BackgroundJordan and Palestine face public health challenges due to infectious diseases, with the added detrimental factors of long-term conflict, forced relocation, and lack of resources. Added to these are the increased rates of morbidity and mortality from having limited healthcare services available due to a lack of funding, poor disease surveillance systems, and entrenched systemic […]
From pilot to policy: why AI health interventions fail to scale in developing countries
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Convolutional automatic identification of B-lines and interstitial syndrome in lung ultrasound images using pre-trained neural networks with feature fusion
IntroductionInterstitial/alveolar syndrome (IS) is a condition detectable on lung ultrasound (LUS) that indicates underlying pulmonary or cardiac diseases associated with significant morbidity and increased mortality rates. However, diagnosing IS using LUS can be challenging and time-consuming, and it requires clinical expertise.MethodsIn this study, multiple convolutional neural network (CNN) models were trained as binary classifiers to […]
Epistemic and ethical limits of large language models in evidence-based medicine: from knowledge to judgment
BackgroundThe rapid evolution of general large language models (LLMs) provides a promising framework for integrating artificial intelligence into medical practice. While these models are capable of generating medically relevant language, their application in evidence inference in clinical scenarios may pose potential challenges. This study employs empirical experiments to analyze the capability boundaries of current general-purpose […]
The intention to adopt mental mHealth services in emergencies: pre-engagement social determinants of PTSD-Coach app use
Trauma-focused mobile health (mHealth) applications, such as PTSD-Coach, hold significant potential to address acute psychological needs following large-scale emergencies, yet adoption remains inconsistent. This study examined associations between psychosocial resources and intention to adopt the Hebrew version of PTSD-Coach in Israel after the October 7, 2023, terror attack, which triggered widespread collective trauma and ongoing […]
Areaalzheimer: development of a digital platform for caregivers based on the results of a needs analysis and mixed-methods pilot evaluation process
IntroductionThis study describes the user-centred design and evaluation of AreAreaAlzheimer, a web-based digital platform developed to support family caregivers of individuals with dementia, especially Alzheimer disease. The initiative sought to ensure that technological solutions effectively address caregivers’ actual needs through active user participation at every stage of development.MethodsFollowing an iterative, participatory design approach, 419 individuals […]
Predictive fetal medicine and the ownership of prenatal data: legal, ethical, and professional challenges
Advances in artificial intelligence and multi-omic analysis are transforming fetal medicine from a diagnostic discipline into a predictive one. Yet the legal, deontological, and ethical frameworks that govern prenatal and fetal data have not evolved accordingly. Current regulations protect the mother as a patient but do not recognize the fetus—or the future child—as a legal […]
The Jaga Diri digital intervention improved knowledge and adherence to weekly iron-folic acid supplementation among adolescent girls in Maluku Province, Indonesia
IntroductionAdherence to weekly iron/folic acid (IFA) supplementation, a vital intervention to combat anaemia among adolescent girls, remains a global challenge, including in Maluku Province, Indonesia. This study assessed the effect of “Jaga Diri” application, in enhancing knowledge and adherence to IFA supplementation among adolescent girls from Salahutu Sub-District of Maluku Province, Indonesia.MethodsIn mid-2024, a quasi-experimental […]
Impact of tele-ultrasound on novice users in patients with suspected COVID-19 in an urgent care setting
BackgroundPoint-of-care lung ultrasound (LUS) has been described for the evaluation of lung pathologies such as pneumothorax, pneumonia, and COVID-19 infections. It is rapidly deployed, portable, and accurate for LUS diagnoses. However, a learning curve limits its use, and teleguidance has been proposed as a solution. In this study, we primarily seek to measure the effect […]
Neurorehabilitation technologies and functional recovery after brain injury: influence of sex, an integrative review
BackgroundAcquired brain injury (ABI), which includes traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke, is a leading cause of disability. Evidence shows that sex may influence functional recovery post-acquired brain injury, potentially due to biological (e.g., hormones) and social factors (e.g., caregiver availability). Meanwhile, new neurorehabilitation technologies—such as virtual reality, robotic-assistance, and brain-computer interfaces—offer promising avenues for […]
Acceptability and use determinants of digital health technologies for HIV services: a qualitative study of emergency care patients in Nairobi, Kenya
Digital health technologies (DHTs) represent a promising strategy to improve access to HTS (HIV testing services), particularly among underserved higher-risk populations often missed by current programming, including young adults under 25 years. In 2017, Kenya’s Ministry of Health introduced BeSure™, a DHT providing information on HIV, self-testing, and facility geo-location. Given increased risks for HIV […]
Young males in crisis: pathways, usage and acceptability of an online messenger based psychosocial counselling service
IntroductionBoys and young men face an elevated risk of mental health problems and suicidality, yet they remain less likely than their female peers to seek professional help. Online counselling services such as krisenchat offer low-threshold support and may help reduce gender-specific barriers, but little is known about how young men use these services.ObjectiveThis study investigates […]