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Health care systems have become increasingly more reliant on patients' ability to navigate the digital world. However, little research has been conducted on why some communities are less able or less likely to successfully engage with digital health technologies (DHTs), particularly among culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) populations. This systematic review aimed to determine the barriers to and facilitators of interacting with DHTs from the perspectives of CaLD population groups, including racial or ethnic minority groups, immigrants and refugees, and Indigenous or First Nations people. A systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies was conducted. Peer-reviewed literature published between January 2011 and June 2022 was searched across 3 electronic databases. Terms for digital health were combined with terms for cultural or linguistic diversity, ethnic minority groups, or Indigenous and First Nations people and terms related to barriers to accessing digital technologies. A qualitative thematic synthesis was conducted to identify descriptive and analytical themes of barriers to and facilitators of interacting with DHTs. Quality appraisal was performed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Of the 1418 studies identified in the electronic search, a total of 34 (2.4%) were included in this review. Half of the included studies (17/34, 50%) were conducted in the United States. There was considerable variation in terms of the CaLD backgrounds of the participants. In total, 26% (9/34) of the studies focused on Indigenous or First Nations communities, 41% (14/34) were conducted among ethnic minority populations, 15% (5/34) of the studies were conducted among immigrants, and 18% (6/34) were conducted in refugee communities. Of the 34 studies, 21 (62%) described the development or evaluation of a digital health intervention, whereas 13 (38%) studies did not include an intervention but instead focused on elucidating participants' views and behaviors in relation to digital health. From the 34 studies analyzed, 18 descriptive themes were identified, each describing barriers to and facilitators of interacting with DHTs, which were grouped into 7 overarching analytical themes: using technology, design components, language, culture, health and medical, trustworthiness, and interaction with others. This study identified several analytic and descriptive themes influencing access to and uptake of DHTs among CaLD populations, including Indigenous and First Nations groups. We found that cultural factors affected all identified themes to some degree and that cultural and linguistic perspectives should be considered in the design and delivery of DHTs, with this best served through the inclusion of the target communities at all stages of development. This may improve the potential of DHTs to be more acceptable, appropriate, and accessible to population groups currently at risk of not obtaining the full benefits of digital health.

Patients often have difficulty comprehending or recalling information given to them by their healthcare providers. Use of 'teach-back' has been shown to improve patients' knowledge and self-care abilities, however there is little guidance for healthcare services seeking to embed teach-back in their setting. This review aims to synthesize evidence about the translation of teach-back into practice including mode of delivery, use of implementation strategies and effectiveness. We searched Ovid Medline, CINAHL, Embase and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies reporting the use of teach-back as an educational intervention, published up to July 2019. Two reviewers independently extracted study data and assessed methodologic quality. Implementation strategies were extracted into distinct categories established in the Implementation Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) project. Overall, 20 studies of moderate quality were included in this review (four rated high, nine rated moderate, seven rated weak). Studies were heterogeneous in terms of setting, population and outcomes. In most studies (n = 15), teach-back was delivered as part of a simple and structured educational approach. Implementation strategies were infrequently reported (n = 10 studies). The most used implementation strategies were training and education of stakeholders (n = 8), support for clinicians (n = 6) and use of audits and provider feedback (n = 4). Use of teach-back proved effective in 19 of the 20 studies, ranging from learning-related outcomes (e.g. knowledge recall and retention) to objective health-related outcomes (e.g. hospital re-admissions, quality of life). Teach-back was found to be effective across a wide range of settings, populations and outcome measures. While its mode of delivery is well-defined, strategies to support its translation into practice are not often described. Use of implementation strategies such as training and education of stakeholders and supporting clinicians during implementation may improve the uptake and sustainability of teach-back and achieve positive outcomes.

