Remedy
Remedy is a non-fiction work rooted in the real experiences of a nurse navigating her academic training and professional life in healthcare settings. Through a series of short chapters and reflective narratives, Norah Al-Sbeiy shares moments from hospitals, classrooms, and personal encounters that reveal the human side of medicine beyond clinical procedures.The book blends storytelling with thoughtful analysis, addressing topics such as nursing identity, patient care, emotional resilience, mental health, medical misconceptions, ethics, and the psychological dimensions of healing. Each chapter presents a lived situation-often involving patients, colleagues, or mentors-followed by reflection supported by scientific knowledge, psychological insight, or public health research.Written in accessible language, Remedy aims to demystify healthcare professions while emphasizing compassion, responsibility, and awareness. It does not require medical background knowledge, as medical terms are explained clearly, making the book approachable for general readers. Ultimately, the book serves as a testimony to the power of care, empathy, and knowledge as true remedies for both physical and emotional wounds.
No One Tells You This
Even with today's medical advancements, family and friends are taking on the role of caregiver for their loved ones more than ever. When her mother was diagnosed with dementia, author Beth Oakley, along with her mother's partner, made the same choice out of love. Yet, this decision came with unexpected challenges. As Beth learned more about the disease-and heard stories like her own-she increasingly realized these challenges didn't have to be so unexpected. Her family's journey was at times isolating, as the COVID-19 pandemic raged on. So, Beth began writing her own story. She interviewed others caring for a family member or friend battling dementia or Alzheimer's disease. No One Tells You This: True Stories of Caring for a Loved One with Dementia is a collection of stories based on these interviews and the author's own experiences. They offer insights into each stage of caregiving, from the first signs, to accepting the diagnosis and learning how to give support, to navigating family dynamics and the Canadian healthcare system. Informative and compassionate, these stories offer a realistic perspective on the challenges of this incurable disease. As the disease presents itself in a myriad of ways, so too do these voices and their experiences. The joys and struggles, the losses and blessings-No One Tells You This shares them all. Because, as much as caregiving is a journey on a road of uncertainty, no one has to do it alone.
Still a Bit Wonky
A daughter's tribute.A father's legacy.A love that memory loss couldn't erase.When Jack Irving Edwards was diagnosed with dementia, he began filling his days and his diaries with sketches, lotto numbers, tender notes about his beloved wife Babs, and glimpses into a mind navigating change.In Still a Bit Wonky his daughter Pat curates these diary entries and pairs them with her own reflections, creating a moving portrait of a man whose humour, warmth and optimism shone through, even as words sometimes slipped away. Heartbreaking and heart-warming in equal measure, Jack's story offers a rare and uplifting view of dementia - one where joy, connection, and love remain, even when memories fade.
The Role of Dental Nurses in Oral Health Promotion to Prevent Dental Caries in Children within General Dental Practices
Dental caries remains one of the most common yet preventable chronic conditions affecting children worldwide, despite strong evidence supporting preventive dentistry; oral health inequalities persist, particularly among children from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. Addressing this challenge requires not only effective clinical interventions but also a strategic re-evaluation of how preventive care is delivered within everyday dental practice.This book presents a comprehensive scoping review of global evidence examining the roles of dental nurses in oral health promotion to prevent dental caries in children within general dental practices. Drawing on international literature and guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, the book systematically maps the preventive activities undertaken by dental nurses, including fluoride varnish application, oral health education, supervised toothbrushing, dietary counselling, and behavioural change interventions.The findings reveal that dental nurses are well-positioned to support prevention-focused models of care, yet their roles remain inconsistently defined and underutilised across healthcare systems. While evidence from high-income countries-particularly the United Kingdom-demonstrates promising outcomes, significant gaps remain in research quality, geographic representation, and long-term evaluation.Written for dental professionals, educators, policymakers, and public health practitioners, this book provides an evidence-informed foundation for strengthening the role of dental nurses in preventive dentistry. It highlights opportunities for workforce development, policy reform, and future research to reduce oral health inequalities and improve outcomes for children worldwide.Thank you
Easter Stress-Relief Coloring Book for Nurses
Easter Stress Relief Coloring Book for Nurses - Springtime Relaxation for RNs, LPNs and Nursing StudentsBecause nurses deserve more than chocolate this Easter.If you are a nurse, you already know: The shift rarely ends on time. The coffee is never strong enough. And someone always says "It's been quiet."This adult coloring book was created specifically for nurses who need a break from call lights, charting, and controlled chaos.Inside you will find: - Detailed spring themed coloring pages blended with relatable nurse life humor- Easter eggs filled with medical themed patterns- Bunnies in scrubs- Floral mandalas made of stethoscopes and IV lines- Light hearted workplace references that only nurses truly understand- 20 funny nurse journal prompts for reflection and stress relief- Over 1000 words of humorous and encouraging content to help you resetThis is not a generic floral coloring book with the word nurse slapped on the cover.It is designed for: - Registered Nurses- Licensed Practical Nurses- Nursing Students- New grads- Night shifters- Anyone who runs on caffeine and compassionColoring has been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation. When you focus on filling in intricate designs, your mind shifts out of survival mode and into calm creativity. In other words, it is the closest thing to a quiet shift you may get.Perfect as: - An Easter gift for nurses- A nursing school graduation gift- A coworker appreciation gift- A self care treat after a long stretch of shiftsYou take care of everyone else.This spring, take ten minutes to take care of yourself.No charting required.
The Real Reason Your Back (Still) Hurts
FINALLY, THE NEW SOLUTIONAre Back problems new to you, or have you had a Bad Back for longer than you'd like to admit? Have you tried everything under the sun but still have the same or worse issues? Would you like to find out what you can do on your own to get permanent relief?This self-guided manual blames Bad Back Syndrome as the reason for ALL types of Back problems, whether they are OLD or NEW. These testimonials are from real people who used The Bad Back To Good Back Method to get rid of their Back problems, and it can work for you, too."I had been doing PT for years and still had the same issues with my lower back. I was considering surgery when I found Dr. Faith's office. I can only say there is nothing quite like this system, so don't waste your time trying to decide if it's right for you. It's the right method for everybody.""Several months ago, I attended Dr. Faith's Lunch 'n' Learn. The next day, I was in her office because my grandparents are hunched over, and I don't want to look like them. Dr. Faith told me her method would be easy for me with youth on my side, and she was right. I've since turned my friends onto it because it's made a big difference in how I feel; I have more energy, I'm taller, and I sleep much better!""For years, I've dealt with nagging neck and shoulder aches and pains and terrible migraines despite leading an active lifestyle. I didn't know what to do or who could help me until I met Dr. Faith. It's been a challenging, fun, and incredible journey to take my bad back and make it a good back, but I'm finally free from headaches and feel like I'm thirty instead of seventy!"May this journey of discovery and restoration be the long-term solution you've been searching for.Follow the steps in this book and say BYE-BYE, Back pain and problems!
