[Telemedicine: validation of a questionnaire to evaluate the experience of health professionalsTelemedicina: validação de um questionário para avaliar a experiência dos profissionais de saúde]. / Telemedicina: validación de un cuestionario para evaluar la experiencia de los profesionales de la salud.

Objective: This objective of this work is to develop and validate a questionnaire to evaluate health professionals' experience with telemedicine systems. Methods: Based on an abbreviated, locally validated Spanish-language version of the patient questionnaire developed by Parmanto et al., a group of experts developed a version to evaluate the experience of health professionals who provide telemedicine services. The psychometric behavior of the items was tested in an initial sample of 129 professionals, using exploratory factor analysis. The comprehensibility of the items was then assessed through cognitive interviews. Finally, in a new sample of 329 professionals, the construct validity of the questionnaire was evaluated by means of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA); its criteria of external validity were assessed by comparing the score with that of a summary question. Results: A 12-item questionnaire was obtained, with a two-factor structure and acceptable adjustment indicators documented through CFA. Reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity were appropriate. The criteria of external validity showed optimal results. Conclusions: The instrument obtained has adequate psychometric properties and will contribute to the objective evaluation of the experience of health professionals who perform telemedicine.

Objetivo: Desenvolver e validar um questionário para avaliar a experiência dos profissionais de saúde com os sistemas de telemedicina. Métodos: Com base na versão abreviada em espanhol ­ e validada localmente ­ do questionário para pacientes desenvolvido por Parmanto et al., um grupo de especialistas gerou uma versão de consenso para avaliar a experiência de profissionais de saúde que prestam serviços de telemedicina. O comportamento psicométrico dos itens foi testado em uma primeira amostra de 129 profissionais, por meio de análise fatorial exploratória. Em seguida, sua compreensibilidade foi avaliada por meio de entrevistas cognitivas. Por fim, em uma nova amostra de 329 profissionais, avaliou-se a validade de construto do questionário por meio de uma análise fatorial confirmatória (AFC), e sua validade de critério externo, mediante a avaliação de sua pontuação com a de uma pergunta resumo. Resultados: Obteve-se um questionário de 12 itens com estrutura de dois fatores, com indicadores de ajuste aceitáveis, documentados pela AFC. A confiabilidade, a validade convergente e a validade discriminante foram adequadas. A validade de critério externo apresentou ótimos resultados. Conclusões: O instrumento obtido possui propriedades psicométricas adequadas e contribuirá para a avaliação objetiva da experiência dos profissionais que realizam telemedicina.

