Organisational survey for acute stroke care in Vietnam: Regional Collaboration Programme

Therapists' perspective on acceptance of robot-assisted physical rehabilitation in a middle-income country: a study from Vietnam

Robot-assisted physical rehabilitation offers promising benefits for patients, yet its adoption among therapists remains a complex challenge. This study investigates the acceptance of robot-assisted physical rehabilitation technology among therapists in Vietnam, a middle-income country with a growing demand for rehabilitation services. Drawing on the Technology Acceptance Model 2 (TAM2) and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), an online survey and semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore therapists' attitudes and intentions towards using this technology. The results show that Vietnamese therapists recognised its potential benefits and expressed a willingness to use it. Although having similar acceptance patterns compared to developed regions, they demonstrated significantly higher levels of agreement across acceptance constructs. This may be attributed to factors such as the novelty effect, cultural perceptions of robots, and the high workload of therapists in Vietnam. Gender and location were found to influence two acceptance constructs-subjective norms and image, respectively-highlighting the need for tailored strategies in technology implementation. The study underscores the importance of considering socio-cultural factors in the adoption of technology and provides insights for enhancing the acceptance and effectiveness of robot-assisted physical rehabilitation in Vietnam. This contributes to the global understanding of therapist acceptance of technology in this field.

Burden and risk factors of stroke in Vietnam from 1990 to 2021 - a systematic analysis from global burden disease 2021

BACKGROUND

Stroke is a leading cause of death in Vietnam. However, a comprehensive analysis of stroke burden remains limited. This study aims to investigate the burden of stroke and various risk factors in Vietnam from 1990 to 2021.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We utilized data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 estimates. For the burden of stroke, we included the following variables as age-standardized rates (ASR) per 100,000 people per year: incidence, prevalence, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and mortality. Stroke-related mortality and DALYs associated with 23 risk factors were also analyzed. Trends were analyzed using joinpoint regression analysis.

RESULTS

In 2021, stroke was responsible for 166,954 deaths (Males:96,764; Females:70,190). The ASR for stroke incidence was 203·36 (95%CI: 190·51-271·81) per 100,000 people, exceeding 187·98 in Southeast Asia and 141·55 globally. From 1990 to 2021, stroke incidence, death, and DALYs decreased steadily, with average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) of -0·34%, -0·49%, and -0·61%. The prevalence of stroke decreased among women (AAPC:-0·19%) and increased among men (AAPC:0·26%). Metabolic risks were the largest contributors to stroke-related mortality (144·89 per 100,000) and DALYs (2,872·37 per 100,000). The analysis revealed that behavioral risks were more prevalent in males, and metabolic risks in females.

CONCLUSION

Stroke is the leading cause of death and disability in Vietnam. Although its overall burden has declined, the persistent and significant burden among males, coupled with specific risk factors, remains a major concern. Further researches are warranted to develop targeted interventions addressing the distinct risk factors.

Integration of rehabilitation services in primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of health care systems in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review

PURPOSE

Integration is a concept that seeks to strengthen the delivery of services to ensure people receive a continuum of care across the health system. We conducted a scoping review to explore how rehabilitation services have been integrated into health systems in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a scoping review using Valentijn's Rainbow Model of Integrated Care (RMIC) as an organising framework. The key enablers of integration of rehabilitation were extracted, charted and summarised according to the RMIC framework.

RESULTS

Of 4667 articles identified, 44 met inclusion criteria. Most studies focused on rehabilitation within secondary and tertiary level facilities, and described service models incorporating clinical, professional and functional integration characteristics. The geographical and clinical scope of rehabilitation models that demonstrate elements of integration from LMICs is limited.

CONCLUSION

The key enablers identified highlight the important role of responsive multidisciplinary care plans, and interdisciplinary guidelines, protocols and interprofessional education to support an integrated rehabilitation service model in LMICs.