Health Policy and Technology最新文献

{"title":"Evaluation of the Canadian Remote Access Framework for Clinical Trials (CRAFT) Pilot: a Qualitative Study","authors":"Colene Bentley , Helen McTaggart-Cowan , Diana Kato , Stephen Sundquist , Janet E. Dancey , Stuart Peacock","doi":"10.1016/j.hlpt.2025.101031","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hlpt.2025.101031","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Clinical trials provide opportunities for patients to access novel diagnostic screening, treatment, and supportive care options. Trial access is limited for many Canadians due to distribution and distance from cancer centres with clinical trials. In 2021-23, the Canadian Remote Access Framework for Clinical Trials (CRAFT) was implemented as a proof of concept (PoC) pilot to reduce these inequities by bringing trial opportunities to patients living outside metropolitan areas. CRAFT involves a “primary” site that delegates specific trial responsibilities to regional “satellite” centres to form a “trial cluster.” Our objective was to evaluate the CRAFT pilot implemented in three Canadian provinces: British Columbia, Ontario, and Newfoundland.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We recruited healthcare professionals participating in the PoC at primary and satellites locations. Using a framework with deductive and inductive codes, two researchers independently analyzed the interview data applying principles of constant comparison. Disagreements were settled by consensus.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Thirteen one-on-one interviews were conducted with participants from British Columbia (n=4), Ontario (n=6), and Newfoundland (n=3). Participants endorsed CRAFT as means to improve equitable access to experimental therapies for underserved populations; upskill regional healthcare teams; integrate satellites with primary sites; and re-envision future trial delivery. Challenges included responsibilities for contract review and approvals at smaller centres and coordinating research services and senior management support across sites.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Healthcare teams endorsed CRAFT to improve equitable access to trials and grow research capacity. A follow-up workshop of all relevant parties in March 2025 addressed needed improvements in research, technology, and governance infrastructure to scale CRAFT to new jurisdictions.</div></div><div><h3>Public Interest Summary</h3><div>Clinical trials create opportunities for patients to access new and innovative approaches to treatment, and clinical trial activity has been reported to improve health system performance. However, patients living in rural and remote regions face barriers to trial participation, including financial, time, and health costs to travel to trials in metropolitan centres. Decentralizing clinical trial delivery, where some trial-related activities take place in regional hospitals, can help mitigate these inequities. This study evaluated a pilot demonstration of the Canadian Remote Access Framework for Clinical Trials (CRAFT) in oncology in three Canadian provinces in 2021-2023, from the perspectives of healthcare professionals participating in the pilot. The framework was endorsed by healthcare professionals to help reduce inequities in trial access and grow research capacity. Study findings show better infrastructure support (e.g., co","PeriodicalId":48672,"journal":{"name":"Health Policy and Technology","volume":"14 5","pages":"Article 101031"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144271891","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Health equity in the digital age: Exploring health policy and inclusive digital care","authors":"Jessica A. Coetzer ,&nbsp;Nicole S. Goedhart ,&nbsp;Tjerk Jan Schuitmaker-Warnaar ,&nbsp;Christine Dedding ,&nbsp;Teun Zuiderent-Jerak","doi":"10.1016/j.hlpt.2025.101039","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hlpt.2025.101039","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>The digitalisation of care, whilst beneficial for some, also risks exacerbating health inequities if existing health (and social) disparities are not considered. Literature has indicated the broad, systemic causes of digital health inequities could be addressed through policy. This article aims to explore how health inequities are rendered (in)visible in and by digital care policies.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We inductively analysed sixteen Dutch health policy documents focusing on digital care. Employing a constructivist grounded theory approach, we analysed documents to determine how health equity is addressed in relation to digital care.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Although Dutch health policies do consider health inequities, it is not always shown in policies as a concept related to digital care. Health policies portray digital care as progressive and innovative, being able to shape healthcare in several positive ways. The risks of digital care are attended to less, with focus being placed mostly on privacy and data-security rather than also paying attention to digital health inequities.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Policies either ignore digital health equity entirely or present digital health equity in ways that risk overlooking how digital care may subtly aggravate health inequities. This creates a blind spot in which technological deterministic narratives can be disguised. Current policies could unintentionally perpetuate exclusion by not highlighting the role of digital health inequities as a part of the health equity landscape. Policy needs to allow for digital health inequities to be better recognised, allowing digital care to drive, rather than limit, the possibilities for a more equitable future.