Anesthetic implications of perioperative Takotsubo syndrome: a retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: Takotsubo syndrome is a reversible cardiomyopathy triggered by emotional or physical stressors. Although surgeries could be physical triggers, this has been scantily investigated. We aimed to describe the baseline characteristics, surgical/anesthesia-related triggering events, clinical presentation, and in-hospital outcomes of a cohort of patients diagnosed with perioperative Takotsubo syndrome. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we included all consecutive adult patients who were admitted to Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires between 1 June 2008 and 30 November 2017 and diagnosed with Takotsubo syndrome according to the revised criteria of the European Society of Cardiology during hospitalization. RESULTS: We diagnosed 21 patients with perioperative Takotsubo syndrome out of 305,906 patients undergoing procedures with anesthesia care. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) patient age was 75 (55-82) yr, and 16 (76%) were women. The median (IQR) left ventricular ejection fraction was 35 (35-42)% at diagnosis and 55 (46-55)% at discharge. Fifteen patients (71%) required inotropic/vasopressor support; however, this is a controversial treatment considering the physiopathology of the syndrome. Severe complications such as unexplained syncope/cardiac arrest, cardiogenic shock, and ventricular thrombus formation occurred in seven (33%) patients, and two (10%) patients died. These results were compared with 31 patients who experienced non-perioperative Takotsubo syndrome during the same period of time. CONCLUSION: Perioperative Takotsubo syndrome is a reversible cardiomyopathy. Nevertheless, it seems to be associated with severe complications, the need for aggressive treatment, and non-negligible mortality.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: Le syndrome de Takotsubo est une cardiomyopathie réversible déclenchée par des facteurs de stress émotionnels ou physiques. Bien que les chirurgies puissent constituer des déclencheurs physiques, cela n'a été que peu étudié. Nous avons cherché à décrire les caractéristiques de base, les événements déclencheurs chirurgicaux / anesthésiques, la présentation clinique et les devenirs hospitaliers d'une cohorte de patients ayant reçu un diagnostic de syndrome périopératoire de Takotsubo. MéTHODE: Dans cette étude rétrospective, nous avons inclus tous les patients adultes consécutifs qui ont été admis à l'Hôpital Italiano de Buenos Aires entre le 1er juin 2008 et le 30 novembre 2017 et qui ont reçu un diagnostic de syndrome de Takotsubo selon les critères révisés de la Société européenne de cardiologie pendant leur hospitalisation. RéSULTATS: Nous avons diagnostiqué 21 patients atteints d'un syndrome de Takotsubo périopératoire sur 305 906 patients subissant des interventions nécessitant des soins d'anesthésie. L'âge médian des patients (écart interquartile [ÉIQ]) était de 75 ans (55-82 ans) et 16 (76 %) étaient des femmes. La médiane de la fraction d'éjection ventriculaire gauche (ÉIQ) était de 35 (35 à 42) % au moment du diagnostic et de 55 (46 à 55 ) % au congé. Quinze patients (71 %) ont eu besoin d'un soutien inotrope/vasopresseur; cependant, il s'agit d'un traitement controversé compte tenu de la physiopathologie du syndrome. Des complications graves telles qu'une syncope / un arrêt cardiaque inexpliqué, un choc cardiogénique et la formation de thrombus ventriculaire, sont survenues chez sept patients (33 %), et deux (10 %) patients sont décédés. Ces résultats ont été comparés à 31 patients ayant présenté un syndrome de Takotsubo non périopératoire au cours de la même période. CONCLUSION: Le syndrome de Takotsubo périopératoire est une cardiomyopathie réversible. Néanmoins, il semble être associé à des complications graves, à la nécessité d'un traitement agressif et à une mortalité non négligeable.

Adaptation and validation of a Spanish version of the treatment burden questionnaire in patients with multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: The Treatment Burden Questionnaire (TBQ) is a self-reported measure of the effect of treatment workload on patient wellbeing. We sought to validate the TBQ in Spanish and use it to estimate the burden of treatment in Argentinian patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: The TBQ was forward-backward translated into Spanish. Two focus groups and 25 semi-structured interviews focused on wording and possible item exclusion. Validation was performed in 2 steps. First, 162 patients across a range of MS severity completed the questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analysis assessed the dimensional structure of the TBQ. Construct validity was assessed by studying correlations with fatigue and quality of life (QoL). Then, in a second cohort of 171 patients, we evaluated the association between TBQ scores and patients' sex, age, education level, employment status, type of MS, disease duration, comorbidities, EDSS, pharmacological treatment and medication adherence. RESULTS: The questionnaire presented a 3-factor structure in which burden was related to pharmacological treatment; comprehensive health assistance; and psycho-social-economic context. Composite reliability was > 0.8 for all factors. TBQ showed positive correlation with fatigue (rs = 0.467, p = 0.006), negative correlation with QoL (rs - 0.446, p = 0.009). For the second cohort, total TBQ score was 43 (SD 29). Lowest scores were observed on self-monitoring (0.53, SD 1.3) and highest for administrative load (4.2, SD 3.4). Inverse association was found between the TBQ score and medication adherence (r 0.243 p = 0.001). TBQ scores also correlated with daily patient pill/injection requirements (r 0.175 p = 0.020). Individuals receiving injectable treatment scored higher than patients on oral drugs (total TBQ 51 (SD 32) vs 39 (SD 27) p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The TBQ in Spanish is a reliable instrument and showed adequate correlation with QoL and adherence scales in MS patients. TBQ may benefit health resources allocation and provide tailor therapeutic interventions to construct a minimally disruptive care.

