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PubMed2026

Trends in demographic and health survey publications based on a bibliometric analysis.

BACKGROUND: The Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) Program, launched in 1984, provides high-quality population health data that underpins a vast body of global health research. However, the scale and growth patterns of DHS-based publications remain underexplored, particularly as donor funding uncertainties threaten program sustainability. OBJECTIVE: We examine temporal trends in DHS-based research output from 1984 to 2025, quantifying growth patterns and publication delays to inform understanding of the program's global research expansion. METHODS: A systematic bibliometric review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Dimensions, Wiley, and CINAHL. Eligible peer-reviewed articles using DHS data between 1984 and 2025 were identified. Annual publication counts were analyzed, segmented regression identified growth inflection points, and timeliness was assessed by calculating lag between survey completion and publication. RESULTS: Over 10,000 DHS-based publications were identified. Annual output rose from isolated studies in the 1980s to several hundred annually by the 2010s. Segmentation analysis revealed two rapid growth phases: a 56-publications/year increase from 2004-2012, and a 71-publications/year increase from 2012 to 2024. Despite this growth, median lag from survey completion to publication remained approximately 5 years, with only a modest recent improvement (Kendall's &#x3c4;&#x2009;=&#x2009; -0.623, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001). CONCLUSION: DHS data have fueled exponential growth in global health research over four decades, confirming their vital role in evidence generation. However, persistent publication delays highlight the need to shorten the pathway from data collection to dissemination through strengthened research capacity in low- and middle-income countries. Sustained funding is essential to maintain this critical evidence source.

Bibliometrics↗
PubMed2026

Effectiveness of digital health technologies for post-discharge follow-up and management in older adults: a systematic review.

Older adults (&#x2265;65 years) are a rapidly growing population that are experiencing a higher number of hospitalisation admissions, longer hospital stays, and greater hospitalisation-related costs than younger adults. There is an important gap in post-discharge care for older adults, and digital technologies, such as video visits, mobile health apps, and remote patient monitoring, may support follow-up and management after hospital discharge. This systematic review examined the effectiveness, feasibility, acceptability, and impact (ie, effects on rehospitalisation, quality of life, mental health, adherence, and patient satisfaction) of technology-based interventions used for the follow-up and management of older adults after hospital discharge. MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from database inception to January, 2026. The search identified 1972 records, of which 46 studies met the inclusion criteria: older adult populations (aged &#x2265;65 years), a technology-based intervention, post-discharge follow-up or management, and empirical data. Overall, digital post-discharge interventions were reported to be feasible, with good engagement, adherence, compliance, and retention; low dropout rates; and positive patient satisfaction. However, mixed findings were reported regarding rehospitalisation rates and mental health outcomes for virtual care compared with those for traditional care. Digital health technologies might represent a promising step towards improving post-discharge health care and continuity of care for older adults.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2026

Mapping Wastewater Pathogens and Their Associated Environmental and Public Health Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has emerged as a critical tool for public health surveillance, yet its application across diverse pathogens and geographical settings remains inconsistent. This systematic review synthesizes global evidence on wastewater surveillance to identify associated risk factors. METHODS: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD420261297382), a systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science for studies published between 2000 and 2025. RESULTS: Thirty-nine peer-reviewed studies were included. The evidence base is geographically skewed toward the European Region (48.7%) and the Americas (23.1%), with significant underrepresentation in LMICs. Viruses were the primary biological target (89.7%), followed by bacteria (7.7%) and parasites (2.6%). A proportion meta-analysis of 31 eligible studies demonstrated a pooled wastewater pathogen detection prevalence of 62% (95% CI: 47.5-74.6%), with the European Region yielding the highest regional estimate (73%) and the African Region the lowest (8.3%). Conventional PCR and sequencing methods showed higher pooled detection rates (92.4% and 90.1%, respectively) than RT-qPCR (47.9%). CONCLUSION: WBE provides a robust early-warning system indicating a need for broader pathogen diversity, incorporating bacterial and parasitic surveillance and expansion into rural and resource-limited regions.

