Publications
67 results found
Rothschild C, Sedgh G, El-Osta A, 2023, Sexual & Reproductive Health Self-Care Measurement Tool, Sexual & Reproductive Health Self-Care Measurement Tool, https://www.psi.org/project/self-care/sexual-reproductive-health-self-care-measurement-tool/, Publisher: Self-Care Trailbalzer Group, Frist Edition
The Sexual and Reproductive Health Self-Care Measurement Tool aims to provide a global standard approach to practical and accurate measurement of sexual and reproductive (SRH) self-care interventions, with a focus on three specific interventions: self-injectable hormonal contraception, HIV self-testing, and self-managed abortion. Led by the SCTG’s Evidence and Learning Working Group (ELWG), the SRH Self-Care Measurement Tool was developed through a consensus-driven process by a group of global experts, including academics, implementers, donors, and intergovernmental bodies, with the goal of identifying a minimum set of priority indicators for each of these self-care interventions.
Smith P, Alaa A, Roboli Sasco E, et al., 2023, How has COVID-19 changed health and social care professionals' attitudes to self-care? A mixed methods research study, PLoS One, ISSN: 1932-6203
Background:The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally changed the way services are delivered. Self-care, including good hygiene practices and avoidance of risk was emphasised as the key measure to tackle the pandemic in the early stages. Objective:To understand how self-reported professional attitudes, perceptions and practices of self-care have changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.Design:Cross-sectional online survey and semi-structured qualitative interview. Setting:Health and social care. Participants:304 health and social care professionals.Methods:A wide range of health and social care professionals took part in a 27-item anonymous online survey. Semi-structured qualitative interviews with nine health & social care professionals explored attitudes to and practices of self-care before and during the pandemic. Views were sought on the permanence and implications of changes. Data were analysed using routine statistics and thematic analysis to identify major themes. Results:A total of 304 health and social care professionals responded to the survey fully. Nine participated in a semi-structured interview. There was agreement that the importance of self-care has increased markedly during the pandemic. The percentage of respondents who felt that self-care was 'extremely' important to their clients increased from 54.3% to 86.6% since the pandemic. Personal empowerment and capacity of service users to self-care increased significantly during the pandemic. Willingness of patients to engage (74%) and poor understanding of self-care (71%) were cited as the two main barriers to self-care. A close third was digital exclusion (71%), though 86% of respondents recommending online resources and 77% the use of smartphone apps. Survey respondents believed the changes to be permanent and positive. Interviewees reported a major, and positive move to self-care with the pandemic seen as an opportunity to be grasped, but professional education would have to be aligned to make the
Leyns C, Willems S, Powell R, et al., 2023, From disease to people-centred pandemic management: health equity through Community Organization, Health Information Systems and Community Oriented Primary Care, BMJ Global Health, ISSN: 2059-7908
El-Osta A, Kerr G, Alaa A, et al., 2023, Investigating self-reported efficacy of lifestyle medicine approaches to tackle erectile dysfunction: a cross-sectional eSurvey based study, BMC UROLOGY, Vol: 23, ISSN: 1471-2490
El-Osta A, Kerr G, Alaa A, et al., 2023, Investigating self-reported efficacy of lifestyle medicine approaches to tackle erectile dysfunction: a cross-sectional eSurvey based study, BMC Urology, ISSN: 1471-2490
<h4>Background: </h4> Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the most common sexual dysfunction in men. Some types of ED are amenable to treatment using lifestyle medicine approaches with or without pharmacotherapy. <h4>Aim: </h4> Investigate self-reported efficacy of lifestyle medicine approaches to tackle ED <h4>Methods: </h4> A cross-sectional online survey of 1177 community dwelling adults explored the prevalence and methods used to tackle ED in the community setting. We examined differences between participants with and without ED. Variables associated with ED in univariable analyses were included in a multivariable logistic regression to identify variables independently associated with the condition. Outcomes Self-reported measure: perceived effectiveness of lifestyle medicine interventions to tackle ED <h4>Results: </h4> Most respondents (76.5%) had experienced ED, and this was associated with having a long-term condition, taking anti‑hypertensive medication, hypercholesterolaemia and obesity. Medication was the most common management strategy overall (65.9%), followed by stress management (43.5%) and weight loss (40.4%). Over half (53.9%) did not use any lifestyle modification strategies to tackle ED. Only 7.0% of ED sufferers received a mental health assessment and 29.2% received other tests (e.g., blood test, medical imaging) by GPs. Cardiovascular training was identified as the best rated strategy by its users (37.8%). Supplements (35.1%) and weight training/physical activity (32.6%) were also positively rated. Clinical implications Structured education to general practitioners and community dwelling adults about the impact of lifestyle behaviour modification and how this could influence the appearance or trajectory of ED could help improve personal choice when tackling ED. Strengths and Limitations To our knowledge, this is the first study to collect eSurvey responses from community dwelling adults to gauge their rel
