JMIR Research Protocols

“Empathy” is widely discussed in health and care settings and is increasingly claimed as an attribute of artificial intelligence (AI) systems (eg, socially assistive robots and chatbots), but the term is used inconsistently across the literature. In research on AI in these settings, it is often unclear what authors mean by “empathic AI,” what systems do that is intended to be empathic, and how empathy is assessed. This matters because perceived empathy can shape users’ experience of AI-mediated support and their willingness to engage with these systems.

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare genetic disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes. Apart from multisystem physical manifestations, most individuals with TSC experience TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND). Little is known about how TAND severity changes over time and what factors may predict these changes. Preliminary data suggest the presence of differential TAND severity trajectories. Caregiver well-being may act as a mediator of TAND severity, and a well-being intervention designed for caregivers of children with developmental disabilities may improve caregiver well-being.

Exercises that involve increasing the speed of movements are beneficial for individuals with Parkinson disease (PD) and have the potential to reduce bradykinesia. High-speed bodyweight resistance training is accessible and versatile and can be performed anytime and anywhere, including at home. Furthermore, it is important to consider home exercises that enable treatment continuity and reduce barriers such as transportation difficulties and participation in physical exercise programs. However, we have not identified any studies that have conducted home-based high-speed bodyweight resistance training in individuals with PD.

therapy, a traditional Ayurvedic practice, involves the precise stimulation of (vital points that regulate [vital energy]) and alleviates musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. While historical texts describe ’s role in pain relief, no randomized controlled trials have evaluated its efficacy and safety in lumbar disc herniation (LDH)–related radiculopathy.

Since the rise of freely accessible pornographic streaming websites, pornography consumption has become widespread and normative worldwide. In Flanders, early exposure—before age 13—has tripled over the past decade, and frequent use, particularly among young men, is common. While pornography consumption may support body satisfaction, self-exploration, and self-esteem, evidence on its effects on sexual development and sexual well-being remains limited. Public debates are polarized, swinging between moral panic and denial of potential risks. Care providers and helplines increasingly report young people struggling with pornography-related concerns, such as self-perceived porn-induced sexual dysfunctions. Adolescents and young adults from diverse backgrounds express a clear need for guidance in navigating sexually explicit media, particularly when communication with parents, teachers, or health care providers is difficult.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to enhance patient safety, particularly in the prevention of in-hospital falls. Recent advances in sensor-based AI systems allow for the analysis of complex, multimodal data to generate real-time alerts, enabling health care professionals to intervene before a fall occurs. By shifting from reactive responses to proactive risk management, these technologies may enable reductions in fall incidence and improvements in care outcomes. As a result, hospitals across Europe are increasingly adopting such systems. Nevertheless, empirical evidence concerning their routine implementation remains limited, particularly concerning their impact on patient safety, clinical workflows, and the usage of health care resources. Addressing these gaps is essential for effective and sustainable integration into hospital care.

Chronic stroke and spinal cord injury (SCI) lead to persistent motor impairments that reduce independence and quality of life. Although rehabilitation is essential to address these challenges, the amount of therapy provided during the chronic phase remains limited, while the long-term costs of care are substantial.

Opioid overdose remains a leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Existing approaches to identify individuals at elevated risk rely on imprecise rule-based criteria that misclassify patients’ risk of this serious health outcome. Machine learning (ML) algorithms can help improve prediction performance and can be combined with electronic health record (EHR) interventions to reduce overdose risk.

Globally, researchers have documented an emergence of public health approaches within palliative care, leading to the development of compassionate communities, a movement that seeks to build community capacity to support individuals at the end of life and those affected by death and loss. Compassionate communities emphasize a social model of care that complements formal palliative services by reducing suffering, enhancing well-being, and empowering community members through collective action. The Compassionate City Charter broadens this scope to include civic institutions, outlining recommendations for adoption within workplaces and educational settings. However, empirical evidence examining the adoption of compassionate practices within workplace contexts remains limited.

Depression and anxiety frequently emerge during late adolescence and young adulthood; however, many conventional and app-based interventions struggle to sustain engagement. Virtual reality (VR) exergaming, music-based activities, and social interaction each show promise for supporting young people’s mental health, but their combined therapeutic value remains insufficiently tested.

Nonprofit organizations that serve the pediatric oncology community play a crucial role in disseminating quality information that can inform and support people living with childhood cancer, those that work in the field, and others who make key decisions or policies. These registered organizations can be challenging to locate, as the internet is flux with information and resources of varying quality, misinformation, and disinformation. There remains limited understanding of the knowledge mobilization landscape of these organizations in Canada.

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide, with a 5-year survival rate exceeding 90%. Despite advances in treatment, survivors frequently experience persistent cancer- and treatment-related symptoms that negatively impact their quality of life. Body-oriented interventions (BOIs) have demonstrated effectiveness in symptom management; however, systematic reviews focused exclusively on BOIs for women who survived breast cancer (WSBC) remain limited. This systematic review protocol outlines the methodology for evaluating the scientific evidence on the effects of BOIs on cancer- and treatment-related symptoms in WSBC.