Physical inactivity is a growing public health concern. Use of mobile applications (apps) may be a powerful tool to encourage physical activity and a healthy lifestyle. For instance, apps may be used in the preparation of a running event. However, there is little evidence for the relationship between app use and change in physical activity and health in recreational runners. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the use of apps and changes in physical activity, health and lifestyle behaviour, and self-image of short and long distance runners. A cross sectional study was designed. A random selection of 15,000 runners (of 54,000 participants) of a 16 and 6.4 km recreational run (Dam tot Damloop) in the Netherlands was invited to participate in an online survey two days after the run. Anthropometrics, app use, activity level, preparation for running event, running physical activity (RPA), health and lifestyle, and self-image were addressed. A chi-squared test was conducted to analyse differences between app users and non-app users in baseline characteristics as well as in RPA, healthy lifestyle and perceived health. In addition, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine if app use could predict RPA, perceived health and lifestyle, and self-image. Of the 15,000 invited runners, 28 % responded. For both distances, app use was positively related to RPA and feeling healthier (p < 0.05). Also, app use was positively related to feeling better about themselves, feeling like an athlete, motivating others to participate in running, and losing weight (p < 0.01). Furthermore, for 16 km runners app use was positively related to eating healthier, feeling more energetic and reporting a higher chance to maintain sport behaviour (p < 0.05). These results suggest that use of mobile apps has a beneficial role in the preparation of a running event, as it promotes health and physical activity. Further research is now needed to determine a causal relationship between app use and physical and health related behaviour.

Teledentistry offers possibilities for improving efficiency and quality of care and supporting cost-effective healthcare systems. This umbrella review aims to synthesize existing systematic reviews on teledentistry and provide a summary of evidence of its clinical- and cost-effectiveness. A comprehensive search strategy involving various teledentistry-related terms, across seven databases, was conducted. Articles published until 24 April 2023 were considered. Two researchers independently reviewed titles, abstracts and full-text articles. The quality of the included reviews was critically appraised with the AMSTAR-2 checklist. Out of 749 studies identified, 10 were included in this umbrella review. Two reviews focusing on oral-health outcomes revealed that, despite positive findings, there is not yet enough evidence for the long-term clinical effectiveness of teledentistry. Ten reviews reported on economic evaluations or costs, indicating that teledentistry is cost-saving. However, these conclusions were based on assumptions due to insufficient evidence on cost-effectiveness. The main limitation of our umbrella review was the critically low quality of the included reviews according to AMSTAR-2 criteria, with many of these reviews basing their conclusions on low-quality studies. This highlights the need for high-quality experimental studies (e.g., RCTs, factorial designs, stepped-wedge designs, SMARTs and MRTs) to assess teledentistry’s clinical- and cost-effectiveness.

With the increasing number of proton therapy centers worldwide, particularly in Europe, proton therapy is becoming a more established treatment option. However, education and guidelines, specifically tailored to radiation therapists (RTTs) and dosimetrists, are lacking. Through the "Towards a Sustainable RTT Network" (TaSeRnet) project, efforts are underway to harmonize proton therapy practices among RTTs and dosimetrists across Europe. This scoping review aims to identify and summarize existing guidelines relevant to RTTs and dosimetrists working in proton therapy, providing a necessary first step toward the future development of specific guidelines and education for these professions. Ten articles were identified that include guidelines covering certain aspects of proton therapy workflows in several clinical indications. However, significant gaps remain regarding the specific tasks performed by RTTs and dosimetrists. In particular, no guidelines were found addressing treatment execution, a workflow typically performed by RTTs. Moreover, the limited involvement of RTTs and dosimetrists in the development of existing guidelines may result in the exclusion of essential practical knowledge and expertise. As they play a critical role in the daily delivery of proton therapy, their input is vital to ensure comprehensive and applicable guidelines. In conclusion, this review underscores the need for developing guidelines specifically for RTTs and dosimetrists in collaboration with the broader multidisciplinary team. Developing such guidelines will support the standardization of clinical practice and contribute to improved quality of care.