Killed by Fragrance
Killed by FragranceWhat if the scent in the air is not harmless but biologically active?Fragrance is everywhere. It is in perfumes, air fresheners, laundry detergents, cleaning sprays, candles, personal care products, and even medical settings. Marketed as clean, fresh, and safe, synthetic fragrance has become a normal part of daily life. Yet growing scientific research tells a more complex story.In Killed by Fragrance, Dr. Joseph Jacobs, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Advanced Clinical Nutritionist, examines the evidence linking synthetic fragrance exposure to inflammation, hormone disruption, neurological symptoms, immune activation, and respiratory distress.Many fragranced products contain mixtures of volatile organic compounds, endocrine disruptors, and neuroactive chemicals. Because "fragrance" can legally represent dozens or even hundreds of undisclosed ingredients, consumers often have no way of knowing what they are inhaling.Fragrance is not just scent. It is chemistry. Chemistry interacts with the body.This book explains: - How fragrance chemicals can activate the limbic system and alter the stress response- Why some people develop migraines, fatigue, brain fog, asthma-like symptoms, or skin reactions after exposure- How endocrine disrupting chemicals may interfere with thyroid, estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol signaling- Why fragrance reactions often do not appear on standard allergy testing- How cumulative indoor air exposure may contribute to chronic inflammationFor individuals struggling with unexplained symptoms, chemical sensitivity, fragrance sensitivity, migraines, autoimmune conditions, hormone imbalance, or chronic fatigue, this book offers clarity grounded in scientific research.If you have ever felt sick in a scented environment and were told it was "all in your head," this book changes the conversation.Killed by Fragrance moves beyond opinion and into toxicology, neurology, environmental health, and regulatory science. It examines labeling laws, indoor air quality, and the normalization of involuntary chemical exposure in shared spaces.Most importantly, it provides practical strategies to reduce toxic exposure, improve indoor air quality, protect children and vulnerable individuals, and support the body's natural healing processes.In an age of rising chronic illness and environmental toxic load, understanding the health effects of synthetic fragrance is essential.The air you breathe matters.
Health, Social Problems and Well-Being of Patients with Chronic Diseases, Quality of Life, and the Need for Emotional and Social Support
The presence of a chronic illness not only disrupts functional, physical, and social aspects of life, but also evokes negative emotions. This situation leads to a decline in well-being and disrupts quality of life in all areas.This Reprint addresses the complex and multidimensional challenges faced by individuals living with chronic diseases. Chronic illness affects not only physical health, but also emotional well-being, social functioning, and overall quality of life, making it a critical area of research and clinical practice. The articles collected in this Reprint explore psychosocial health, coping strategies, and the need for social and emotional support, offering a comprehensive view of patient experiences beyond clinical symptoms. By integrating perspectives from medicine, nursing, and behavioral sciences, this Reprint emphasizes holistic approaches that consider biological, psychological, and social dimensions of care. The findings presented here provide evidence-based insights that can guide healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers in improving patient-centered care and developing interventions that enhance quality of life. Through this collection, we aim to promote awareness of the importance of addressing emotional and social needs in conjunction with medical treatment, ensuring that care for chronic illnesses is both effective and compassionate.
Signals
In the tradition of Atul Gawande and Henry Marsh, a physician writer's expert examination of the extraordinary power of hormones and the miraculous story of the life force signals that make us. Hormones write life's masterplan - building a new human being in utero, transforming a helpless newborn into a sturdy toddler, igniting the firestorm of puberty, conjuring the alchemy of fertilization and directing the transition into menopause and beyond.And all the while, day-to-day, minute-by-minute, hormones control our mood and stress levels, how hungry we feel and how much we weigh, changes in libido and blood sugar, the circadian rhythm of our energy balance and sleep-wake cycle. In Signals, Dr. Saira Hameed takes us on a journey through the endocrine system, the body's miraculous and often misunderstood communication network of endocrine glands and hormone signals. We barely notice these internal signals efficiently carrying messages from cell to cell because the power of hormones over our brains and bodies is so fundamental that their omnipotent control is simply felt as life itself. Yet when the body's signaling system breaks, we see with hindsight that be 'hormonal' is in fact to be human.Here Dr. Hameed combines expert experience, revelatory science, medical history, and cultural commentary with compelling compassionately recounted patient cases. In this special confluence of storytelling Dr. Hameed invites readers to share in the mysterious, magical inner world of the endocrine system, going beyond hormone hacks and hype to tune out the noise and instead listen into the signals - to the powerful endocrine life force of how the body talks to itself.
100 Questions & Answers about Alzheimer's & Dementia for Dummies
Your Handy Reference for Alzheimer's & Dementia: Popular Questions and Answers If you or a loved one is dealing with Alzheimer's or dementia, or if you simply want to gain a better understanding of these conditions, look no further. 100 Questions & Answers About Alzheimer's & Dementia For Dummies is your complete guide to understanding the causes, signs, and diagnosis of these cognitive disorders. This book contains everything you've been wanting to know about what causes Alzheimer's and dementia and how they can be managed with medical treatments and lifestyle changes. Designed to be straightforward, this book gets right to the point with short, easy-to-absorb sections. This allows you to quickly find the information you need to support your health and well-being. Whether you prefer to read all the Q&As or jump around to specific topics, this guide is structured to expand your knowledge efficiently. Get reliable information on all aspects of Alzheimer's and other causes of dementia Discover management strategies and coping tips that can help with quality of life Get clear, concise information on how dementia is related to other conditions Return to this reliable resource again and again when you have questions For anyone diagnosed with dementia or supporting a loved one with a diagnosis, 100 Questions & Answers About Alzheimer's and Dementia For Dummies is a reliable, low-pressure place to start.
