BMC Health Services Research is calling for submissions to our Collection on Stroke care in resource-limited and low- and middle-income settings.

Stroke remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with a disproportionately high burden in low-resource settings. The challenges faced in these areas include limited access to healthcare services, inadequate training for healthcare professionals, and insufficient infrastructure to support comprehensive stroke care. Effective stroke management necessitates an understanding of local contexts and the development of targeted strategies that can be implemented in lower-middle-income regions. This Collection aims to explore innovative approaches and research findings that enhance stroke care in these settings.

Addressing stroke management in low-resource settings is crucial for reducing health disparities and improving outcomes for affected populations. Recent advances, such as the establishment of stroke units and community-based rehabilitation programs, have shown promise in improving care quality and patient outcomes. Furthermore, research has indicated that tailored interventions, which consider the cultural and socioeconomic factors prevalent in these communities, can lead to more effective management strategies. The sharing of successful models and experiences will be vital in shaping future practices.

As research in this area continues to grow, there is great potential for the development of scalable interventions and policies that can be adapted to diverse healthcare systems. The exploration of technology-driven solutions, such as telemedicine and mobile health applications, may also provide new avenues for improving stroke care delivery in low-resource settings. Ultimately, sustained research efforts can lead to enhanced training programs for healthcare providers and the establishment of networks that facilitate knowledge exchange among practitioners.

Topics for submission:

Development and impact of stroke units in resource-limited settings of low and middle income countries

Affordable and accessible neuroimaging and stroke treatment strategies in low and middle income countries

Low-cost thrombolytics for acute ischemic stroke treatment (tenecteplase, reteplase, urokinase, and non-immunogenic staphylokinase)

Community-based primary and secondary prevention of stroke (including use of polypill)

Community-based rehabilitation strategies for stroke patients

Affordability and accessibility of DOACs and other atrial fibrillation treatments in low- and middle-income countries

Training healthcare professionals in stroke management in low- and middle- income countries

Capacity building and training healthcare professionals in stroke prevention and management

Telemedicine applications for stroke care in underserved areas in low-and middle-income countries

Strategies for data collection, stroke registries, and health information systems in resource-limited settings

Health system and policy interventions to improve access, affordability, and equity in stroke care in resource limited settings

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.

BMC Health Services Research is calling for submissions to our Collection on Patients' knowledge of the indications for their medications.

Understanding the indications for prescribed medications is crucial for patient safety and effective healthcare delivery. Many patients lack adequate knowledge about their medications, which can lead to non-adherence, adverse drug reactions, and suboptimal health outcomes. This Collection invites research that examines the extent of patients' medication knowledge, the factors influencing their understanding, and the implications for healthcare practice. By exploring these aspects, we aim to illuminate the gaps in medication literacy and the importance of patient engagement in their treatment regimens.

Enhancing patients' knowledge of their medications is vital for fostering informed decision-making and promoting adherence to treatment plans. Recent advances in medication counseling, patient education programs, and digital health technologies have shown promise in improving medication awareness. These interventions not only empower patients but also support healthcare providers in delivering personalized care. By fostering a culture of medication literacy, healthcare systems can enhance patient outcomes and reduce the burden of medication-related issues.

Topics for submission:

Assessing medication literacy in diverse populations

Barriers and facilitators to understanding medication indications

Impact of patient education and other related interventions on medication adherence

Tools, interventions and strategies for enhancing patient medication knowledge

Understand how, why for whom and under what circumstances interventions to enhance medication knowledge work or not

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.