Assessment of healthcare application quality: Development of a standardized methods for healthcare professionals

The advancement of the mobile app market is reshaping healthcare, emphasizing the imperative for quality and efficacy in health applications. This methodology has been devised to assess mobile health applications, aiming to assist healthcare professionals in selecting apps for e-healthcare consumers. Key facets of this approach are: • A stringent selection process within mobile app stores • A standardized assessment using the Mobile App Rating Scale to achieve consistent and replicable evaluations, systematically organizing app evaluations • A comprehensive framework guiding healthcare practitioners in determining which apps to integrate into clinical practice and which to excludeCentral to this method is the emphasis on distinguishing apps that enhance clinical practice from those that fall short in important areas such as the effectiveness of proposed health features, data accuracy, adherence to clinical guidelines, data security, and user privacy. With heightened attention to usability and accessibility, the methodology also addresses the common risks inherent in mHealth implementation, ensuring that selected apps not only meet technical criteria but also align with the broader healthcare ecosystem's needs and challenges

Training in laparoscopic surgery: face validity of a low cost virtual simulator

Aim of this study is to investigate the importance of acquiring basic and advanced laparoscopic skills using a virtual reality low cost simulator in laparoscopic surgery in a defined theathre, a Medical Simulation Centre. The study shows and describes the Medical Simulation Centre in terms of utilization and activities. The article describes also the technical features of the system and its validation process about the basic skills using a primary method: the face validity. It consents to evaluate the structural simulator characteristics through a specific questionnaire, used after the system testing (we have chosen a basic skill training). A sample of 40 participants was selected: 20 post graduate students, 20 expert surgeons. The groups were divided into two homogeneous subgroups according to the level of confidence with the use of video games, consolles, smartphones (a questionnaire has been used before the practical phase of training). We analyzed the results of the face validity obtained by comparing the two groups reported impressions. The simulator appears ergonomically satisfactory and its structural features are adapted to the laparoscopic training

LOW-COST LAPAROSCOPIC SIMULATION: Genoa operative Advanced Laparoscopic Simulator \u201cG.O.A.L.S.\u201d for acqiring laparoscopic abilities

This study proposes a curriculum tailored to each trainer's needs . The result\u2019s data analysis will be possible only after a period of testing of the simulator on different samples of students. Referring to experience from other groups, we expect significant results in terms of: reduction of learning time, better dexterity and ability to manage possible procedural error

Methodological approach to perform systematic review on nutritional and physical prehabilitation in head and neck cancer patients

Summary: Malnutrition is frequently observed among patients with head and neck cancer, adversely affecting overall health and treatment outcomes. Prehabilitation, both nutritional and physical, is emerging as a strategy to optimize the nutritional status of these patients before commencing anti-cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This review methodology is designed to guide a systematic review with clear objectives: to analyze the issue of malnutrition in patients undergoing anti-cancer treatments, identify prehabilitative interventions, both nutritional and physical, aimed at promoting an improvement in nutritional status, and ascertain the most effective prehabilitative interventions in the clinical setting. With the publication of this review protocol, the aim is to provide a foundation for future systematic reviews in this emerging discipline

Nursing-engineering interdisciplinary research: A synthesis of methodological approach to perform healthcare-technology integrated projects

In the dynamic landscape of contemporary healthcare, the imperative for advancing the frontiers of knowledge and improving patient outcomes necessitates a paradigm shift towards a multidisciplinary approach. This background great enhances a nurse's ability to interface with technology and create technical solutions such as robots, patient care devices, or computer simulation for patient care needs and nursing care delivery. This study aims to describe, through a narrative review of evidence, a methodology to develop and manager Nursing-Engineering interdisciplinary project, clarify the key points and facilitate professionals who are not very familiar with this topic. The methodology employed highlights the importance of this kind of research that allows to achieve highest standards of practice leading to improved patient care, innovative solutions and a global contribution to healthcare excellence

Systematic review of clinical practice guidelines and systematic reviews: A method for conducting comprehensive analysis

A systematic review (SR) is a research method for synthesizing evidence on a specific topic. Among the various types of systematic reviews, there are SRs of guidelines (CPGs) and SRs of SRs. Traditionally, they are limited to just one type of secondary evidence. This paper introduces an innovative SR methodology that combines CPGs and SRs to improve evidence synthesis and overcome the limitations of isolated use.Essential steps that should always precede the actual research process include registering the research protocol, formulating research questions and setting inclusion/exclusion criteria. Using the PRISMA protocol for comprehensive database searches, it's crucial to combine keywords with boolean operators and remove duplicates. The eligibility of studies should be assessed by selecting potentially relevant articles through an initial screening of titles and abstracts, followed by a meticulous analysis of the full-texts. Rigorous evidence evaluation tools, such as AGREE II for CPGs and AMSTAR 2 for SRs, and the double reviewer approach ensure high-quality selections. Additionally, converting summarized results into percentages and applying statistical analyses facilitate interpretation and improve the reliability of rater assessments. A further characteristic of this methodology is its adaptability to the evolution of healthcare research

Integrated protocol for the prevention and treatment of skin ulcers in patients with end-stage renal disease

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is an escalating global health concern, affecting more than 10 % of the general population worldwide, amounting to over 800 million individuals. One of its major complications for patients is the high prevalence of skin ulcers . This study aims to develop a protocol for ulcer management within the context of a hospital-based dialysis center. The success of this strategy is deeply rooted in the collaboration of a multidisciplinary team, continually enriched by specialist training. The clinical nurse specialist (CNS) in wound care plays a pivotal role in this approach. By employing a systematic methodology, the protocol is tailored to emphasize holistic care for patients diagnosed with end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis. It accentuates the significance of proactive prevention, in-depth patient education, and the immediate identification of early wound signs. The research underscores the necessity to further weave in specialized training for ulcer care, ensuring each hospital visit is maximized for efficiency and effectiveness. Central to this protocol is the understanding that CKD is a growing concern, that the optimal management of ulcers relies heavily on multidisciplinary collaboration, and that an emphasis on prevention, patient education, and timely wound recognition is crucial to enhance patient care and experience