidence of central line-associated bloodstream infections, ventilator-associated events, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, ventilator-free days at 28 days, patient-days receiving oral or enteral feeding, patient-days under light sedation, and rate of patients with oxygen saturation values under that of normoxemia, assessed using generalized linear mixed models. Results: Among 17 024 patients (1794 in the baseline period and 15 230 in the intervention period), the mean (SD) age was 61 (18) years, 44.7% were female, the median (IQR) Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score was 6 (2-9), and 45.5% were invasively mechanically ventilated at admission. The median (IQR) time under intervention was 20 (16-21) months. Mean (SD) ICU LOS, adjusted for baseline assessment, did not differ significantly between the tele-critical care and usual care groups (8.1 [10.0] and 7.1 [9.0] days; percentage change, 8.2% [95% CI, -5.4% to 23.8%]; P = .24). Results were similar in sensitivity analyses and prespecified subgroups. There were no statistically significant differences in any other secondary or exploratory outcomes. Conclusions and Relevance: Daily multidisciplinary rounds conducted by a board-certified intensivist through telemedicine did not reduce ICU LOS in critically ill adult patients. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03920501.

Cross-cultural adaptation of the eHealth Literacy Scale for Brazilian adolescents.

The aim of this study was to undertake a cross-cultural adaptation of the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) instrument to measure digital health literacy of Brazilian adolescents. eHEALS is a scale consisting of 8 items that measure self-perception related to the consumption of electronic health information. This is a methodological study of cross-cultural adaptation, conducted out from February 2022 to June 2022. The following steps were carried out: a) assessment and adequacy of cultural equivalence by a committee of experts; b) back-translation; c) synthesis of back-translations; d) cognitive testing with 42 Brazilian adolescents, using cognitive interviews with probing questions. All items that were difficult to understand were adapted to the (language) context of Brazilian adolescents. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for eHEALS-BrA was 0.81 and, if one of the items were excluded from the instrument, it ranged from 0.75-0.81. This version of the eHEALS proved to be culturally well-adapted to the context of Brazilian adolescents, and has the potential to measure digital health literacy in this population after having its validation confirmed through psychometric analyses.

Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Telemedicine Satisfaction Questionnaire for use in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To translate, cross-culturally adapt to Brazilian Portuguese, and evaluate the reliability of the Telemedicine Satisfaction Questionnaire (TSQ). METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved patients from the Smoking Prevention and Cessation Center (PrevFumo) who participated in at least four of the eight scheduled remote meetings with the PrevFumo psychologist in 2020, 2021, or 2022. Participants were contacted by telephone and asked to answer the 14 questions of the TSQ three times at intervals of 7 or 10 days. RESULTS: We assessed 53 patients (73.3% women). The mean age was 49.7 ± 10.2 years. The mean smoking history was 35.32 ± 24.8 pack-years. Of the 53 patients evaluated, 30.2% had completed high school or had some higher education, and 32.1% were classified as socioeconomic class B2 (A being the highest and E being the lowest). Forty-nine (92.5%) of the patients attended all eight meetings. The TSQ with only three answer options showed high reliability, with approximately 90% agreement after three applications. Patients were satisfied with telemedicine. CONCLUSIONS: The TSQ is rapidly applied, is easy to complete, and showed high reliability in our patient sample. Patients declared that they were satisfied with their telemedicine experience.

Video-observed therapy (VOT) vs directly observed therapy (DOT) for tuberculosis treatment: A systematic review on adherence, cost of treatment observation, time spent observing treatment and patient satisfaction.

INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis (TB) treatment demands strict adherence to multidrug regimens. Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) poses challenges, especially regarding adherence. With the popularization of smartphones, Video-Observed Therapy (VOT) has emerged as a promising alternative, allowing healthcare providers to remotely supervise patients taking their medications via video calls. OBJECTIVES: This systematic review critically assesses VOT's effectiveness compared to DOT, focusing on adherence, treatment costs, time spent supervising treatment, and patient satisfaction, aiming to optimize TB supervision methods worldwide. METHODS: Only studies that met the following criteria were eligible for inclusion in the systematic review: randomized trials; studies that compared VOT to DOT; studies involving patients diagnosed with pulmonary or extrapulmonary tuberculosis; studies that reported any of the desired outcomes; full-text articles available for review; and studies conducted in the English language. We excluded studies with the following attributes: studies that lacked a control group; case series or case reports; and previous systematic reviews. The search engines and databases MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane were used to find studies comparing Video-Observed Therapy (VOT) to Directly Observed Therapy (DOT). The following search phrases were used to look for papers that contained them in their title or abstract: ("Electronic Directly Observed Therapy" OR "Video-observed therapy" OR "Telemedicine" OR "Wirelessly observed therapy" OR "Smartphone-enabled video-observed") AND ("TUBERCULOSIS"). RESULTS: A systematic review of the literature revealed the following findings: in all Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), video-observed therapy (VOT) demonstrated non-inferiority in terms of treatment adherence compared to traditional directly observed therapy (DOT); VOT reduced costs where these outcomes were assessed in the RCTs; the use of VOT reduced the amount of time healthcare professionals spent supervising treatment in RCTs evaluating this aspect; VOT contributed to higher treatment satisfaction in RCTs where this outcome was measured. CONCLUSION: In this systematic review we emphasize the importance of Video-Observed Therapy (VOT) in the digital age for patients that have access to internet. Our findings show that VOT is comparable to DOT in terms of treatment adherence, but it is also cost-effective, improves patient satisfaction and takes less time for healthcare professionals to supervise.

Analysis of the structure of Basic Health Units in Brazil to conduct telehealth actions: a comparison of two cross-sectional studies.

BACKGROUND: Telehealth uses Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in distance health-related activities between professionals, managers, and patients of health services. This cross-sectional study compared the ICT infrastructure available in Brazilian Basic Health Units (BHU) for telehealth actions, along with evaluation cycles of the National Program for Improving Access and Quality of Primary Care (PMAQ-AB). METHODS: Data from the second and third cycles of the PMAQ-AB were used. A total of 22,021 BHUs were evaluated concerning the availability of computers, cameras, stereo boxes, microphones, printers, television, and internet available. The presence of each ICT equipment assigned a score to each BHU. The sum of these scores assigned a final score to the BHU and was used for comparison among different Brazilian regions. The data were analyzed descriptively and by Wilcoxon test (p ≤ 0.05) using SPSS v. 25. RESULTS: The increase in the median number of ICT equipment was statistically significant in the BHU in Brazil and the Brazilian regions (p < 0.001). The South, Southeast, and Midwest regions had the highest median scores in both cycles. CONCLUSIONS: The availability of ICT equipment for telehealth actions in BHU improved over the PMAQ-AB cycles, with differences in the ICT structure between Brazilian regions.

Impact of financial toxicity on adults with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic: an integrative review.

OBJECTIVES: to identify the repercussions of financial toxicity on the lives of adult cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: an integrative review was conducted using the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase databases, as well as the Virtual Health Library portal, in March 2023. RESULTS: out of 62 studies found, 13 were included for analysis. The primary repercussions of financial toxicity included difficulties in covering basic expenses such as food, housing, medication, transportation, and internet access; increased anxiety and concerns related to health and financial situations; reduction or absence of income; challenges in obtaining treatment or accessing healthcare services; rising expenses; and telemedicine as a less burdensome alternative. CONCLUSIONS: the pandemic has exacerbated financial toxicity; therefore, healthcare teams must recognize it as an adverse event of oncological treatment and understand its potential to affect various aspects of patients' lives.