100 Questions & Answers about High Blood Pressure for Dummies
Everything You Want to Know About High Blood Pressure: A Q&A Guide 100 Questions & Answers About High Blood Pressure For Dummies contains everything you've been wanting to know about what causes hypertension and how it can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes. This budget-friendly book gets right to the point, with short, easy-to-absorb sections, so you can focus on getting the information you need to stay healthy. Read all the Q&As or jump around as needed to expand your knowledge. You'll learn about the risk factors, medical consequences, and treatment plans for hypertension, plus foods that can lower your blood pressure and keep you on the path to a long life. Get answers to your most pressing questions including: What is high blood pressure? What causes high blood pressure? What are the symptoms of high blood pressure? How can high blood pressure affect your health? For anyone at risk for or diagnosed with hypertension, as well as those helping someone else through it, 100 Questions & Answers About High Blood Pressure For Dummies is an easy place to start.
100 Questions & Answers about Diabetes for Dummies
Everything You Want to Know About Diabetes: A Q&A Guide If you have diabetes or simply want to gain a better understanding of this condition, look no further. 100 Questions & Answers About Diabetes For Dummies is your complete guide to understanding the causes, signs, and diagnosis of hypertension. This book contains everything you've been wanting to know about what causes high diabetes and how it can be managed with diet, medication, and lifestyle changes. Designed to be straightforward, this book gets right to the point with short, easy-to-absorb sections. This allows you to quickly find the information you need to stay healthy. Whether you prefer to read all the Q&As or jump around to specific topics, this guide is structured to expand your knowledge efficiently. Get answers to your most pressing questions including: Can diabetes be prevented? What are the different types of diabetes? What causes diabetes? What are the symptoms of diabetes? For anyone diagnosed or at risk for diabetes, as well as anyone helping someone else manage it, 100 Questions & Answers About Diabetes For Dummies is a handy, low-pressure place to start.
100 Questions & Answers about Medicare for Dummies
Everything You Want to Know About Medicare A Q&A Guide 100 Questions & Answers About Medicare For Dummies is a focused and accurate collection of easy-to-read answers to your most pressing Medicare questions. The book empowers you to make the best healthcare decisions you can as you navigate the occasionally complex details of the Medicare program. From explanations of the different parts of Medicare to enrollment processes and eligibility requirements, this question-and-answer guide offers expert-vetted info you can put to use immediately. The included answers are clearly organized so you can jump right to the sections relevant to you, whether you're trying to navigate prescription drug coverage or understand your rights and obligations during an extended hospital stay. The authors precisely and carefully discuss the key aspects of Medicare, enabling you to protect your health and the health of your loved ones. Get answers to your most pressing questions including: Who is eligible for Medicare? How do I enroll in Medicare? What is Medicare Part B? Does Medicare cover prescription medications? Perfect for newly diagnosed patients and their loved ones, relatives, and caregivers, 100 Questions & Answers About Medicare For Dummies is a crystal-clear, reliable, and inexpensive collection of the Medicare info you need right now.
Advancements in Heart Failure Research
This Reprint presents a curated collection of peer-reviewed articles from the Special Issue "Advancements in Heart Failure Research: 2nd Edition", published in Life. Highlighting recent progress in the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of heart failure, with a focus on molecular mechanisms, pharmacological interventions, and translational strategies, the Reprint aims to serve as a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and students engaged in cardiovascular science and therapeutic innovation.
Minimal Access Cardiac Surgery
As with all areas of surgical practice, there has been a move in recent years towards minimally invasive approaches to many operations. For example, VATS lobectomy is becoming the standard of care. In cardiac surgery, I think it is fair to term these approaches as minimal access, rather than minimally invasive, since the invasiveness of the surgery, in terms of cardiopulmonary bypass, cardioplegic arrest, the opening of cardiac chambers, and other aspects, is much the same. There is an increasing number of centres offering minimal-access cardiac surgery, and the range of procedures offered is expanding. Patients like the idea of minimal-access procedures for a range of reasons: improved cosmesis, the perception of faster recovery, and reduced pain. Interestingly, though, there remains some scepticism among the cardiac surgical community as to the true benefit of minimal-access cardiac surgery. Indeed, very few randomised controlled trials that compare outcomes to standard cardiac surgery remain.In some ways, it is this scepticism that prompts this timely Special Issue Reprint, where the current status of minimal-access cardiac surgery has been explored, together with consideration of future advances and directions, in order to provide the cardiac surgical community with a robust contemporary review of the current literature.
Addressing Challenges in Child Mental Health
This Reprint addresses the urgent need to study and promote child mental health from a comprehensive and multidisciplinary perspective. Childhood and adolescence are critical stages for cognitive, emotional, and social development, yet in recent years, mental health disorders in this population have significantly increased worldwide. Issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder have a profound impact on children's quality of life and long-term outcomes. This Reprint compiles recent research exploring risk and protective factors, effective interventions, and public health strategies aimed at promoting psychological well-being in young people. It highlights the importance of understanding current challenges-including stigma, limited access to services, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic-and the need for innovative strategies involving health professionals, educators, families, and communities.
Botulinum Toxin for Urinary Tract Disease
Botulinum toxin was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2011 for neurogenic bladder and in 2013 for idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB). In this Special Issue, we address the question of where we stand with this therapy a decade later. Has it prevailed and been proven useful? Which techniques have become established, and how were they optimized? Are more practical ways of distribution on the way? What acceptance problems or obstacles to long-term use might exist among patients or doctors? What are the risks? Has the therapy gained a foothold in the outpatient sector?
Interventional Radiology
The Reprint "Interventional Radiology towards Personalized Medicine" brings together a collection of articles highlighting how image-guided procedures are increasingly integrated into precision-based clinical pathways. The Reprint explores the evolving role of interventional radiology in tailoring treatments to individual patient characteristics, improving therapeutic efficacy, limiting complications, and expanding minimally invasive options across a wide range of conditions. The contributions illustrate advances in imaging-based decision making, technological innovation, patient selection, and outcome prediction, offering a comprehensive and current overview of the field. This Reprint provides clinicians, researchers, and trainees with an updated perspective on how interventional radiology contributes to personalized care and how emerging tools such as radiomics and artificial intelligence are shaping future practice.