El-Osta A, Riboli Sasco E, Barbanti E, et al., 2023, Tools for measuring individual self-care capability. A systematic scoping review of the literature, BMC Public Health, ISSN: 1471-2458
BackgroundVarious instruments are used to measure individual self-care capability for healthy individuals, those experiencing everyday self-limiting conditions, or one or more multiple long-term conditions.ObjectiveIdentify and characterise self-care measurement tools that are designed for adults. We also sought to assess the extent to which each item of the instruments identified could be mapped to the Seven Pillars of Self-Care (7PSC) framework.DesignSystematic scoping review with thematic content analysis.MethodsWe conducted a systematic scoping review of the literature to identify instruments that could be used to assess self-care behaviours among the general population. The search was conducted in Embase, PubMed, PsycINFO and CINAHL databases using a variety of MeSH terms and keywords covering 1 January 1950 to 30 November 2022. Inclusion criteria included tools assessing health literacy, capability and/or performance of general health self-care practices and targeting adults. We excluded tools targeting self-care in the context of disease management only or indicated to a specific medical setting or theme.ResultsWe identified 38 tools. Descriptive analysis highlighted a shift in the overall emphasis from rehabilitation-focused to prevention-focused tools. The intended method of administration also transitioned from observe-and-interview style methods to the utilisation of self-reporting tools. Only five tools incorporated questions relevant to 7PSC.ConclusionsSelf-care can play a crucial role in the prevention, management and rehabilitation of diverse conditions, especially chronic non-communicable diseases. There is a need for the development of a comprehensive measurement tool that could be used to evaluate individual self-care capacity and capability.
Tanna N, Karki M, El-Osta A, et al., 2023, Knowledge, attitudes and practices associated with Vitamin D supplementation: a cross-sectional online community survey of adults in the UK, Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Filzmoser N, Kerr G, Webber I, et al., 2022, Exploring the link between self-management of migraine and emotional wellbeing. A cross-sectional online survey of community- dwelling migraine sufferers, BMC Journal of Headache and Pain
Dallera G, Alaa A, Kreindler J, et al., 2022, Evaluating the feasibility and acceptability of a safety protocol to mitigate SARS-CoV-2 transmission risks when participating in full-capacity live mass events: a cross-sectional survey and interview-based study, BMJ Open, Vol: 12, ISSN: 2044-6055
Objective: Investigate the feasibility and acceptability of a novel COVID-19 safety protocol combining professionally witnessed home-based videoed pre-event testing and a data-driven risk assessment model that was piloted at the Standon Calling Festival in July 2021.Design: Observational study using a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design involving a survey, personal interviews and group discussions with a cross section of participants.Setting: Standon Calling Festival, Hertfordshire, England.Participants: 4726 adults who attended Standon Calling and consented to participate in the study.Results: Nearly a quarter (23.1%; 1093) attendees (women 65%, men 35%) responded to the postevent survey. Eleven participants were interviewed before thematic saturation was reached. The majority (81.0%) of respondents found the at-home testing protocol convenient and of reasonable cost (73.6%). Confidence in the test result was enhanced due to professional-supported videoing (76.2%), whereas 72.6% had confidence in the security of the data. Videoed self-testing helped 45.0% of respondents to feel more confident in their lateral flow testing technique. The majority (85.5%) felt safer at the event and 93.7% agreed that the protocol did not interfere with their enjoyment of the event. Themes generated from interviews showed that the protocol could be applied to other disease areas and events, but there were concerns that over-reliance on test results alone could lead some people to have a false sense of security around the safety of the live event.Conclusions: Our study showed that a protocol that combines professionally witnessed home-based videoed pre-event testing is highly acceptable and feasible, and it can inform decision making and support the safe reopening of live mass events at full capacity. Although COVID-19 is now considered endemic in the UK, this protocol can be of value for other countries where the live events industry remains heavily impacted. Risk modelling sh
El-Osta A, Rowe C, Majeed A, 2022, Developing a shared definition of Self-Driven Healthcare to enhance the current healthcare delivery paradigm
Self-Driven Healthcare (SDH) is an umbrella term introduced by Innovate UK to conceptualise aspects of healthcare delivery that can support people in becoming more engaged in their own health and wellbeing management rather than being passive receivers of healthcare. The defining characteristics of SDH solutions include activities that empower people to play a more effective role in maintaining their own health and wellbeing, including those activities concerned with primary prevention and health promotion (e.g., to detect diseases earlier and proactively collaborate with a growing range of healthcare professionals to manage their illnesses). Innovate UK is interested in developing thought leadership around the emergent concept of SDH, and to determine if this is an area it should in invest in. The commentary introduces the concept of SDH and discusses the possible challenges and barriers that need to be addressed to realise the full potential of this approach.