</div></div><div><h3>Lay Summary</h3><div>Digital care is increasing in popularity, but risks excluding a significant number of people who usually already experience health inequities. Although Dutch health policy does consider health inequities, it is not shown in policies as a concept related to digital care. As a result, health equity risks being forgotten in the development of digital care. Policies portray digital care as being able to shape healthcare in a number of positive ways but do not address the risks it may pose in widening health inequities. Instead, issues like ensuring privacy receive more attention. By being overly optimistic about technology without being cautious about its other social consequences, achieving aims such as affordable and accessible care could be negatively impacted. Policy needs to allow for digital health inequities to be better recognised, allowing digital care to drive, rather than limit, the possibilities for a more equitable future.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48672,"journal":{"name":"Health Policy and Technology","volume":"14 5","pages":"Article 101039"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144212820","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The emergence and future of precision public health: a scoping review","authors":"Ms Rebecca Bosward,&nbsp;Annette Braunack-Mayer,&nbsp;Ms Emma Frost,&nbsp;Stacy Carter","doi":"10.1016/j.hlpt.2025.101056","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hlpt.2025.101056","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Objectives&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Rapid uptake of big data and technologies in healthcare are transforming methodological capabilities in medicine and public health, giving rise to new fields such as precision public health. We conceptualised precision public health as an emerging technology to understand the emergence of this term and its associated characteristics.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;We undertook a scoping review to collate and analyse existing literature on precision public health. Documents in English that mentioned the exact phrase “precision public health” were searched for in CINAHL, Medline, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed on resulting documents to generate an account of precision public health terminology and definitions as well as author and funder characteristics of articles. Data were analysed through a sociotechnical lens, which is an approach for understanding how technologies emerge and disrupt existing systems.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Precision public health was ill-defined at first but is now stabilising. Using an emerging technology conceptual framework, we identified characteristics of precision public health including rapid growth, incoherence, uncertainty about future impacts and outcomes, and ambiguity about use of terminology. Novelty was contested.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusions&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Definitions of precision public health are continuously changing, and terms have different meanings and uses. Lack of consensus on definitions and terms for precision public health may impact progress of resarch. A single definitions of precision public health is not achievable; however, definitions should be negotiable among stakeholders, acknowledge similarities and differences between stakeholder values and expectations, and reflect research and policy objectives.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Public interest summary&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Precision public health is an emerging field which often relies on data-centric approaches, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, to improve population health outcomes, which potentially disrupt traditional evidence-based research methods and practice. We conducted a scoping review of current literature, and conceptualised precision public health as an emerging technology to understand how it impacts evidence-based practice and how terms and definitions of precision public health have changed over time.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;There is currently no consensus around terms and definitions most appropriate for the field and the absence of empirical evidence makes it difficult to evaluate potential future impacts. If precision public health is going to deliver on its promises, researchers and practitioners must be transparent about reporting potential uncertainties, benefits and harms. Definitions should also be open and negotiable among stakeholders in precision public health, and reflect research and policy objectives.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div","PeriodicalId":48672,"journal":{"name":"Health Policy and Technology","volume":"14 5","pages":"Article 101056"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144291212","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Narrative review and bibliometric analysis on infodemics and health misinformation: A trending global issue","authors":"Muhammad Iqhrammullah ,&nbsp;Naufal Gusti ,&nbsp;Asyraf Muzaffar ,&nbsp;Yousef Khader ,&nbsp;Sidik Maulana ,&nbsp;Marius Rademaker ,&nbsp;Asnawi Abdullah","doi":"10.1016/j.hlpt.2025.101058","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hlpt.2025.101058","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The COVID-19 pandemic exposed how infodemics undermine public health efforts, which subsequently led to the promotion of harmful behaviors. This review aimed to examine major sources of misinformation and explore how demographic and socioeconomic factors affect digital and health literacy, shaping vulnerability to infodemics.