Translation, transcultural adaptation, and validation of two questionnaires on shared decision making.

OBJECTIVE: To translate, transcultural adapt, and validate the "CollaboRATE" measure and the "Ask 3 Questions" intervention in Argentina, allowing us to quantify the degree of use and implementation of shared decision making (SDM). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Data were collected in an academic hospital in Buenos Aires. Physician-patient pairs were invited to participate following their scheduled outpatient visits. MEASUREMENTS: Two processes were carried out as follows: (a) The translation and transcultural adaptation process, in which translations were produced and then adapted to Spanish. (b) The validation process, in which questionnaires were completed by patient-physician pairs, the results of which were subsequently analysed. Reliability (Cronbach's alpha) and construct validity (principal component analysis) were assessed. RESULTS: The final Spanish versions of "CollaboRATE" and "Ask 3 Questions" were tested in a primary care sample of 56 participants. Both instruments presented adequate reliability and validity. Internal consistency yielded a Cronbach's alpha of 98.3 for the "CollaboRATE" measure and 0.77 and 0.69 for the patients and physicians versions of the "Ask 3 Questions" intervention. Principal components analysis showed eigenvalues of first component >1. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: We obtained valid and reliable Spanish versions of the "CollaboRATE" measure and the "Ask 3 Questions" intervention. These versions can be used for the assessment of SDM in clinical visits, and to obtain new information which could help the monitoring of its implementation.

[Evaluation of primary adherence to medications in patients with chronic conditions: A retrospective cohort study]. / Evaluación de la adherencia primaria a medicamentos en pacientes con enfermedades crónicas afiliados al Seguro de Salud del Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires: estudio de cohorte retrospectiva.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the proportion of members of a private health insurance at the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires with primary adherence to, 1) bisphosphonates for secondary prevention of osteoporotic fractures, 2) insulin and metformin in type 2 diabetes, and 3) tamoxifen in the context of treatment of breast cancer. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study to determine the proportion of primary treatment adherence during 2012 and 2013. SITE: Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Argentina. PARTICIPANTS: Members of the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires private health insurance, who had received a new electronic prescription (alendronate or ibandronate for secondary prevention of fractures following an osteoporotic fracture; insulin and/or metformin for type 2 diabetes; or tamoxifen as a treatment for breast cancer) during the years 2012 and 2013. An analysis was performed on 1,403 new electronic prescriptions, of which 673 were excluded for not meeting the inclusion criteria. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Primary adherence has been defined as the execution of a first-time treatment after it was agreed with the health care provider. The primary analysis assessed the proportion of primary adherence for the three medications. A bivariate analysis was performed to compare the characteristics and potential predictors of primary adherence. RESULTS: Primary adherence for each drug group was, 93% Bisphosphonates, 88% Metformin, 96% Insulin, and 92% Tamoxifen. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that has evaluated primary adherence in Argentina, and the first for Tamoxifen world wide. The primary adherence documented in our study was somewhat higher than that reported in the literature.

Frailty status improvement after kidney transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Frailty is a clinical syndrome characterized by a decrease in strength, resistance and body physiological condition, making the individual more vulnerable, and increasing his/her risk of dependence and death. Kidney transplant (KT) is currently the best end-stage renal disease therapeutic alternative for certain individuals. Frailty status occurs in approximately 20% of KT patients. Thus, it was evaluated if there would be any change in frailty status level in a population of adult patients on chronic HD after receiving KT. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a population of adult hemodialysis patients (n: 57), with the objective of evaluating if there was a significant change in their clinical frailty score (CFS) after 6 months of KT. For the statistical analysis, the Student's t-test, and the test of statistical significance between two proportions were applied. RESULTS: Mean CFS before KT was 4 (vulnerable), and after KT was 3 (robust). CFS value was significantly lower after KT (p value < 0.01). CONCLUSION: A significant improvement was found between pre- and post-transplant clinical frailty scores in hemodialysis adult patients.

Quantitative and qualitative analysis of Argentine breast cancer prevention campaigns disseminated by still images on social networks during October 2019. / Análisis cuantitativo y cualitativo de las campañas argentinas de prevención de cáncer de mama difundidas mediante imágenes fijas en redes sociales durante octubre del 2019.

