{"title":"Overview of outcomes measurement tools used to evaluate outpatient and home-based exercise-based pulmonary rehabilitation programs for COVID-19: A systematic review","authors":"Fabrice Gambaraza , Germain Perrin , Sven Günther , Virginie Korb-Savoldelli , Anne-Isabelle Tropeano , Thibaut Caruba , Sarah Berdot , Brigitte Sabatier","doi":"10.1016/j.hsr.2026.100262","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hsr.2026.100262","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This systematic review summarizes outcome measurement tools used in studies on outpatient and home-based rehabilitation for COVID-19. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PEDro were searched up to November 2025, to identify comparative studies evaluating exercise training programs in COVID-19 patients. Respiratory function measures were the primary outcomes, physical and cognitive/psychosocial outcomes being secondary endpoints. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-experimental and observational studies in adults with COVID-19, both non-hospitalized and those after discharge, were included. Seventy-two studies were included: forty-six RCTs (63.9%), twenty-two before-after studies (30.6%), and other designs (5.6%, <em>n</em> = 4). Forty studies assessed home-based telerehabilitation via apps or online platforms (55.6%), eleven evaluated unsupervised home-based exercise (15.3%), twenty focused on outpatient rehabilitation centers (27.8%) and one (1.4%) evaluated a hybrid program. Most studies (69.4%) reported short-term interventions (≤ 2 months). Proportion of respiratory outcomes measures showing improvements post-intervention ranged from 0 to 100% (mean ± SD: 54.8 ± 39.6%), and physical outcome measures, from 0 to 100% (mean ± SD: 67.1 ± 39.9%). However, 65.3% of studies had a high risk of bias. The most reported outcome measures were the mMRC and spirometric parameters (respiratory function), the 6-MWD (physical function), and HADS and SF-36 (psychosocial function). Nevertheless, this review highlights the considerable heterogeneity of outcomes measures in outpatient and home-based rehabilitation studies for COVID-19. While potential benefits are suggested, conclusions are limited by methodological quality and inconsistent outcome reporting. These results emphasize the need for standardized outcome measurement tools sets to improve comparability and enable meta-analyses.</div><div><strong>Trial registration:</strong> The study protocol has been registered in the PROSPERO database dated 26<sup>th</sup> September 2022 (registration number CRD42022362933).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73214,"journal":{"name":"Health sciences review (Oxford, England)","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 100262"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146078578","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}
Danladi Makeri , Emmanuel Eilu , Martin Odoki , Priscilla Peter Dilli , Ezera Agwu
{"title":"Prevalence and complications of diabetes mellitus in Uganda: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Danladi Makeri , Emmanuel Eilu , Martin Odoki , Priscilla Peter Dilli , Ezera Agwu","doi":"10.1016/j.hsr.2025.100253","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hsr.2025.100253","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Diabetes mellitus is a growing public health concern in Uganda, with rising prevalence and significant complications. However, the overall burden and regional distribution remain inadequately characterized. This systematic review and meta-analysis determined the pooled prevalence of Diabetes mellitus and its associated complications in Uganda to guide public health interventions. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases and Google scholar search engine on the 4th of September 2024 using the keywords “Diabetes mellitus” and “Uganda” combined using the boolean operators AND and OR. The search was run with no restriction to study type or year of publication. Study identification, selection, and inclusion adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute risk of bias checklist for prevalence studies, and data were synthesized using a random-effects meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I² statistic, and publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger’s regression test. Thirty-nine (39) Ugandan studies published between 1996 and 2024 were included in this study. All studies reported either prevalence or complications of Diabetes mellitus or both, and cumulatively recruited 52,111 respondents from different regions of the country. The pooled prevalence of Diabetes mellitus in Uganda is 7 % (95 % CI:5 - 10), 2 times higher than 2023 Uganda NCD Risk Factor STEPS Survey. The central region had the highest prevalence at 22 %, 4 and 7 times higher than the pooled prevalence in the eastern and western regions, respectively. Common complications included peripheral neuropathy 46.4 % (95 % CI: 31.8–61.6), hypertension 45 % (95 % CI: 30.9–59.6), visual impairment 28 % (95 % CI: 14.0–49.0), and diabetic foot ulcers 8.73 % (95 % CI: 3.8–18.8). We conclude that 1 in 14 Ugandans suffers Diabetes mellitus, and is at risk of visual impairment, peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, and diabetic foot ulcers. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted public health interventions to reduce the burden of Diabetes mellitus and its complications in Uganda.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73214,"journal":{"name":"Health sciences review (Oxford, England)","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 100253"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145898087","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}