Contamination↗
PubMed2026

Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement in Pediatric Health Research: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) can increase the relevance and efficiency of research projects. An overview of PPIE approaches and implementation in pediatric research studies is needed to facilitate learning from others' experiences. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to systematically review practices in PPIE across all pediatric health research disciplines regarding characteristics and recruitment of PPIE participants, timepoints and methods used for PPIE, levels of involvement, benefits and barriers of PPIE. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane and PsycInfo using a comprehensive set of terms based on the concepts 'Patient and Public Involvement,' 'Health Research' and 'Pediatrics.' INCLUSION CRITERIA: We included original research articles describing PPIE implementation in pediatric health research published in English or German between 01/2003-10/2024. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Data was extracted using predefined categories and synthesized by narrative summary and thematic synthesis. PPIE reporting quality was assessed using the GRIPP2 short form checklist. MAIN RESULTS: Out of 1910 references, we included 37 original research articles, representing 35 studies. PPIE participants were mostly children, adolescents or caregivers involved in all research stages, especially in study design (89%) and recruitment (51%). Key positive impacts of PPIE on research included enhanced recruitment and retention rates and personal benefits for PPIE participants. Barriers to PPIE were financial and time resources required and challenges in recruiting representative PPIE participants. The level of involvement and PPIE reporting quality varied highly between studies. DISCUSSION: Common benefits and barriers of PPIE exist across pediatric research disciplines. Reporting quality varied highly between studies. CONCLUSIONS: PPIE is valuable in pediatric health research. Adherence to guidelines for conducting and reporting PPIE is important to enhance mutual learning. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: PPIE input contributed to the understandability of the lay summary. The findings of this review, together with parent and public input, will inform guidelines for future PPIE activities at the authors' institutions.

Humans↗
PubMed2026

Effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KABP051 Probiotic on Body Composition, Microbiome and Mood in Healthy Overweight Adults.

Obesity and mental health disorders are among the greatest public health challenges of the 21st century. Interestingly, an altered microbiome profile has been associated with both conditions. The aim of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with a specific probiotic strain (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KABP051) on body composition and gut microbiome balance, together with measures of mood state, in a population of healthy overweight subjects. Sixty healthy, moderately stressed, nondepressed and overweight or obese volunteers were supplemented for 12 weeks with probiotic (L. plantarum KABP051; 1 billion colony forming units/day) or placebo (microcrystalline cellulose). The KABP051 group experienced significantly greater improvements compared with placebo on body composition measurements, including a reduction in body weight and waist circumference, which decreased in 1.97 &#xb1; 0.77 (mean &#xb1; SE) kg and 2.15 &#xb1; 0.81 (mean &#xb1; SE) cm versus placebo at the end of the intervention (both P < .05, mixed model for repeated measures [MMRM] and post-hoc analysis). Microbiome composition improved in KABP051 group, with significant increase in the relative abundance of Lactiplantibacillus spp. versus placebo. Body fat percentage, profile of mood states fatigue, and confusion sub-scores showed a global trend toward improvement compared with placebo, with the change at 12 weeks being significant in the three measurements in post-hoc analysis (P = .015, P = .014, and P = .016, respectively). No serious adverse events were registered during the intervention period. These results suggest that a specific strain of probiotic bacteria (L. plantarum KABP051) may have both metabolic and psychobiotic effects and may be beneficial for enhancing weight loss and body composition, improving energy (less fatigue) and mood levels while embarking on a healthy lifestyle regimen. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06808061.

Humans↗
PubMed2025

Social Responsiveness as a Mediator in Adapted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Autistic Youth with Maladaptive and Interfering Anxiety.

Numerous adaptations to interventions have been included in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for autistic youth. This study examines the degree to which CBT adapted to the social needs of autistic youth confers significant benefit by promoting social responsiveness. A secondary analysis was conducted on a multisite randomized clinical trial (Wood et al. in JAMA Psychiatry 77:474-483, 2020) comparing adapted CBT with standard-of-practice CBT and treatment-as-usual (TA). Autistic youth (N&#x2009;=&#x2009;167; aged 7-13) with maladaptive and interfering anxiety participated. The adapted CBT (BIACA) uses a modular format, with an emphasis on supplementing common CBT practice elements (reframing and graded exposure) with social skill supports. The primary outcome measure was the Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale. Social responsiveness was assessed with the Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition. Participants' general mental health was assessed as a secondary outcome using the Brief Problem Checklist. Mediation was tested using the SPSS PROCESS macro. Analyses suggested that the effect of adapted CBT on anxiety was mediated by its effects on social responsiveness, with a statistically significant indirect effect. Youth randomly assigned to adapted CBT exhibited better overall mental health at posttreatment compared to those randomized to the other conditions, and this effect was also mediated by improved social responsiveness. CBT adapted to address some of the social needs of autistic youth may enhance mental health outcomes by supporting social responsiveness, perhaps increasing the ease and effectiveness with which some youth can navigate potentially stressful situations such as entering and participating in group activities.