Assessment of a Pilot Program for Remote Support on Mental Health for Young Physicians in Rural Settings in Peru: Mixed Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: Telemedicine-based interventions show promise in addressing mental health issues among rural populations, yet evidence regarding their impact among the health care workforce in these contexts remains limited. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics and the responses and perceptions of recently graduated physicians who work in rural areas of Peru as part of the Servicio Rural Urbano Marginal en Salud (Rural-Urban Marginal Health Service [SERUMS], in Spanish) toward a telehealth intervention to provide remote orientation and accompaniment in mental health. METHODS: A mixed methods study was carried out involving physicians who graduated from the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos and participated in the Mental Health Accompaniment Program (MHAP) from August 2022 to February 2023. This program included the assessment of mental health conditions via online forms, the dissemination of informational materials through a website, and, for those with moderate or high levels of mental health issues, the provision of personalized follow-up by trained personnel. Quantitative analysis explored the mental health issues identified among physicians, while qualitative analysis, using semistructured interviews, examined their perceptions of the services provided. RESULTS: Of 75 physicians initially enrolled to the MHAP, 30 (41.6%) opted to undergo assessment and use the services. The average age of the participants was 26.8 (SD 1.9) years, with 17 (56.7%) being female. About 11 (36.7%) reported have current or previous mental health issues, 17 (56.7%) indicating some level of depression, 14 (46.7%) indicated some level of anxiety, 5 (16.6%) presenting a suicidal risk, and 2 (6.7%) attempted suicide during the program. Physicians who did not use the program services reported a lack of advertising and related information, reliance on personal mental health resources, or neglect of symptoms. Those who used the program expressed a positive perception regarding the services, including evaluation and follow-up, although some faced challenges accessing the website. CONCLUSIONS: The MHAP has been effective in identifying and managing mental health problems among SERUMS physicians in rural Peru, although it faced challenges related to access and participation. The importance of mental health interventions in this context is highlighted, with recommendations to improve accessibility and promote self-care among participants.

The Association Between the Central Sensitisation Inventory and Temporomandibular Disorders Is Confounded by Migraine, Depression, Widespread Pain and Parafunction. A Cross-Sectional Telehealth Study.

BACKGROUND: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are conditions that involve the temporomandibular joints, masticatory muscles, and associated tissues, causing orofacial pain. Central sensitisation (CS) is a relevant part of the TMD pathophysiology. Migraine, psychological aspects, parafunctional oral habits and widespread pain are commonly associated with both TMD and CS and could confound the association between them. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between painful TMD and the Central Sensitisation Inventory (CSI) score, and to assess the presence of confounders in this association. METHODS: Cross-sectional study that assessed women with and without orofacial pain complaints using telehealth. The TMD Pain Screener and an online physical examination determined the presence of painful TMD. The following questionnaires were applied: CSI, Headache Screening Questionnaire, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Oral Behavior Checklist, Jaw Functional Limitation Scale and the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire. A single regression investigated the association between the CSI score and TMD, and a multiple regression investigated the effect of the other outcomes as possible confounders. Confounding was considered present when the association between TMD and the CSI score changed more than 10% after adding a possible confounder to the regression model. RESULTS: Forty-two women with painful TMD and 53 without TMD were included. There was a significant association between the CSI score and the presence of painful TMD (R2 = 0.639; p < 0.001). This association changed when the following outcomes were added to the model: presence of migraine, symptoms of depression, widespread pain and parafunctional oral habits. CONCLUSION: The positive association between TMD and the CSI score was confounded by migraine, symptoms of depression, widespread pain and parafunctional oral habits.

First impressions of Telesurgery robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy using the Edge medical robotic platform.