El-Osta A, 2022, MEETING SUMMARY: An SRH Self-Care Measurement Tool, The Evidence and Learning Working Group of the Self Care Trailblazer Group’s Measurement Expert Working Group (MEWG) Meeting on SRHR Self-Care
The Measurement Sub-Working Group of SCTG’s Evidence and Learning Working Group (ELWG) convened a meeting of over 70 global experts in measurement of sexual and reproductive health self-care in November. The purpose of the 3-day meeting was to develop standardized guidance for monitoring and evaluation of three priority self-care interventions: DMPA-SC self-injection, HIV self-testing, and self-managed abortion. The tool, which will include a set of priority indicators for each intervention, is being designed to meet the needs for self-care monitoring and evaluation by national stakeholders, including ministries of health and national HMIS programs. The finalized measurement tool is expected in Q1 of 2023. In the meantime, read more about outcomes of the expert working group meeting here.
Sivarajasingam V, Webber I, Riboli-Sasco E, et al., 2022, Investigating public awareness, prevailing attitudes and perceptions towards domestic violence and abuse in the United Kingdom: a qualitative study, BMC PUBLIC HEALTH, Vol: 22
Painter A, Hayhoe B, Riboli-Sasco E, et al., 2022, Online Symptom Checkers: Recommendations for a Vignette-Based Clinical Evaluation Standard., J Med Internet Res, Vol: 24
The use of patient-facing online symptom checkers (OSCs) has expanded in recent years, but their accuracy, safety, and impact on patient behaviors and health care systems remain unclear. The lack of a standardized process of clinical evaluation has resulted in significant variation in approaches to OSC validation and evaluation. The aim of this paper is to characterize a set of congruent requirements for a standardized vignette-based clinical evaluation process of OSCs. Discrepancies in the findings of comparative studies to date suggest that different steps in OSC evaluation methodology can significantly influence outcomes. A standardized process with a clear specification for vignette-based clinical evaluation is urgently needed to guide developers and facilitate the objective comparison of OSCs. We propose 15 recommendation requirements for an OSC evaluation standard. A third-party evaluation process and protocols for prospective real-world evidence studies should also be prioritized to quality assure OSC assessment.