Introduction There is growing evidence to support the use of co‐design in developing interventions across many disciplines. This scoping review aims to examine how co‐design methodology has been used in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) secondary prevention interventions within health and community settings. Methods We searched four academic databases for studies that used the co‐design approach to develop their intervention. Studies were included if consumers (adults with CVD) and key stakeholders (e.g. clinicians, service providers) were involved in the co‐design process. The review focused on methodology rather than traditional study outcomes; therefore, co‐design processes and activities were extracted and evaluated against a selected co‐design framework. Results Twenty‐two studies were included in this review. Studies were implemented across various settings with consumers and stakeholder groups most frequently consisting of patients and healthcare professionals, respectively. Most studies specifically stated that they used a ‘co‐design’ approach (n = 10); others used terms such as participatory action research (n = 3), user‐centred design (n = 3) and community‐based participatory research (n = 2). Although there was variability in terminology, co‐design processes, and participants, all studies adhered to the key principles of consumer engagement. Predominant co‐design activities included semistructured interviews, focus groups, co‐design/development workshops and advisory group meetings. Intervention effectiveness was assessed in eight studies showing mixed results. Conclusions This review provides an overview of how the co‐design approach has previously been used in the development of CVD secondary prevention interventions. These findings provide methodological considerations that can guide researchers and healthcare services when implementing co‐design to develop feasible and acceptable interventions that can improve outcomes for CVD populations. Patient or Public Contribution No patients, service users, caregivers, people with lived experience or members of the public were involved in this scoping review. This review article was written by academics who have undertaken a significant amount of co‐design work with consumers and stakeholders.

ObjectivesTo evaluate whether implementing the Comprehensive Assessment and Risk Evaluation (CARE) record, developed to operationalise Standard 5: Comprehensive Care of the Australian National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards was associated with improvements in patient safety and quality of care. A secondary objective was to explore staff and patient experiences of implementation.DesignMixed-methods pre–post evaluation combining quantitative analysis of routinely collected hospital data with staff surveys and patient interviews.SettingA metropolitan hospital network in Melbourne, Victoria, AustraliaParticipantsQuantitative analysis included 88 041 admissions pre-implementation and 23 765 post implementation. Staff surveys were completed by 117 staff (84% nurses, 60% with >5 years at the service). Structured interviews were conducted with 39 patients (mean age 65.6 years, 64% male).InterventionThe CARE record was a structured record embedding validated risk assessments (STRATIFY, Braden Scale, Malnutrition Screening Tool, Confusion Assessment Method/4 ‘A’s Test, Broset Violence Checklist, Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale) and care planning into routine workflows, to meet requirements of Standard 5.Primary and secondary outcome measuresPrimary outcomes were the incidence of falls and pressure injuries. Secondary outcomes were completion of the CARE record, staff and patient experiences, and documentation of other hospital-acquired complications (HACs) (delirium, malnutrition, violence and aggression, suicide and self-harm). Data were compared for two time periods: 1 January 2016 to 28 February 2019 (before CARE record implementation) and 1 March 2019 to 30 March 2020 (after CARE record implementation but before COVID-19).ResultsPost implementation, overall falls decreased (OR 0.85; 95% CI 0.78 to 0.93), though severe falls increased (OR 1.89; 95% CI 1.17 to 3.07). Pressure injuries decreased in coded data (OR 0.41; 95% CI 0.23 to 0.73) and incident reports (OR 0.79; 95% CI 0.68 to 0.92). Documentation of delirium (OR 2.02), malnutrition (OR 2.03), aggression/violence (OR 2.09) and suicide/self-harm (OR 1.92) increased. Half of the staff (50.4%) felt they knew more about patients, but 61.2% reported more time to admit patients. Communication between nursing and allied health improved (65.8%). Patients were generally satisfied, though 50% repeated information frequently and 20% felt unprepared for discharge.ConclusionsCARE record implementation, mandated by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care’s Standard 5, was associated with fewer pressure injuries and overall falls (though there was an increase in falls resulting in serious injury), and greater documentation of other complications. Staff and patient experiences highlighted some benefits but also documentation time challenges. Findings provide lessons for the national implementation of Standard 5 and the need to balance structured processes with clinical judgement.

