Journal of Primary Care and Community Health最新文献

{"title":"Health Status, Health Determinants, and Use of Preventive Services Among Frontline Workers in Homeless Services.","authors":"Emese Nagy-Borsy, Viktória Anna Kovács, Dorottya Árva, Zoltán Vokó, Blanka Szeitl, István Kiss, Zsuzsa Rákosy","doi":"10.1177/21501319241312579","DOIUrl":"10.1177/21501319241312579","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Homeless service workers play a key role in addressing the social and health needs of people experiencing homelessness, yet little is known about their own health status and behaviors.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A nationwide survey of Hungarian homeless service workers (n = 548) was conducted using a short version of the European Health Interview Survey. The results were compared with age- and sex-adjusted data from the general Hungarian population.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Despite reporting good health, one-third of homeless service workers had long-standing health problems, with one-fourth experiencing activity limitations. Mild (29.1% vs 17.2%) and moderate (8.5% vs 4.7%) depressive symptoms were nearly twice as prevalent among service workers. They also reported lower daily consumption of fruits and vegetables (41.4% and 26.3% vs 57.0% and 45.4%) and a higher rate of daily smoking (35.4% vs 26.4%). Additionally, 59.3% were classified as overweight or obese. Participation in organized cancer screenings was higher among homeless service workers but stayed below 50% in both groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These findings can serve as a foundation for developing strategies to improve the health status of homeless service workers. Ultimately, this benefits both the workforce and the quality of services provided.</p>","PeriodicalId":46723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Primary Care and Community Health","volume":"16 ","pages":"21501319241312579"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11843696/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143459908","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical Outcomes of Switching U-100 Intermediate or Basal Insulin to U-200 Insulin Degludec or U-300 Insulin Glargine.","authors":"Natalie Rosario, Cami Hunger, Allison Pettijohn, K'bria Whaley, Andrea Pabon, Valeria Hohl, Bernadette Asias-Dinh, Jodie Gee, Joshua Wollen","doi":"10.1177/21501319251327318","DOIUrl":"10.1177/21501319251327318","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Basal and intermediate insulin is available as U-100 (glargine, determir, NPH) or ultra-long-acting (ULA) U-200 (degludec) or U-300 (glargine). Insulins may be substituted with other insulin formulations based on financial factors, formulary preferences, patient preference, and patient response.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>Evaluate the impact on total daily dose of insulin when switching from an intermediate or basal U-100 to a ULA insulin.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A single-center retrospective chart review was performed at a federally qualified health center. Patients switched from a U-100 intermediate or basal insulin to a U-200 degludec or U-300 glargine ULA insulin from 2019 to March 2024 were assessed. Clinical measures assessed were initial intermediate or basal insulin total daily dose, ULA insulin total daily dose at time of switch, at 1, 3, and 6 months, and change in HgbA1c, BMI, and weight.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>When switched from a U-100 to a U-200 or U-300 insulin (<i>n</i> = 53), basal insulin total daily dose decreased by 13.1 units at 6 months (<i>P</i> < .05). At the 6-month mark after ULA switch, HgbA1c decreased (<i>P</i> < .001), but BMI (<i>P</i> = .161) and weight (<i>P</i> = .076) were similar. HgbA1c, BMI, weight, and total daily insulin dose were not significantly different between patients assigned U-200 and U-300 insulins.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Patients switched from a U-100 basal insulin may utilize a lower total daily dose of a ULA insulin and experience reductions in HgbA1c, BMI, and weight.</p>","PeriodicalId":46723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Primary Care and Community Health","volume":"16 ","pages":"21501319251327318"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11960159/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143755223","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Management of Psychosis and Schizophrenia by Primary Care GPs: A Cross-Sectional Study in Spain.","authors":"Jesús Sepúlveda-Muñoz, Casta Quemada González, María M Hurtado Lara, Ángel Manuel Gutiérrez García, Celia Martí-García, José María García-Herrera Pérez-Bryan, José Miguel Morales-Asencio","doi":"10.1177/21501319241306177","DOIUrl":"10.1177/21501319241306177","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>To investigate the detection and initial management of first psychotic episodes, as well as established schizophrenia, within the primary care of the Andalusian Health System.</p><p><strong>Background: </strong>Delay in detecting and treating psychosis is associated with slower recovery, higher relapse risk, and poorer long-term outcomes. Often, psychotic episodes go unnoticed for years before a diagnosis is established. Primary care physicians are crucial for early recognition of psychosis and schizophrenia, especially in Spain, where primary care is the main entry point to healthcare services.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Cross-sectional exploratory study. All active primary care physicians in the Malaga Guadalhorce Health District were invited to participate. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the survey was conducted online. The survey, adapted and validated for the local context, included 22 items and 5 sociodemographic questions covering early detection, treatment options, physical health monitoring, and management challenges. Descriptive and bivariate analyses summarized the data and explored correlations between key variables.