Riboli-Sasco E, El-Osta A, Alaa A, et al., 2022, Triage and diagnostic accuracy of Online Symptom Checkers: a systematic review, Publisher: JMIR Publications
Background:In the context of a deepening global shortage of health workers, and particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, there is growing international interest in and use of online symptom checkers (OSCs). However, the evidence surrounding the safety and accuracy of OSCs remains inconclusive so far. The triage and diagnostic accuracy of these tools is an essential aspect that needs to be addressed before pushing any further implementation.Objective:This systematic review aimed to summarize the existing peer-reviewed literature evaluating the triage accuracy (directing users to appropriate services based on their presenting symptoms) and diagnostic accuracy of OSCs aimed at lay users for general health concerns.Methods:Searches were conducted in Medline, Embase, CINAHL, HMIC and Web of Science. We included peer-reviewed studies published in English between 1 January 2010 and 17 February 2022 with a quantitative assessment of triage and/or diagnostic accuracy of OSCs directed at lay users. We excluded tools supporting health professionals, and disease- or speciality-specific OSCs. Screening and data extraction were carried out independently by two reviewers for each study. We performed a descriptive narrative synthesis.Results:21,284 studies were screened and 15 were included. Six studies reported on both triage and diagnostic accuracy, eight focused on triage accuracy, and one on diagnostic accuracy. Diagnostic and triage accuracy varied between studies and OSCs; most studies showed suboptimal diagnostic and triage accuracy. Frequency and urgency of the condition were the main variables that affected the levels of diagnostic and triage accuracy, along with specific features of the OSCs. The impact of each variable differed across tools and studies, making it difficult to draw any solid conclusions. Included studies had either a moderate or high risk of bias according to the revised tool for the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2.Conclusions:While OSCs ha
Manisha K, El-Asmar M, Riboli-Sasco E, et al., 2022, What is the potential of public libraries to promote public mental health and wellbeing? Findings from a cross-sectional study of community-dwelling adults, Sage Open, ISSN: 2158-2440
Purpose of research:To explore the potential of libraries as community hubs to promote mental and physical health and wellbeing.Design:Cross-sectional online survey and interview-based study with community-dwelling adults and library staff.Methods:We analysed data from 58 respondents using a 14-item electronic survey and conducted interviews with 12 library users and staff to gauge perceptions. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to identify key trends and emergent themes.Results:Libraries remain popular and are considered a 'safe place' by members of thecommunity, irrespective of whether they are frequent users of services. Library users' lack of awareness of community-facing services could act as a hurdle to improving community health and wellbeing. Targeted engagement with residents is needed to increase awareness of the services libraries offer, including community interventions to help tackle loneliness and inequalities in digital and health literacy. Library staff often did not feel involved in important decision-making. Various barriers and drivers and practical recommendations were identified to leverage libraries as hubs to promotecommunity health and wellbeing.Conclusion:Libraries already offer a variety of resources that either directly or indirectly support the health and wellbeing of community-dwelling adults and young people, but public awareness of these services is limited. By acting as community hubs, libraries are ideally suited to deliver interventions to help tackle the increasing health and digital inequalities following the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic.
El-Osta A, Ribolis-Sasco E, Kerr G, et al., 2022, Evaluation of BP@Home Initiative (pan-London): Key findings from mixed methods evaluation
Painter A, Hayhoe B, Riboli-Sasco E, et al., 2022, Online symptom checkers: Recommendations for a vignette-based clinical evaluation standard (Preprint), Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
The use of patient-facing online symptom checkers (OSCs) has expanded in recent years, but their accuracy, safety, and impact on patient behaviours and healthcare systems remains unclear. The lack of a standardised process of clinical evaluation has resulted in significant variation in approaches to OSC validation and objective evaluation of outcomes. The aim of this paper is to characterise a set of congruent requirements for a standardised vignette-based clinical evaluation process of OSCs. Discrepancies in the findings of comparative studies to date suggest that different steps in OSC evaluation methodology can significantly influence outcomes. A standardised process with a clear specification for vignette-based clinical evaluation is urgently needed to guide developers and to facilitate the objective comparison of OSCs. We propose 15 recommendation requirements for an OSC evaluation standard. A third-party evaluation process and protocols for prospective real-world evidence studies should also be prioritised to quality assure OSC assessment.