PURPOSE: We reported, as a referral center in prostate cancer, our perspectives and experience performing Telesurgery using robotic surgery and 5G network. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We described and illustrated the Telesurgery applications and outcomes to treat a patient with prostate cancer located 1300 kilometers away from the surgeon (Beijing-Harbin) in China. We used the Edge Medical Robot (MP1000) in November 2023 in a 71-year-old patient with Gleason 6 (ISUP 1) in 8 cores from 13, PSA of 14 ng/dL, and clinical stage cT2a. MRI described a PIRADS 5 nodule on the left peripheral zone at the base, and 20gr prostate. We described details about the connection between centers, perioperative outcomes, and our perspectives as a referral center in prostate cancer. RESULTS: We had no delays, or problems with network connection between the centers. The procedure was performed in 60 minutes, with no intra- or postoperative complications. Estimated blood loss was 100 mL. The patient was ambulating soon after anesthesia recovery. Final pathology described a Gleason 6 (ISUP 1) involving the left base and left seminal vesicle, negative surgical margins, and no lymph node involvement (pT3bN0). The patient was continent soon after catheter removal (7 days). CONCLUSION: As technological progress introduced novel robotic platforms and high-speed networks, the concept of Telesurgery became a tangible reality while 5G technology solved latency and transmission concerns. However, with these advancements, ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks should underline the importance of transparency and patient safety with responsible innovation in the field.

Pilot implementation of a telehealth course for health professions students.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the level of technology proficiency amongst healthcare professions students. Additionally, the study provides an evaluation of the pilot implementation, as well as the effect of a 7-module telehealth course on the level of adoption and future use of telehealth amongst future Australian healthcare workforce. METHODS: Students from four health-sciences departments at the University of Melbourne, Australia, participated in this pilot study by completing the course and an online questionnaire, which included both structured and open-ended questions. The questionnaire included: 12-items on socio-demographic and Internet utilization; 34-items about acceptance and use of telehealth adapted from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) questionnaire; and 22-items about confidence in using the Internet and ICT, adapted from Technology Proficiency Self-Assessment Questionnaire for 21st Century Learning (TPSA-C-21). RESULTS: The evaluation included 26 students who expressed confidence in their Internet/ICT skills They showed enthusiasm for telehealth and recognized its potential benefits, but also emphasized the value of face-to-face interactions. They requested information on legal and aspects and additional learning. Post-test assessments indicated improvements in overall acceptance and use attitudes towards telehealth and on six dimensions of the UTAUT2 instrument. Participation in the course indicated improvements in students' overall acceptance and use attitudes and on six of the ten dimensions of the UTAUT2 instrument (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This preliminary evaluation indicated that the telehealth course was a positive and enjoyable learning experience for students with appropriate structure and information. The course was successful in improving students' acceptance and use of health technology. The study identified areas in which further development might be required. As such, the course represents a helpful approach for telehealth training among health professions students. Further evaluation with larger samples is required.

Together towards tomorrow: partnerships powering the digital transformation of the health sector

This editorial presents a collective vision of unity, innovation and collaboration, and a shared desire for resilient and more equitable health systems worldwide, urging the global health community to harness the collective strength of alliances and international collaboration to guide the health sector into a new era of digital transformation and innovation.