BackgroundThe establishment of an emergency medical services (EMS) pathway into a virtual emergency service—the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED)—introduced a video-enabled telehealth consultation service for patients assessed and treated by paramedics. This study examined the utilisation of the VVED by EMS in Victoria, Australia, including its impact on rates of non-transport to hospital and EMS reattendance.MethodsA retrospective study of all presentations (aged ≥12 years) to EMS between October 2021 and May 2023. EMS data were linked to VVED records. Surveys were distributed following VVED consultation to explore patient experience. Interrupted time-series analyses were used to evaluate the impact of VVED on non-transport rates and EMS reattendance within 24 hours. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine predictors of non-transport and EMS reattendance.ResultsThere were 914 747 EMS presentations within the study period, of which 30 433 (3.3%) were referred to VVED. Compared with those not referred, those referred to VVED were older with fewer vital sign derangements. Of VVED referrals, the median case time was 23 min shorter compared with cases not referred to VVED, and 74% were not transported. Compared with baseline, the VVED phase-in period was associated with a non-significant change in level (incident rate ratios (IRR): 1.03, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.06) and significant change in trend per 30 days (IRR: 1.01, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.02) for non-transports. Full implementation of VVED was associated with a step-reduction (IRR: 0.96, 95% CI 0.92 to 0.99) and downward trend per 30 days (IRR: 0.99, 95% CI 0.98 to 0.99). In both the VVED phase-in and full implementation periods, no associations were found for reattendance to EMS. After adjustment for clinical presentation and acuity, VVED referral was associated with a 16-fold (adjusted OR: 15.97 95% CI 15.53 to 16.43) increase in the odds of non-transport. Among the 8.9% of patients who responded to the survey, satisfaction of the VVED was high (91.1%).ConclusionThe EMS-VVED referral pathway contributed to significant improvements in ambulance non-transports and case-time savings.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and sarcopenia (low skeletal muscle mass and function) share a bidirectional relationship. The prevalence of these diseases increases with age and they share common risk factors. Skeletal muscle fat infiltration, commonly referred to as myosteatosis, may be a major contributor to both T2DM and sarcopenia in older adults via independent effects on insulin resistance and muscle health. Many strategies to manage T2DM result in energy restriction and subsequent weight loss, and this can lead to significant declines in muscle mass in the absence of resistance exercise, which is also a first-line treatment for sarcopenia. In this review, we highlight recent evidence on established treatments and emerging therapies targeting weight loss and muscle mass and function improvements in older adults with, or at risk of, T2DM and/or sarcopenia. This includes dietary, physical activity and exercise interventions, new generation incretin-based agonists and myostatin-based antagonists, and endoscopic bariatric therapies. We also highlight how digital health technologies and health literacy interventions can increase uptake of, and adherence to, established and emerging treatments and therapies in older adults with T2DM and/or sarcopenia.

Emergency department (ED) overcrowding remains a persistent challenge in global public health, leading to detrimental outcomes for patients and healthcare professionals. Traditional approaches to improve this issue have been insufficient, prompting exploration of novel strategies such as virtual care interventions. Our team developed the first comprehensive statewide virtual ED in Australia, the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department, offering an alternative to in‐person care for non‐life‐threatening emergencies. Here, we present the development and ongoing refinement of this pioneering virtual care service, aiming to provide insights for hospital administrators and policymakers seeking to implement patient‐centric care solutions worldwide. By sharing our model of care, we hope to guide further work toward addressing the global problem of over crowded EDs.