El-Osta A, Iman W, Manisha K, et al., 2022, Public perceptions on routine use of screening tools for domestic abuse in health and social care settings: an exploratory cross-sectional study, BMC Public Health, ISSN: 1471-2458
BackgroundDomestic violence and abuse (DVA) is a rising societal concern with increased prevalence since the national lockdowns and remains largely under-detected by the medical community. Although screening increases early detection of abuse, current NICE guidelines which were produced before the advent of COVID-19 do not recommend routine DVA screening in primary care. Little is known about patient views regarding DVA screening in UK primary care. This exploratory survey assesses the public’s experiences and their views on routine DVA screening.MethodsAn open, easily accessible anonymous 27-item eSurvey made available on the Imperial College London Qualtrics platform between 8 March and 27 September 2021 was used to collect data from community dwelling adults. Potentially eligible participants were contacted via email through community groups in Northwest London catchment area, and using adverts on social media. The survey targeted a wider population in the community, including those who were 18 years and over, living in the UK and spoke English. The eSurvey also included information on accessible support services. Data were summarised using frequencies and percentages. Regression analysis explored the association between WAST-short questions and previous exposure to abuse.ResultsData from 298 community-dwelling adults was analysed. A third of respondents confirmed having experienced DVA, and another 6.4% declined disclosure. The univariable analysis suggested that those with a history of abuse compared to those with no history were 11 times more likely to have tension in the relationship and nine times more likely to have difficulty working out arguments. After adjusting for a-priori confounders (age, gender and ethnicity), those who answered ‘would rather not say’ appeared to be 34 times more likely to have tension in the relationship, and 17 times more likely to have difficulty working out arguments. Nearly two-thirds of the study population r
El-Osta A, Mummery D, 2022, The Future of Self-Care in the 21st Century NHS, Society for Academic Primary Care
Currently there are approximately one million Primary Care appointments a day in the UK, and this is unlikely to increase without a surge in recruitment and training of General Practitioners and nurses. In some parts of the UK 40% of GP posts are unfilled, and with an emerging recruitment crisis in General Practice, it seems unlikely currently that there will be very large numbers of extra GPs and nurses in the coming years to help to manage this demand. The Government, with the current economic and financial situation in the UK, also seems unlikely to increase overall funding for the NHS, and Primary Care in particular in the coming years, to a significant degree. Part of the reason for the endless demand for medical services, it seems is that over the last few decades there has been a shift from individual responsibility for management of simple ailments, such as self-limiting illness, to professional responsibility for this. Imperial SCARU (Self Care Academic Research Unit), based at the Department Primary Care and Public Health is the first University unit in the world looking at the totality of self care relating to health, and has formulated the "self care matrix" as a tool and lens to analyse self care interventions. https://www.imperial.ac.uk/school-public-health/primary-care-and-public-health/research/scaru/
El-Osta A, Webber I, Alaa A, 2022, What is the suitability of clinical vignettes in benchmarking the performance of online symptom checkers? An audit study (vol 12, e053566, 2022), BMJ OPEN, Vol: 12, ISSN: 2044-6055
Gibson H, Huang D, Hayhoe B, et al., 2022, A virtual group consultation model of care for menopause treatment, New England Journal of Medicine, Vol: 3, ISSN: 0028-4793
El-Osta A, Kerr G, Alaa A, et al., 2022, Investigating the use and effectiveness of lifestyle medicine approaches to tackle erectile dysfunction: a cross-sectional eSurvey based study, Journal of Sexual Medicine, ISSN: 1743-6095
BackgroundErectile dysfunction (ED) is the most common sexual dysfunction in men. Some types ofED are amenable to treatment using lifestyle medicine approaches with or withoutpharmacotherapy.AimInvestigate the use and perceived effectiveness of lifestyle medicine approaches totackle ED.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey of 1177 community dwelling adults explored theprevalence and methods used to tackle ED in the community setting. We examineddifferences between participants with and without ED. Variables associated with ED inunivariable analyses were included in a multivariable logistic regression to identifyvariables independently associated with the condition.OutcomesSelf-reported measure; perceived effectiveness of lifestyle medicine interventions totackle EDResultsMost respondents (76.5%) had experienced ED, and this was associated with having along-term condition, taking anti-hypertensive medication, hypercholesterolaemia andobesity. Medication was the most common management strategy overall (65.9%),followed by stress management (43.5%) and weight loss (40.4%). Over half (53.9%) didnot use any lifestyle modification strategies to tackle ED. Only 7.0% of ED sufferersreceived a mental health assessment and 29.2% received other tests (e.g., blood test,medical imaging) by GPs. Cardiovascular training was identified as the best ratedstrategy by its users (37.8%). Supplements (35.1%) and weight training/physical activity(32.6%) were also positively rated.Clinical implicationsStructured education to general practitioners and community dwelling adults about theimpact of lifestyle behaviour modification and how this could influence the appearanceor trajectory of ED could help improve personal choice when tackling ED.Strengths and LimitationsTo our knowledge, this is the first study to collect eSurvey responses from communitydwelling adults to gauge their reliance and perceived effectiveness of lifestyle medicineapproaches to tackle ED. The principal limitation was t