Marike J Ulehake , Janneke PC Grutters , Marcel Verheij , Ellen JL Brunenberg
{"title":"Exploring the value of online adaptive image-guided radiotherapy: A scoping review","authors":"Marike J Ulehake , Janneke PC Grutters , Marcel Verheij , Ellen JL Brunenberg","doi":"10.1016/j.hsr.2026.100261","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hsr.2026.100261","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To facilitate informed decision-making, it is important to understand what value online adaptive image-guided radiotherapy (ART) provides for patients, professionals and society. This review aimed to summarize how the value of online ART is described and measured in literature, by providing an overview of the outcome measures used to define value and the relevant reflections on online ART’s value.</div><div>We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for original articles on online, adaptive image-guided radiotherapy with a focus on re-planning. Both qualitative and quantitative studies were included. For quantitative studies, we extracted outcome measures, study details, system used, and treatment characteristics. For qualitative studies, we extracted value-related text lines, study details and information on innovation and patient study sample.</div><div>We included 89 publications, 59 publications of quantitative studies 30 qualitative studies. In the quantitative studies toxicity (75%) was most frequently measured, followed by survival (>56%). Less frequent measures included disease progression, quality of life and patient acceptance. In the qualitative studies four main themes emerged: enhancing treatment accuracy to improve clinical outcomes and patient comfort, advancing professional expertise, lack of clinical evidence, and financial implications.</div><div>This review summarizes how the value of online ART is represented in literature. While clinical outcomes such as toxicity and survival are reported in nearly all quantitative studies, broader reflections highlight also patient aspects, advancing professional expertise and financial considerations. Integrating both quantitative and qualitative insights is crucial to fully capture the value of online ART.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73214,"journal":{"name":"Health sciences review (Oxford, England)","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 100261"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146188754","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":"Perceived benefits of nurses’ involvement in health policy: A regional narrative review from middle Eastern and South Asian countries","authors":"Pooyan Ghorbani Vajargah, Poorya Takasi, Rasoul Tabari-Khomeiran","doi":"10.1016/j.hsr.2025.100256","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hsr.2025.100256","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><strong>:</strong> Nurses play a critical role in healthcare systems, yet their active involvement in health policymaking remains limited. Comprehending the advantages of such engagement can provide critical insights for the advancement of the nursing profession and the enhancement of health systems. The goal of this narrative review was to look at and combine the evidence that already exists about the perceived benefits of nurses' involvement in health policymaking within Middle Eastern and South Asian countries.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>An extensive literature search was performed across various databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Research published in English till June 2025 was evaluated. Inclusion criteria focused on studies that reported benefits of nurses’ involvement in health policy. Data from five eligible studies were analyzed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Six studies from Jordan, Iran, Egypt, and Pakistan met the inclusion criteria. Despite predominantly low levels of actual participation, nurses reported multiple perceived benefits of involvement in health policymaking. These benefits included individual-level development (such as skill acquisition, confidence building, and professional growth), contributions to public and population health, opportunities for communication and influence, and strengthened nursing autonomy and system performance. Qualitative findings also identified several facilitators such as collaboration, organizational support, and more accessible policy pathways that may enhance nurses’ engagement in policymaking.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Nurses in Middle Eastern and South Asian countries perceive clear personal, professional, and system-level benefits from participating in health policymaking, including skill development, increased confidence, and contributions to public health. Despite these recognized advantages, actual participation remains limited. Strengthening organizational and structural support may help translate these perceived benefits into greater policy engagement.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73214,"journal":{"name":"Health sciences review (Oxford, England)","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 100256"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146038521","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}
Kelly D. Stamp , Marilyn A. Prasun , Thomas P. McCoy , Lisa Rathman
