IntroductionVisceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a severe and neglected tropical disease of public health concern. VL is fatal if not treated. Kenya has experienced multiple outbreaks of the disease since 2017. The underlying drivers of the disease risk dynamics, as well as the incubation period, are not well understood. MethodsWe implemented statistical (spatial logistic regression and […]
Synthetic data in medical imaging within the EHDS: a path forward for ethics, regulation, and standards
The increasing availability of medical imaging data offers unprecedented opportunities for advancing artificial intelligence (AI)-driven healthcare. However, strict data protection regulations in the European Union (EU), especially the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), present significant challenges to data sharing and reuse. Synthetic data—artificially generated data that mimic the statistical properties of real data without revealing […]
Wearable technology in the management of complex chronic illness: preliminary survey results on self-reported outcomes
IntroductionComplex chronic illnesses like Long Covid (LC) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) are marked by fluctuating symptoms, often exacerbated by physical, cognitive, or emotional exertion in a phenomenon known as post-exertional malaise (PEM). Home monitoring technologies offer potential benefits by enabling individuals to track symptoms and biometrics, aiding in disease self-management. However, the general […]
Digital home-based multimodal prehabilitation of colorectal cancer patients prior to surgery (the dHOPE study): a non-inferiority clinical trial protocol
BackgroundCancer surgery is associated with risk of complications and loss of function. Vulnerability factors, such as advanced age, malnutrition, smoking, comorbidity, frailty, and low socioeconomic status increase the risk. Lifestyle intervention prior to surgery, known as prehabilitation, often include physical activity, nutritional support, psychological coaching, and smoking cessation, increase functional reserves and reduce postoperative complications. […]
Non-contact human identification through radar signals using convolutional neural networks across multiple physiological scenarios
IntroductionIn recent years, contactless identification methods have gained prominence in enhancing security and user convenience. Radar-based identification is emerging as a promising solution due to its ability to perform non-intrusive, seamless, and hygienic identification without physical contact or reliance on optical sensors. However, being a relatively new technology, research in this domain remains limited. This […]
Hybrid telerehabilitation approach for patellofemoral pain management in South African runners: a feasibility case series
BackgroundPatellofemoral pain (PFP) is a prevalent condition in sports medicine, with rising incidence as sports competitions become increasingly popular. South Africa’s healthcare system faces substantial challenges in delivering rehabilitation services due to geographical constraints, limited resources including professional shortages, and inadequate access to specialised musculoskeletal care. This study evaluated the feasibility of implementing a hybrid […]
Comparative performance evaluation of large language models in answering esophageal cancer-related questions: a multi-model assessment study
BackgroundEsophageal cancer has high incidence and mortality rates, leading to increased public demand for accurate information. However, the reliability of online medical information is often questionable. This study systematically compared the accuracy, completeness, and comprehensibility of mainstream large language models (LLMs) in answering esophageal cancer-related questions.MethodsIn total, 65 questions covering fundamental knowledge, preoperative preparation, surgical […]
Streamlining wearable data integration for EHDS: a case study on advancing healthcare interoperability using Garmin devices and FHIR
IntroductionPatient-Generated Health Data (PGHD) collected through wearable devices such as smartwatches offers new opportunities for personalized care, chronic disease management, and preventive health. Despite this potential, technical, regulatory, and interoperability challenges still limit the integration of PGHD into healthcare systems, especially in relation to standards such as Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) and the European […]
Generalised machine learning models outperform personalised models for cognitive load classification in real-life settings
IntroductionBy issuing work-break reminders, for example, personal assistants for cognitive load could be beneficial in maintaining health and life satisfaction in society. Wearable sensors facilitate the necessary real-time collection of physiological data. Still, publicly available real-life data sets obtained with wearable sensors are scarce, especially considering multi-modal recordings. Furthermore, data is usually recorded in either […]
Assessing the impact of digital health literacy on health management practices in Arab Middle Eastern and North African countries: insights from predictive modeling
BackgroundDigital health literacy is a critical digital determinant of health (DDoH) in the Arab Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, where technological disparities, limited healthcare infrastructure, and diverse socio-cultural contexts significantly impact healthcare access and management.ObjectiveThis study evaluates the impact of digital health literacy on health management practices and ensuing health outcomes in Arab […]
Psychologists’ experiences with telepsychology: qualitative analysis employing GDEISST framework
ObjectiveTo explore Omani psychologists’ perceptions and experiences of telephone-based psychotherapy consultations, specifically regarding service quality, accessibility, and acceptability.MethodsAn exploratory qualitative study was conducted at Al Masarra Hospital in Muscat, Oman, between December 1 and 31, 2024. Five psychologists who provided telephone-based consultations were purposively sampled and participated in semi-structured, face-to-face interviews guided by the first […]
Digital mental health and hidden support: a qualitative analysis of non-suicidal self-injury communities on TikTok
This study examines the digital representation of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) on TikTok, with particular attention to the emergence of online communities and the communicative strategies users employ to share content while evading platform moderation. As TikTok becomes increasingly influential among adolescents and young adults, understanding how sensitive mental health topics like NSSI circulate on the […]