Ameenat Lola Solebo, Lisanne Horvat-Gitsels, Christine Twomey, Siegfried Karl Wagner, Jugnoo S Rahi
{"title":"Socioeconomic and demographic patterning of family uptake of a paediatric electronic patient portal innovation","authors":"Ameenat Lola Solebo, Lisanne Horvat-Gitsels, Christine Twomey, Siegfried Karl Wagner, Jugnoo S Rahi","doi":"10.1101/2024.04.13.24305151","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.04.13.24305151","url":null,"abstract":"<strong>Introduction</strong> Patient portals allowing access to electronic health care records and services can inform and empower, but may widen existing sociodemographic inequities. We aimed to describe associations between activation of a paediatric patient portal and patient race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status and markers of previous engagement with health care.","PeriodicalId":501556,"journal":{"name":"medRxiv - Health Systems and Quality Improvement","volume":"97 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140609155","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Stage-aware Brain Graph Learning for Alzheimer’s Disease","authors":"Ciyuan Peng, Mujie Liu, Chenxuan Meng, Sha Xue, Kathleen Keogh, Feng Xia","doi":"10.1101/2024.04.14.24305804","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.04.14.24305804","url":null,"abstract":"Current machine learning-based Alzheimer’s disease (AD) diagnosis methods fail to explore the distinctive brain patterns across different AD stages, lacking the ability to trace the trajectory of AD progression. This limitation can lead to an oversight of the pathological mechanisms of AD and suboptimal performance in AD diagnosis. To overcome this challenge, this paper proposes a novel stage-aware brain graph learning model. Particularly, we analyze the different brain patterns of each AD stage in terms of stage-specific brain graphs. We design a Stage Feature-enhanced Graph Contrastive Learning method, named SF-GCL, utilizing specific features within each AD stage to perform graph augmentation, thereby effectively capturing differences between stages. Significantly, this study unveils the specific brain patterns corresponding to each AD stage, showing great potential in tracing the trajectory of brain degeneration. Experimental results on a real-world dataset demonstrate the superiority of our model.","PeriodicalId":501556,"journal":{"name":"medRxiv - Health Systems and Quality Improvement","volume":"37 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140609217","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The development of the gynecologic oncology pathway “VivaPathway GT“ – a qualitative study about the transformation from an implicit to an explicit, evidence-based clinical pathway in a Berlin-based tertiary care hospital","authors":"Anne Büscher, Nicolle Reinhold, Joachim Kugler","doi":"10.1101/2024.04.14.24305788","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.04.14.24305788","url":null,"abstract":"<strong>Introduction</strong> Standardization in healthcare is crucial for comprehensive patient care, as emphasized by the WHO and quality management principles. Clinical pathways offer a structured approach to describing essential processes, particularly relevant in gynecologic oncology care. Despite their proven benefits, pathways remain underutilized, highlighting the need for explicit translation of implicit pathways.","PeriodicalId":501556,"journal":{"name":"medRxiv - Health Systems and Quality Improvement","volume":"72 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140609109","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Henry Zakumumpa, Caroline Kyozira, Martin Bulamu, Remmy Buhuguru
{"title":"A health systems analysis of non-compliance to the maternity referral system by health facilities in Uganda: Findings from a mixed-methods study","authors":"Henry Zakumumpa, Caroline Kyozira, Martin Bulamu, Remmy Buhuguru","doi":"10.1101/2024.04.08.24305473","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.04.08.24305473","url":null,"abstract":"<strong>Introduction</strong> A fully functional referral system is central to achieving quality maternal and newborn care. In 2018, Uganda established Kawempe National Referral hospital (KRNH) as the highest level of care for maternity services. There is a dearth of data examining if the referral function for which it was established has been met. The objectives of this study were two fold; i) to assess the appropriateness of in-coming referrals at KRNH ii) to examine factors underpinning referral decisions at lower referring facilities across Uganda.","PeriodicalId":501556,"journal":{"name":"medRxiv - Health Systems and Quality Improvement","volume":"47 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140598000","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pilar Artiach Hortelano, Neil Morton, Paul Wicks, Michael Young, Rebecca Burdell, Duncan Richards