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A narrative review was conducted to synthesize evidence on the pathways, sources, and social determinants of health misinformation. Additionally, a bibliometric analysis was performed using Scopus data from 1997 to 2024, analyzed via Bibliometrix and VOSviewer. The analysis focused on publications related to infodemics and health misinformation on digital platforms, mapping thematic clusters, trends, and keyword co-occurrences.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Mainstream news media, social media, and scientific journals each play a role in disseminating misinformation, exacerbated by time pressure, algorithmic amplification, and inadequate validation processes. Factors attributable to low digital and health literacy include age, education, income, and internet access, which increase vulnerability to misinformation. The bibliometric analysis revealed exponential growth in related research, peaking during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eight dominant research clusters were identified: Health communication and social media; Infodemiology and data analysis; COVID-19 and misinformation; Public and digital health; Vaccine hesitancy; Risk and infodemic management; Conspiracy theories in social media; and Crisis communication.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Infodemics are driven by multi-source digital misinformation and disproportionately affect those with limited literacy. Fact-checking as a mitigation effort can be developed by leveraging artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing, yet strengthening digital and health literacy remains critical.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48672,"journal":{"name":"Health Policy and Technology","volume":"14 5","pages":"Article 101058"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144480932","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Using ChatGPT in ethical dilemmas and policy-related complex decision making: Are we ready yet?","authors":"Orna Tal ,&nbsp;Yaron Connelly","doi":"10.1016/j.hlpt.2025.101041","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hlpt.2025.101041","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and Objective</h3><div>Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms using language models have emerged as valuable tools in medicine. While AI has demonstrated its ability to address clinical questions, its application in ethical dilemmas remains debated. Some argue that AI can synthesize diverse information to form a comprehensive perspective, while others caution against premature reliance. This study explored the potential of AI in addressing ethical medical dilemmas faced by physicians, transitioning from theoretical discussions to practical solutions.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>ChatGPT-3.5 was presented with three socio-ethical dilemmas relevant to national health policy decisions, and its responses were compared to those of physicians and real-world decisions. The dilemmas included questions on (1) criteria for allocation of technologies when resources are limited (2) personalized treatment, and (3) conflicts between patient requests and health organizations' strategy.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>ChatGPT-3.5 aligned with physicians' views on budget allocation but diverged on age-related criteria. It struggled to resolve conflicts between patient preferences and organizational strategies. Its responses reflected physician paternalism and a private market perspective, emphasizing system-wide benefit (utilitarian approach), likely due to familiarity with private healthcare systems.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>ChatGPT-3.5 demonstrated an evolving capacity to engage with complex medico-ethical dilemmas but also revealed biases and limitations. Policymakers must carefully integrate AI tools, incorporating broader economic and social insights while ensuring adaptability to diverse scenarios. The academic community and clinicians must remain vigilant and regulate the rapid implementation of AI in the increasingly uncertain and evolving healthcare landscape.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48672,"journal":{"name":"Health Policy and Technology","volume":"14 5","pages":"Article 101041"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144549377","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Global ChatGPT interest across healthcare and education access","authors":"Amrit Kirpalani","doi":"10.1016/j.hlpt.2025.101061","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hlpt.2025.101061","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>The rapid adoption of AI tools like ChatGPT has transformed information access, particularly in healthcare. However, engagement with AI may be influenced by factors such as healthcare accessibility and educational resources, with potential implications for misinformation in low-resource settings. This study investigates the relationship between physician density, tertiary education enrollment, and national interest in ChatGPT.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using global datasets. Physician density, tertiary education enrollment, GDP, and internet penetration were sourced from WHO, UNESCO, and the World Bank, respectively. The primary outcome, ChatGPT interest scores, was derived from Google Trends. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were used to explore associations, controlling for GDP and internet penetration. Logistic regression was employed as a sensitivity analysis, categorizing variables into high and low groups.