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7 pages, 205 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Electronic Health Literacy and Functional Ability in Mental Health Service Recipients: Relevance for Patient Engagement

by Styliani Agioti and Georgios Koulierakis

Med. Sci. Forum 2026, 47(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2026047001 - 1 Jun 2026

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Electronic health literacy (eHL) is important for accessing, understanding, and using online health information, particularly as healthcare services increasingly include digital resources. This study aimed to examine the association between eHL and functional ability among adults receiving mental health services, and to explore [...] Read more.

Electronic health literacy (eHL) is important for accessing, understanding, and using online health information, particularly as healthcare services increasingly include digital resources. This study aimed to examine the association between eHL and functional ability among adults receiving mental health services, and to explore whether this association remained significant after accounting for selected sociodemographic factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 200 adults receiving mental health services in community and outpatient settings in Attica, Greece. eHL was assessed using the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS), and functional ability was assessed using the 12-item WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0). The mean eHEALS score was 25.34 (SD = 7.93), and the mean WHODAS 2.0 score was 22.57 (SD = 8.18). Higher WHODAS 2.0 scores, indicating lower functional ability, were associated with lower eHL (r_s = −0.21, p = 0.003). In multiple linear regression, WHODAS 2.0 score remained a significant predictor of eHL after controlling for age, sex, and years of education (b = −0.202, p = 0.002). Education and sex were also significant predictors, whereas age was not significant in the adjusted model. These findings suggest that functional ability is modestly but independently associated with eHL among mental health service recipients. Future patient engagement strategies and occupational therapy-informed digital health interventions should consider functional ability alongside sociodemographic factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Healthcare (IOCH 2026))

7 pages, 186 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

How Is Purpose in Life Experienced When the Road Ahead Is Shorter than the Road Behind? A Qualitative Study with Older Adults in Spain

by Alejandra Chulian, Carlos García-Prado, Sara Escriche-Martinez and Sonsoles Valdivia-Salas

Med. Sci. Forum 2026, 47(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2026047002 - 12 Jun 2026

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Abstract

Purpose in life is a central component of healthy ageing and psychological well-being, yet its meaning in later life has often been operationalised through standardized measures rather than being grounded in older adults’ lived experience. This qualitative study explores how older adults living [...] Read more.

Purpose in life is a central component of healthy ageing and psychological well-being, yet its meaning in later life has often been operationalised through standardized measures rather than being grounded in older adults’ lived experience. This qualitative study explores how older adults living in the community in Spain interpret their life purpose during the transitions of old age. Ten adults aged 65 years and older from Aragón and Andalucía participated in semi-structured interviews lasting 60–90 min. Data were analyzed using reflective thematic analysis on ageing supported by MAXQDA, supplemented with questions related to internalized ageism, psychological inflexibility, and quality of life to enrich the interpretive depth. Four themes were identified: (1) purpose as biographical continuity; (2) purpose as a dynamic and adaptive process; (3) legacy as a central axis towards meaning; and (4) the interplay between internal strengths and external conditions. Participants constructed purpose as rooted in identity, values, and life narratives rather than in distal goal attainment. Purpose was maintained through adaptive processes—including resilience, psychological flexibility, and meaning-centered coping—while internalized ageism and personal barriers emerged as life limitations. These findings suggest that purpose in later life is not diminished, but rather is reconfigured through processes of adaptation, value alignment, and social contribution. The study highlights the need for person-centred and process-based approaches that promote psychological flexibility and challenge deficit-based and ageist views of ageing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Healthcare (IOCH 2026))

9 pages, 186 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Exploring Human–AI Interaction in Primary Healthcare: A Qualitative Study

by Aikaterini Papachristou, Michael Rovithis and Areti Stavropoulou

Med. Sci. Forum 2026, 47(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2026047003 - 15 Jun 2026

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Abstract

While artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the healthcare sector, it is important to assess readiness for AI integration to properly prepare healthcare professionals, particularly in countries where clinical AI systems have not yet been implemented in primary healthcare. This qualitative study explores healthcare [...] Read more.

While artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the healthcare sector, it is important to assess readiness for AI integration to properly prepare healthcare professionals, particularly in countries where clinical AI systems have not yet been implemented in primary healthcare. This qualitative study explores healthcare professionals’ perceptions of the future use of Artificial Intelligence in Greek Primary Healthcare settings. Two focus groups were conducted with 18 Primary Health Care professionals working in a health center and a local primary healthcare unit (TOMY) in Greece. Thematic analysis identified six major themes: potential uses, challenges and risks, ethical concerns, readiness and training needs, trust factors, and AI impact on professional roles and skills. Future research should focus on developing training programs, establishing ethical and regulatory frameworks, and examining the long-term impact of Artificial Intelligence on professional roles, skills, and interprofessional collaboration in Primary Healthcare. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Healthcare (IOCH 2026))

10 pages, 225 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Integration of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) into Health Systems: Challenges and Policy Implications

by Maksim Rakovich

Med. Sci. Forum 2026, 47(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2026047004 - 17 Jun 2026

Viewed by 222

Abstract

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have become increasingly important in patient-centred healthcare and health-system performance assessment. However, their implementation at system level remains fragmented and methodologically challenging. This paper examines the role of PROMs in contemporary health systems, with particular attention to issues of [...] Read more.

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have become increasingly important in patient-centred healthcare and health-system performance assessment. However, their implementation at system level remains fragmented and methodologically challenging. This paper examines the role of PROMs in contemporary health systems, with particular attention to issues of standardisation, integration into clinical workflows, data interpretation, and patient engagement. Drawing on the recent literature, it proposes a conceptual multi-level integration model linking national governance, provider-level implementation, and structured feedback mechanisms. The paper highlights the potential of PROMs to support quality improvement, outcome-based evaluation, and more responsive health policy development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Healthcare (IOCH 2026))

7 pages, 624 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Psychoactive Substance Use and Acute Clinical Presentations in the Emergency Department: A Retrospective Study from a Greek Tertiary Hospital

by Foteini Pavlidou, Nadia El-Fellah, Anna Patrikakou and Dimitrios Tsiftsis

Med. Sci. Forum 2026, 47(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2026047005 - 29 Jun 2026

Viewed by 218

Abstract

Psychoactive substance use is a frequent cause of Emergency Department (ED) presentations among young adults and often involves polysubstance use. We conducted a retrospective descriptive analysis of 76 presentations involving acute recreational drug toxicity in 2024 at a Greek tertiary hospital participating in [...] Read more.

Psychoactive substance use is a frequent cause of Emergency Department (ED) presentations among young adults and often involves polysubstance use. We conducted a retrospective descriptive analysis of 76 presentations involving acute recreational drug toxicity in 2024 at a Greek tertiary hospital participating in the Euro-DEN network. The mean age was 30 years, and 61% were male. Cannabis was the most frequently reported substance, followed by cocaine, benzodiazepines and antidepressants. Common clinical features included anxiety, agitation, psychosis, vomiting and tachycardia. Hospital admission was required in 24% of cases and 4% required ICU care, with no fatalities recorded. Substance identification was based on clinical documentation and patient self-report without toxicological confirmation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Healthcare (IOCH 2026))

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8 pages, 366 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Nurses’ Knowledge Levels Regarding Medical Device-Related Pressure Injury Risk Factors, Prevention Strategies, and Device-Specific Competencies: A Descriptive Study

by Handan Aydin Kahraman

Med. Sci. Forum 2026, 47(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2026047006 - 10 Jul 2026

Viewed by 177

Abstract

Medical device-related pressure injuries (MDRPIs) represent a significant subset of hospital-acquired pressure injuries, yet nurses’ knowledge regarding their prevention remains inadequately characterized. MDRPIs are a critical yet often overlooked patient safety issue in acute-care settings. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge levels [...] Read more.

Medical device-related pressure injuries (MDRPIs) represent a significant subset of hospital-acquired pressure injuries, yet nurses’ knowledge regarding their prevention remains inadequately characterized. MDRPIs are a critical yet often overlooked patient safety issue in acute-care settings. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge levels of nurses regarding MDRPI risk factors in a hospital located in Eastern Türkiye. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 284 nurses working in intensive care, palliative care, surgical, and internal medicine units between October and December 2024. Data were gathered through a structured questionnaire assessing knowledge of risk factors, evidence-based prevention strategies, and device-specific clinical competencies. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and multiple regression modeling. Results revealed moderate overall MDRPI knowledge levels with significant variation by clinical unit, years of experience, prior training exposure, and frequency of medical device use. Regression analysis identified prior education on pressure injury prevention as the strongest predictor of knowledge scores. Nurses in intensive care units demonstrated higher knowledge and prevention competency compared to those in palliative care and general medical-surgical units (p < 0.001). These findings underscore the need for targeted, device-specific educational interventions and standardized training protocols to enhance nurses’ competency in MDRPI prevention across diverse clinical settings. Strengthening in-service training protocols is essential to reduce preventable patient harm and improve clinical outcomes in regional healthcare facilities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Healthcare (IOCH 2026))

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