2026-03-25
Anastasiia Boichuk, Anna Fehlbaum, Kateryna Tymruk-Skoropad, Anna Duchenko, Kaspar Wyss, Helen Prytherch
BackgroundThe full-scale invasion of Ukraine has increased demand for rehabilitation services, exacerbating preexisting deficiencies in the rehabilitation system.AnalysisThis policy brief examines Ukrainian legislation, scientific and grey literature, and findings from stakeholder consultations to reveal persistent marginalization of persons with disabilities (PwD) and limited inclusion in education, employment, and public life. The rehabilitation system and its governance remain fragmented and overly institutional, resulting in poor continuity of care, weak interdisciplinary collaboration, and limited community integration. Resource provision is strained by the war and rising demand for assistive devices. Yet, the influx of humanitarian and development actors presents an opportunity to rebuild and modernize systems and narratives.Policy OptionsWe propose (i) establishing an integrated governance and coordination mechanism for rehabilitation services (ii) launching scalable patient pathway models linking hospitals, community-based rehabilitation, and accompanying service providers, and (iii) developing a case management system for smooth assistive device provision.ConclusionImproving Ukraine’s rehabilitation ecosystem can advance destigmatization, social reintegration, and a rights-based disability framework, offering lessons for other conflict-affected contexts.
DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2026.16092202026-03-17
Sheila A. Boamah, Hoda Herati, Farzana Akter, Farinaz Havaei, Marie-Lee Yous, Sharon Kaasalainen
DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2026.16097182026-03-12
Céline Moetteli-Graf, Karin Niedermann
BackgroundKnee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common chronic disease in Switzerland, associated with high socioeconomic costs and increasing prevalence due to aging and other risk factors. International guidelines recommend a stepped approach focusing on exercise, education, and weight management; however, implementation remains inconsistent. Switzerland has one of the highest knee replacement rates among OECD countries, suggesting potential overuse and indicating an evidence–performance gap in KOA management.AnalysisCurrent efforts promote coordinated, patient-centered care. A repeated stakeholder dialogue in 2024 with representatives of medical and physiotherapy associations, patient organizations, health insurers, and researchers identified challenges: variation in patient pathways across providers; non-evidence-based treatment sequencing with premature escalation to specialist care; and misalignment of expectations between patients and providers.Policy OptionsProposed strategies include: (1) establishing a national Model of Care based on a consensus treatment framework; (2) strengthening patient health literacy through targeted education; and (3) facilitating patient navigation through effective communication and shared decision-making.ConclusionClosing the evidence–performance gap requires collaboration among healthcare providers to improve outcomes, reduce inappropriate care, and support coordinated patient-centered KOA management in Switzerland.
DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2026.16090712026-02-06
Artur Coy-Pérez, Juli Carrere, Anna Fernández, Carme Borrell, Gemma Serral, Esther Sánchez-Ledesma, Irene Macaya, Hugo Vásquez-Vera, Constanza Vásquez-Vera, Roshanak Mehdipanah, Katherine Pérez
ObjectivesThis scoping review aimed to map and synthesize the available literature on interventions that mitigate the effects of housing insecurity on the health and wellbeing of children and adolescents (0–18 years), describing their characteristics, levels of action (structural, intermediate, or individual/group), and reported outcomes.MethodsIn January 2025, we conducted a comprehensive search across four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL) and 1 gray literature search engine (Carrot2), without time restrictions. 6,002 articles underwent three sequential screening phases. Results were described through a narrative synthesis of the evidence.ResultsTwenty-six studies were included. Public housing, housing vouchers, and subsidies to private housing developers were the most common interventions, targeting structural and intermediate levels. Reported outcomes varied: physical health and healthcare use generally improved, while mental health and educational effects were mixed. Only two studies assessed multi-assistance programs.ConclusionAffordability-focused interventions can improve health for children and adolescents, while multi-assistance approaches show promise. Broader welfare policies may also benefit this population. Future research should diversify geographically, use mixed methods, address age-specific outcomes, and examine more decommodifying housing strategies.
DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2025.16091772026-02-02
Verena Biehl, Denise Abegglen, Adrian Fassbind, Thomas Ballmer, Karin Nordström
ObjectivesDespite Switzerland’s aging population increasingly wishes to age in place in familiar homes, many dwellings are not barrier-free. Retrofitting of vertical lift systems as home adaptations in private housing can support aging-in-place but are still rarely installed. Thus, this study examines the association between lift systems in the home environment and health outcomes among community-dwelling older adults.MethodsA rapid review was conducted to identify and summarize existing evidence. Seventeen studies were included and the results clustered into the categories presence of lifts, usage of lifts and health outcomes.ResultsThe review shows that lifts in private housing are scarce and frequently fail to meet the specific needs of users. Usage depends on age, gender, health status, technical and financial aspects. Positive health outcomes include improved mobility, autonomy, safety and quality of life, while lack of lifts can restrict mobility and autonomy.ConclusionThe results highlight the need for affordable, individualized lift systems supported by advice and policy measures. Such innovations can help reduce inequalities and enable older adults to remain safely in their homes and communities.
DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2025.16089552026-01-23
Vasileios Nittas, Alexia Bikou, Jana Sedlakova, Andreas Hellmann, Viktor Von Wyl, Milo Alan Puhan
ObjectivesTo map the recent literature on digital health in informal caregiving, identify commonly used technologies, their functions and impact, as well as barriers and facilitators.MethodsWe searched Medline, Web of Science, and CINAHL for randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental, observational, and qualitative studies, published in English between 2019 and 2024.Results110 studies were included, most of which targeted informal caregivers in dementia care and used moderately complex, consumer-facing technologies for education and caregiving support. Positive impact was reported on various outcomes such as caregiver burden, psychological wellbeing, caregiver competence, quality of life, caregiver-patient relationships, as well as care coordination and efficiency. Barriers included limited digital literacy, technical issues, low accessibility, caregiving burden, and data security concerns. Facilitators were good digital skills, social and emotional support, user-friendly designs, and perceived usefulness.ConclusionDigital informal care is emerging and shows promise in supporting informal caregivers by improving their wellbeing, skills, and connectedness. However, barriers and knowledge gaps remain, highlighting the need for additional research as well as more inclusive and person-centred digital informal care approaches.
DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2025.1608872