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Data from 100 countries were analyzed. A significant negative correlation was observed between physician density and ChatGPT interest (<em>r</em> = -0.32, <em>p</em> = 0.012). Multiple linear regression confirmed that lower physician density was significantly associated with higher ChatGPT interest (β = -0.2857, <em>p</em> = 0.045). Tertiary education enrollment showed no significant association with ChatGPT interest. Logistic regression supported these findings, with higher physician density significantly reducing the likelihood of high ChatGPT interest (OR = 0.214, <em>p</em> = 0.001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our study suggests that regions with fewer healthcare professionals may engage more with AI tools like ChatGPT, highlighting the need for careful integration of AI into healthcare systems to prevent misinformation and support equitable access to reliable health information.</div></div><div><h3>Public Interest Summary</h3><div>It is well known that people who have difficulty in accessing healthcare may turn to the internet for medical advice, but it is not yet known if artificial intelligence, like ChatGPT, is being adopted by users for this same purpose. Given the widespread use of ChatGPT, this study explored whether ChatGPT interest in different countries was related to the number of physicians in those countries. We found that in countries with fewer doctors per capita, public interest in ChatGPT tends to be higher. While this does not confirm that people are using ChatGPT specifically for medical advice, it raises important questions about how AI may be filling gaps in access to healthcare. Given the potential for AI to spread inaccurate information, these findings highlight the need for careful regulation to ensure AI tools are used responsibly and do not contribute to misinformation in healthcare.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48672,"journal":{"name":"Health Policy and Technology","volume":"14 5","pages":"Article 101061"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144338968","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Use of standardised measurement instruments and technology among Flemish physiotherapists: a cross-sectional online survey on current practices, attitudes, and barriers","authors":"Jorn Ockerman ,&nbsp;Anke Van Bladel ,&nbsp;Jelle Saldien ,&nbsp;Hilde Van Waelvelde ,&nbsp;Lynn Bar-On","doi":"10.1016/j.hlpt.2025.101051","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hlpt.2025.101051","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>The aim of this study was to investigate the current levels of use and attitudes towards standardised measurement instruments and (rehabilitation) technology among physiotherapists in Flanders, Belgium.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This cross-sectional study used an open, online survey, accessible to physiotherapists working in Flanders.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>305 completed records were retrieved. Most respondents were female (73,8 %), had &gt;11 years of clinical experience (54,1 %), and treated &gt;10 patients per day (82,6 %). Less than half of the respondents (47,5 %) reported frequent use of standardised measurement instruments. Treating &lt;15 patients per day and working in a rehabilitation centre were significantly associated with frequent use of measurement instruments. Lack of time and added value were most often reported as perceived barriers for systematic implementation. Regarding technology, respondents reported to lack sufficient knowledge (40,7 %), with 36,7 % using no technology in their clinical practice. Having between 3–10 years of clinical experience and frequently treating neurological disorders were significantly associated with an increased use of technology. Lack of finances, knowledge, time and skills were the most frequently perceived barriers to the use of (rehabilitation) technology.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Frequent use of measurement instruments among Flemish physiotherapists appears to be relatively low and one in ten frequently alters the standardised administration. Though attitudes toward (rehabilitation) technology are positive, its adoption in clinical practice appears to be relatively low. Identified barriers include financial constraints, lack of knowledge, time and skills.</div></div><div><h3>Public interest summary</h3><div>This study investigated how frequently physiotherapists in Flanders, Belgium use standardized measurement instruments (which assess a patient’s health status) and technology during their patients’ treatment. We surveyed 305 physiotherapists and found that fewer than half regularly use measurement instruments. Those who treated fewer patients and worked in rehabilitation centres used these tools more often. Lack of time was most often reported as a barrier for frequent use of measurement instruments.</div><div>Concerning (rehabilitation) technology, many physiotherapists felt they didn't have enough knowledge about such devices and more than one in three used no technology in their clinical practice. Those with 3–10 years of professional experience and those who often treated neurological disorders were more likely to use technology. The biggest barriers to using technology were lack of money, knowledge, time, and skills.</div><div>Stimulating the use of both standardised measurement instruments and rehabilitation technology could yield benefits for both therapist and patient.