BMJ Open
January 2025
Introduction: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic condition affecting joint function. Regular physical activity can enhance functional capacity and reduce pain. However, there is a scarcity of studies relating to knee OA during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly its impact on symptoms and quality of life.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBMJ Open Qual
January 2025
Background: This study aimed to determine the effects of primary care interventions on healthcare utilisation and estimated out-of-pocket (OOP) expenses in selected urban, rural and remote settings in the Philippines.
Methodology: Context-specific measures relating to expanding healthcare provider networks, augmenting the health human workforce and subsidising transportation costs were implemented to strengthen primary care systems. In this study, two key outcomes were monitored: (1) monthly healthcare utilisation measured by the total number of outpatient consultations per site and (2) change in OOP expenses from baseline to endline within a 1 year study period.
Objectives: PhilHealth's present health benefit scheme is largely centered on in-patient services. This inadvertently incentivizes hospital admissions for increased access to benefit coverage. To address this problem, this study proposes a costing method to comprehensively finance outpatient care.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: Tobacco smoking remains a leading cause of ill-health, premature mortality and a driver of health inequalities. To support smokers in England, a comprehensive approach to treating tobacco dependence is being implemented. This includes offering support to all people admitted to hospitals, as well as women and pregnant people within NHS settings.
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