El-Osta A, Qualter P, Goldman N, 2022, Loneliness & Society 5.0, Mental Health Awareness Week 2022
El-Osta A, Webber I, Alaa A, et al., 2022, What is the suitability of clinical vignettes in benchmarking the performance of online symptom checkers? An audit study, BMJ Open, Vol: 12, ISSN: 2044-6055
Objective: Assess the suitability of clinical vignettes in benchmarking the performance of online symptom checkers (OSCs).Design: Observational study using a publicly available free OSC.Participants: Healthily OSC, which provided consultations in English, was used to record consultation outcomes from two lay and four expert inputters using 139 standardised patient vignettes. Each vignette included three diagnostic solutions and a triage recommendation in one of three categories of triage urgency. A panel of three independent general practitioners interpreted the vignettes to arrive at an alternative set of diagnostic and triage solutions. Both sets of diagnostic and triage solutions were consolidated to arrive at a final consolidated version for benchmarking.Main outcome measures: Six inputters simulated 834 standardised patient evaluations using Healthily OSC and recorded outputs (triage solution, signposting, and whether the correct diagnostic solution appeared first or within the first three differentials). We estimated Cohen’s kappa to assess how interpretations by different inputters could lead to divergent OSC output even when using the same vignette or when compared with a separate panel of physicians.Results: There was moderate agreement on triage recommendation (kappa=0.48), and substantial agreement on consultation outcomes between all inputters (kappa=0.73). OSC performance improved significantly from baseline when compared against the final consolidated diagnostic and triage solution (p<0.001).Conclusions: Clinical vignettes are inherently limited in their utility to benchmark the diagnostic accuracy or triage safety of OSC. Real-world evidence studies involving real patients are recommended to benchmark the performance of OSC against a panel of physicians.
Sivarajasingam V, Webber I, Alaa A, et al., 2022, Investigating public awareness, prevailing attitudes and perceptions towardsdomestic violence and abuse: a qualitative study in the United Kingdom, BMC Public Health, ISSN: 1471-2458
Background:Reported Domestic Violence and Abuse (DVA) cases have increased since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing lockdown. Understanding the general public’s view about DVA is vital, as it would help develop targeted interventions and effective public policies to tackle DVA. We investigated public awareness, attitudes and perceptions towards DVA, and explored mechanisms to tackle DVA in the community setting.Methods: In-depth personal interviews were conducted with 29 participants who responded to study invitations and adverts on social media. A topic guide was used to ensure consistency across the interviews, which were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically to detect emergent themes concerning DVA.Results:All respondents were aware of the concept of abuse. Thirty-eight percent declared either having experienced DVA directly or that they knew someone close to being abused. More than half of the respondents were not aware of existing DVA supportive services in the UK. Overarching themes generated from the contextual analysis included contributing factors for DVA, challenges and barriers facing victims and proposals for future interventions.Conclusions:The public has a broad understanding of the impacts of DVA. Simultaneously, the public fail to recognise specific instances or events in their daily lives. Raising public awareness, particularly in children through the school curriculum, highlighting existing support services and introducing the routine use of short screening tools for DVA in primary care can increase awareness, early identification and effective interventions. Sustained, multi-level community facing interventions are recommended to reduce stigma and fear associated with DVA.
Poe M, Viegas R, El-Osta A, 2022, Empowering self-care: A handbook for pharmacists, Empowering self-care: A handbook for pharmacists, Publisher: International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP)
Supporting and empowering individuals to responsibly engage in self-care is an important part of pharmacists’ daily practice around the world. Self-care spans the whole wellness spectrum, from disease prevention to the management of symptoms and common ailments. It also encompasses interventions ranging from advice on non-prescription medicines and medical devices (often described as “over the counter”) to education on healthy diets, hygiene and mindfulness practices.1 The ability to engage in self-care empowers individuals to act on their own health and well-being, and it encourages the inclusion of their input and specific needs when making healthcare decisions. Self-care empowers people and societies to transform health. Moreover, to promote health equity, health literacy is needed, and there is significant room for improvement and for greater research in this field.Self-care has been conceptualised through internationally recognised frameworks.2 The Self-Care Matrix is a widely accessible framework that conveys the concept of the “totality” of self-care by highlighting the inter-relationships between four cardinal dimensions of self-care. These dimensions are:1. Person-centred self-care activities;2. Self-care behaviours;3. Self-care in the context of resource utilisation; and4. The prevailing environment as a key enabler of self-care practice.Self-care is an important contributor to universal health coverage (UHC) through savings in healthcare expenditure and the reallocation of resources by means of reduced use and pressure on healthcare systems. For example, patient education and assessment conducted by pharmacists in addition to supporting the informed choice of non-prescription medicines could relieve the burden placed on healthcare systems, such as in primary care facilities or emergency departments, from patients seeking consultation for minor ailments, and lessen the reliance on prescription-only medicines.