Patient Engagement With and Perceptions of the COVIDA Project, a Volunteer-Led Telemonitoring and Teleorientation Service for COVID-19 Community Management: Mixed Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: During the pandemic in Peru, the COVIDA (Collaboration Network of Volunteer Brigade Members for the Investigation, Detection, and Primary Management of Community Cases Affected by COVID-19) project proposed an innovative way to provide telemonitoring and teleorientation to COVID-19 patients, led by health care student volunteers. However, it has not been described how this interaction is perceived from the patient's perspective and which factors increase their engagement with this service. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to describe the perceptions of patients about COVIDA and identify factors associated with their engagement with this service. METHODS: A mixed methods study was conducted to evaluate perceptions of patients that participated in the COVIDA project. This telehealth intervention organized by the National University of San Marcos was implemented in Peru from August to December 2020. The service involved daily phone calls by volunteer students to monitor registered COVID-19 patients until the completion of the 14th day of the illness or if a warning sign was identified. The volunteers also provided teleorientation to address the patients' needs and concerns. Quantitative analysis was performed to describe the characteristics of the patients and to assess the factors related to their engagement with the service, which was defined by the percentage of participants who completed the follow-up according to their individual schedule. Qualitative analysis through semistructured interviews evaluated the patients' perceptions of the service regarding the aspects of communication, interaction, and technology. RESULTS: Of the 770 patients enrolled in COVIDA, 422 (55.7%) were female; the median age was 39 (IQR 28-52) years. During the monitoring, 380 patients (49.4%) developed symptoms, and 471 (61.2%) showed warning signs of COVID-19. The overall median for engagement was 93% (IQR 35.7%-100%). Among those patients who did not develop warning signs, engagement was associated with the presence of symptoms (OR 3.04, 95% CI 2.22-4.17), a positive COVID-19 test at the start of follow-up (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.48-2.61), and the presence of comorbidities (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.29-2.59). Patients reported that the volunteers provided clear and valuable information and emotional support. Communication via phone calls took place smoothly and without interruptions. CONCLUSIONS: COVIDA represents a well-accepted and well-perceived alternative model for student volunteers to provide telemonitoring, teleorientation, and emotional support to patients with COVID-19 in the context of overwhelmed demand for health care services. The deployment of this kind of intervention should be prioritized among patients with symptoms and comorbidities, as they show more engagement with these services.

Telemedicine for the provision of medication abortion to pregnant people at up to twelve weeks of pregnancy: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Telemedicine represents an important strategy to facilitate access to medication abortion (MAB) procedures, reduces distance barriers and expands coverage to underserved communities. The aim is evaluating the self-managed MAB (provided through telemedicine as the sole intervention or in comparison to in-person care) in pregnant people at up to 12 weeks of pregnancy. METHODS: A literature search was conducted using electronic databases: MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane (Central Register of Controlled Trials and Database of Systematic Reviews), LILACS, SciELO, and Google Scholar. The search was based on the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Study Design (PICOS) framework, and was not restricted to any years of publication, and studies could be published in English or Spanish. Study screening and selection, risk of bias assessment, and data extraction were performed by peer reviewers. Risk of bias was evaluated with RoB 2.0 and ROBIS-I. A narrative and descriptive synthesis of the results was conducted. Meta-analyses with random-effects models were performed using Review Manager version 5.4 to calculate pooled risk differences, along with their individual 95% confidence intervals. The rate of evidence certainty was based on GRADE recommendations. RESULTS: 21 articles published between 2011 and 2022 met the inclusion criteria. Among them, 20 were observational studies, and 1 was a randomized clinical trial. Regarding the risk of bias, 5 studies had a serious risk, 15 had a moderate risk, and 1 had an undetermined risk. In terms of the type of intervention, 7 compared telemedicine to standard care. The meta-analysis of effectiveness revealed no statistically significant differences between the two modalities of care (RD = 0.01; 95%CI 0.00, 0.02). Our meta-analyses show that there were no significant differences in the occurrence of adverse events or in patient satisfaction when comparing the two methods of healthcare delivery. CONCLUSION: Telemedicine is an effective and viable alternative for MAB, similar to standard care. The occurrence of complications was low in both forms of healthcare delivery. Telemedicine services are an opportunity to expand access to safe abortion services.

Mobile application: digital health card for deaf adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a mobile health application (mHealth) accessible to deaf adolescents, based on their health card, promoting autonomy to the access to the user's health information. METHOD: This was a methodological study, divided into three stages: a questionnaire to understand the knowledge of deaf adolescents about the health card, and development of the application using videos in Brazilian Sign Language Libras, Android Studio platform with Java language, and evaluation of the application. RESULTS: Most deaf adolescents were not aware of the health card. The application has two interface modes: male and female card, with the particularities of each sex. Furthermore, user's data security is carried out in accordance with the Brazilian General Data Protection Law. The application received a score of 85.5 from experts, being classified as "good" to "excellent" in terms of usability. CONCLUSION: The application provides information from the health card in text and video in Libras, according to the selected sex, promoting adolescents' autonomy in accessing health information. Future implementations may include expansion to other mobile platforms.