IntroductionDespite evidence showing that timely diagnosis and appropriate pharmacological treatment of osteoporosis reduces subsequent fracture rates, osteoporosis remains significantly underdiagnosed and undertreated. The large and ongoing treatment gap for osteoporosis and associated fragility fractures could be addressed by considering systematic approaches for post-fracture care in the primary care setting. This study will develop the Integrating Post-Fracture Care into Primary Care (interFRACT) care program that aims to enhance diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and improve initiation and adherence to fracture prevention strategies for older adults in the primary care setting.Methods and analysisThis mixed-methods study will follow an established co-design approach that involves six steps; the first three aim to gain an understanding of the consumer experience and needs, while the latter three focus on how to improve that experience through design and action. This will include: development of a Stakeholder Advisory Committee to provide guidance on all aspects of study design, including implementation, evaluation and dissemination; interviews with primary care physicians to explore beliefs and attitudes towards osteoporosis and fracture treatment; interviews with consumers (older adults with a diagnosis of osteoporosis and/or fragility fracture) to identify current needs for osteoporosis treatment and fracture prevention; a series of co-design workshops to develop the components of the interFRACT care program based on published guidance and findings from interviews; and a feasibility study with primary care physicians to determine the usability and acceptability of the interFRACT care program.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was obtained from Deakin University Human Research Ethics Committee (approval number: HEAG-H 56_2022). Study results will be published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at national and international conferences, and collated in reports for participating primary care practices.

Deficits in health literacy are common in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), and this is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. In this scoping review, we sought to identify health literacy interventions that aimed to improve outcomes in patients with CAD, using a contemporary conceptual model that captures multiple aspects of health literacy. We searched electronic databases for studies published since 2010. Eligible were studies of interventions supporting patients with CAD to find, understand and use health information via one of the following: building social support for health; empowering people with lower health literacy; improving interaction between patients and the health system; improving health literacy capacities of clinicians or facilitating access to health services. Studies were assessed for methodological quality, and findings were analysed through qualitative synthesis. In total, 21 studies were included. Of these, 10 studies aimed to build social support for health; 6 of these were effective, including those involving partners or peers. Five studies targeted interaction between patients and the health system; four of these reported improved outcomes, including through use of teach-back. One study addressed health literacy capacities of clinicians through communication training, and two facilitated access to health services via structured follow-up—all reporting positive outcomes. Health literacy is a prerequisite for CAD patients to self-manage their health. Through use of a conceptual framework to describe health literacy interventions, we identified mechanisms by which patients can be supported to improve health outcomes. Our findings warrant integration of these interventions into routine clinical practice.

Introduction The burden of coronary heart disease (CHD) is disproportionately greater among socio‐economically disadvantaged groups. Health services play a crucial role in addressing this social gradient by ensuring equitable access to care. However, there is limited evidence on effective strategies to improve health service accessibility for CHD patients, particularly those that are codesigned with people with lived experience and clinicians. The Equal Hearts study aimed to codesign a health literacy‐based intervention to improve the accessibility of hospital‐based cardiac services for underserved population groups with CHD. Methods This study employed a mixed‐methods approach based on codesign principles. The study comprises three phases: identifying and understanding the problem, codeveloping an intervention, and translating the intervention into practice. Phases 1 and 2 are reported in this paper and included focus groups, interviews and an intervention development workshop. Participants for focus groups and interviews were recruited from four health services in [Victoria] and included patients with CHD, health consumers from culturally diverse communities and clinicians. Findings from focus groups and interviews were analysed via thematic analysis using Levesque's conceptual framework to identify health literacy barriers to accessibility of cardiac services. These barriers were prioritised in a codesign workshop with cardiac patients, health consumers and clinicians. Results Thirty‐seven cardiac patients, 10 clinicians and 44 culturally diverse health consumers participated in focus groups/interviews. Among these participants, eight cardiac patients/carers and five clinicians attended the workshop. Cardiac patients reported a lack of preparedness for hospital discharge and feeling ‘lost’ and uncertain about how to confidently manage their health at home after a cardiac event. A codesigned intervention—The Patient Discharge Action Plan—aims to improve patients' transition from hospital to home. Conclusion Using a codesign approach and health literacy principles, a health service intervention was developed to improve accessibility of cardiac services. The Patient Discharge Action Plan is currently being evaluated in a pilot RCT. Patient or Public Contribution Two consumer co‐authors [L.F.J. and J.H.] informed the development of the study protocol. A Stakeholder Advisory Panel, including six people with lived experience of CHD and four clinicians/health service managers from participating sites, guided all steps within this study. Trial Registration ACTRN12624000780550p (Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry). Registered on 25 June 2024.