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>The study included 142 primary care physicians (response rate 35.5%), with 28.9% men and 71.1% women, primarily from urban areas (83.1%). Most had completed residency training (86.6%), with 79.6% receiving psychiatric training. However, only 5.6% had participated in training sessions in the last 5 years, with all such sessions lasting less than 30 h. Physicians typically managed 0-10 patients with diagnosed schizophrenia and saw these patients 2 to 3 times annually. They often felt capable of managing these patients, especially with mental health consultancy support. Physical health monitoring was common, though some relied on mental health services to do this. Collaboration with mental health services was moderate, with high utility perceived for having a list of patients with severe mental disorders in their care panel.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Family physicians are generally confident in managing psychosis and schizophrenia but lack recent specialized training. Mental health consultancy services are valued, but collaboration with these services needs improvement. Clear guidelines and enhanced training are essential to ensure comprehensive care, addressing both mental and physical health needs of these patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":46723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Primary Care and Community Health","volume":"16 ","pages":"21501319241306177"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11783486/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143068464","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Barriers and Facilitators to Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Health Fair Attendees in Utah.","authors":"Jordan E Johnson, Svenja Pauleck, Andrea J H Williamson, Maranda Pahlkotter, Federica S Brecha, Nathaniel Ferre, Nancy Ortiz, Robin L Marcus, Sheetal Hardikar, Jessica N Cohan","doi":"10.1177/21501319251316659","DOIUrl":"10.1177/21501319251316659","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening uptake remains suboptimal despite the importance and effectiveness of various testing options. The purpose of our study was to identify barriers and facilitators to CRC screening in a community-based sample in Salt Lake County, Utah to inform future efforts to develop effective interventions to increase CRC screening.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study enrolled adults eligible for CRC screening at 6 community health events. Participants completed targeted questionnaires based on whether they had discussed screening with a provider and whether they had received screening. We identified participant-reported barriers to CRC screening using descriptive analysis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify participant characteristics associated with receipt of screening.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 117 participants who completed the questionnaires, 43.6% were 50 to 60 years old, 36.8% identified as white, and 51.3% identified as non-Hispanic. The most common barrier to colonoscopy was the need for extensive bowel preparation (30.8%). For stool tests, common barriers included handling stool (20.5%) and not understanding how to do the test (20.5%). For virtual colonoscopy, barriers included the need for extensive bowel preparation (21.4%) and cost (21.4%). Most participants (67.5%) believed that they should know about all CRC screening options available, and their importance. The majority of participants (68.4%) preferred to learn about CRC screening from their doctor or healthcare provider. Younger age was associated with non-screening.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>We observed that study participants faced procedural barriers to complete CRC screening and preferred to learn about CRC screening options through their providers. Younger age groups were less likely to receive screening within our study sample. Future, targeted interventions to increase CRC screening should focus on increasing the awareness of the importance of CRC screening and educating patients on the various screening options available and their benefits, especially as they pertain to less invasive tests and targeting younger individuals.</p>","PeriodicalId":46723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Primary Care and Community Health","volume":"16 ","pages":"21501319251316659"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11843725/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143459895","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advocating Submission of Case Reports in Family Medicine: An Analysis of Case Report Submissions in Journals Related to Family Medicine.","authors":"Apichai Wattanapisit, Kosin Sirirak, Sanhapan Wattanapisit, Chirk Jenn Ng, Chin Hai Teo, Nutchar Wiwatkunupakarn, Piyachon Aramrat, Chaisiri Angkurawaranon","doi":"10.1177/21501319251320171","DOIUrl":"10.1177/21501319251320171","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Family medicine embraces a wide range of principles. Identifying appropriate journals for publishing family medicine case reports can be challenging for authors. This study aims to identify journals related to family medicine that publish case reports and summarize the requirements of case report submissions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Journals related to family medicine were identified from the subject categories: \"family practice\" in Scopus and \"primary health care\" in Web of Science. The author's instructions on the journal websites regarding the criteria for case report submissions were reviewed, and the specific requirements for case reports of each journal were recorded. Journals were excluded if family medicine was not the main aim and scope.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the 80 journals focused on family medicine, 30 (37.5%) were found to accept submissions of case reports. These reports were classified into various article types, such as case reports, patient studies, clinical case studies. The length of the main text varied between 400 and 3000 words, and some journals did not mandate an abstract. However, for those that did, abstracts typically ranged from 50 to 300 words. The number of references cited ranged from 5 to 30.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Less than half of the journals in the family medicine field accept case report submissions. It is advisable for authors to choose their target journal early in the preparation process, as each journal typically provides specific submission guidelines and instructions.