Development and Testing of the WiseApp for Improving Medication Adherence Among Spanish Speakers.

There is evidence to support the use of mHealth tools for improving medication adherence. Building on this evidence, our study team culturally adapted and translated the WiseApp for improving antiretroviral medication adherence in Spanish-speaking persons with HIV. We are currently conducting a multi-site randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test the effectiveness and sustainability of the WiseApp for Spanish speakers in New York City and the Dominican Republic.

Digital health in stroke: a narrative review.

Digital health is significantly transforming stroke care, particularly in remote and economically diverse regions, by harnessing mobile and wireless technologies, big data, and artificial intelligence (AI). Despite the promising advancements, a notable gap exists in the formal clinical validation of many digital health applications, raising concerns about their efficacy and safety in real-world clinical settings. Our review systematically explores the landscape of digital health in stroke care, assessing the development, validation, and implementation of various digital tools. We adopted a comprehensive search strategy, scrutinizing peer-reviewed articles published between January 2015 and January 2024, to gather evidence on the effectiveness of digital health interventions. A rigorous quality assessment was conducted to ensure the reliability of the included studies, with findings synthesized to underscore key technological innovations and their clinical outcomes. Ethical considerations were meticulously observed to maintain data confidentiality and integrity. Our findings highlight the transformative potential of mobile health technologies, AI, and telemedicine in improving diagnostic accuracy, treatment efficacy, and patient outcomes in stroke care. Our paper delves into the evolution and impact of digital health in cerebrovascular prevention, diagnosis, rehabilitation and stroke treatment, emphasizing the digital health's role in enhancing access to expert care, mitigating treatment delays and improving outcomes. However, the review also underscores the critical need for rigorous clinical validation and ethical considerations in the development and deployment of digital health technologies to ensure their safe and effective integration into stroke care practices.

A saúde digital está transformando significativamente o cuidado com o acidente vascular cerebral (AVC), especialmente em regiões remotas e economicamente diversas, ao aproveitar tecnologias móveis e sem fio, big data e inteligência artificial (IA). Apesar dos avanços promissores, existe uma lacuna notável na validação clínica formal de muitas aplicações de saúde digital, levantando preocupações sobre sua eficácia e segurança em ambientes clínicos do mundo real. Nossa revisão explora sistematicamente a paisagem da saúde digital no cuidado do AVC, avaliando o desenvolvimento, validação e implementação de várias ferramentas digitais. Adotamos uma estratégia de busca abrangente, examinando artigos revisados por pares publicados entre janeiro de 2015 e janeiro de 2024, para reunir evidências sobre a eficácia das intervenções de saúde digital. Uma avaliação de qualidade rigorosa foi conduzida para garantir a confiabilidade dos estudos incluídos, com os achados sintetizados para destacar as principais inovações tecnológicas e seus resultados clínicos. Considerações éticas foram meticulosamente observadas para manter a confidencialidade e integridade dos dados. Nossas descobertas destacam o potencial transformador das tecnologias de saúde móvel, IA e telemedicina em melhorar a precisão diagnóstica, a eficácia do tratamento e os resultados dos pacientes no cuidado do AVC. Nosso artigo aprofunda-se na evolução e impacto da saúde digital na prevenção, diagnóstico, reabilitação e tratamento do AVC, enfatizando seu papel em melhorar o acesso ao cuidado especializado, mitigar atrasos no tratamento e melhorar os desfechos. No entanto, a revisão também sublinha a necessidade crítica de validação clínica rigorosa e considerações éticas no desenvolvimento e implantação de tecnologias de saúde digital para garantir sua integração segura e eficaz nas práticas de cuidado do AVC.

[Cost-effectiveness of digital care and face-to-face care in the first-level of care]. / Costo-efectividad de la atención digital y la atención presencial en el primer nivel.

