One Health & Risk Management

Risk assessment strategies in medication management: A systematic review of impacts on patient safety and operational efficiency

Tosi RAHMADDIAN — 2026-03-31

Background: The two primary indices of healthcare service quality that are substantially influenced by the pharmaceutical management system are patient safety and operational efficiency. Shortcomings in this system, including inaccuracies in medication administration or utilisation, could severely compromise patient safety and strain hospital resources.

The objective of this study is to thoroughly analyse risk assessment approaches in pharmaceutical management and their effects on operational efficiency and patient safety in healthcare facilities.

Method: The approach utilised adheres to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, employing a Systematic Literature Review (SLR). Data were obtained by querying the Scopus database for published scientific articles from 2020 to 2025. The inclusion criteria enabled the selection of publications concentrating on risk assessment approaches in medication management, patient safety, and operational efficiency. Content analysis was employed in the data analysis procedure.

Results: The study's findings demonstrated that risk assessment approaches effectively identified possible dangers at every stage of pharmaceutical management, from prescribing to patient administration. This approach has demonstrated efficacy in diminishing medication error occurrences, improving compliance with safety guidelines, and fortifying the pharmaceutical service quality management system. Moreover, risk assessment enhanced operational efficiency by minimising resource waste, optimising processes, and fostering improved collaboration among healthcare workers.

Conclusion: These findings underscore the imperative of integrating risk assessment into the drug administration protocol to improve service quality. The study advocates for additional quantitative research across diverse healthcare environments to assess the quantifiable efficacy of these strategies' implementation.

Global seroprevalence of anti-HEV antibodies in pregnant women: a systematic meta-analysis

Octavian SAJIN — 2026-03-31

Introduction. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) poses a notable risk to pregnant women, being linked to severe maternal and fetal complications. This meta-analysis assesses the global seroprevalence of anti-HEV IgG and IgM antibodies in this population.
Materials and Methods. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to PRISMA standards, including 30 observational studies from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. HEV seroprevalence data were extracted and analyzed using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed with Cochran’s Q and I², while publication bias was examined through funnel plots and Egger’s test.
Results. Thirty studies from diverse regions were included. The pooled global seroprevalence of anti-HEV IgG was 14.68% (95% CI: 9.79–19.58), with the highest values reported in Pakistan (60.0%) and Ethiopia (42.4%), and the lowest in Croatia (1.7%). Anti-HEV IgM prevalence, reflecting recent infection, was 2.36% (95% CI: 0.86–3.85), with peak levels in Nigeria (15.0%) and Pakistan (13.3%). Substantial heterogeneity was observed (I² = 96.42% for IgG; I² = 94.25% for IgM), indicating major regional differences in exposure, sanitation, and diagnostic practices. No strong publication bias was identified (Egger p > 0.05).
Conclusions. HEV seroprevalence varies widely worldwide, with higher rates in areas lacking adequate sanitation. Strengthened surveillance, standardized diagnostics, and preventive strategies, including vaccination, are necessary to reduce risks among pregnant women.
Keywords: HEV; IgG; IgM; seroprevalence; pregnancy.

Radon risk communication, awareness and perception: results of a national public opinion survey in the Republic of Moldova

Liuba CORETCHI — 2026-03-31

Introduction Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas, recognized as a leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. The level of public radon awareness remains low in many countries. The study presents the results of a public opinion survey in the Republic of Moldova within the IAEA STEAM Project (RER9153), aiming to assess public awareness, risk perception, and willingness to undertake radon mitigation measures.

Material and methods A structured questionnaire was administered to 391 adults across 20 districts and 2 municipalities during December 2020–February 2021. Statistical analysis was used to assess associations among radon knowledge levels and socio-demographic variables.

Results showed that 75.4% of respondents knew little or nothing about radon, although 64.5% considered home radon testing a priority. More than half were unaware of how testing is performed, and approximately 30% believed that ventilation could replace testing. While 84.9% correctly linked radon to lung cancer, many associated it with unrelated diseases. Family doctors and public health institutions were the most trusted sources but were rarely used, whereas the internet and social media were frequently used but were less trusted. Radon was perceived as posing a lower risk than nuclear accidents and food contamination.