{"title":"“It’s not about the money, money” - Well, actually it is. Divergent views on drivers of early phase clinical trial participation among ethnically diverse potential trial participants in the United Kingdom: A Mixed Methods Study","authors":"Pilar Artiach Hortelano, Neil Morton, Paul Wicks, Michael Young, Rebecca Burdell, Duncan Richards","doi":"10.1101/2024.04.04.24305355","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.04.04.24305355","url":null,"abstract":"<strong>Background</strong> Novel therapeutics should always be tested in a sample representative of the population in need of treatment. Initial efforts of drug development take place in early phase trials (phase-I and -II), setting the direction for late-stage studies (phase-III and -IV). However, study samples in early phase trials typically fail to recruit Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups, which might produce results which don’t generalise to a broader population in later trials, and ultimately, clinical practice. Focusing on early phase clinical trials the present study (1) explored the barriers and incentives that determine participation of ethnic minorities in clinical research, and (2) proposes strategies that mitigate such barriers.","PeriodicalId":501556,"journal":{"name":"medRxiv - Health Systems and Quality Improvement","volume":"25 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140597995","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Matthew Alabi, Leanne Dougherty, Eno-Obong Etim, Adebola Adedimeji
{"title":"DOES QUALITY OF COUNSELING AND EXPOSURE TO FAMILY PLANNING MESSAGES INFLUENCE THE USE OF MODERN CONTRACEPTIVES AMONG WOMEN IN NORTHERN NIGERIA?","authors":"Matthew Alabi, Leanne Dougherty, Eno-Obong Etim, Adebola Adedimeji","doi":"10.1101/2024.04.03.24305214","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.04.03.24305214","url":null,"abstract":"<strong>Background</strong> Family Planning Counselling (FPC) involves information exchange on contraceptive methods between a provider and client and providing appropriate support in choosing a method that best suits the client’s needs. Access to sexual and reproductive health information enables women to make informed health decisions. However, the low modern contraceptive prevalence among women in northern Nigeria may be attributed to poor FPC and exposure to FP messages, among other factors. This study examines the impact of quality FPC and exposure to FP messages on modern contraceptive use.","PeriodicalId":501556,"journal":{"name":"medRxiv - Health Systems and Quality Improvement","volume":"300 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140598270","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jérémie Gallien, George Chen, Yi Zhang, Yuhang Du, Jody Lori, Joseph Sieka, Bentoe Tehoungue
{"title":"A simple mathematical model and physical device to estimate a woman-specific probability of skilled birth assistance and associated benefit of maternity waiting home stay","authors":"Jérémie Gallien, George Chen, Yi Zhang, Yuhang Du, Jody Lori, Joseph Sieka, Bentoe Tehoungue","doi":"10.1101/2024.04.02.24305221","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.04.02.24305221","url":null,"abstract":"This paper presents a simple mathematical model and an associated physical device to predict (i) the risk that a woman’s active labor will begin without a skilled birth attendant based on her parity and anticipated time to access skilled care; and (ii) the extent to which that risk may be reduced by moving to a maternity waiting home some time before her expected due date. This tool is designed to facilitate more systematic discussions and better-informed decisions about labour care access arrangements during antenatal consultations.","PeriodicalId":501556,"journal":{"name":"medRxiv - Health Systems and Quality Improvement","volume":"300 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140597997","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
K Neadley, C Shoubridge, A Smith, S Martin, M Boyd, C Hocking
{"title":"Addressing unmet social needs using a health navigator for patients at a major metropolitan hospital in Australia: a mixed-methods feasibility study","authors":"K Neadley, C Shoubridge, A Smith, S Martin, M Boyd, C Hocking","doi":"10.1101/2024.04.02.24305238","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.04.02.24305238","url":null,"abstract":"<strong>Introduction</strong> Integrating health and social care to address unmet social needs is an emerging priority for health systems worldwide. Screening and referral interventions for unmet social needs in healthcare settings have shown promising results. Most screening and referral interventions are implemented in primary care, despite evidence that disadvantaged populations face substantial barriers to accessing such care. There are few social care interventions in hospital settings. To address this gap, we designed a hospital-based intervention screening an outpatient population for unmet social needs and using a Health Navigator to provide referrals and follow-up to appropriate community and government resources. Here we present a protocol for a feasibility and acceptability study of a hospital-based Health Navigator intervention.","PeriodicalId":501556,"journal":{"name":"medRxiv - Health Systems and Quality Improvement","volume":"30 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140598421","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kathleen M. Foldvari, Paul Stolee, Elena Neiterman, Veronique M. Boscart, Catherine Tong