OBJECTIVES: To quantitatively document the degree of compliance of institutional messages broadcast on social networks with the recommendations of the National Cancer Institute (INC) in Argentina during October 2019, in the context of breast cancer prevention campaigns, and to qualitatively analyze the pictorial and textual elements that make up their dissemination pieces. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Quantitative and qualitative analysis of 171 dissemination pieces issued during October 2019 by 54 institutions, based on the evaluation of their compliance with INC recommendations, the description of the main discordant recommendations (quantitative analysis) and the qualitative analysis of 30 pieces. RESULTS: None of the issued messages mentioned potential screening harms. Only the messages of the National Ministry of Health complied completely with the INC recommendations, while the remaining ones recommended mammograms at younger ages or at shorter intervals. Breast self-examination was the most frequent recommendation among those who didn't comply. The images of female bodies linked to common stereotypes of sex and beauty, and paternalistic discourses appealing to fear and guilt were predominant. CONCLUSIONS: The messages broadcasted in the analyzed diffusion pieces did not comply with the INC recommendations, despite the fact that the latter are supported by scientific evidence. On the other hand, the messages reinforce sex and beauty stereotypes, guilt and the medical-hegemonic model.

OBJETIVOS.: Documentar cuantitativamente el grado de concordancia con las recomendaciones del Instituto Nacional del Cáncer (INC) de los mensajes institucionales emitidos en redes sociales de Argentina durante octubre de 2019, en el contexto de las campañas de prevención del cáncer mamario, y analizar cualitativamente los elementos icónicos y textuales que conforman sus piezas de difusión. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS.: Análisis cuantitativo y cualitativo de 171 piezas de difusión emitidas durante octubre de 2019 por 54 instituciones, a partir de la evaluación de su concordancia con las recomendaciones del INC, la descripción de las principales recomendaciones discordantes (análisis cuantitativo) y el análisis cualitativo de 30 piezas. RESULTADOS.: Ninguno de los mensajes emitidos mencionó potenciales daños del tamizaje. Solamente los del Ministerio de Salud de la Nación fueron totalmente concordantes con las recomendaciones del INC, mientras que los restantes recomendaban realizar mamografías a edades más tempranas o a intervalos más breves. El autoexamen mamario fue la recomendación más frecuente entre las discordantes. Predominaron las imágenes de cuerpos femeninos vinculadas con los estereotipos predominantes de género y belleza, y los discursos paternalistas que apelan al miedo y a la culpa. CONCLUSIONES.: Los mensajes emitidos en las piezas de difusión analizadas no fueron concordantes con las recomendaciones del INC, a pesar de que estas últimas están respaldadas por evidencia científica. Por otro lado, los mensajes refuerzan los estereotipos de género y belleza, la culpa y el modelo médico-hegemónico.

Lung donation and donor lung management: a survey among health care professionals in Argentina. / Doação de pulmão e manejo do doador: um levantamento entre profissionais de saúde na Argentina.

OBJECTIVE: To describe health care providers' knowledge about lung donation and donor lung management. METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional study based on an anonymous survey was conducted between March and September 2018 among health care professionals registered to Sociedad Argentina de Terapia Intensiva. RESULTS: Of the 736 respondents, the mean age was 40.5 years (standard deviation 8.9), and 61.3% were female. Sixty percent were physicians, 21.5% were nurses, and 17.9% were physiotherapists. Seventy-eight percent considered themselves appropriately informed about organ procurement, and 79.8% stated that they knew potential organ donor critical care management. The lung donor criteria were answered correctly by 71.3% of the respondents. However, after the donor's brain death, 51% made no changes to ventilator parameters, 22.9% were not aware of which parameters to reprogram, and 44.5% selected tidal volume of 6 - 8mL/kg and positive end expiratory pressure of 5cmH2O. For 85% of the health care providers, the type of apnea test chosen was disconnection from the ventilator, and only 18.5% used a lung management protocol. The most frequent interventions used in the case of arterial oxygen partial pressure/fractional inspired oxygen < 300 were positive end expiratory pressure titration, closed-circuit endotracheal suctioning, and recruitment maneuvers. CONCLUSION: Health care professionals surveyed in Argentina correctly answered most of the questions related to lung donor criteria. However, they lacked detailed knowledge about ventilatory settings, ventilatory strategies, and protocols for lung donors. Educational programs are key to optimizing multiorgan donation and should be focused on protecting the donor lungs to increase the numbers of organs available for transplantation.