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48672,"journal":{"name":"Health Policy and Technology","volume":"14 5","pages":"Article 101051"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144604773","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integrating internationally educated nurses into the nursing faculty workforce: a new policy for nursing regulators","authors":"Houssem Eddine Ben-Ahmed ,&nbsp;Intissar Souli ,&nbsp;Emmanuel Akwasi Marfo ,&nbsp;Abir Rebhi","doi":"10.1016/j.hlpt.2025.101057","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hlpt.2025.101057","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nursing faculty shortages received less attention in the literature and media outlets compared to registered clinical nursing staff shortages. One may question whether we do not have enough nursing faculty to teach and train students, who will take that responsibility? This critical question should be addressed by nursing leaders, researchers, and key system partners to develop innovative and sustainable policies that reduce nursing faculty shortages. Otherwise, the nursing faculty shortage would negatively affect the quality of nursing education and lead to a declining number of nursing seats, which should be avoided as we need more nurses in the upcoming years. This paper suggested developing a new policy for nursing regulators, titled “Non-clinical Academic Registration Category”, to support internationally educated nurses (IENs) with master's or doctoral degrees who wish to contribute to the nursing faculty workforce. To better understand the context of this policy and its benefits, the paper described the challenges of the registration process experienced by three IENs and the implications of integrating them into the workforce. Through collective and innovative policies, we can empower the future nursing faculty workforce and rationally respond to the ongoing crisis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48672,"journal":{"name":"Health Policy and Technology","volume":"14 5","pages":"Article 101057"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144321507","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The economic value of virtual primary healthcare services for rural populations: A systematic review","authors":"Digby Simpson ,&nbsp;Kabir Ahmad ,&nbsp;Md Parvez Mosharaf ,&nbsp;Bushra Farah Nasir ,&nbsp;Srinivas Kondalsamy-Chennakesavan ,&nbsp;Matthew McGrail ,&nbsp;Katharine A Wallis ,&nbsp;Khorshed Alam","doi":"10.1016/j.hlpt.2025.101067","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hlpt.2025.101067","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Background&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Virtual healthcare services are increasingly overcoming geographical barriers and improving access to primary healthcare, especially for rural populations. This systematic review evaluates the economic value of virtual healthcare interventions in rural primary healthcare settings.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;A systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Protocol guidelines. The search strategy included databases such as MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and ECOLIT, covering studies published between January 31, 2010, and January 31, 2024. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) 2022 checklist.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Fifteen studies met inclusion criteria. Studies were classified into cost–benefit analyses (&lt;em&gt;n&lt;/em&gt; = 2), cost analysis (&lt;em&gt;n&lt;/em&gt; = 4), and cost-effectiveness/cost-utility (&lt;em&gt;n&lt;/em&gt; = 9) studies. Five studies met over 70 % of CHEERS 2022 reporting criteria. Key findings include significant cost savings and improved cost-effectiveness for interventions targeting elderly populations, Indigenous populations, war veterans, and adults in general.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Discussion&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The review highlights the economic value of virtual healthcare in rural primary healthcare settings, derived from cost savings and cost-effective service provision. However, inconsistencies in defining ‘virtual healthcare’, limited stakeholder engagement, and incomplete reporting of economic outcomes were identified. Future research should further consider the long-term sustainability, inclusion of younger populations, and wider stakeholder consultation in economic evaluations.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusion&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Virtual healthcare is a cost-effective and sustainable solution for strengthening rural primary healthcare systems. Policymakers and healthcare providers are encouraged to scale up rural virtual healthcare models to bridge healthcare disparities and enhance equity in access to healthcare in rural settings.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Public Interest Summary&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;This systematic review critically examined the economic value of virtual healthcare interventions within rural primary healthcare settings. Synthesis of evidence reveals the substantial cost savings and cost-effectiveness of rural virtual healthcare services, particularly for interventions targeting older adults, Indigenous communities, war veterans, and the general adult population.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;The findings underscore the major economic advantages of integrating virtual healthcare into rural primary care services. However, it also highlights limitations, such as inconsistent definitions for ‘virtual healthcare’, insufficient engagement with diverse stakeholders, and incomplete reporting of economic outcomes. Future research should prioritise long-term sustainability, include younger ","PeriodicalId":48672,"journal":{"name":"Health Policy and Technology","volume":"14 5","pages":"Article 101067"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144595675","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"AI in personalized medicine: Bridging ethical and regulatory gaps in resource-limited settings","authors":"Aliasgar Shahiwala","doi":"10.1016/j.hlpt.2025.101052","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hlpt.2025.101052","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":48672,"journal":{"name":"Health Policy and Technology","volume":"14 5","pages":"Article 101052"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144271476","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}