Clinical trials in oncology are important tools to identify and establish new effective drugs for cancer treatment. Since the development of the concept of precision oncology, a huge number of multi-centric biomarker-driven clinical trials have been performed and promoted by either academic institutions or pharmaceutical companies. In this scenario, the role of pathologists is essential in multiple aspects, with new challenges that should be addressed. In this position paper of the European Society of Pathology, the role of pathologists as contributors to the design of the clinical trial, as local collaborators, or as members of central review laboratories is discussed. Moreover, the paper emphasizes the important role of pathologists in guiding methods and criteria of tissue biomarker testing in the biomarker-driven clinical trials. The paper also addresses issues regarding quality control, training, and the possible role of digital pathology.
- MeSH
- Clinical Trials as Topic * MeSH
- Pathology, Clinical standards methods MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Biomarkers, Tumor * analysis MeSH
- Neoplasms * pathology drug therapy MeSH
- Pathologists * MeSH
- Societies, Medical MeSH
- Research Design standards MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
- Geographicals
- Europe MeSH
INTRODUCTION: Current trends in the addiction field reflect a significant emphasis on the workforce development and education. There are already some data about university-based addiction studies programs, but not much from Australasia. METHODS: The aim is to provide an overview and describe the academic programs for addiction professionals in Australia and Aotearoa NZ. The research was conducted in 2017 and updated in 2023. Firstly, university websites were searched using pre-defined keywords, followed by a content analysis of the identified programs. The data were analysed and interpreted by using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: We found 21 universities in Australia (13) and Aotearoa NZ (8) where 46 single programs are provided. There are three bachelor programs, nine masters, and the majority of degrees include (post)graduate certificates and diplomas. No doctorate programs are identified. The taught courses provide comprehensive coverage of the addiction field topics. Twelve programs state clearly that there is clinical practice/internship included. Application to most programs requires completion of a relevant degree and in some cases possible clinical experience. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: In comparison to educational options in other regions, we observe a trend towards preparing university graduates for the workforce, thereby expanding the range of programs at lower levels. Most programs possibly represent clinically oriented education primarily specialising in addictions, and graduate programs in addictions for professionals with other disciplinary bases. Great emphasis is given to the quality standards of education, and also to relationship between education and labour market. Findings help opening opportunities to collaborate globally.
- MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Behavior, Addictive epidemiology MeSH
- Substance-Related Disorders * epidemiology MeSH
- Universities MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
- Geographicals
- Australia MeSH
- New Zealand MeSH
This article examines the potential of virtual reality (VR) as an educational tool for enhancing social skills in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). By synthesizing findings from a comprehensive review of recent studies, it highlights the effectiveness of immersive VR environments in reducing anxiety, improving communication, and fostering meaningful social interactions. The analysis includes a comparison of various approaches, such as the use of collaborative virtual environments, social stories, and avatar-based simulations, to identify best practices in leveraging VR for social skills development. Despite its promising benefits, the article addresses key limitations, including the need for repeated training, high implementation costs, and the lack of longitudinal studies. Recommendations are provided for future research and practical applications, emphasizing the role of VR as a bridge between theoretical insights and real-world practice in supporting individuals with ASD.
Psycholog v zařízeních dlouhodobé péče zastává klíčovou roli v podpoře seniorů, spolupráci s personálem, komunikaci s rodinami a osvětě směrem k veřejnosti. Jeho práce zahrnuje individuální i skupinové intervence, přizpůsobené zdravotnímu stavu klientů, smyslovým deficitům a specifickým komunikačním potřebám. Důležitou součástí je i doprovázení seniorů v tématech umírání a bilancování života. Dalším aspektem psychologické práce je začlenění do multidisciplinárního týmu, kde poskytuje psychologický pohled na situaci klienta, pomáhá zlepšovat komunikaci mezi jednotlivými úseky péče a působí jako mediátor. Zároveň plní advokační roli, kdy hájí práva klientů a podporuje jejich důstojnost a autonomii. Přestože tato role má významný přínos, psychologové nejsou v českých domovech pro seniory systematicky zastoupeni. Článek proto zdůrazňuje potřebu systémové změny, vytvoření odborných standardů a větší integrace psychologické péče do zařízení dlouhodobé péče. Klíčovou roli v tomto procesu hraje vzdělávání psychologů a podpora výzkumu zaměřeného na duševní zdraví seniorů.
A psychologist in long-term care facilities plays a key role in supporting older adults, collaborating with staff, communicating with families, and raising public awareness. Their work includes individual and group interventions, adapted to the health status of residents, sensory deficits, and specific communication needs. An important aspect is also providing support in end-of-life discussions and life review. Another crucial function of the psychologist is integration into the multidisciplinary team, where they provide a psychological perspective on residents’ situations, facilitate communication between care departments, and act as mediators. Additionally, they fulfill an advocacy role, protecting residents’ rights and promoting dignity and autonomy. Despite the significant benefits of this role, psychologists are not systematically represented in Czech long-term care facilities. This article emphasizes the need for systemic change, the development of professional standards, and the greater integration of psychological care into long-term care settings. A key aspect of this process is the education of psychologists and the promotion of research focused on the mental health of older adults.