OBJETIVO: Descrever o conhecimento de profissionais de saúde relacionado com doação de pulmão e manejo do doador. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se estudo descritivo, transversal, com base em levantamento anônimo conduzido entre março e setembro de 2019 envolvendo profissionais de saúde registrados na Sociedad Argentina de Terapia Intensiva. RESULTADOS: Dentre os 736 participantes, a média de idade foi de 30,5 anos (desvio-padrão de 8,9), sendo 61,3% do sexo feminino. Dentre os participantes, 60% eram médicos, 21,5% enfermeiros e 17,9% fisioterapeutas. Dentre os participantes, 68% se consideravam adequadamente informados com relação à procura de órgãos, e 79,8% afirmaram estar cientes do manejo de um potencial doador sob terapia intensiva. Os critérios relativos a um doador de pulmão foram respondidos corretamente por 71,3% dos participantes. Entretanto, após a morte cerebral do doador, 51% dos participantes não fariam modificações nos parâmetros de ventilação mecânica, 22,9% não sabiam quais parâmetros reprogramar, e 44,5% escolheriam um volume corrente de 6 - 8mL/kg e pressão positiva expiratória final de 5cmH2O. Para 85% dos profissionais de saúde, o tipo de teste de apneia escolhido foi desconexão do ventilador, e apenas 18,5% utilizariam um protocolo de controle. As intervenções mais frequentemente utilizadas no caso de pressão parcial de oxigênio/fração inspirada de oxigênio < 300 foram titulação da pressão positiva expiratória final, aspiração traqueal em circuito fechado e manobras de recrutamento. CONCLUSÃO: Os profissionais de saúde que participaram deste levantamento na Argentina responderam corretamente à maior parte das questões relacionadas aos critérios para o doador de pulmão. Contudo, faltou-lhes um conhecimento detalhado relativo aos parâmetros ventilatórios, às estratégias ventilatórias e aos protocolos para doadores de pulmão. Programas educacionais são fundamentais para otimizar a doação de múltiplos órgãos e devem focalizar a proteção dos pulmões do doador, com objetivo de incrementar o número de órgãos disponíveis para transplante.

Simulation-based training for early procedural skills acquisition in new anesthesia trainees: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: In a setting in which learning of basic procedural skills commences upon graduation from medical school, and as a first step towards integration of simulation-based learning into the anesthesiology training program, a preparatory course for new anesthesia trainees was designed. Three educational strategies were sequentially combined (e-learning, simulation-based hands on workshops, and on-site observational learning), and performance was assessed in a stepwise approach on five procedural skills considered essential for early anesthetic management (peripheral intravenous cannulation, sterile hand wash and gowning, anesthesia workstation preparation, face-mask ventilation, and orotracheal intubation). The primary aim of this study was to determine if this preparatory training course at the onset of anesthesiology residency is useful to achieve a competent trainee performance in the clinical setting. METHODS: This prospective study was carried out at a university-affiliated hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from 2017 to 2019. The 24 participants, comprising three cohorts of 8 residents each, underwent a preparatory course at the onset of residency. Diverse, consecutive educational strategies, and assessments (three stages: 1, 2, 3) took place using task-specific tools (checklists) and global rating scales for five procedural skills. The primary outcome was achievement of competent scores (85%) in final assessments, and the secondary outcomes were performance improvement between assessment stages and compliance with predefined safety items. RESULTS: Twenty trainees (83.3%) were found to be globally competent (both assessment tools for all procedures) during final assessments (stage 3). Statistically significant improvement was found for all procedural skills between baseline and after workshop assessment scores (stages 1-2), except for orotracheal intubation in checklists, and for all procedural skills between stages 2 and 3 except for sterile hand wash and gowning in checklists. CONCLUSIONS: In our single-center experience, the gap for competent trainee performance in essential early anesthetic management skills can be effectively covered by conducting an intensive, preparatory course using the combination of three educational strategies (e-learning, simulation-based hands on workshops, and observational learning) at the onset of residency. This course has allowed learning to be generated in a secure environment for both patients and trainees.

