Enhancing and aligning doctor–patient relationships is a perennial challenge in healthcare. The burgeoning role of digital medical popularization in medical services raises questions about its specific contributions to fostering harmonious interactions between doctors and patients. This qualitative study, employing in‐depth interviews and grounded theory methodologies, explores these dynamics. We engaged a total of 58 participants—comprising 13 doctors and 45 patients—from hospitals in Shanghai, selected via a snowball sampling method and adhering to predefined inclusion criteria. Data collection and analysis proceeded iteratively until theoretical saturation was achieved. Our findings indicate that the quality of doctor–patient relationships is intricately linked to the asymmetry in information exchange. Digital medical popularization exerts a positive influence by mitigating this asymmetry across three key dimensions: expertise knowledge, power distribution, and social support. Further analysis highlights that the precision of digital medical popularization and its efficacy in catalyzing patient action transformation are crucial for these processes. Consequently, we conclude that digital medical popularization significantly contributes to the harmony of doctor–patient relationships by addressing information asymmetry. There is an imperative need to concentrate on enhancing the accuracy of digital medical popularization and facilitating patients′ translation of digital information into concrete actions.
Background Middle‐aged and older adults with severe mental illness (SMI) often experience a higher burden of multiple chronic conditions compared with the general population. Despite this, limited research has explored how these conditions cluster and interact, particularly in social settings where integrated mental and physical healthcare remains underdeveloped. This study examines patterns of somatic multimorbidity among middle‐aged and older adults with SMI relative to the general population in China, highlighting implications for integrated, community‐based care. Methods We analyzed Beijing community‐management/outpatient records for adults with SMI and data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study for the general‐population reference group. 14 chronic somatic conditions were examined. Descriptive prevalence, weighted estimates for the general population group, age‐sex standardized comparisons, two‐sample Wald tests, association rule mining, and phi‐correlation‐based multimorbidity networks were used to compare disease burden, common two‐ and three‐way combinations, and network characteristics. Results The SMI group included 47,074 adults aged 45 years and older, and the general population group included 19,125 adults. Somatic multimorbidity was more frequent in the SMI group (65.68%) than in the general population group (61.91%), and the mean number of chronic somatic conditions was higher (3.58). In the SMI group, the most prevalent conditions were hypertension (56.10%), heart disease (52.57%), arthritis (52.48%), digestive disease (44.43%), and diabetes (36.85%). The leading multimorbidity combinations centered on hypertension, heart disease, arthritis, digestive disease, diabetes, stroke, and asthma. In the positive phi‐correlation network, the SMI group showed higher weighted degree, closeness, and clustering than the general population group, indicating a more interconnected co‐occurrence structure. Conclusion Adults with SMI under community management in Beijing showed a higher and more interconnected burden of chronic somatic conditions than the general‐population group, although differences should be interpreted in light of the distinct data sources and disease ascertainment methods. These findings support earlier and more integrated physical health assessment in community mental health services, with attention to cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, digestive, metabolic, cerebrovascular, and respiratory conditions.
This study evaluates the effect of urban–rural resident medical insurance integration on catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) in China during the early stage of the reform from 2012 to 2016. Using longitudinal data from the China Labor‐force Dynamics Survey (CLDS) and a manually constructed policy implementation database covering 337 prefecture‐level cities, we applied a staggered difference‐in‐differences model to estimate the effect of insurance integration on CHE. We further examined financial‐protection mechanisms and heterogeneity by hukou status, age, and education level. The results show that urban–rural resident medical insurance integration significantly reduced the probability of CHE by 9.1 percentage points ( β = −0.091, 95% CI: −0.142 to −0.039, p < 0.01). Mechanism analyses suggest that the reduction in CHE was associated with lower out‐of‐pocket medical expenditure and higher households’ capacity to pay. Heterogeneity analyses indicate that the reduction was stronger among individuals without a college degree. The point estimates were also larger in absolute magnitude among rural residents and adults aged 45 years or older, although formal interaction tests did not show statistically significant differences across hukou or age groups. Overall, the findings suggest that consolidating fragmented resident insurance schemes can improve financial risk protection during the early phase of health insurance integration.