{"title":"Utility of the New York heart association functional classification compared to other measures: A systematic review","authors":"Kelly D. Stamp , Marilyn A. Prasun , Thomas P. McCoy , Lisa Rathman","doi":"10.1016/j.hsr.2025.100241","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hsr.2025.100241","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This systematic review comprised of an assessment of the relevant literature for measures that were most similar to the New York Heart Association Functional Classification. Additionally, we assessed whether those measures compared in accuracy with the New York Heart Association Functional Classification when assigning the functional class of patients with heart failure. The review included seven articles that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Our findings were that New York Heart Association Functional Classification was predictive of functional limitations in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction when compared to other measures. However, there was limited evidence to support the predictive ability of New York Heart Association Functional Classification in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. A more objective way to improve accuracy of New York Heart Association Functional Classification could be to assign metabolic equivalent levels to each functional class.</div><div>For future directions, a clear objective definition of functional class that is in alignment with the associated symptoms is needed to ensure consistent assignment. In addition, further testing of the New York Heart Association Functional Classification in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction with reproducibility is warranted.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73214,"journal":{"name":"Health sciences review (Oxford, England)","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100241"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144891844","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}
Adrian Crawford , Neil Ashwood , Akhshay George , Gur Aziz Singh Sidhu
{"title":"Trauma registries compared: A systemic review of the barriers, enablers, and the path to standardisation","authors":"Adrian Crawford , Neil Ashwood , Akhshay George , Gur Aziz Singh Sidhu","doi":"10.1016/j.hsr.2025.100240","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hsr.2025.100240","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>National trauma registries were introduced 20 years ago to improve care of the multiply injured patients through benchmarking and accreditation of dedicated trauma centres. However, variability in registry design, lack of long-term functional outcome data has limited its use. A standardised dataset has been agreed upon, but not implemented which has made it difficult to obtain meaningful results, particularly in frail elderly populations.</div><div>This narrative synthesis aims to identify enablers of standardised data collection and reporting, that improves care within all levels of hospitalised trauma patients. Eligible studies were identified through systematic searches of Medline, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases using a comprehensive algorithm designed to maximise sensitivity. Registry websites, annual reports, and data dictionaries were also reviewed. Two researchers independently screened studies extracted data on barriers and enablers, and assessed study quality using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomised Studies (MINORS). A thematic analysis was conducted to synthesise findings.</div><div>Barriers to effective registry included inconsistent funding, limited infrastructure and exclusion of high-risk groups, such as elderly. Enablers included government mandates, standardised methods and broad inclusion criteria. While many registries demonstrated improved mortality tracking and injury prevention strategies, very few captured long-term disability outcomes or needs of elderly patients.</div><div>Trauma care requires standardised registries with comparable datasets to enable benchmarking and improve outcomes focussed on recovery from the long-term impacts of trauma, particularly among frail elderly populations. Collaboration between trauma registries of all levels is essential to develop robust systems that drive meaningful changes in practice worldwide.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73214,"journal":{"name":"Health sciences review (Oxford, England)","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100240"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145018433","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}
Robert P. Passarelli , Mehmet Acar , Murat Demirel , Cagatay Ozturk , Burcin Ekser
{"title":"Impact of artificial intelligence and virtual reality on the rehabilitation of general patients and patients undergoing surgical treatment","authors":"Robert P. Passarelli , Mehmet Acar , Murat Demirel , Cagatay Ozturk , Burcin Ekser","doi":"10.1016/j.hsr.2025.100246","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hsr.2025.100246","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Physical rehabilitation aims to restore various bodily functions through professional monitoring and directed therapies, such as physical and occupational therapies. These rehabilitation methods can be time-consuming, costly, and even not accessible for patients. Effective rehabilitation is crucial for improving a patient’s quality of life and treatment outcome. Studies referenced in this review prove early and effective rehabilitation in reducing hospital stays and treatment costs.</div><div>Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) are enhancing rehabilitation practices. VR, using augmented reality, helps stimulate sensory experiences and is increasingly applied in kinematics, neurorehabilitation, and motor rehabilitation. Studies have demonstrated that AI and VR can improve patient outcomes by facilitating better analysis and faster recovery compared to traditional methods.