Humans↗
PubMed2026

A pragmatic randomized controlled trial of self-directed online writing interventions for posttraumatic stress symptoms in a real-world digital setting.

Background: Public health and other large-scale crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have intensified the global mental health burden, creating unprecedented demand for accessible interventions for posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS).Objective: We evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of two self-directed online writing interventions embedded within China's WeChat ecosystem during the COVID-19 pandemic through a pragmatic randomised controlled trial.Methods: Between December 2021 and August 2022, 1,526 adults were screened for PTSS via a Tencent Medinfo Mini-Program. Eligible participants (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;211) were randomised to Guided Narrative Technique-Writing (GNT-W, n&#x2009;=&#x2009;100) or Expressive Writing (EW, n&#x2009;=&#x2009;111). Both interventions comprised three self-directed daily writing sessions delivered entirely online without human support. Primary outcome was PTSD symptom severity (PTSD Checklist-Short), assessed at baseline, post-intervention, 2-week, and 1-month follow-ups.Results: While initial engagement followed typical digital health patterns (64.5% overall attrition), participants who initiated treatment showed strong adherence (77% completion). Both interventions were associated with significant within-group reductions in PTSS severity (GNT-W: b&#x2009;=&#x2009;-0.43, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;.023, d&#x2009;=&#x2009;-0.43; EW: b&#x2009;=&#x2009;-0.60, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;.001, d&#x2009;=&#x2009;-0.58), with no significant between-group difference (group &#xd7; time: b&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.18, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;.48). GNT-W did not confer additional benefit over EW protocol on PTSS severity.Conclusions: Both self-directed writing interventions were associated with within-group reductions in PTSS; without an inactive control condition, however, these changes cannot be firmly attributed to the interventions. GNT-W showed no advantage over the simpler EW protocol. These findings offer preliminary support for embedding scalable, low-barrier writing interventions in widely used digital platforms.Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2000034836.

Humans↗
PubMed2026

Adverse Experiences in Brief Meditation Practices: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Meditation has become increasingly popular in recent decades. However, relatively little remains known about the prevalence of and risk factors for adverse experiences related to a single meditation practice. OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to examine adverse experiences associated with 3 brief, digitally delivered meditation practices (mindfulness, self-compassion, and gratitude) relative to using the internet as usual, as well as to investigate whether preintervention characteristics could predict such outcomes. METHODS: In a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial using samples that were representative of the US and UK adult populations with regard to ethnicity, sex, and age, we examined adverse experiences associated with 3 brief (ie, 5 or 10 minutes) meditation practices (ie, mindfulness, self-compassion, and gratitude) relative to using the internet as usual. We also investigated the potential of using preintervention characteristics to predict such outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 5049 participants completed all preintervention measures and were randomly assigned to meditation or control conditions. Across the sample, 4.1% (204/4925) of participants reported having a distressing experience during the intervention, and 7.1% (348/4908) of participants experienced an increase in negative affect from before to after the intervention. The results showed that participants who were randomized to a brief meditation intervention were no more likely to report a distressing experience than those who were randomized to use the internet as usual (odds ratio [OR] 1.05, 95% CI 0.76-1.47; P=.76). The results also showed that participants who were randomized to a brief meditation intervention were less likely to report clinically relevant increases in negative affect relative to using the internet as usual (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.50-0.80; P<.001). Notably, participants in the 10-minute condition had a significantly higher likelihood of reporting a distressing experience than those in the 5-minute condition (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.07-1.89; P=.02). Preintervention characteristics showed acceptable discrimination ability to predict a distressing experience (area under the curve=0.73) and slightly lower ability to predict increased negative affect (area under the curve=0.67). CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, we found that the brief, digitally delivered meditation practices tested in this study carry risks of adverse experiences that are comparable to or lower than those of typical activities on the internet; 10-minute condition was more likely to result in distressing experiences than 5-minute condition; and adverse responses to a brief meditation practice can, at least to a certain degree, be predicted using preintervention characteristics. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Open Science Framework 94HKS; https://osf.io/94hks/overview.

Humans↗
PubMed2026

A Duty to Act.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

healthcare↗
PubMed2026

"Orphaned bereavement": Toward a public health model for bereavement.