Aim: The aim of this integrative literature review was to identify and synthetize empowering educational actions (EEA) that can be taken by nurses to support the empowerment of patients with long-term health problems. Design: An integrative literature review. Methods: The review followed methodology by Whittemore and Knafl. Four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, Scopus) were searched between January 2000 and October 2023 for relevant studies published in English. After complimentary manual searches, the quality of the included studies (n = 9) was assessed independently by two researchers using a tool by Hawker et al. Data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. Results: Three main categories of nurses' actions were synthetized: supporting patients' knowledge and skills, supporting patients' well-being, and supporting trust-based relationships and collaboration. Conclusion: Empowering patient education (EPE) is essential in supporting patients with long-term health problems to manage their own health. Nurses use varied empowering educational actions as part of EPE. The review's results can be used to increase awareness and understanding of actions nurses can take to support empowerment of patients with long-term health problems as part of patient education both in clinical practice and nursing education.
OBJECTIVE: In patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) initiating secukinumab (SEC), we aimed to identify baseline (treatment start) predictors of achieving low disease activity (LDA) after 6 months, as measured by the Axial Spondyloarthritis Disease Activity Score using C-reactive protein (ASDAS-CRP) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), as well as treatment continuation after 12 months. METHODS: From 11 European registries, patients with axSpA who initiated SEC treatment in routine care, with available data on 6-month ASDAS-CRP and BASDAI assessments were included. Logistic regression analyses on multiply imputed baseline data were performed; potential baseline predictors included demographic, diagnosis, lifestyle, clinical, and patient-reported variables. RESULTS: In a pooled cohort of 1174 patients with axSpA, 5 of 19 potential assessed variables were mutually predictive for achieving LDA by ASDAS-CRP and BASDAI: higher physician global assessment score, noncurrent smoking, lack of prior exposure to biologic/targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, and lower Health Assessment Questionnaire scores and BASDAI scores. Moreover, radiographic axSpA and CRP ≤ 10 mg/L were associated with achieving ASDAS-CRP LDA, and HLA-B27 positivity and history of psoriasis with achieving BASDAI LDA, whereas earlier time of secukinumab initiation (2015-2017) was associated with treatment continuation. CONCLUSION: In this European real-world study of patients with axSpA initiating SEC, predictors of achieving LDA by ASDAS-CRP and BASDAI at 6 months and remaining on treatment at 12 months included both clinical, patient-reported, and lifestyle factors, underscoring the complex mechanisms of real-world drug effectiveness.
- MeSH
- Antirheumatic Agents * therapeutic use MeSH
- Axial Spondyloarthritis * drug therapy MeSH
- C-Reactive Protein metabolism MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized * therapeutic use MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Registries MeSH
- Severity of Illness Index MeSH
- Treatment Outcome MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Geographicals
- Europe MeSH
BACKGROUND: The education of healthcare professionals, including nurses, represents a critical intersection with health systems science (HSS), which is often considered the third pillar of healthcare education alongside basic and clinical sciences. Despite the amount of research on nursing education during the COVID-19 pandemic, there remains a gap in analysis from an HSS perspective. METHODS: A Comparative Education Approach involving undergraduate nursing programs (UNPs) across Europe, with longitudinal data collection from 2002 to 2023. The aim of the study was threefold: (a) to summarize the overall changes in UNPs during the COVID-19 pandemic; (b) to identify the changes retained in the post-pandemic era; and (c) to identify the impact of the pandemic on nursing education as perceived by nurse educators across nine European countries. RESULTS: This study compares the changes in nursing education in European countries during and after the COVID-19 pandemic using a qualitative approach with data from nine universities. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on education provision. During the first wave, government restrictions forced a complete shift to online learning for theory classes, clinical training and laboratories. In subsequent waves, a hybrid format was chosen that combined online and face-to-face sessions. A major challenge was the placement of nursing students alongside general university students. This approach neglected their need for practical clinical training, which is crucial for their future careers. To compensate for the lack of clinical hours, various alternative teaching methods were introduced. Students were also offered the opportunity to volunteer in large-scale public health initiatives such as vaccination and testing campaigns, although bedside care for COVID-19 patients remained limited. The pandemic has also left its mark in the post-pandemic period. Some UNPs have retained elements of online education, notably lectures, research seminars, meetings, consultations and even online exams. Interestingly, an initial increase in applicant numbers was observed at six of the nine participating UNPs. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic has widened the gap between university-educated nurses and the clinical setting, i.e. between theory and practise, underlining the importance of HSS in nursing education. Rebuilding strong partnerships is crucial, but simply returning to the pre-pandemic model is not enough. To ensure uninterrupted education during future crises, proactive planning, including the creation of predefined protocols for collaboration, is essential. The pandemic underscores the need for closer alignment between the two sectors, which would better equip future nurses with the skills they need to thrive in the nursing workforce and ensure they are prepared for the challenges of the 21st century.