Research on Chemical Composition and Activity of Natural Products
Nature is an inexhaustible source of biologically active substances, and interest in their research will always be relevant, regardless of whether new molecules will be discovered or new activities of already known compounds will be proven. For centuries, people have used the bounty of nature in the areas they inhabited, both for food and medicine. Today, the borders have taken on another dimension, and the accumulated knowledge about the benefits of natural products is becoming available to many more people around the world. From an ecological point of view, it is extremely important to recover waste from agriculture and the food sector, which is a potential source of biologically important molecules. Modern science allows studying the metabolism of compounds of natural origin at the cellular level, modifying natural molecules in order to obtain derivatives with better activity or lower toxicity, and conducting in-depth research on a wide range of pharmacological effects.Therefore, this Special Issue of Molecules presents the latest advances in the isolation, identification of new molecules from natural sources, biological effects of plant extracts and essential oils, and utilization of waste products.
Modern Endonasal Rhinoplasty Techniques - Volume 1
This book has been conceived as a bridge between the theoretical knowledge of rhinoplasty and the wide array of surgical techniques. Our goal is to provide a solid foundation for students of rhinoplasty. Modern Endonasal Rhinoplasty Techniques focuses on the most challenging topics and features an easy-to-use format. The text is supported by high-quality images and iconography. Students and seasoned rhinoplasty surgeons alike will benefit from the experience of dozens of surgical masters from around the world. The multi-specialty backgrounds of the authors will improve the technical competence of practitioners in Facial Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, ENT, and Maxillo-Facial Surgery. The unique group of internationally acclaimed surgeons have summarized decades of their experience into a coherent text that sets the foundation for rhinoplasty in the 21st century.
Modern Endonasal Rhinoplasty Techniques - Volume 2
Salient Features Volume 2 The Second volume provides the reader with a step-by-step guide to developing the fundamental skills of a rhinoplasty surgeon. Septoplasty has evolved from a reductive operation to a carefully designed reconstructive operation often aided by endoscopy. The approach to rhinoplasty has been clearly defined and demonstrated through specific cases. Osteotomies and graft technics are explained in a progressive manner. The chapters relating to tip surgery unravel the mystery surrounding this topic. The nasal dorsum, alar base, and specific clinical scenarios enable the reader to tackle some of the most difficult issues in rhinoplasty. Finally, surgeons famed for their excellence in the open-approach discuss their views on endonasal surgery.
Modern Endonasal Rhinoplasty Techniques - Volume 2
Salient Features Volume 2 The Second volume provides the reader with a step-by-step guide to developing the fundamental skills of a rhinoplasty surgeon. Septoplasty has evolved from a reductive operation to a carefully designed reconstructive operation often aided by endoscopy. The approach to rhinoplasty has been clearly defined and demonstrated through specific cases. Osteotomies and graft technics are explained in a progressive manner. The chapters relating to tip surgery unravel the mystery surrounding this topic. The nasal dorsum, alar base, and specific clinical scenarios enable the reader to tackle some of the most difficult issues in rhinoplasty. Finally, surgeons famed for their excellence in the open-approach discuss their views on endonasal surgery.
Modern Endonasal Rhinoplasty Techniques - Volume 1
This book has been conceived as a bridge between the theoretical knowledge of rhinoplasty and the wide array of surgical techniques. Our goal is to provide a solid foundation for students of rhinoplasty. Modern Endonasal Rhinoplasty Techniques focuses on the most challenging topics and features an easy-to-use format. The text is supported by high-quality images and iconography. Students and seasoned rhinoplasty surgeons alike will benefit from the experience of dozens of surgical masters from around the world. The multi-specialty backgrounds of the authors will improve the technical competence of practitioners in Facial Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, ENT, and Maxillo-Facial Surgery. The unique group of internationally acclaimed surgeons have summarized decades of their experience into a coherent text that sets the foundation for rhinoplasty in the 21st century.
Childhood Cancer
Childhood Cancer: One Family's Journey Through the Storm is a non-fiction book written by a mom, Peggy Timm, whose 20-month-old daughter, Alicia, was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness--neuroblastoma. In Alicia's case, a large tumor surrounded her heart. The book is designed to give parents in a similar situation a sense of what they might face, offer them hope, and assure them they are not alone on this journey. The book addresses a myriad of issues, including: understanding a diagnosis--the medical terms as well as what it might mean for your child--how to move forward after the diagnosis, the impact on siblings, the importance of support from family, friends, and the community, faith, children who lose the battle, and when hopelessness turns into hope.
Opioids
Millions of people across North America have been impacted by the ongoing opioid crisis, but why has it taken so long for us to make a serious dent in this crisis? And why is it still plaguing us today?Here, author Reggie Caverson, an addictions expert with over thirty years in the field, tries to answer these unwieldy questions, tracing the crisis back to its roots and offering solutions that could possibly mitigate some of the unimaginable harm caused since. In Opioids: Burying the Truth One Person at a Time, she outlines . . .- A chronology of the crisis since OxyContin was first marketed as a "miracle drug" in 1996 and the egregious mistakes that have been made by health regulators since that time- How police, as the initial whistleblower, witnessed a surge in opioid-related crimes which persist to this day- The impact on people with acute or chronic pain who continue to be prescribed highly potent and addictive opioids - The many other interwoven issues including the lack of data, the disproportionate impact on Indigenous peoples, on families, on those who have been incarcerated, on emergency responders, such as police, paramedics, and hospitals, and many others- The spill over into a new wave of addiction-related harm and crimes caused by manmade opioids such as fentanyl and other drugs found on the streetTo give hope, Caverson offers the need for an integrated four-pillar strategy aimed at addressing this crisis, focused on health promotion and prevention, addiction treatment, harm reduction, and enforcement. Powerful, compassionate, and incredibly thorough, Opioids: Burying the Truth One Person at a Time is a call for all hands on deck and the need to work together to face this crisis head-on.
A Guide to Surgical Assisting
A lifetime of experience distilled for the budding student, training doctors, professional assistants, and surgeonsSurgical assisting is a unique skill. Specialist surgeons and senior registrars are often not very good assistants as their roles are entirely different to that of an assistant. Of course, as a surgical assistant, it is possible to get by just standing there and doing what you're told, but this doesn't really help the specialist surgeon and certainly won't give any satisfaction or pride to the assistant. Surgical assistants who have pride in their role and do that bit more are generally in high demand.This guide should prove useful to medical students, HMO's, registrars, nurses, doctors who may occasionally be called on to assist in theatre and those that may intend to make surgical assisting a large part of their career.