Bereavement is increasingly recognized as a public health concern, yet support systems in many welfare states continue to allocate support according to the circumstances of death rather than the functional needs of bereaved families. Existing bereavement frameworks have substantially advanced understanding of social recognition and public legitimacy but provide more limited guidance for understanding how institutional responsibility for bereaved families is organized. using Israel as a bereavement-saturated case, this study introduces the concept of orphaned bereavement to describe bereavement in which no institution holds clearly defined and continuing responsibility for identifying needs, coordinating support, and ensuring continuity of care. Drawing on 25 semi-structured interviews with five bereaved family members and 20 professionals, analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis, the analysis generated three interrelated themes: institutionalized invisibility and unequal recognition; reorganizing life in the absence of institutional support; and pathways toward a needs-based model of bereavement support. The findings extend existing theories of disenfranchized grief and grievability by introducing institutional responsibility as a complementary lens for understanding bereavement inequality and support a needs-based public health approach in which support is organized according to families' evolving functional needs rather than the circumstances of death.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2026

Assessing the public health impact of routinely collected electronic healthcare record data in NICE guidelines: A systematic review of CPRD research.

OBJECTIVES: Evidence used in NICE guidance has traditionally prioritised randomised controlled trials, but increasing availability of electronic health record (EHR) data has expanded opportunities for real-world evidence. The Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) is a commonly used UK primary care EHR resource, yet the extent to which CPRD studies have informed NICE guidelines in the past decade is unclear. STUDY DESIGN: The systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of CPRD studies in PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase published between 04/16-09/25. For each eligible CPRD study, targeted searches of NICE guidelines were performed to identify explicit citations in NICE guidelines. Two reviewers screened and extracted data independently, resolving disagreements by consensus or third reviewer. Guideline information, number of guidelines over time, type of guidelines, and disease area guidelines (using British National Formulary (BNF) chapters) were described. RESULTS: 7181 records were identified. After de-duplication, 2704 unique CPRD studies were screened against NICE guidelines. Of these, 92 CPRD-based studies met inclusion criteria and were cited across 67 NICE documents. The annual number of NICE guidelines citing CPRD studies increased between 2016 and 2025; 1.5% of identified guidelines published in 2016 and 27.7% in 2025. The guideline citing the most CPRD studies was cancer related. The most common types of guidelines included clinical guidelines (49.3%) and technology appraisals (32.8%). Guidelines made up 12 different BNF categories, most frequently central nervous system related (23.9%; n&#x202f;=&#x202f;16). CONCLUSION: Observational CPRD studies are increasingly referenced in NICE guidelines across multiple disease areas, supporting the growing role of EHR data in national guideline development.

Clinical studies↗
PubMed2026

Remotely Supervised, Home-Based Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Major Depressive Disorder: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder affects over 280 million people worldwide, and access to effective treatment remains limited. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive option, and portable devices now allow for home-based delivery under varying degrees of remote supervision. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze the efficacy, safety, feasibility, and acceptability of home-based and remotely supervised tDCS for depressive disorders. METHODS: Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) 2020 and PRISMA-S (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses literature search extension) guidelines, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane databases, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform up to July 2025, with backward and forward citation searching. Two reviewers independently screened records, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias (version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials, Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies, and Critical Appraisal Skills Programme for qualitative studies) and certainty of evidence (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation; GRADE). RESULTS: This review included 12 distinct studies (16 reports), of which 6 (50%) were randomized sham-controlled trials forming the meta-analytic pool. Active home-based tDCS produced a small, statistically significant improvement over sham (pooled Hedges g=0.36, 95% CI 0.06-0.66; P=.03; I2=34.3%). The effect was not robust to removal of the single largest positive trial (omitting the one study from 2025: g=0.39, 95% CI -0.12 to 0.91), and trial-level results were mixed: the 2 largest trials (one unsupervised [n=210] and one self-administered [n=141]) were negative on their primary depression outcomes, whereas the largest real-time supervised trial (n=174) was positive (between-group 95% CI 0.51-4.01; P=.01). This estimate was concordant in direction with an independent peer-reviewed meta-analysis of overlapping trials, which reported a pooled Montgomery-&#xc5;sberg Depression Rating Scale reduction (weighted mean difference -2.74, 95% CI -4.19 to -1.29) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale reduction (weighted mean difference -2.24, 95% CI -4.16 to -1.49), attenuating to nonsignificance (P>.05) in major depressive disorder without comorbid cognitive impairment. The pooled effect fell at or near the minimal clinically important difference. GRADE certainty was moderate. Adverse events were predominantly mild: one pilot study was terminated early for skin lesions, and one nonfatal suicide attempt occurred in an unsupervised trial. CONCLUSIONS: Home-based and remotely supervised tDCS produces a small, statistically significant but clinically modest antidepressant effect that is sensitive to the inclusion of the largest positive trial, with the 2 largest trials being negative. The available controlled evidence does not establish supervision intensity as a determinant of efficacy. Current data are insufficient to recommend routine clinical adoption; adequately powered trials with standardized supervision and longer follow-up are needed.

