Medical start-ups (MedTech) significantly contribute to the development and commercialization of innovative healthcare solutions, driving advancements in technology, enhancing treatment effectiveness, and supporting public health. This study explores the main themes and concepts related to MedTech start-ups, examines the research methods used, and identifies major gaps in the literature. A scoping literature review was performed by searching the Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases for publications from 2012 to 2023, focusing on MedTech start-ups in titles, abstracts, and keywords. References were analyzed using the Bibliometrix package in R, and a coupling network analysis was conducted, visualizing results on a Coupling Map to identify key research themes and gaps. The research identified 480 unique articles on MedTech start-ups. After removing duplicates and following a PRISMA-based assessment, 79 articles were included in the review. The studies predominantly focused on organizations, including start-ups and Venture Capital funds (46%). Most articles (60%) used qualitative methods, 25% employed mixed methods, and 15% used quantitative methods. Geographically, 63% of articles focused on a single country, primarily the USA (35%), followed by Iran, Sweden, Switzerland, China, and Japan (2–4% each). Coupling analysis identified five topic clusters: crowdfunding for medical research, innovation in medical technology, new product development, digital start-ups, and the venture capital industry. This review highlights the significant role of MedTech start-ups in advancing healthcare innovations despite challenges like regulatory hurdles and high capital requirements. The literature emphasizes the importance of collaboration among universities, industry, and government for successful commercialization. The geographic concentration in the USA indicates a need for more inclusive research. Crowdfunding and venture capital emerge as crucial funding sources, suggesting strategies to mitigate risks and enhance innovation success.

There is general agreement among scholars and policymakers that efforts to reduce smoking and prevent nicotine use should be intensified and focused on the most vulnerable part of society—adolescents. Regardless of common knowledge about the health consequences of smoking, according to data from 2020, about 51% of children in Poland had their first contact with smoking at the age of 15 and older. The objective of this research is to investigate motivations to start smoking or vaping, patterns of using tobacco products, perceptions of smoking/vaping and smokers/vapers, as well as attitudes toward nicotine addiction. The broad aim is to reflect on youth perceptions of nicotine use. A qualitative approach has been applied, utilising focus-group interviews. The sample included six focus groups, consisting of smokers and non-smokers of both genders, situated in three different cities in Poland. The interviewees were adolescents ages 16–18, attending high schools, technical schools, or vocational education. Interviews were transcribed and further analysed using the thematic analysis approach. This research enhances previously reported results by revealing new insights into the strategies applied by adolescents to mitigate financial barriers arising from high costs of nicotine products, as well as highlighting methods used to avoid the traditional antismoking messages placed on packaging.

(1) Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a serious health problem in Poland as well as many European Union countries. The study aimed to describe factors that, from the patient’s perspective, could increase the attendance rate and regularity of participation in the colorectal cancer screening programme (SP); (2) Methods: The qualitative approach was applied. The study involved six focus interviews conducted with 24 respondents (12 women and 12 men) aged 40–49, who had at least one first-degree family member diagnosed with CRC and persons aged 50–65, living in five selected voivodships (provinces) of Poland. The collected data were thematically coded. Further, a comparative analysis was conducted, and aggregated statements were formulated; (3) Results: The inclusion of primary care clinics within the CRC SP organization was reported as a key factor in improving the attendance rate and regularity of patient participation in the programme. Particularly important factors included an invitation in the form of a personal letter or a phone call made by staff from primary care clinics; (4) Conclusions: Patients were confirmed to have clear expectations and preferences for the organizational conditions of the CRC SP. Preferences nature allows them to be treated as one of the potential criteria for selecting critical parameters of CRC SPs.

: Tracing apps have been promoted as an effective tool for the monitoring and control of the spread of COVID-19. Although the correlation between the use of mobile tracking apps and reducing the spread of the virus has been demonstrated, the success of these apps depends on a number of factors, such as the number of app users, the rate at which new systems get adopted, as well as concerns related to anonymity and privacy. The aim of the research was to analyse the pattern of adaptation and use of a COVID-19 tracing app in the context of Polish society. The research used a qualitative approach, data were collected through focus group and individual interviews. The sample consisted of 34 respondents, aged 23-61, with different educational levels and backgrounds. The study followed two phases. First, a model with a set of questions was proposed on the basis of the unified theory of technology acceptance and use. Secondly, using the set of questions, interviews were conducted. In order to examine the data, thematic analysis was applied. To summarise the results of the survey, the respondents have clear expectations towards the app, which are not fulfilled. They are afraid of new technologies. However, they use them frequently and willingly without thinking about the security of their personal data. They expect applications to provide reliable information, but at the same time do not want to enter necessary data that they consider sensitive. They are negative about government actions without losing trust in government applications. It can also be speculated that a lack of information and understanding of the app may have contributed to some of the objections. In conclusion, we need to better understand users and be able to accommodate often conflicting characteristics in order to design more effective tracking applications in the future. Key messages: • Technology offers ways to successfully prevent viruses from spreading. • Getting the technology right, based on customer behaviour, is key to the effectiveness of tracking applications.