Background Nurses’ assessment skills during home visits remain tacit. Few studies have used home‐visit virtual reality (VR) simulations to compare the eye‐tracking behaviors of nurses and nursing students. This study aimed to elucidate the assessment characteristics of nurses with home‐visit experience and nursing students without experience by comparing their gaze movements using VR simulations of home visits. Methods This descriptive study compared gaze patterns of five nurses and 39 students from a university in Tokyo. Participants viewed three VR scenarios, including immersive 360‐degree images while recording their gaze movements through a head‐mounted display. The three scenarios, including a single older person, an older couple, and parents with an infant, reflected practicum training, life cycles, and the size of households. Because the groups were small and unbalanced and students were observed in three waves, the analysis focused on inexperienced students in the first wave, who experienced the VR without prior observation, while later students observed a session first. The analysis employed robust, distribution‐free tests, effect sizes, and 95% confidence intervals. Results Nurses exhibited significantly more saccades than students. This effect was consistent across wave structures and held despite the non‐normality of the data distribution. The head‐rolling speed differed between nurses and inexperienced students in the initial data but not in later waves. Regarding fixation behavior, nurses showed more consistent fixation duration and count in areas of interest, such as a small table, compared to students. Conclusions Nurses tend to focus their gaze more consistently on cues relevant to patient health, while students examine the rooms more inconsistently. This indicates that expertise in home‐visit assessment is shaped by both what is observed and how the environment is searched. VR‐based eye tracking can help reveal these tacit skills for nursing education. Trial Registration: UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN‐CTR): UMIN000049037
Social work is often framed as an emancipatory, antioppressive and empowering profession. However, disabled people’s own experiences of social work remain underexplored, particularly in Asian contexts where welfare systems, family‐care expectations, cultural meanings of disability and social work professionalisation vary considerably. This study explores how 39 adults with mobility impairments in four major Asian cities—Tokyo, Taipei, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City—experienced encounters with formal social work support, limited access to such support, or its absence. Drawing on in‐depth interviews and a cross‐national comparative qualitative design, the study brings critical disability studies and disability rights perspectives into dialogue with emancipatory social work. The findings reveal a paradox of social work institutionalisation: Greater access to formal support can also generate new forms of control and disempowerment. In Japan and Taiwan, where social work was more institutionally visible through hospitals, municipal services, assessments and resource allocation, participants reported both support and disempowerment. Many experienced social workers as gatekeepers of scarce resources who reproduced distrust, paternalism and ableist assumptions rather than promoting autonomy and rights. In Thailand, social work contact was more limited and mainly hospital‐based, while participants often turned to self‐help, peers and informal networks. In Vietnam, participants reported no direct engagement with social workers, making it a case of institutional absence rather than a directly comparable service encounter. The study argues that the presence of social work does not guarantee empowerment, while its absence may leave disabled people without formal advocacy or rights‐based support. Emancipatory social work with disabled people requires disability‐led, rights‐based practice that upholds autonomy and values disabled people’s bodily realities, cultural contexts and lived expertise.
Studies on the association between subjective life expectancy (SLE) and informal spousal caregivers are limited. This paper examined whether providing informal care to a spouse is associated with lower SLE among middle‐aged (45–64 years) and older adult carers (65 years and older). Data from Wave 1 to Wave 4 (2011–2018) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) were used with 6936 participants included. SLE was measured based on participants’ self‐estimated chances of reaching a certain age, categorized as ‘higher’ and ‘lower’. Informal spousal caregivers were those identified as primary provider of assistance Wave 1 to Wave 4, and SLE at Wave 4, with analyses stratified by gender and age group. In fully adjusted models, spousal caregiving in Wave 1 was associated with 20% higher odds of lower SLE in Wave 4 than noncaregivers (OR = 1.20, 95%CI = 1.00–1.43). The odds increased with caregiving waves, and even after ceasing spousal caregiving, the association remained significant, particularly among individuals aged 45–64 and female spousal caregivers. In contrast, continuous nonspousal caregivers had lower odds of reporting lower SLE compared to noncaregivers. Our findings indicate a significant longitudinal association between spousal caregiving and a lower SLE in CHARLS, China. This study recommends further research of this association and the potential mechanisms such as mediation through perceived stress, emotional burden and lack of social support, particularly among middle‐aged and female spousal caregivers.