Humans↗
PubMed2026

Oropouche virus: viral evolution, epidemiological trends, and challenges for control.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In recent years, OROV has emerged as a significant public health threat beyond the Amazon region. Here we review current epidemiological, virological, clinical and ecological knowledge of OROV to inform health practitioners, public health authorities and the scientific community and to facilitate the development of effective control strategies for OROV. RECENT FINDINGS: We describe the epidemiological, virological, ecological and clinical characteristics of OROV, focusing on lessons from the recent expansion, and highlighting needs for control and management of this emerging arbovirus. SUMMARY: This review aims to inform health practitioners, public health authorities and the scientific community of the recent reemergence and expansion of OROV beyond the Amazon Basin. The ecology, epidemiology, virology of OROV and clinical presentations of OROV infection are discussed, and knowledge gaps are identified.

Humans↗
PubMed2026

CanDo (Canadian Donor Milk) randomised controlled trial: pasteurised human donor milk supplementation in the well-baby unit - protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Mother's milk is the gold standard for feeding newborns. Despite lactation support while in hospital, supplementation rates remain high in Canadian well-baby units at 35-50%. When supplementation is needed, the choice between formula milk and pasteurised human donor milk (donor milk) remains uncertain with a lack of clinical trials to inform this practice. This study aims to compare the effect of supplementing mother's milk with donor milk versus formula in infants at higher risk for supplementation (infants of diabetic mothers, infants born small for gestational age or with a birth weight less than 2.5&#x2009;kg and late preterm infants born between 350/7 and 366/7 weeks gestation). METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is an ongoing, open-label, single-centre, randomised controlled trial conducted at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada. A total of 112 infants (56 per group) will be randomised to receive donor milk or infant formula as a supplement to mother's milk during their initial hospital stay, when supplementation is deemed necessary by the family and/or healthcare team. The primary outcome is exclusive human milk feeding at 4 months of age. Secondary outcomes include any or exclusive human milk feeding at 1, 2 and 3 months; infant growth and health indicators and breastfeeding self-efficacy. Exploratory outcomes encompass infant temperament; parental mental health (assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale); milk cortisol concentrations; and informal milk sharing comparing donor milk and formula supplementation. Follow-up includes monthly telephone assessments and a virtual or in-person visit at 4 months post partum. Data will be analysed using intention-to-treat principles. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The CanDo trial has received ethics approval from the Mount Sinai Hospital Research Ethics Board and the University of Toronto. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations and stakeholder engagement with hospital and public health decision-makers. Findings will address a critical evidence gap regarding the use of donor milk supplementation in well-baby units and may inform future clinical practice and policy in newborn feeding. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT06315127.

Humans↗
PubMed2026

Implementation factors shaping British Columbia's drug decriminalization pilot: A systematic review with narrative synthesis.

BACKGROUND: In January 2023, British Columbia (BC) became the first Canadian province to implement a legally sanctioned drug decriminalization policy, removing criminal penalties for adults possessing 2.5 g or less of opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA. Introduced as a three-year pilot, it aimed to reframe substance use as a public health issue, reduce stigma, and improve health and social service engagement. Criminal penalties were reintroduced for drug possession in most public spaces in May 2024, and the pilot ended in January 2026. Its termination has been interpreted as policy failure; this review aimed to examine how the pilot was implemented in practice and to identify factors that shaped its operationalization and early implementation-relevant outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review with narrative synthesis of peer-reviewed literature examining implementation-relevant aspects of BC's decriminalization pilot. Six databases were searched (January-February 2026) for studies published May 31, 2022-February 1, 2026. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251271694). RESULTS: Twenty-seven studies were included. Four cross-cutting implementation barriers were identified: pilot design features, public and cross-sector communication gaps, limited frontline training, and insufficient funding and infrastructure. Design features included the 2.5 g possession threshold, misalignment with real-world drug use patterns; the three-year timeframe, which constrained system-level effects; and the May 2024 amendment, which introduced additional instability. The pilot was implemented without commensurate investment in harm reduction, treatment, or housing infrastructure, within already constrained systems. CONCLUSION: BC's decriminalization pilot suggests the effects of legal reform are shaped by implementation context. Early outcomes may reflect design features, institutional readiness, and system capacity rather than legal change alone; longer-term impacts remain uncertain. Future reforms should align legal change with coordinated implementation, operational guidance, public communication, and adequate service infrastructure.

British Columbia↗