Conclusions The findings revealed significant knowledge gaps and misconceptions among communities, underscoring the need for targeted, evidence-based risk communication strategies using trusted healthcare channels to promote awareness and action regarding indoor radon exposure.

Informed consent: challenges and perspectives of patients and healthcare providers in Georgia

Nino GONGLADZE — 2026-03-31

Background. The informed consent process is crucial in ensuring patient autonomy and ethical medical practice. This study investigates the perspectives and experiences of both hospital personnel and the general population in Georgia regarding the informed consent process.

Material and methods. Two structured questionnaires were administered, one targeting medical practitioners/ healthcare staff and the other the general population. The surveys explored respondents' knowledge, experiences, and opinions on informed consent. Data were analyzed to identify key topics and areas for improvement in the informed consent process.

Results. Among the general population, 68.8% reported being provided the informed consent form before receiving medical services, but only 50.2% were informed about their right to accept or decline it. Nearly half (48.3%) experienced misunderstandings of information provided by doctors. For hospital personnel, while there was unanimous agreement on the necessity of obtaining informed consent before procedures, only 59.3% fully understood the necessary information to be included in consent form, and only 10.2% correctly identified who else can sign the consent form. Notably, only 6.8% comprehended the nuances of verbal consent.

Conclusion. The study highlights significant gaps and challenges in the informed consent process in Georgia, including communication barriers, time constraints, and varying levels of understanding among both patients and providers. Enhanced training, clear communication strategies, standardized practices, public awareness campaigns, and the integration of technology are recommended to improve the informed consent process.

Growth patterns in duchenne muscular dystrophy

Iulia RODOMAN — 2026-03-31

Introduction. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe genetic disorder that is notable for its significant impact on growth patterns, presenting unique challenges in clinical management and treatment. Aim. To evaluate longitudinal growth patterns (height, weight, and BMI) in children with genetically confirmed DMD compared to healthy, age- and sex-matched controls. Material and methods. The study included 100 children: 50 patients with genetically confirmed DMD and 50 healthy controls matched by age and sex. Anthropometric data (height, weight, and BMI) were collected at three follow-up visits over 12 months and analyzed with Office365 Excel and StatTech v.4.6.3. Results. Children with DMD exhibited significantly impaired growth compared to healthy controls. At baseline, the median height in the DMD group was 1.25 m (Q₁–Q₃: 1.10–1.44 m), significantly lower than in controls (1.56 m; Q₁–Q₃: 1.37–1.68 m; p < 0.001). The mean height z-score was −0.95 ± 1.57 in DMD patients versus 0.42 ± 1.41 in controls (p < 0.001), and the median height percentile was also markedly reduced (16.0 vs. 63.7; p < 0.001). Body weight was lower in the DMD group (median 27.7 kg; Q₁–Q₃: 18.5–34.0) compared to controls (46.0 kg; Q₁–Q₃: 29.3–58.0; p < 0.001), with a significantly lower weight z-score (median −0.61 vs. 0.57; p = 0.003) and weight percentile (26.9 vs. 71.6; p = 0.003). BMI was also reduced in DMD patients (median 15.9 kg/m² vs. 18.4 kg/m² in controls; p = 0.007), although BMI z-scores and percentiles did not show statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). Growth velocity decreased over time, with a median height increase of 0.03 m between Visits 1–2 and only 0.01 m between Visits 2–3 (p < 0.01). The most pronounced anthropometric gains were observed in patients treated with deflazacort for >12 months, although between-group differences were not statistically significant for height (p = 0.824), weight (p = 0.831), or BMI (p = 0.762). Conclusions. Children with DMD show delayed growth compared to peers, with significant differences in height, weight, and BMI. Growth slows over time, especially after the second visit. Regular auxological monitoring is essential, and further research is needed to clarify corticosteroid effects on growth.