Opioids
Millions of people across North America have been impacted by the ongoing opioid crisis, but why has it taken so long for us to make a serious dent in this crisis? And why is it still plaguing us today?Here, author Reggie Caverson, an addictions expert with over thirty years in the field, tries to answer these unwieldy questions, tracing the crisis back to its roots and offering solutions that could possibly mitigate some of the unimaginable harm caused since. In Opioids: Burying the Truth One Person at a Time, she outlines . . .- A chronology of the crisis since OxyContin was first marketed as a "miracle drug" in 1996 and the egregious mistakes that have been made by health regulators since that time- How police, as the initial whistleblower, witnessed a surge in opioid-related crimes which persist to this day- The impact on people with acute or chronic pain who continue to be prescribed highly potent and addictive opioids - The many other interwoven issues including the lack of data, the disproportionate impact on Indigenous peoples, on families, on those who have been incarcerated, on emergency responders, such as police, paramedics, and hospitals, and many others- The spill over into a new wave of addiction-related harm and crimes caused by manmade opioids such as fentanyl and other drugs found on the streetTo give hope, Caverson offers the need for an integrated four-pillar strategy aimed at addressing this crisis, focused on health promotion and prevention, addiction treatment, harm reduction, and enforcement. Powerful, compassionate, and incredibly thorough, Opioids: Burying the Truth One Person at a Time is a call for all hands on deck and the need to work together to face this crisis head-on.
Clinical Outcomes Improvement and Perioperative Management of Surgical Patients
This Reprint brings together a curated collection of contemporary research articles focused on the clinical outcome improvement and perioperative management of surgical patients, with special emphasis on cardiovascular and cardiothoracic care. Across its contributions, the Reprint highlights key challenges in optimizing surgical pathways, refining patient selection, enhancing perioperative safety, and improving long-term results in high-risk populations. It integrates evidence from randomized trials, observational registries, translational research, and quality-improvement initiatives, offering a comprehensive view of emerging trends that shape modern surgical practice.Through its interdisciplinary scope, the Reprint reflects the ongoing evolution of perioperative medicine, ranging from advances in minimally invasive strategies and anesthesia optimization to innovations in risk prediction and postoperative recovery. Clinicians, researchers, and trainees will find this Reprint a concise yet authoritative resource that bridges scientific insight with practical decision-making to advance the quality and safety of surgical care worldwide.
Natural Products in Photodynamic Therapy
This Reprint presents an integrated and contemporary overview of natural photosensitizers and their applications in photodynamic therapy. It brings together experimental, mechanistic, and translational studies that demonstrate how plant-derived and microbial chromophores can be harnessed to produce cytotoxic, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory effects upon controlled light activation. This Reprint highlights advances in molecular photobiology, photophysical characterization, and cellular responses, as well as innovations in nanoformulations that improve solubility, stability, and therapeutic selectivity. Particular attention is given to antimicrobial resistance, oncologic applications, and neglected diseases in which photodynamic therapy offers accessible and minimally invasive alternatives. By combining fundamental science with clinically relevant perspectives, this Reprint provides a comprehensive synthesis of current progress and emerging directions in the development of natural photosensitizers for modern photodynamic therapy.
Walk in Their Shoes: The Engaged Leader's Advantage
As healthcare organizations grow in both size and complexity, so does the distance between executive decision-making and frontline care. This disconnect can jeopardize patient safety, diminish staff morale and erode organizational culture. Walk in Their Shoes offers healthcare leaders practical strategies to close this critical gap. Focused on cultivating meaningful, sustained connections with staff across clinical and nonclinical settings, this book underscores the importance of trust and engagement in building high-performing, resilient teams. Grounded in research and real-world relevance, the book provides actionable guidance to help senior leaders understand the day-to-day realities of work in nursing units, clinics, support services and more. It also reminds leaders with clinical backgrounds to remain rooted in their professional origins. This accessible and pragmatic resource emphasizes that trust is not built through quick interactions but through consistent, thoughtful presence. It also reminds leaders that those who foster connectedness see measurable outcomes: improved communication, greater staff retention and most importantly, better patient care.
Dementia Widow
The medical system took twelve years to reluctantly agree with Fay Martin that her husband was sliding into dementia. Even after he died three years later, people still questioned the diagnosis. This is a book about what happens behind that veil of invisibility.Dementia Widow exposes, with courage and candor, the poison that seeps in, as a healthy reciprocal marriage becomes inexplicably hierarchical. Only when dementia is recognized as the villain does the relationship morph to offer the loving caregiving that enables a good final chapter.When the final loss came, Fay felt relief, followed quickly by guilt that she wasn't grieving "properly" and resentment that the years of invisible grief were unrecognized. Since then, she has brazenly reclaimed her life and written this book to retrace the years and find insights that Fay now offers as a guide to others who are caregiving for a loved one with dementia, and those who support them. The tenets of good caregiving (and a good life), which became crisp and clear during a trip to the Netherlands five years after her husband's death, and are woven throughout this book: Nurture independence. Find joy and purpose every day. Live till you die.
Bioactive Compounds and Functional Foods in Human Health
This Reprint highlights the importance of bioactive compounds in the development of functional foods that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. It brings together recent advances in antioxidants, polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, and vitamins, emphasizing their biological mechanisms and potential in preventing and managing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, and cancer. By bridging fundamental research with practical applications, this Reprint offers a comprehensive view of how functional foods enriched with bioactive compounds can contribute to public health and future nutrition strategies. The collected articles demonstrate the anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, and antioxidant properties of bioactive substances, while also exploring innovative extraction techniques and food technologies. This Reprint will serve as a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and policy-makers seeking to advance knowledge and foster innovation in nutrition and health.