Poe M, Vegas R, El-Osta A, 2022, Empowering self-care: A handbook for pharmacists, International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP)
Supporting and empowering individuals to responsibly engage in self-care is an important part of pharmacists’ daily practice around the world. Self-care spans the whole wellness spectrum, from disease prevention to the management of symptoms and common ailments. It also encompasses interventions ranging from advice on non-prescription medicines and medical devices (often described as “over the counter”) to education on healthy diets, hygiene and mindfulness practices.1 The ability to engage in self-care empowers individuals to act on their own health and well-being, and it encourages the inclusion of their input and specific needs when making healthcare decisions. Self-care empowers people and societies to transform health. Moreover, to promote health equity, health literacy is needed, and there is significant room for improvement and for greater research in this field.Self-care has been conceptualised through internationally recognised frameworks.2 The Self-Care Matrix is a widely accessible framework that conveys the concept of the “totality” of self-care by highlighting the inter-relationships between four cardinal dimensions of self-care. These dimensions are: 1. Person-centred self-care activities; 2. Self-care behaviours; 3. Self-care in the context of resource utilisation; and4. The prevailing environment as a key enabler of self-care practice.Self-care is an important contributor to universal health coverage (UHC) through savings in healthcare expenditure and the reallocation of resources by means of reduced use and pressure on healthcare systems.For example, patient education and assessment conducted by pharmacists in addition to supporting the informed choice of non-prescription medicines could relieve the burden placed on healthcare systems, such as in primary care facilities or emergency departments, from patients seeking consultation for minor ailments, and lessen the reliance on prescription-only medicines.
Painter A, Hayhoe B, El-Osta A, 2022, Online symptom checkers:Exploring the need for a standardised clinical validation process, JMIR, ISSN: 2291-5222
The use of online symptom checkers (OSCs) is increasing but their safety, efficacy and impact on healthcare systems remain unclear. The lack of a standardised validation process and the absence of third-party testing requirements have resulted in significant variation in OSC clinical performance. Discrepancy in the findings of comparative studies to date suggests that several steps in OSC evaluation methodology can significantly influence outcomes. A uniform validation process with a clear specification is urgently required to objectively assess the performance of OSCs and help improve patient safety. Careful consideration and clear guidance for each of these steps will be required to create an objective validation standard that is robust and fair. An objective validation process could support the widescale adoption of OSC in the community setting with the potential to reduce pressure on scarce NHS resources, especially for self-limiting conditions.
World Health Organisation WHO, 2022, Classification of self-care interventions for health: a shared language to describe the uses of self-care interventions, Publisher: World Health Organization, ISBN: 978 92 4 003946 9
The classification of self-care interventions is health systems focused and aims to promote an accessible and bridging language for researchers, policy-makers, donors and health programme managers in five key areas:synthesizing evidence and research;promoting advocacy and communication;conducting national inventories and landscape analyses;articulating needs based on identified health system challenges;formulating operational considerations for implementation guidance.The classification aligns with a people-centred approach to health and well-being outlined in the WHO conceptual framework for self-care interventions and Guideline on Self-Care Interventions for Health and Well-being.This ‘living’ document will evolve as new models of self-care interventions and evidence-based best practices become available. It has been developed following an extensive consultative process guided by a panel of global experts.
Pickett K, Taylor-Robinson D, Qualter P, et al., 2021, The Child of the North: Building a fairer future after COVID-19 report.Pickett K., Taylor-Robinson D., et al (2021) The Child of the North: Building a fairer future after COVID-19, the Northern Health Science Alliance and N8 Research Partnership.
The considerable costs to society and the UK’s economy of rising inequality are outlined in The Child of the North: Building a fairer future after COVID-19 report, produced by the N8 Research Partnership and Northern Health Science Alliance (NHSA), and written by over 40 leading academics from across the North of England.The report looks at a wide range of factors, from child poverty to children in care, to build up a picture of the Child of the North. It sets out 18 clear recommendations that can be put in place to tackle the widening gap between the North and the rest of England.
This data is extracted from the Web of Science and reproduced under a licence from Thomson Reuters. You may not copy or re-distribute this data in whole or in part without the written consent of the Science business of Thomson Reuters.