Aim To explore the psychosocial challenges surrounding first‐time pregnancy during the COVID‐19 pandemic from the perspectives of primigravid women, expectant fathers and obstetricians, with particular attention to healthcare disruptions, social isolation, uncertainty and support processes. Design A qualitative descriptive study. Methods Criterion‐based purposive and snowball sampling were used to recruit 20 primigravid women, 10 expectant fathers and 5 obstetricians in Türkiye. Data were collected through semistructured interviews and analysed inductively using thematic analysis, with MAXQDA used for data management. Credibility was strengthened through coding comparison, participant feedback and triangulation across participant groups. Results Primigravid women described heightened anxiety‐related concerns about their own health, foetal health, restricted healthcare access, reduced social support and uncertainty during infection. Expectant fathers reported increased emotional strain as they sought to support their partners while managing their own fears. Obstetricians described difficulties in maintaining patient interaction and the use of digital communication to support continuity of care. Conclusion The findings show that first‐time pregnancy during the COVID‐19 pandemic was shaped by infection‐related concerns, disrupted care, reduced informal support and intensified emotional burden across family and healthcare contexts. Impact This study shows that pregnancy‐related uncertainty during the COVID‐19 pandemic affected women, fathers and care providers in interconnected ways. The findings suggest that crisis‐responsive maternity care should ensure access to and continuity of prenatal care, reliable communication, psychosocial support, father‐inclusive guidance and institutional support for healthcare professionals.
Aim To explore barriers and enablers to providing pressure ulcer care experienced by family carers of older adults. Design Qualitative interview study informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework. Methods Semistructured interviews with a purposive sample of adult family carers of persons aged 65 years and above who had a Category 2 or above pressure ulcer. Participants were identified from district nursing caseloads in England. Data were analysed using the Framework Approach. Results Twenty‐seven carers participated. Frequently performed pressure ulcer care behaviours included ensuring adequate nutrition and hydration; initiating, facilitating and coordinating professional care; managing incontinence/moisture; helping with repositioning and mobility; and keeping the wound clean/covered. Key influences on behaviour were reported in the domains of Knowledge , Environmental Context and Resources , Social/Professional Role and Identity , Beliefs about Consequences , Emotion and Beliefs about Capabilities and Skills . Carers recognised the importance of pressure ulcer care, felt committed to their relative’s welfare and saw the benefit of their input. Key barriers included a lack of information and training, difficulty accessing healthcare resources and the emotional impact of caregiving. Support from health professionals and from family and friends was an enabler of care. Conclusion Family carers play a significant role in pressure ulcer care but face challenges in doing so. We highlight the complexity of tasks they perform and identify a broad range of barriers and enablers to pressure ulcer care.
Background It is estimated that 16 percent of people globally have a disability, and evidence indicates that this is increasing; thus, it is important to ensure this group can access primary healthcare (PHC) when required, something research suggests is not adequate. Recent studies assert that this poor rate of access became worse during COVID‐19, which is important as there may be future pandemics. As such, addressing the determinants of access with actions such as appropriate policy interventions is important and will likely inform whether inequities this group faces continue or worsen in future pandemics. Objectives To examine the literature and identify the determinants of PHC access among people with a disability during COVID‐19. Methods This scoping review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) framework. The review involved a search of Medline, Scopus and ProQuest for peer‐reviewed literature published between December 2019 and April 2023 (during the COVID‐19 pandemic). Studies were eligible for inclusion if participants were adults (aged 18–65) with disabilities, their carers or PHC providers and the conceptual focus was on access to PHC. Finally, the context was limited to high‐income nations, as classified by the World Bank, facing the COVID‐19 pandemic. Results Of the 158 studies initially identified, 13 met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 10 were qualitative, two were quantitative and one employed a mixed‐methods design. Three studies focused on the experiences of PHC providers, seven on those of people with a disability, and three on a mix of people with a disability, their carers and healthcare professionals. Using Levesque et al.’s framework, the studies identified virtual care availability and start‐up costs, staffing shortages, disability competence, public health policies and availability of social supports, as determinants of access. Conclusion Evidence is limited regarding determinants of access to PHC among people with a disability, particularly during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The literature underscores the importance of incorporating the lived experiences of people with disabilities by including them in advisory roles and the need for tangible measures such as policies mandating telehealth options and interpreter services where feasible.
With one in four adults in the United States reporting a disability, promoting inclusive practices among future professionals is crucial. Many preservice professionals display apprehension and negative attitudes toward individuals with disabilities (IWDs), revealing a gap in their training. This study examined the impact of a service‐learning (SL) mentorship program on preservice professionals’ mentorship efficacy and attitudes toward IWD in a community‐based physical activity setting. A total of 295 college students participated, with the intervention group completing an 8‐week mentorship program for IWD, while the control group received standard physical activity instruction. Pre‐ and post‐assessments were conducted using the Mentorship Efficacy Scale (MES) and Interaction with Disabled Persons (IDP) Scale to measure changes. A two‐way mixed ANOVA was used to analyze the data, with significance set at p < 0.05. There was a significant interaction effect between time and group for both MES, F (1, 293) = 24.2, p < 0.001, η 2 p = 0.076, and IDP, F (1, 293) = 21.14, p < 0.001, η 2 p = 0.067. This study provides strong evidence that SL mentorship programs are a powerful tool for promoting positive attitudes and improving mentorship efficacy among preservice professionals. As society continues to emphasize the importance of diversity and inclusion, integrating SL into educational frameworks can play a pivotal role in preparing a workforce that is not only skilled but also compassionate and inclusive.