Background: The medical care paradigm is face-to-face; however, technological development has led to the digital modality. Objective: To determine cost-effectiveness of digital care and face-to-face care at the first level of care. Material and methods: Cost-effectiveness study. 2 groups were integrated: the digital service and the face-to-face service. The sample size was calculated with the percentage formula for 2 groups, and the result was 217 per group. The effectiveness was evaluated in 3 dimensions: the satisfaction of the patient, of the doctor and of the medical assistant. In all 3 cases the Visual analogue scale was used. The cost corresponded to the fixed unit cost estimated with the technique of times and movements adjusted for the duration of care. The statistical analysis included averages, percentages and cost-effectiveness ratio. Results: The cost of digital attention is $343.83 and face-to-face attention is $171.91 (all estimated in Mexican pesos). From the patient's perspective, the effectiveness in digital care is $9.47 and in face-to-face is $9.25. The cost to reach effectiveness of 10 in face-to-face care is $185.85 and in digital care $363.20. From the physician's perspective, the cost to achieve effectiveness of 10 is $419.13 in digital care and $184.52 in face-to-face care. From the perspective of the medical assistant, to achieve effectiveness of 10, the cost in digital care is $468.43 and in face-to-face $179.83. Conclusions: Currently, the best cost-effectiveness ratio corresponds to face-to-face care; however, digital care is an option that will have to evolve.

Introducción: el paradigma de atención médica es presencial; sin embargo, el desarrollo tecnológico ha propiciado la modalidad digital. Objetivo: determinar el costo-efectividad de la atención digital y la atención presencial en primer nivel. Material y métodos: estudio de costo-efectividad. Se integraron 2 grupos: el de atención digital y el de atención presencial. El tamaño de muestra se calculó con la fórmula de porcentajes para 2 grupos y el resultado fue 217 por grupo. La efectividad se evaluó en 3 dimensiones: la satisfacción del paciente, del médico y de la asistente médica. En los 3 casos se utilizó la Escala visual analógica. El costo correspondió al costo unitario fijo estimado con la técnica de tiempos y movimientos ajustado por la duración de la atención. El análisis estadístico incluyó promedios, porcentajes y relación costo-efectividad. Resultados: el costo de la atención digital es $343.83 y la atención presencial $171.91. Desde la perspectiva del paciente, la efectividad en atención digital es 9.47 y en presencial 9.25. El costo para alcanzar una efectividad de 10 en la atención presencial es $185.85 y en la atención digital $363.20. Desde la perspectiva del médico, el costo para alcanzar una efectividad de 10 es $419.13 en la atención digital y $184.52 en la atención presencial. Desde la perspectiva de la asistente médica, para alcanzar una efectividad de 10 el costo en la atención digital es $468.43 y en la presencial $179.83. Conclusiones: actualmente la mejor relación costo-efectividad corresponde a la atención presencial; sin embargo, la atención digital es una opción que tendrá que evolucionar.

The impact of the pandemic on physical and functional disabilities in children and adolescents with spina bifida.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective and cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to carry out telemonitoring to identify the impact of the pandemic on physical and functional disabilities in children and adolescents with SB, as reported by their caregivers, and to investigate adherence to a teleservice. SETTING: Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMRP-USP). METHODS: Retrospective and cross-sectional study. Fifty-three patients with SB (mean age 12.0 (4.0) years; 23 males) participated in the telemonitoring. A questionnaire - 'Health management, health conditions, rehabilitation, interest in teleservice, and the well-being of the main caregiver' - investigated the clinical impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Only three caregivers participated in the teleservice (video call). RESULTS: According to telemonitoring, 62% of the patients discontinued physiotherapy sessions, and 69% reported needing adjustments in locomotion devices. The main complaints were muscle weakness and pain. CONCLUSION: We monitored general health and identified demands related to physical rehabilitation using telemonitoring in 42.4% of children and adolescents with SB monitored at the HCFMRP-USP. Telemonitoring and teleservice may be methods used for monitoring health conditions in patients with SB.