Induction of labor is a frequently performed obstetric procedure that involves the artificial initiation of uterine contractions before spontaneous onset. Its use has been increasing globally, particularly in high-income countries, where it accounts for about 25% of births in the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Induction is typically recommended for medical […]

Digital transformation has reconfigured healthcare systems, by integrating digital technologies into clinical and administrative processes, driving improvements in the quality of services, patient safety and the organizational efficiency of institutions. In addition to the computerization of clinical records, the digitalization has driven the adoption of advanced clinical decision support systems, based on artificial intelligence, interoperability

Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterised by persistent difficulties in initiating sleep, maintaining sleep during the night, or achieving restful sleep. These difficulties arise even in the presence of adequate sleeping conditions and are often associated with daytime sleepiness, memory and attention deficits, irritability, fatigue and reduced performance in daily activities. To be clinically significant,

In the last century, the average human life expectancy has significantly increased, due to improvements in healthcare, sanitation, nutrition, and medical therapies. However, this increased longevity does not always translate into more years of healthy life. Population aging has been accompanied by a substantial growth in the prevalence of age-related non-communicable diseases such as obesity,

According to the World Health Organisation, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for around 17.9 million deaths a year. Its high prevalence is associated with unhealthy lifestyles characterised by poor diet, sedentary lifestyles, alcohol consumption, smoking and chronic stress, factors that contribute to persistent inflammatory processes and changes in the structure

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition with significant clinical, social and economic repercussions throughout life. According to the World Health Organization, it is estimated to affect approximately 1 in 160 children worldwide. Its origin is multifactorial, resulting from the interaction between genetic factors, such as mutations in genes associated with brain development, and environmental

Eye diseases represent a growing public health challenge in Portugal, significantly compromising the population’s quality of life. The increase in their prevalence is associated with various factors, such as demographic ageing, excessive use of digital devices, inadequate lifestyle habits and limited access to ophthalmological consultations, especially in regions with less health service coverage. These factors

COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is a highly contagious disease with the potential to cause serious complications, requiring the isolation of infected individuals and appropriate clinical follow-up. While severe cases require hospitalization, patients with mild symptoms can remain at home and be monitored regularly by primary healthcare physicians — at the beginning of the

Healthcare-associated infections pose a serious public health threat, as they are acquired during medical treatments or hospital stays, often leading to prolonged hospitalizations, high costs for healthcare systems and high mortality rates. Portugal has one of the highest rates of healthcare-associated infections in Europe, aggravated by the concerning rise in resistance to last-line antibiotics. These

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting more than 55 million people globally and accounting for around 70 percent of dementia cases. In Portugal, it is estimated that 200,000 people live with this condition, posing significant challenges to health systems due to the need for long-term care and the high associated costs.

Demographic ageing poses significant challenges to healthcare systems, intensifying the pressure on infrastructures and human resources. It is estimated that by 2050 the elderly population will exceed 2 billion people, making it imperative to implement innovative solutions to ensure effective and sustainable care. Assistive technologies play a fundamental role in promoting the autonomy and quality

Portugal has one of the highest aging populations in the world, placing increasing pressure on elderly care services, especially in nursing homes. Healthcare professionals in these facilities are often overwhelmed due to the increasing number of elderly residents, shortage of human resources, and insufficient investment in infrastructure. Many still rely on paper-based documentation for clinical