The Role of Telemedicine in Transforming Healthcare Delivery
Telemedicine is vital for enhancing healthcare access, convenience, and efficiency. It overcomes traditional barriers by enabling people in remote or underserved areas to receive care without extensive travel, addressing provider shortages in isolated regions. It also supports vulnerable populations (those who are elderly or have a disability or chronic conditions) who find in-person visits difficult. Telemedicine facilitates follow-up care and chronic disease management using mobile apps and wearable devices for obtaining real-time patient data. This remote monitoring improves outcomes and reduces hospital readmissions. Implementation Challenges and Key Focus Areas: Effective implementation requires addressing healthcare disparities, reimbursement policies, and patient access to technology and training. Despite these hurdles, telemedicine is an essential tool globally.This Special Issue focuses on the following topics: Patient Education: Informing patients about benefits and availability; Provider Training: Equipping staff for virtual exams, platform use, and privacy; Remote Monitoring: Using devices to collect data for chronic condition management; Workflow Optimization: Streamlining scheduling for efficient appointments; Telemedicine Apps: Developing user-friendly apps for scheduling, reminders, and records; Emergency Protocols: Establishing clear procedures for virtual appointment emergencies.
Biomechanics-Based Motion Analysis, Volume II
Research in the field of biomechanics and motion analysis has seen rapid growth in recent years. Such research enhances our understanding of normal human posture and locomotion, pathological movement, physical disorders, and human-environment interaction, while also facilitating the development of targeted sports and rehabilitation approaches. Advancements in technology now enable researchers to apply state-of-the-art systems, devices, and algorithms across a broad spectrum-from external body movement to internal cellular response, from controlled lab settings to outdoor environments, and from bench experiments to clinical applications.This Special Issue focuses on recent research and developments in biomechanics and motion analysis. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to: upper-limb and lower-limb biomechanics, spinal biomechanics, motion capture and analysis, interface biomechanics, shear force and pressure in ergonomics, computational orthopedics, physical ergonomics, sports engineering, rehabilitation engineering, human-environment biomechanical interaction, postural stability, balance and gait control, computer vision algorithms for motion analysis, artificial intelligence (AI) in biomechanics and motion capture, motion tracking and detection, and wearable devices for biomechanical and motion analysis.
Perspectives in Veterinary Toxicology and Pharmacology
This Reprint aims to bring together high-quality research on the emerging disciplines of veterinary pharmacology and toxicology, which are closely related to other subjects like physiology. This Reprint encompasses the following aspects: the toxic effects of emerging contaminants and their industrial applications, demonstrated on different animal models; the use of natural compounds and dietary supplementation to support the function of an organism after exposure to emerging contaminants; environmental contamination; toxicological risks related to the consumption of contaminated food; and evaluations of the effects of new treatments. These aspects are all related to the One Health approach, which aims to optimize the health of people, animals, and the ecosystem.
Future Challenges for the Diagnosis and Management of Affective Disorders
This Special Issue presents preclinical and clinical research aimed at reframing the diagnosis and treatment of affective disorders beyond classical neurobiological models. It includes a meta-analysis comparing single- versus two-dose psilocybin administration in major depressive disorder, clarifying its efficacy and dose-dependency. Another study uses network analysis of exposome scores to link environmental exposure with multidimensional psychopathology in non-clinical samples, while the effects of light pollution on affective health highlight chronobiological disruption in mood disorder etiology.Diagnostic and clinical dimensions are explored through research on polarity at bipolar disorder onset, mapping temperamental correlates and long-term trajectories. Biomarker studies report elevated mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels associated with suicidal ideation in major depressive disorder and evaluate BDNF's validity in bipolar disorder. Perinatal and familial aspects are explored in a structural equation modeling study showing how attachment-related coping mediates postpartum depressive symptoms and which develops a protocol for a randomized clinical trial for a psychoeducational family intervention in major depressive disorder. Together, these contributions outline a multidimensional landscape integrating environmental, temperamental, biological, and psychosocial determinants.
Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is a major global public health problem and a leading driver of healthcare use and its associated costs. Clinical management remains challenging because chronic pain is multidimensional and requires a patient-centred approach that is consistent with the current biopsychosocial paradigm. Importantly, more than 85% of presentations are labelled "non-specific", highlighting the limited diagnostic yield of conventional imaging for identifying a single pathoanatomical cause. Pain chronification arises from interacting mechanisms spanning molecular, psychological, and social levels, creating an urgent need for high-quality research that refines diagnostic strategies, improves patient stratification, and enables more targeted care.This Special Issue includes the following topics: imaging and neuroimaging; somatosensory profiling (e.g., quantitative sensory testing); clinical prediction and risk models; biomarkers and digital phenotyping; new proposals for clinically meaningful phenotypes or endotypes; evaluations of diagnostic pathways; and demonstrations of how improved classification informs treatment selection, prognosis, and patient-relevant outcomes. The overarching aim is to move beyond the broad-and often unhelpful-category of "non-specific" chronic pain.
Antimicrobial Resistance and Therapy in Intensive Care Unit
This Reprint brings together cutting-edge contributions that address the acute and evolving challenge of antimicrobial resistance in the intensive care setting. Critically ill patients in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) face a disproportionate burden of infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms, demanding a rigorous appraisal of both epidemiological trends and therapeutic strategies. In this collection we highlight three interconnected domains: (1) the dynamic epidemiology of key pathogens in ICUs, including Gram-negative bacilli, non-fermenters, and other high-risk bacteria; (2) advances in microbiological diagnostics-encompassing rapid molecular methods, phenotypic detection, and real-time therapeutic guidance techniques; and (3) optimization of antimicrobial therapy grounded in pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, novel agents, and stewardship frameworks tailored to the critical-care environment. The aim is to offer clinicians, microbiologists, and researchers a coherent resource that merges mechanistic insights with practical treatment algorithms for complex resistance mechanisms. By integrating surveillance data, therapeutic case series, and reviews of emerging antimicrobials, this Reprint supports evidence-based decision-making and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration in the fight against antimicrobial resistance in intensive care.
Current Progress and Future Directions of Spine Surgery
This Special Issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state and future of spine surgery. Featured in this Reprint are original and review articles on recent developments and advancements in surgical techniques, as well as novel technologies for spine surgery, that have markedly improved clinical outcomes in patients with spinal diseases and deformities. These articles cover a vast array of emerging surgical technologies, including robotic-assisted spine surgery, minimally invasive surgical techniques, and artificial intelligence. Examining current progress and anticipating the future direction of spine surgery through these innovative articles will expand our horizons and deepen our understanding of this challenging field.The Reprint categorizes articles by subject in the following order: 1) machine learning and artificial intelligence; 2) recent advancements in deformity surgery; 3) osteo-biology; and 4) minimally invasive surgery.
Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Unlock the secrets of the 2026 Allergy and Clinical Immunology curriculum with this essential guide. This book provides a complete roadmap for the Allergy and Clinical Immunology (ACI) training pathway. It explains the strategic split between ACI and ACLI specialties. You will learn to act as a "bridge" between the lab and the patient. The text breaks down the Capabilities in Practice (CiPs) framework. It prepares you for the high-stakes ACICE examination. You will find clear protocols for managing anaphylaxis and shock. It covers respiratory allergies like asthma and rhinitis. The book details cutaneous conditions such as urticaria and angioedema. You will master food allergy diagnosis and nutrition. It explains drug allergy de-labelling and hypersensitivity. There are chapters on insect venom and occupational allergies. It explores primary immunodeficiencies and antibody defects. You will understand immune dysregulation and autoimmunity. It guides you through pediatric care and transitioning to adult services. Finally, it looks at future horizons like planetary health and AI. This book stands out by focusing strictly on the modern 2026 educational landscape. It moves beyond old "tick-box" competencies to the new standard of entrustment. Unlike traditional textbooks, it integrates digital health tools and remote care models directly into clinical practice. It tackles the "Two Epidemics" of allergic disease and secondary immunodeficiency head-on. The content is specifically designed for the "clinic-heavy" ACI physician rather than the lab-focused pathologist. It provides cutting-edge updates on genomic medicine and targeted therapies. You get practical insights into leadership and service management often missed in standard guides. It addresses the urgent impact of climate change on immunology. This resource prepares you to be a sophisticated, "hybrid" clinician ready for the future. Copyright Disclaimer: This book is independently produced by Azhar ul Haque Sario and is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The author is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians Training Board (JRCPTB) or any other official board mentioned. All trademarks are used under nominative fair use principles.
The UK Cardiology Curriculum
Master the heartbeat of modern medicine with the ultimate guide to the 2026 UK Cardiology Curriculum. This book is your essential roadmap to the 2026 UK Cardiology Curriculum. It breaks down the complex requirements set by the Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians Training Board. You will understand the new dual-specialty mandate for trainees. It covers General Internal Medicine alongside pure Cardiology. It explains the "Spiral Curriculum" model clearly. You will learn about Capability-Based Progression and "Entrustment Levels". It details the five Advanced Themes like Intervention, Imaging, and Heart Failure. It covers key assessments like the European Exam in Core Cardiology (EECC). It explains the critical "Critical Progression Points" you must pass. It guides you through the fierce ST4 recruitment process. It is a complete survival guide for the modern trainee. Most medical textbooks only teach you the science, but this book teaches you the strategy. It fills the huge gap between clinical theory and the harsh reality of NHS training. It provides the "inside track" on recruitment that standard guides often ignore. It explains exactly how to navigate the 2026 "Alternative Certificate" and the new "Person Specification". It focuses on the "hidden curriculum" of soft skills, leadership, and professional integrity. It turns dry board regulations into actionable career advice. It gives you the competitive edge needed to secure a National Training Number. It is the mentor you wish you had. Hey there, future consultant. Let's be honest-cardiology training has changed. It is not just about listening to murmurs anymore; it is about managing complex systems, leading acute takes, and navigating a training pathway that feels like an obstacle course. This book is designed to be the friendly voice in your ear through it all. We dive deep into the real stuff. You know, the things that actually keep you up at night. We talk about the "Crisis of Time" where you have to balance being a General Physician with being a Heart Specialist. We break down the scary new world of "Unselected Medical Takes" and how to survive them without losing your mind. We don't just list the rules; we explain why they exist, from the "Shape of Training" review to the specific demands of the 2026 recruitment cycle. Whether you are stressing about the European Exam in Core Cardiology (EECC) or trying to figure out how to get your "Level 4 Entrustment" in pacing, this guide has your back. We cover the nitty-gritty of every module, from the "Radial First" approach in the cath lab to the "Tricuspid Revolution" in imaging. We even tackle the tough stuff like medical ethics, legal frameworks, and how to handle the "Duty of Candour" when things go wrong. It explores the "Spiral Curriculum," where you revisit themes with increasing complexity, ensuring you are ready for consultant life. It is highly creative, humanized, and packed with the specific, granular details you need to not just survive, but thrive in the 2026 landscape. Legal Disclaimer: This book is independently produced by the author and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians Training Board (JRCPTB) or any other official board. All trademarks and curriculum references are used under nominative fair use for educational and descriptive purposes only.
Bush Clinics to Board Rooms
Doctors must have a high IQ to get into medicine. They have to prove their technical competence to graduate. However, having a high IQ and technical competence doesn't translate into people management and leadership. Dr Kay is one of the few doctors in Australia who has approached medicine with a commercial focus and has trained more specialists than most in the country. Learn from his journey from a rural doctor to the board rooms of major organisations, changing the face of emergency medicine for the country.
CNA Study Guide 2026-2027 - 3 Full-Length Practice Tests, CNA Exam Prep Books Secrets with Detailed Answer Explanations
Mometrix Test Preparation's CNA Study Guide - CNA Exam Prep Books Secrets is the ideal prep solution for anyone who wants to pass their Certified Nurse Assistant Exam. The exam is extremely challenging, and thorough test preparation is essential for success. Our study guide includes: 3 practice tests available in online interactive format (All 3 of these printed in the guide)Tips and strategies to help you get your best test performanceA complete review of all CNA test sectionsEnd-of-chapter quizzes to test your comprehension of each chapterMometrix Test Preparation is not affiliated with or endorsed by any official testing organization. All organizational and test names are trademarks of their respective owners.The Mometrix guide is filled with the critical information you will need in order to do well on your CNA exam: the concepts, procedures, principles, and vocabulary that the state certification board expects you to have mastered before sitting for your exam.Test sections include: Physical Care SkillsPsychosocial Care SkillsRole of the Nurse Aide...and much more!Our guide is full of specific and detailed information that will be key to passing your exam. Concepts and principles aren't simply named or described in passing, but are explained in detail. The Mometrix CNA study guide is laid out in a logical and organized fashion so that one section naturally flows from the one preceding it. Because it's written with an eye for both technical accuracy and accessibility, you will not have to worry about getting lost in dense academic language.Any test prep guide is only as good as its practice questions and answer explanations, and that's another area where our guide stands out. The Mometrix test prep team has provided plenty of CNA practice test questions to prepare you for what to expect on the actual exam. Each answer is explained in depth, in order to make the principles and reasoning behind it crystal clear. All 3 practice tests are available to take in online interactive format, allowing you to immediately score your test and see what you got wrong. We've also printed all 3 practice tests in your guide for offline reference.We've helped hundreds of thousands of people pass standardized tests and achieve their education and career goals. We've done this by setting high standards for Mometrix Test Preparation guides, and our CNA Study Guide - CNA Exam Prep Books Secrets is no exception. It's an excellent investment in your future. Get the CNA review you need to be successful on your exam.
