Michelle Krahe

The secondary use of health data is increasingly important for research and system improvement, yet public concerns around privacy, consent and ethical governance continue to shape its acceptability. This scientometric analysis of 95 studies published since 2020 reveals a field shifting from exploratory work to more multidisciplinary, technology-enabled approaches. Three themes consistently emerge: expanding use of digital tools and integrated data systems, ongoing challenges in ethical and transparent data sharing, and limited understanding of public attitudes — particularly the sociocultural factors influencing trust and willingness to share data. While theoretical work on consent has matured, significant gaps remain in community perspectives and engagement practices. Strengthening social licence through clearer governance, transparency, and meaningful public involvement is essential to support ethical, scalable secondary data use.

Communication interventions for people with neurodevelopmental disabilities and minimal spoken language are diverse, yet the evidence base remains fragmented and heavily skewed towards young autistic children. This umbrella review of 18 systematic reviews identified 19 randomised trials across 14 intervention types, including augmentative and alternative communication, arts-based therapies, spoken-language approaches, mixed models, and animal-assisted programmes. Most interventions reported positive effects, but substantial variation in outcomes, measures, and populations limits clear conclusions about what works best for whom. No trials focused on adolescents or adults, despite communication being central to lifelong wellbeing, participation, and independence. The accompanying evidence-gap map offers an accessible view of the available research and underscores the need for age-inclusive studies, more consistent outcome measurement, and stronger evidence to guide families, clinicians, and policymakers.

Clinical trials in rural, regional and remote Australia are valued by clinicians and patients, yet local activity is constrained by limited capability, workforce shortages and infrastructure gaps. This scoping review of 24 studies highlights four recurring themes: positive perceptions of trials, limited service capability, recruitment challenges, and persistent exclusion of First Nations people due to culturally inappropriate designs. While bringing trials closer to participants reduces costs and travel burden, further research is needed to strengthen rural trial capability, improve recruitment, and embed culturally safe approaches that support meaningful First Nations participation.

This scoping review examined 42 studies on menstrual health among young adults aged 18–24 across the LAC region. Research was heavily concentrated in Brazil and Mexico and largely conducted in urban settings, with all participants identified as women. Most studies explored menstrual cycle characteristics, dysmenorrhoea, and premenstrual symptoms, with several highlighting impacts on academic participation and daily activities. Significant evidence gaps were identified, particularly in rural areas and across gender-diverse populations. The review underscores the need for inclusive, region-specific research and policies to strengthen health, education, and economic outcomes.

An evidence map