Ever‐changing societal forces impact the work of health and social care professionals. The aim of this study was to consult previous literature to identify future working‐life requirements that apply to both health and social care professionals. The knowledge produced by this study could contribute to the strategic planning of degree and continuing education. A scoping review was conducted in which we searched for peer‐reviewed scientific papers published in English from January 2017 to October 2023. The 28 papers selected in accordance with the predefined inclusion criteria were examined using thematic analysis. The findings show that health and social care professionals’ future working‐life requirements still reflect a traditional, client‐centred, collaborative work orientation, such as in the use of advanced technology for care provision. It is worth noting that health and social care professionals are expected to integrate sustainability into all care and services. In addition, they are expected to be proactive and resilient so they can succeed in their future working lives. The findings indicate that both degree and continuing education must be constantly adapted to ensure health and social care professionals’ success and relevance in their complex and evolving working lives.
Aim The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides personalised funding for individuals with disability in Australia to receive supports in the community. This scheme is critiqued for operating in a silo separate to mainstream supports. Individuals with complex needs may be at increased risk of adverse health and social outcomes due to a lack of timely interagency working. This paper reports on an independent evaluation of the Integrated Service Response (ISR), a time‐limited programme run by the state government of New South Wales (NSW), which provided time‐limited facilitation of interagency collaboration for referred at‐risk NDIS clients with complex needs. Methods The mixed methods programme evaluation focussed on whether ISR achieved its key objectives: to improve outcomes for referred clients by resolving the immediate risk of crisis and embedding sustainable ongoing support arrangements for the individual; to develop new capacity and capability within local service systems to deliver wrap‐around, multiagency, person‐centred supports; and to identify and address systemic issues. Data were collected from a collaboration survey of stakeholders involved in ISR workshops; client data; observations of 6 ISR collaboration facilitation workshops; and interviews with 31 stakeholders involved in the ISR process. Results The evaluation indicated that ISR was considered effective in achieving outcomes for individual clients referred to the programme and for creating sustainable inter‐agency teams. It was also viewed as addressing service system capacity by mentoring inexperienced staff. While ISR could identify and report on systemic issues, and in several cases find solutions that went beyond individual clients, there was some disappointment among participants in this study that it lacked power to create more significant change. Conclusion ISR is a rare example of an integrated care innovation for complex needs based on a facilitation model targeting service providers. It has an important place as one part of an integrated care strategy for individuals with complex needs.
Background Pelvic organ prolapse and dementia are both common conditions which increase in prevalence with age. Women who have prolapse and dementia may have a different clinical presentation from those with prolapse alone. This development study aimed to understand: Which services currently deliver pessary care for women with dementia and how those services manage/support the women and their family supporters, and what women with prolapse and dementia and/or their family supporters would like from services to alleviate the women’s symptoms. Methods Multimethod development study. An anonymous online survey for Health and Social Care Professionals (HSCPs) was circulated via various professional networks. Semistructured interviews were conducted with HSCP, women with a dual diagnosis of prolapse and dementia and their family supporters. Results Survey results ( n = 336) indicated that care was delivered predominantly in secondary care and that HSCPs encounter some challenges in providing best care to women with a dual diagnosis. Two women with prolapse and dementia, two family supporters and six HSCPs were interviewed. Interview data suggested the need for further information about features of prolapse and pessary care directly aimed at family supporters and that care experiences vary for women with a dual diagnosis, especially regarding decision‐making. Conclusions The study demonstrates that the care for women with prolapse and dementia may be different from care for those who do not have a dual diagnosis. Further research is needed to inform clinical practice.