Nurse Executive Certification Review 2026-2027 - 3 Full-Length Practice Tests, Exam Secrets Study Guide for the Ancc Nurse Executive
Mometrix Test Preparation's Nurse Executive Certification Review 2026-2027 - Exam Secrets Study Guide is the ideal prep solution for anyone who wants to pass their Nurse Executive Board Certification Test. The exam is extremely challenging, and thorough test preparation is essential for success. Our study guide includes: 3 practice tests available in online interactive format (2 of these printed in the guide)Tips and strategies to help you get your best test performanceA complete review of all Nurse Executive test sectionsEnd-of-chapter quizzes to test your comprehension of each chapterANCC is a registered trademark of American Nurses Credentialing Center, which is not affiliated with Mometrix Test Preparation and does not endorse this product.The Mometrix guide is filled with the critical information you will need in order to do well on your Nurse Executive exam: the concepts, procedures, principles, and vocabulary that the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) expects you to have mastered before sitting for your exam.Test sections include: Human Resource ManagementQuality and SafetyBusiness ManagementHealth Care Delivery...and much more!Our guide is full of specific and detailed information that will be key to passing your exam. Concepts and principles aren't simply named or described in passing, but are explained in detail. The Mometrix Nurse Executive study guide is laid out in a logical and organized fashion so that one section naturally flows from the one preceding it. Because it's written with an eye for both technical accuracy and accessibility, you will not have to worry about getting lost in dense academic language.Any test prep guide is only as good as its practice questions and answer explanations, and that's another area where our guide stands out. The Mometrix test prep team has provided plenty of Nurse Executive practice test questions to prepare you for what to expect on the actual exam. Each answer is explained in depth, in order to make the principles and reasoning behind it crystal clear. All 3 practice tests are available to take in online interactive format, allowing you to immediately score your test and see what you got wrong. We've also printed 2 practice tests in your guide for offline reference.We've helped hundreds of thousands of people pass standardized tests and achieve their education and career goals. We've done this by setting high standards for Mometrix Test Preparation guides, and our Nurse Executive Certification Review 2026-2027 - Exam Secrets Study Guide is no exception. It's an excellent investment in your future. Get the Nurse Executive review you need to be successful on your exam.
Hesi Exit Exam Study Guide 2026-2027 - 3 Full-Length Practice Tests, 60+ Online Video Tutorials, Secrets Prep Book for the Hesi
Mometrix Test Preparation's HESI Exit Exam Study Guide 2026-2027 - Secrets Prep Book is the ideal prep solution for anyone who wants to pass their HESI Exit Exam. The exam is extremely challenging, and thorough test preparation is essential for success. Our study guide includes: 3 practice tests available in online interactive format (1 of these printed in the guide)Step-by-step video tutorials to help you master difficult conceptsTips and strategies to help you get your best test performanceA complete review of all HESI test sectionsHESI is a registered trademark of Elsevier Inc., which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this product.The Mometrix guide is filled with the critical information you will need in order to do well on your HESI exam: the concepts, procedures, principles, and vocabulary that Elsevier Education expects you to have mastered before sitting for your exam.Sections include: Management of CareSafety and Infection ControlHealth Promotion and MaintenancePsychosocial IntegrityBasic Care and ComfortPharmacological and Parenteral TherapiesReduction of Risk PotentialPhysiological Adaptation...and much more!Our guide is full of specific and detailed information that will be key to passing your exam. Concepts and principles aren't simply named or described in passing, but are explained in detail. The Mometrix HESI study guide is laid out in a logical and organized fashion so that one section naturally flows from the one preceding it. Because it's written with an eye for both technical accuracy and accessibility, you will not have to worry about getting lost in dense academic language.Any test prep guide is only as good as its practice questions and answer explanations, and that's another area where our guide stands out. The Mometrix test prep team has provided plenty of HESI practice test questions to prepare you for what to expect on the actual exam. Each answer is explained in depth, in order to make the principles and reasoning behind it crystal clear. Many concepts include links to online review videos where you can watch our instructors break down the topics so the material can be quickly grasped. Examples are worked step-by-step so you see exactly what to do.We've helped hundreds of thousands of people pass standardized tests and achieve their education and career goals. We've done this by setting high standards for Mometrix Test Preparation guides, and our HESI Exit Exam Study Guide 2026-2027 - Secrets Prep Book is no exception. It's an excellent investment in your future. Get the HESI review you need to be successful on your exam.
Access to Public Health Services and Challenges to Healthcare Management
Access to public health services remains a major challenge for health systems worldwide, particularly in contexts marked by resource limitations, inequities, and increasing pressures on healthcare management. Strengthening service delivery requires a deeper understanding of how health systems respond to population needs, how users perceive the quality and availability of care, and how organizational factors influence performance. This Special Issue addresses these themes by examining access, governance, and service organization across diverse settings, with special attention to contexts where structural constraints shape health outcomes. The studies included in this Special Issue offer concise and valuable contributions to these discussions. Research on Brazil's Unified Health System highlights differences in user experiences across regions, while findings from eight African countries illuminate job satisfaction among primary care workers and its implications for workforce stability. Additional contributions explore the integration of mental health services into HIV and tuberculosis programs in South Africa, the role of digital health tools in the management of chronic diseases, and persistent barriers to accessing essential treatments such as radiotherapy. We hope this collection supports researchers, practitioners, and policymakers committed to advancing more equitable, efficient, and people-centered health systems.