</p>","PeriodicalId":46723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Primary Care and Community Health","volume":"16 ","pages":"21501319251320171"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11829294/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143426340","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Role of the Primary Care Transformation Lead: A Qualitative Case Study.","authors":"Atharv Joshi, Judith B Brown, Janet Dang, Jacobi Elliott, Shurabi Anphalagan, Shannon L Sibbald","doi":"10.1177/21501319251327909","DOIUrl":"10.1177/21501319251327909","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The introduction of Ontario Health Teams in Canada is a step toward achieving an equitable integrated system of care. The Middlesex-London Ontario Health Team (MLOHT) has been developed in parallel to the London-Middlesex Primary Care Alliance (LMPCA), a grassroots network for primary care physicians, health care administrators, and nurse practitioners. Key in the growth of the LMPCA was hiring a primary care transformation lead to support in engagement. This qualitative case study aims to describe the implementation of a primary care transformation lead within an integrated care setting through feedback from healthcare personnel.</p><p><strong>Methods and findings: </strong>Family physicians, healthcare administrators, and administrative support personnel were recruited from the LMPCA and the MLOHT and interviewed. This analysis revealed 4 key components central to the role of a primary care transformation lead: (re)-building relationships, flexibility and adaptability, importance of role clarity, and motivation for change. Findings suggested that a primary care transformation lead can improve workflow among physicians by assisting in administrative tasks. Through streamlining information for primary care physicians, and building community networks, transformation leads can also enhance communication. Additionally, they can maintain an open environment for physicians to share their challenges to collaboratively develop solutions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study exemplifies the role of primary care transformation leads in improving workflow, building networks, decreasing administrative burden, and facilitating an open environment in a primary care setting.</p>","PeriodicalId":46723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Primary Care and Community Health","volume":"16 ","pages":"21501319251327909"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11910736/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143634876","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"General Practitioners' Needs and Preferences Regarding the Provision of Self-sampling Tests for Cervical Cancer Screening in Flanders, Belgium.","authors":"Eva Gezels, Sara Willems, Katrien Vanthomme, Lien Keersse, Kaatje Van Roy","doi":"10.1177/21501319251320178","DOIUrl":"10.1177/21501319251320178","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Screening coverage for cervical cancer remains suboptimal in Flanders, Belgium. The upcoming transition to primary HPV screening in January 2025 presents an opportunity to offer self-sampling kits (SSKs) as an alternative to conventional Pap smears, with the potential to increase participation rates. General practitioners (GPs) can play a crucial role in reaching under-screened populations. Hereto it is essential to understand the needs and preferences of GPs regarding the integration of SSKs into their routine practice.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Semi-structured interviews were conducted with GPs participating in an implementation study on the added value of SSKs for long-term non-screened women, focusing on their experiences, challenges, and suggestions regarding the provision of SSKs to these patients.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The interviewed GPs recognized the potential of SSKs to increase participation, particularly due to their less invasive nature, which makes them more acceptable to underscreened women. Time constraints, technical software challenges, limited knowledge and doubt about SSK accuracy were identified as key barriers to implement SSKs in routine practice. GPs emphasized the need for adaptability in the distribution methods of SSKs, with many preferring a combination of mailing the SSKs and providing them in person. Personalized communication and tailored explanations were considered as crucial to ensure patient acceptance and the correct use of the tests.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study shows that while GPs recognize the potential of SSKs to enhance cervical cancer screening, several challenges need to be addressed for their effective integration into primary care. A successful approach should incorporate streamlined support systems, tailored approaches to implement reminders for GPs and improved education for GPs. Future research should consider quantitative data on the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of SSKs in the specific context of Flanders and the perspectives of a broader range of stakeholders, including patients, practice nurses, gynecologists and policymakers, to develop more comprehensive strategies for the successful implementation of SSKs.</p>","PeriodicalId":46723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Primary Care and Community Health","volume":"16 ","pages":"21501319251320178"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11938895/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143711581","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Implementation of Site-Specific Hepatitis C Virus Treatment Workflows for Vulnerable, High-Risk Populations: A Prospective Single-Arm Trial.","authors":"Anmol Desai, Kia Reinis, Lauren O'Neal, Patrick Chang, Cristal Brown, Michael Stefanowicz, Audrey Kuang, Deepak Agrawal, Tim Mercer, Darlene Bhavnani","doi":"10.1177/21501319251330622","DOIUrl":"10.1177/21501319251330622","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment with pan-genotypic direct acting antivirals is highly effective, given an evidence-based simplified treatment algorithm. Yet access to treatment is limited among vulnerable populations.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>We assessed the effectiveness of site-specific HCV treatment workflows on HCV care for vulnerable populations in Austin, Texas.