School holidays are typically a time of anxiety for families, particularly those who are socially and economically disadvantaged. Food insecurity is heightened during school holidays in the United Kingdom as children eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) do not have access to them. Since 2018, the UK government’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme has offered free activities and nutritious meals during holidays. In 2020, HAF operated across 17 local authorities (LAs), supporting 50,000 children and very recently expanded to 153 LAs, delivering over 15.6 million activity days. Previous barriers reported include resource constraint and limited access. Given the substantial investment to support families during school closure, research is needed to understand its implementation practices, how it is received by families and its perceived impacts. This study aimed to gain an in‐depth understanding of HAF delivery by exploring stakeholder views and perceptions and its influence on families. A qualitative exploration was undertaken at four LAs across Yorkshire, where 40 stakeholders, comprising of 20 HAF leads and 20 parents, participated in semistructured interviews and focus groups, respectively. Data were collected between August and September 2021. Reflexive thematic analysis highlighted all stakeholders’ perceptions on HAF delivery, content and influence on families. These are categorised as follows: (1) operational structure, (2) activities: content and approach, (3) food quality and knowledge, (4) supportive environment, and (5) relationships and social connections. Our study revealed that some LAs offered a universal provision, going beyond FSM eligibility and creating an equal platform for all children. Stakeholders highlighted positive influences of the programme, particularly for disadvantaged families, in terms of food provision and the rich range of activities, which created learning environments, as well as providing childcare and opportunity for parents/children to interact. Universal access to HAF is needed to boost engagement and minimise perceived stigma.
Suicidal ideation is a complex and multifactorial phenomenon that has been widely studied over the years, although many of these studies have mainly reflected a clinical component, focussing on risk factors and causes from a medical perspective. This systematic review focuses on the importance of psychosocial factors in order to understand the phenomenon as a whole. PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases were searched following the PRISMA methodology, including empirical studies related to suicidal ideation and its variables. Post‐2008 studies were selected since the global financial crisis marked a structural change in the economy and public policies, affecting key variables that may influence the results. Previous studies may not reflect current economic and social conditions. In total, 22 studies were included, providing evidence on the most significant risk factors for suicidal ideation in the female population, highlighting those related to mental health, stress, social support, sociodemographic factors and contextual and cultural factors. Within these blocks, variables associated with social support, both emotional and instrumental, played a crucial role, as did sociodemographic and economic factors, such as income level, educational level and marital status. In addition, financial and job insecurity were found to increase women’s vulnerability to suicidal ideation. Contextual and cultural factors, such as geographical location, culture, traumatic experiences or structural changes, including the pandemic, were also identified as key determinants.
Hoarding disorder, characterised by difficulty discarding possessions and a cluttered living environment, is a recognised mental health disorder associated with significantly impaired functioning and quality of life. Moreover, due to the volume of possessions, it can also be associated with public health and safety risks, including vermin and fire hazards. Despite broad consensus that multidisciplinary ways of working are preferable, such initiatives differ widely in their implementation and typically there are no established multiagency pathways in the United Kingdom when working with people who hoard. This study investigated a specialist online hoarding forum, as an alternate, conceivably complementary, multidisciplinary approach that aims to improve the support of and communication between professionals who work with individuals who hoard. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 33 professionals who attended the forum and work in a wide range of roles and sectors. Themes identified how the forum is used as a way to navigate complexity and gain specialist advice from diverse professional groups. Social and relational support was also discussed by participants as a key benefit of the Hoarding Forum model. A final theme captured the wider conflicting needs and limited resources as a remaining challenge to professionals. Hoarding Forums as a model may offer a low-resource avenue of support to professionals that prioritises broad expertise and experience as a platform for knowledge exchange. This can offer complementary provision to any existing formal service pathways for this client group.
Purpose This study explores the complex and multifaceted nature of social media use among young adolescents, drawing on the perspectives of young adolescents, parents and experts. It examines both the benefits and risks of social media and associated implications for adolescent mental health, self‐development and social relationships. Methodology A qualitative, interpretive design was utilised, using interviews across three stakeholder groups, with data analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings The analysis identified a range of perceived opportunities, benefits and challenges associated with adolescent social media engagement. Participants highlighted its role in fostering connection, education and self‐expression, alongside significant risks, including cyberbullying, destructive social comparisons and exposure to misinformation. Young adolescents’ developmental sensitivity could heighten vulnerability to these risks. The findings suggest that supporting media literacy, self‐regulation and critical engagement may assist young people in navigating social media in adaptive ways. Originality This study advances understanding of adolescent social media use by integrating multiple stakeholder perspectives and reinforcing the value of codesigned, developmentally informed interventions. These exploratory findings are intended to provide contextual insight that can help inform collaborative and developmentally informed approaches to adolescent digital well‐being.