</div><div>A review of current literature between 2015 and 2025 highlights the growing use of AI/VR in rehabilitation. Notable findings include VR's effectiveness in orthopedics and stroke recovery, with improvements in functional scores and reduced patient costs. However, limitations include the need for larger studies and more comprehensive testing to fully validate these technologies.</div><div>Overall, AI and VR show promise for revolutionizing rehabilitation, offering potential benefits like shorter recovery times and cost savings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73214,"journal":{"name":"Health sciences review (Oxford, England)","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100246"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145519592","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":"Semaglutide and weight management in the Arab countries: Focus on the United Arab Emirates","authors":"Sabina Semiz","doi":"10.1016/j.hsr.2025.100244","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hsr.2025.100244","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA), demonstrated significant efficacy in managing obesity and T2D. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where these conditions are highly prevalent, semaglutide is being increasingly used. However, concerns remain regarding its safety, particularly thyroid-related and gastrointestinal (GI) side-effects. This review aims to investigate the options available for weight management and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of GLP-1RAs, such as semaglutide, in treating obesity and T2D, with a focus on clinical outcomes in the UAE population. A literature review was performed on GLP-1RA/semaglutide’s effectiveness and safety in obesity and T2D, with a special attention to its impact on weight loss and adverse effects, including thyroid and GI side-effects, as well as evidence gaps related to long-term outcomes and pediatric use. Current evidence supports semaglutide’s clinical benefits, but also highlight potential risks, including GI discomfort and thyroid cancer risk. Although conclusive link between GLP-1RA and thyroid cancer risk is not elucidated yet due to conflicting studies reporting either elevated risk or no significant correlation, ongoing monitoring and cautious treatment in high-risk population are highly advised. Given the rising prevalence of thyroid disorders and increasing rates of thyroid cancer in the UAE, there is concern that the Emirati population may face a higher risk of thyroid-related adverse effects compared to global population. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> While GLP-1RA/semaglutide presents a promising option for obesity and T2D management, further studies with extended durations and detailed safety assessments are essential to guide its effective clinical use in the UAE and globally.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73214,"journal":{"name":"Health sciences review (Oxford, England)","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100244"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145415584","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}
Michael Wong , Sami Siddiqui , Gift Nnamdi , Bianca Nguyen , Nika Harutyunyan , Anna Dermenchyan
{"title":"Addressing language barriers in U.S. healthcare: The role of CLAS standards, telehealth, and policy in supporting limited english proficiency populations","authors":"Michael Wong , Sami Siddiqui , Gift Nnamdi , Bianca Nguyen , Nika Harutyunyan , Anna Dermenchyan","doi":"10.1016/j.hsr.2025.100249","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hsr.2025.100249","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The United States is home to 29.6 million individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP), a population facing persistent healthcare disparities despite legal protections under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and the Affordable Care Act. LEP individuals experience higher uninsured rates, lower use of preventive care, and poorer health outcomes than their English-proficient counterparts. These disparities are compounded by broader social drivers of health, such as income, education, housing, and digital access, which influence communication and care navigation. Systemic deficiencies in language access policies, including inconsistent implementation of Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) standards and limited provider training, further exacerbate inequities.</div><div>The COVID-19 pandemic intensified these challenges but also catalyzed the adoption of telehealth and remote interpretation, which improved access in some areas while introducing new barriers, including technological limitations and disparities in digital literacy. Only 13% of hospitals meet all CLAS language-related benchmarks due to interpreter shortages, insufficient multilingual materials, and inadequate reimbursement. The unwinding of the Medicaid Continuous Enrollment Provision has also increased the risk of coverage loss for LEP beneficiaries, especially when re-enrollment processes are not language accessible.</div><div>This narrative review examines barriers to implementing effective language services, the operational and policy implications of these gaps, and the role of telehealth, AI-based tools, and community partnerships in advancing equity. Strengthening provider training, health system infrastructure, and policy frameworks is essential to improving culturally and linguistically appropriate care for diverse populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73214,"journal":{"name":"Health sciences review (Oxford, England)","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100249"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145571452","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}