Patients' Health-Related Quality of Life and Use of Medicinal Cannabis: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study.

Background: Studies on medicinal cannabis (MC) have primarily investigated effects on diseases and symptoms, while there is only sparse knowledge on patients' health-related quality of life. Our aim was, firstly, to compare the health-related quality of life of patients (MC users and non-users) within four specified diagnostic indications (multiple sclerosis, paraplegia, neuropathy, and nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy) with that of patients with other diagnostic indications (MC users only) and the adult population (non-users only). Secondly, we estimate the associations between use of MC and health-related quality of life for patients in the four specified diagnostic indications.

Labor market effects of rehabilitation for patients diagnosed with dizziness - a Danish nationwide register-based cohort study.

Purpose: Both vestibular neuronitis (VN) and Meniere's disease (MD) have great impact on quality of life and are associated with a significant number of sick leave days absent from work. The aim was to assess labor market participation rate one year after hospital diagnosis of VN and MD and the use of rehabilitation measures.

Study Design: Nationwide register-based cohort study including patients with VN (n = 1,341) and MD (n = 843) and control persons matched in 1:5 with a VN cohort control (n = 6,683) and MD cohort control (n = 4,209).

Introducing Point-of-Care PCR technology in general practice: Ambiguities, experiences, and perceptions among health care professionals.

In this paper we present findings from a qualitative ethnographic study investigating the experiences and perceptions of general practitioners and other practice staff when introducing a new point of care diagnostic test technology (point of care polymerase chain reaction (POC PCR)) in general practice in Denmark. The ethnographic study was conducted in five general practice clinics, involving observations in four of the clinics and interviews with general practitioners and practice staff in all five clinics. Following an initial analytic phase in which barriers and facilitators in the implementation process of the Point-of-Care test were identified, we developed theoretically informed themes, drawing upon Hartmut Rosa's social theory of technological acceleration.

Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity among older adults in the nordic countries: a scoping review.

Background: Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity (SO) are age-related syndromes that may compromise physical and mental health among older adults. The Nordic countries differ from other regions on prevalence of disease, life-style behavior, and life expectancy, which may impact prevalence of sarcopenia and SO. Therefore, the aim of this study is to review the available evidence and gaps within this field in the Nordic countries.

Designing a tool ensuring older patients the right medication at the right time after discharge from hospital- the first step in a participatory design process.

Background: On average, older patients use five or more medications daily, increasing the risk of adverse drug reactions, interactions, or medication errors. Healthcare sector transitions increase the risk of information loss, misunderstandings, unclear treatment responsibilities, and medication errors. Therefore, it is crucial to identify possible solutions to decrease these risks.

Increasing melanoma incidence with unchanged mortality: more sunshine, better treatment, increased diagnostic activity, overdiagnosis or lowered diagnostic threshold?

Background: Increasing melanoma incidence with less increasing mortality is observed in several countries. This discrepancy is not well understood.

Objectives: In this study, our aim was to discuss factors [ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure, melanoma treatment, diagnostic activity, overdiagnosis, pathologists' diagnostic threshold and clinicians' propensity to remove suspect skin lesions] that might influence melanoma incidence and mortality in Denmark.

Patients' views on usefulness and effects of a risk communication tool for cardiovascular disease: a qualitative analysis.

Background: Failing to comprehend risk communication might contribute to poor treatment adherence. Using hypertension as a case, we investigated how a risk communication tool for patients with an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease was perceived.

Methods: As part of a large project featuring a randomised controlled trial in a general practice setting in the Region of Southern Denmark, we conducted a semi-structured individual interview study.

Secondary exposure to heavy metal in genetically susceptible mice leads to acceleration of autoimmune response.

Exposure to mercury (Hg) and silver (Ag) has been shown to induce autoimmune diseases in genetically susceptible rodents. Here, A.SW mice were initially exposed to HgCl, AgNO or tap water (control) for 3 weeks.

Handling polypharmacy -a qualitative study using focus group interviews with older patients, their relatives, and healthcare professionals.

Background: On average, older patients use five or more medications daily. A consequence is an increased risk of adverse drug reactions, interactions, or medication errors. Therefore, it is important to understand the challenges experienced by the patients, relatives, and healthcare professionals pertinent to the concomitant use of many drugs.

The effect of psychological interventions targeting overweight and obesity in school-aged children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Multi-component psychological interventions may mitigate overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. Evidence is, however, scattered on the effectiveness of such interventions. This study aims to review the available evidence on the effectiveness of multi-component psychological interventions on anthropometric measures of school-aged children with overweight or obesity.

Readiness to Accept Genetic Testing for Personalized Medicine: Survey Findings on the Role of Socio-Demographic Characteristics, Health Vulnerabilities, Perceived Genetic Risk and Personality Factors.

Studies from various countries have shown that majorities would accept genetic testing for personalization of treatment, but little is known about differences among population subgroups. The present study investigated whether readiness to accept a hypothetical cost-free offer of genetic testing to personalize treatment depends on socio-demographic characteristics, health-related vulnerabilities, personal dispositions, and prior awareness about personalized medicine. The study was based on a cross-sectional survey design.

