Students working towards their Master of Science in Health Informatics at UNE complete a two-course capstone experience which includes research and a student-designed project in the field.
-
What Is The Efficacy Of Biologics For Chronic Plaque-Type Psoriasis Among Pediatric Patients?
Uduakobong Akpainyang
Chronic plaque psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease characterized by red thick, raised, silvery scaly patches. It is the most common type of psoriasis, often appearing on the knees, postauricular area, elbows, scalp, and lower back. Chronic plaque psoriasis was the most prevalent (73.7%) among children with psoriasis and was found to increase with age in a study at Olmsted County, Minnesota (Tollefson et al., 2010). Chronic plaque psoriasis is a life-changing condition that significantly impacts the overall health and well-being (emotional, physical, social, and psychological) as well as quality of life in pediatric patients. As a result of data paucity from clinical studies and limited treatment approval for pediatric population, treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis in pediatric patients is challenging. Managing chronic plaque psoriasis in children can be complicated, especially when use of systematic drugs is ineffective and non-approval of most of the biologics for use in pediatric patients.
Where conventional treatments such as phototherapy, oral systemic treatments and steroid injection are ineffective for chronic pediatric psoriasis treatment, biologics can be used as a treatment option. Effective and safe treatments are crucial in pediatric population for treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis. Biologics are safe for treatment of common chronic inflammatory diseases including psoriasis in children and adolescents (Niehues & Özgür, 2019). The use of biologics has recently been expanded to pediatric patients in the treatment of plaque psoriasis in USA, Canada, and Europe.
Biologics are considered to be a more targeted, safe, and effective treatment options for chronic plaque psoriasis in pediatric patients to improve symptoms and reduce the escalation of other related health co-morbidities. Since chronic plaque psoriasis is a lifelong condition, effective treatments aim to reduce the frequency of recurrence, severity, and duration of occurrence. The efficacy of biologics for treating chronic plaque psoriasis in pediatric patients was assessed using information and data from studies, clinical trials, and medical articles. The conclusions from this literature review can contribute to recommendations for better outcomes for pediatric patients with chronic plaque psoriasis.
-
Comparison Of SARS-CoV-2 To SARS-CoV, MERS, And Influenza A: A Systematic Review
Debbie Calabrese
Differences and similarities are examined among SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1, MERS and influenza A, in the context of transmissibility. Characteristics specific to the respective pathogens prove invaluable as they set the stage for intervention and management. SARS-CoV-2 bears similarities to other recently emerged infectious diseases in basic virologic ways, yet is distinctly different in terms of viral transmission dynamics. These differences arise from genomic qualities and properties specific to the virus. As ACE2 receptors are determinants for attachment and spread of the virus, and their role throughout tissues in the body is vast, an understanding of organ-level pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 is crucial to effectively treat and (hopefully) neutralize SARS-CoV-2. Certain populations are identified as higher risk populations for severity of illness due to factors including age, gender and obesity. Therapies and treatments (including social responsibility behaviors) are described in current practice.
-
Barriers And Challenges To Implementing Telehealth Among Physicians And Advanced Practice Nurses In The United States
Mohammad Einolghozati
A recent Medscape survey among physicians to assess their attitudes toward telemedicine showed that physicians have some concerns regarding telemedicine including liability and reimbursement (Cranford, 2016). Among nurse practitioners, credentialing, reimbursement, patient privacy and the use of appropriate equipment are some of the most critical issues with telemedicine (Balestra, 2018). Healthcare providers play a crucial role in telehealth adoption because their decision to use telehealth is the first step towards the emergence and sustainability of telehealth networks.
The objective of this review is to examine the various barriers and challenges physicians and advanced nurses experience when implementing telemedicine in the United States. This review will also identify new trends in telemedicine that have been reported in similar studies. What are the perceived barriers to the adoption of telemedicine? Are these perceived barriers unique to one or more healthcare provider types?