- MeSH
- COVID-19 * epidemiology MeSH
- Education, Distance trends MeSH
- Curriculum MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Longitudinal Studies MeSH
- Pandemics MeSH
- SARS-CoV-2 MeSH
- Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate * trends organization & administration MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Comparative Study MeSH
- Geographicals
- Europe MeSH
BACKGROUND: Global healthcare disparities, stemming from organizational differences in healthcare systems, lead to variable availability and funding, resulting in a gap between recommended and implemented practices for interleukin (IL)-1-mediated autoinflammatory diseases. We aimed to assess diagnostic, treatment and follow-up options for these diseases in Central and Eastern European countries, comparing them with the 2021 recommendations of the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)/American College of Rheumatology (ACR). METHODS: In 2023, a structured collaborative effort was organized with representatives from 10 Central and Eastern European countries to address autoinflammatory diseases. The discussion focused on potential strategies to achieve the goals mentioned above. RESULTS: Almost all the participating countries have specialized centers for the diagnosis and treatment of autoinflammatory diseases and the care is provided either by rheumatologists and/or clinical immunologists. Genetic testing is available in all countries, but there is variation in the types of tests offered. Massive parallel sequencing panels for autoinflammatory diseases are available in all countries, with waiting periods for results ranging from 3 to 6 months in most cases. The availability of disease-specific laboratory assessments, such as S100 proteins, is limited. IL-1 inhibitors are available in all countries, but there are differences in practices regarding the licensing and reimbursement of anakinra and canakinumab based on specific indications or diagnoses. The age at which the transition process begins varies, but in most countries, it typically starts around the age of 18 or beyond and in majority of the participating countries there is no structured transition program. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to the 2021 EULAR/ACR recommendations for IL-1-mediated autoinflammatory diseases is achievable in Central and Eastern European countries. Determining the prevalence and incidence of these diseases in this region remains a persistent challenge for future research efforts, with the overarching goal of identifying new patients with autoinflammatory diseases.
- MeSH
- Hereditary Autoinflammatory Diseases * diagnosis therapy drug therapy epidemiology MeSH
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized MeSH
- Interleukin-1 * antagonists & inhibitors MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Geographicals
- Europe MeSH
- Europe, Eastern MeSH
BACKGROUND: Understanding population health trends and their key determinants is essential for planning health services and implementing effective interventions. One of these determinants may be national cultural characteristics that are related to various health outcomes and health-related behaviours. However, little is known about their potential association to overall burden of disease. Thus, this study examined whether cultural characteristics expressed by Hofstede indexes are associated with the burden of disease. METHODS: We used data from open-source databases - Hofstede's Cultural Index, the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) and the Human Development Index (HDI). The final sample comprised 69 countries covering all the continents. The burden of disease was measured using disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), years lived with disabilities (YLD), and years of life lost (YLL). National cultural characteristics were measured using Hofstede's dimensions. Bayesian correlation analyses were conducted to assess the relationships between cultural dimensions and health outcomes, stratified by countries' HDI levels. RESULTS: In countries with a very high HDI, there was strong evidence (Bayes Factor > 10) of a positive correlation of Power distance with the total disability-adjusted life years (r = 0.448) and years of life lost (r = 0.528), and Individualism (r = 0.667) and Indulgence (r = 0.494) with years lived with disabilities. In contrast, Long-term orientation negatively correlated of with years lived with disabilities (r = -0.527) and Indulgence with disability-adjusted life years (r = -0.437) and years of life lost (r = -0.537). Further, Power distance and Indulgence were correlated with the majority of the GBD indicators and Individualism with a few GBD indicators. In countries with a high and medium HDI, strong evidence of the associations was found in only a few cases. CONCLUSION: We found a correlation between national cultural characteristics and burden of disease. Policy-makers should consider integrating cultural factors into public health strategies to better align healthcare interventions with the local population's values and behaviours. Moreover, cross-cultural research and collaboration should increase to understand how cultural influences can be used to mitigate disease burdens and improve health outcomes globally. This study also opens a potentially new research area within population health research.
Childhood interstitial lung diseases (chILDs) are rare and heterogeneous disorders associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The clinical presentation of chILD typically includes chronic or recurrent respiratory signs and symptoms with diffuse radiographic abnormalities on chest imaging. Diagnosis requires a structured, multi-step approach. Treatment options are limited, with disease-specific therapies available only in selected cases and management relying primarily on supportive care. Awareness of chILDs has been steadily increasing. New diagnoses, advanced diagnostic tests, and novel treatments are emerging each year, highlighting the importance of collaborative, multidisciplinary teams in providing comprehensive care for children and families affected by these complex conditions. On behalf of the European Respiratory Society Clinical Research Collaboration for chILD (ERS CRC chILD-EU), this review provides an updated overview of the diagnostic approach and management strategies for chILDs.
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