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C enrolled in care at a study site were eligible for this prospective, single-arm clinical trial. We assessed the proportion of participants that: (1) were prescribed treatment, (2) initiated treatment, (3) completed treatment, (4) were assessed for cure, and (5) achieved cure. We also evaluated implementation using the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance (RE-AIM) framework.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 62 participants, 89% had ever experienced homelessness and 94% had ever used drugs. An estimated 66% (95% CrI, 42%-84%) were prescribed treatment and 49% (95% CrI, 26%-70%) initiated treatment. An estimated 38% (95% CrI, 20%-58%) completed treatment, 14% (95% CrI, 4%-44%) were assessed for cure, and 10% (95% CrI, 2%-35%) achieved cure.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>We identified gaps along the HCV care cascade between: (1) enrolled to prescribed treatment and (2) completed treatment to assessed for cure. Site-specific HCV treatment workflows were insufficient to engage participants in care and avoid treatment delays. Novel approaches are needed and these may include patient outreach, patient navigation, test-and-treat protocols, and removing financial or payor barriers to medication access.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>Registered on ClinicalTrials.gov on July, 14, 2022. Identifier: NCT05460130. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05460130.</p>","PeriodicalId":46723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Primary Care and Community Health","volume":"16 ","pages":"21501319251330622"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11960160/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143755227","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring Men's Experiences of Engagement With General Practice: A Qualitative Study.","authors":"Ruth Mursa, Christopher Patterson, Gemma McErlean, Elizabeth Halcomb","doi":"10.1177/21501319251318447","DOIUrl":"10.1177/21501319251318447","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>As males are less engaged with healthcare than females, they often present when a condition is more advanced, reducing the potential for early intervention. Little is known about why men are less engaged and what influences them to be more proactive. This study sought to explore men's experiences of engagement with general practice.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative descriptive study was nested within a sequential mixed-methods project. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 17 male staff and volunteers of the New South Wales Rural Fire Service about their experiences, attitudes, and preferences for general practice engagement. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Five sub-themes emerged about men's engagement with general practice. \"Reasons for engagement\" revealed motivations for seeking healthcare. \"Seeking validation\" explained how social influences impacted engagement. The \"importance of relationships\" highlighted the value men place on trust with the healthcare provider/team, and how this impacts engagement. \"Interpersonal communication\" addressed preferences for direct and authentic communication. Finally, \"barriers to engagement\" revealed the challenges in accessing care.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Awareness of the barriers and facilitators to men's engagement with general practice can inform strategies to improve care. This study suggests that health professionals play a crucial role in building therapeutic relationships with men and partnering with them in their healthcare journey to improve engagement and health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":46723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Primary Care and Community Health","volume":"16 ","pages":"21501319251318447"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11803725/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143256548","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Using a Wearable Brain Activity Sensing Device in the Treatment of Long COVID Symptoms in an Open-Label Clinical Trial.","authors":"Ryan T Hurt, Ravindra Ganesh, Darrell R Schroeder, Jennifer L Hanson, Shawn C Fokken, Joshua D Overgaard, Brent A Bauer, Bright P Thilagar, Christopher A Aakre, Sandhya Pruthi, Ivana T Croghan","doi":"10.1177/21501319251325639","DOIUrl":"10.1177/21501319251325639","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study evaluated the feasibility and satisfaction of using a wearable brain activity sensing device for stress reduction among patients experiencing Long COVID (LC).</p><p><strong>Patients and methods: </strong>Patients with LC (N = 45) were invited to participate in an open-label pilot study. Participants were asked to use a brain-sensing electroencephalogram (S-EEG) wearable device (Muse-S™) daily for 90 days and followed for an additional 90 days (180 days total participation). Study enrollment began June 28, 2022, and ended July 28, 2023.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Patients were predominantly female (82%), white (96%), and with an average age of 47.6 (±12.5) years. At the end of treatment (90 days), cognition, sleep, self-efficacy, and quality-of-life quality of life improved (<i>P</i> < .001 to <i>P</i> = .04). In addition, stress and anxiety were significantly reduced (<i>P</i> < .001). These significant changes persisted by end-of-study (180 days). For stress (<i>P</i> = .023) and anxiety (<i>P</i> = .033), a change from the baseline during follow-up was significantly associated with the amount of S-EEG usage. The end-of-study satisfaction survey indicated that patients were very satisfied with the S-EEG device, and 97% planned to continue using it.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Results suggest that the S-EEG device improved cognition in LC, which is one of the main severe symptoms we see in our LC clinic. In addition, it helped reduce stress and anxiety. These findings have important clinical implications for LC patients using S-EEG as an adjunct to concurrent LC clinical care which includes pharmacotherapies.</p>","PeriodicalId":46723,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Primary Care and Community Health","volume":"16 ","pages":"21501319251325639"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11905036/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143606619","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}