Long-term Weight Loss in a Primary Care-Anchored eHealth Lifestyle Coaching Program: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Long-term weight loss in people living with obesity can reduce the risk and progression of noncommunicable diseases. Observational studies suggest that digital coaching can lead to long-term weight loss.

Objective: We investigated whether an eHealth lifestyle coaching program for people living with obesity with or without type 2 diabetes led to significant, long-term (12-month) weight loss compared to usual care.

Reversing Type 2 Diabetes in a Primary Care-Anchored eHealth Lifestyle Coaching Programme in Denmark: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

The goal of this trial was to investigate whether an eHealth lifestyle coaching programme led to significant weight loss and decreased Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in patients with type 2 diabetes. In an RCT, 170 patients were enrolled from 2018 to 2019 for intervention or control. Inclusion criteria were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, BMI 30−45 kg/m2, and aged 18−70 years.

Healthcare costs of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Denmark - specialist care versus GP care only.

Background: Many patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are treated in general practice only and have never received specialist care for COPD. They are seldom included in COPD cost studies but may account for a substantial proportion of the total costs.

Objective: To estimate and specify the total healthcare costs of patients who are treated for COPD in Denmark comparing those who have- and have not had specialist care for COPD.

Reasons for participation and non-participation in colorectal cancer screening.

Objectives: The aim of the present analysis is to identify the reasons for accepting or rejecting the invitation to be screened by the Faecal Immunochemical Test as part of the free Danish screening programme for colorectal cancer (CRC).

Study Design: A cross-sectional representative survey of 15,072 Danish citizens aged 50-80 years was collected in 2019 via a Web-based questionnaire administered by Statistics Denmark. Among the net sample of 6807 respondents (45%), 177 were excluded because of current treatment for colorectal disease.

Statin Discontinuation and Cardiovascular Events Among Older People in Denmark.

Importance: Statin use is common in older persons. Given uncertainties in ongoing benefit, changes in health status, and shifting goals of care and preferences, statin discontinuation may be considered in some older persons, although there is currently little evidence to guide this decision.

Objective: To evaluate the association between statin discontinuation and the rate of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) among people aged 75 years or older who receive long-term statin treatment.

Physicians' experiences, attitudes, and beliefs towards medical cannabis: a systematic literature review.

Background: An increasing number of countries legalise the use of medical cannabis or allow it for a narrow range of medical conditions. Physicians, and often the patients' general practitioner, play a major role in implementing this policy. Many of them, however, perceive a lack of evidence-based knowledge and are not confident with providing patients with medical cannabis.

The NERSH Questionnaire and Pool of Data from 12 Countries: Development and Description.

Modern healthcare research has only in recent years investigated the impact of health care workers' religious and other values on medical practice, interaction with patients, and ethically complex decision making. So far, only limited international data exist on the way such values vary across different countries. We therefore established the NERSH International Collaboration on Values in Medicine with datasets on physician religious characteristics and values based on the same questionnaire.

Global overview of dietary outcomes and dietary intake assessment methods in maritime settings: a systematic review.

Background: Seafaring is a risky occupation with high prevalence of risk factors for non-communicable diseases. Food intake and eating habits are important cornerstones regarding health and health promotion. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of dietary intake and dietary intake assessment methods of seafarers and suggestions for applicable assessment tools.

GP preferences for discussing statin deprescribing: a discrete choice experiment.

Background: Deprescribing (planned, supervised discontinuation) of statins may be considered in some older persons. This should be carefully discussed between patients and GPs.

Methods: We examined GPs' preferences for discussing statin deprescribing by conducting a discrete choice experiment (DCE) sent to a stratified random sample of 500 Danish GPs.

A Preference-Sensitive Online Instrument to Support Shared Decision Making for Patients With Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Pilot Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

A preference-sensitive instrument for women with pelvic organ prolapse was developed to increase shared decision-making. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial to measure the effectiveness of the instrument. A pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted at three Danish gynecological clinics to assess feasibility through recruitment rates, per-protocol use and women's perception of (1) support for decision-making, (2) shared decision-making (Shared Decision-Making Questionnaire), and (3) satisfaction with their decisions.

Identification of Important Factors Affecting Use of Digital Individualised Coaching and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes in General Practice: A Qualitative Feasibility Study.

Most type 2 diabetes patients are treated in general practice and there is a need of developing and implementing efficient lifestyle interventions. eHealth interventions have shown to be effective in promoting a healthy lifestyle. The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility, including the identification of factors of importance, when offering digital lifestyle coaching to type 2 diabetes patients in general practice.

Willingness to Use Digital Health Tools in Patient Care Among Health Care Professionals and Students at a University Hospital in Saudi Arabia: Quantitative Cross-sectional Survey.

Background: The adoption rate of digital health in the health care sector is low in many countries. A facilitating factor for successful implementation and adoption of digital health is acceptance by current and future health care professionals.

Objective: This study was conducted to identify factors associated with willingness to use digital health tools in patient care among health care professionals and students.