Background Now, hypertension is the most vital issue in the world. The prevalence of hypertension is rapidly increasing in the world. Socioeconomic condition and food habits are predicted to be associated factors. The objective of the present study is to estimate the prevalence of hypertension at ethnic groups in Bangladesh and examine the association of food habits with hypertension. Methods This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 632 participants aged 55+ in Rangamati, Sylhet, and Mymensingh, Bangladesh, using descriptive statistics and logistic regression to explore factors associated with hypertension. Analysis was conducted using Stata 14.2. Result Approximately 24% of the participants reported having hypertension, with a higher prevalence in less than 60 age groups. The analysis identified that several key factors such as gender, age group, occupation, education levels, monthly visit in hospital with family, financial support, health condition, anxiety, take meal, sugar, and alcohol were associated factors of hypertension (p < 0.05). Conclusion Hypertension is prevalent among ethnic groups aged 55+ in Bangladesh, especially those under 60. Key associated factors include sociodemographic traits, health conditions, and dietary habits like sugar and alcohol intake. Targeted interventions are essential to address these risks.
Social support is known to have a positive association with dietary adherence among persons living with diabetes (PLWD). However, does social support from healthcare professionals and family members have the same effect on adherence? To address this question, the study examined differences in social support received and its association with overall dietary adherence, as well as specific dietary adherence. We analysed the observations of 398 PLWD who participated in a cross-sectional study conducted in the Ashanti region of Ghana between April and June 2023. Dietary self-care adherence was computed as a continuous variable based on participants' responses to five indicators (preparing a healthful eating plan, following an eating plan, consuming five or more servings of fruits and vegetables, eating high-fat foods, and spacing carbohydrates). Multivariate linear regression model was fitted to assess the association between social support and dietary self-care adherence. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Only 29.7% of PLWD received high social support from family members, while 30.9% received high level of social support from healthcare professionals. Compared with those receiving low support, participants with moderate healthcare professional support had significantly higher scores for having a healthful eating plan (beta = 1.52, 95%CI: 0.93, 2.10) and following an eating plan (beta = 1.33, 95%CI: 0.78, 1.89). The association was stronger among those with high healthcare professional support, who were more likely to report having a healthful eating plan (beta = 2.04, 95%CI: 1.48, 2.61) and following an eating plan (beta = 1.95, 95%CI: 1.41, 2.50). Moderate (beta = -0.67, 95%CI: -1.14, -0.19) and high family support (beta = -0.84, 95% CI: -1.36, -0.32) were associated with both reduced fruit and vegetable consumption scores. PLWD who received moderate healthcare professional support were less likely to practice carbohydrate spacing (beta = -0.47, 95%CI: -0.02, -0.93). The study underscores the importance of structured, professional guidance in diabetes management. To optimise outcomes, healthcare systems should prioritise training programmes that equip clinicians with the skills to provide tailored dietary counselling and ongoing support.
For individuals with acquired memory impairment, maintaining independence in daily life and social participation can be challenging. Smartphones are increasingly used as compensatory assistive technologies, offering calendar and reminder functions, alarms, to‐do lists, note‐taking and voice‐memo apps, photo‐based cues, and map/navigation tools. However, evidence regarding their effectiveness and implementation remains limited. This scoping review mapped smartphone‐based compensatory strategies to support acquired memory impairment in people with acquired brain injury (ABI), including traumatic brain injury (TBI), and in people with Korsakoff syndrome (KS), together with the outcomes evaluated and the barriers and facilitators to implementation. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and the Web of Science Core Collection, with the final search performed on 22 May 2025. Titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened by the first author, with independent verification by a second reviewer, and data were charted using a structured extraction form. We included 41 studies published since 2015. Included studies mainly involved adults with nonprogressive acquired brain conditions, particularly ABI, and examined training to help users integrate smartphone functions and memory‐aid apps into everyday routines. The most commonly evaluated outcome domains were everyday functioning and independence, self‐efficacy, and quality of life. Some small studies reported improvements in everyday functioning, independence, self‐efficacy, and related outcomes. Reported barriers included limited digital literacy, caregiver burden, device reliability issues, and privacy and security concerns, as well as practical constraints such as battery depletion and the complexity of device operation. These findings highlight the importance of both technological usability and the surrounding support system for sustained use. The literature suggests that, for future implementation in community settings, sustained use may be supported by collaborative practices between support providers and users, together with ongoing support that is responsive to users’ autonomy, choices, and everyday routines.