{"title":"“…but I know something’s not right here”: Exploring the diagnosis and disclosure experiences of persons living with ALS","authors":"Kathleen M. Foldvari, Paul Stolee, Elena Neiterman, Veronique M. Boscart, Catherine Tong","doi":"10.1101/2024.03.14.24304312","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.03.14.24304312","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), an incurable motor neuron disease, primarily affects those between the ages of 60-79, and has an approximate post-diagnosis life--expectancy of only two to five years. The condition has an unpredictable but ultimately terminal trajectory that poses a number of challenges for patients, caregivers and healthcare providers. While the diagnosis and disclosure are critical periods for intervention and support, knowledge regarding the relational, communicational and psychodynamic forces that occur within the process of diagnostic disclosure is relatively limited. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of persons living with ALS in the diagnosis and disclosure of the condition, and the experiences of their caregivers. Methods: We conducted a focus group and in-depth individual interviews with Canadians living with ALS (n = 9), family caregivers (n = 7), a professional caregiver (n = 1), and one past caregiver (1). The interviews were transcribed, cleaned, and anonymized, and then entered into NVivo 11 for thematic analysis. Results: Participants discussed the diagnosis process, including the inklings and subtle changes prior to diagnosis, attempts at self-diagnosis, and the lengthy assessment process. Time was also a consideration in the disclosure process, in which participants shared how the diagnosis disclosure was the product of longstanding conversations with their care providers. It was described as rarely a shock to finally have confirmation. Additionally, participants shared their information seeking strategies and needs for a diagnosis that, for them, typically came with insufficient information on the disease, prognosis, and next steps. Significance: This project serves as an initial step in bridging the relevant gaps in our knowledge and understanding towards improved patient-centered care practices in the diagnosis and disclosure of ALS.","PeriodicalId":501556,"journal":{"name":"medRxiv - Health Systems and Quality Improvement","volume":"39 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140168957","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A Survey on Optimization and Machine -learning-based Fair Decision Making in Healthcare","authors":"Zequn Chen, Wesley J. Marrero","doi":"10.1101/2024.03.16.24304403","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.03.16.24304403","url":null,"abstract":"Background. Unintended biases introduced by optimization and machine learning (ML) models are of great interest to medical professionals. Bias in healthcare decisions can cause patients from vulnerable populations (e.g., racially minoritized, low-income) to have lower access to resources, exacerbating societal unfairness. Purpose. This review aims to identify, describe, and categorize literature regarding bias types, fairness metrics, and bias mitigation methods in healthcare decision making. Data Sources. Google Scholar database was searched to identify published studies. Study Selection. Eligible studies were required to present 1) types of bias 2) fairness metrics and 3) bias mitigation methods within decision-making in healthcare. Data Extraction. Studies were classified according to the three themes mentioned in the Study Selection. Information was extracted concerning the definitions, examples, applications, and limitations of bias types, fairness metrics, and bias mitigation methods. Data Synthesis. In bias type section, we included studies (n=15) concerning different biases. In the fairness metric section, we included studies (n=6) regarding common fairness metrics. In bias mitigation method section, themes included pre-processing methods (n=5), in-processing methods (n=16), and post-processing methods (n=4). Limitations. Most examples in our survey are from the United States since the majority of studies included in this survey were conducted in the United States. In the meanwhile, we limited the search language to English, so we may not capture some meaningful articles in other languages. Conclusions. Several types of bias, fairness metrics, and bias mitigation methods (especially optimization and machine learning-based methods) were identified in this review, with common themes based on analytical approaches. We also found topics such as explainability, fairness metric selection, and integration of prediction and optimization are promising directions for future studies.","PeriodicalId":501556,"journal":{"name":"medRxiv - Health Systems and Quality Improvement","volume":"26 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140168960","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}