[Validation of the Spanish version of the Lubben Social Network Scale-6]. / Validación de la versión en español de la Escala de Red Social Lubben-6.

Social support is an important determinant of health. The Lubben-6 Social Network Scale (LSNS-6) is one of the most used by the international community and its application is simple and brief. To date there are no works that have validated this scale in the Spanish language. Aim: Validate the spanish version of the LSNS-6. Methods: The Spanish version of the questionnaire was generated through the translation, back-translation and transcultural adaptation of the LSNS-6, made with native translators and adapted by a bilingual committee. The construct validity was evaluated using a Confirmatory Factor Analysis. We first considered a single factor (family or friends), and then two factors (family and friends). We compared results using Goodness-of-fit index (GFI). The validity of external criteria was evaluated by correlating the score of the questionnaire with that assigned by a professional counselor trained during an in-depth in-person interview conducted at the patient's home. Results: We interviewed 150 older adults, 54% men; mean age 76.3 years. The GFI presented adequate values ​​for the two-factor model (P Chi2 = 0.069; NFI = 0.97; NNFI = 0.99; RMR st. = 0.03; the RMSEA showed a marginal value, 0.085); While the Pearson correlation was 0.665 (p <0.001). Conclusion: The Spanish version of the LSNS-6 scale is valid and reliable.

Introducción: El apoyo social es un determinante importante de la salud. La Escala de Red Social de Lubben-6 (LSNS-6) es una de las más utilizadas por la comunidad internacional y su aplicación es sencilla y breve. No existen a la fecha trabajos que hayan validado esta escala en el idioma español. Objetivo: Validar al español la escala LSNS-6. Métodos: Fue generada una versión en Español del cuestionario a través de la traducción, retrotraducción y adaptación transcultural del LSNS-6. La ​vali​dez de constructo fue evaluada mediante un Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio, considerando inicialmente un factor y luego dos. Los resultados fueron comparados mediante indicadores de buen ajuste (IBA). La ​va​lidez de criterio externo fue evaluada mediante la correlación del puntaje del cuestionario con el asignado por una orientadora sociosanitaria profesional entrenada durante una entrevista presencial en profundidad realizada en el domicilio del paciente. Resultados: Entrevistamos 150 adultos mayores (54 % hombres; edad media 76,3 años). Los IBA presentaron valores adecuados para el modelo de dos factores; Chi Cuadrado / Grado de libertad 1,81; "p" ajustada al Chi Cuadrado: 0,069; error de aproximación cuadrático medio (RMSEA) 0,085; Indice de ajuste normado (NFI) 0,97; índice de ajuste no normado (NNFI) 0,99; residuo cuadrático medio estandarizado (RMR st) 0,03. La correlación Pearson del puntaje de la versión en español del LSNS-6 con el asignado por la orientadora sociosanitaria fue de 0.665 (p < 0.001). Conclusiones: La versión en español de la escala LSNS-6 es válida y confiable.

[Prostate specific antigen utilization trends in an academic hospital in Argentina.] / Tendencia temporal de realización de Antígeno Prostático Específico en un Hospital Académico de Buenos Aires.

Background: Although prostate cancer (PC) screening with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) determination could decrease mortality, concerns about the potential risk of overdiagnosis led to recommendations against this preventive practice. The objective of this study was to describe the trend in PSA determinations in men between 40 and 79 years old, affiliated to a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) of an academic hospital in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and its association with the recommendations stated by the U.S. Preventive Task Force (USPSTF) and the Instituto Nacional del Cáncer in Argentina. Methods: We analyzed a time series of aggregated data. We calculated the annual age-standardized rates of accumulated determinations of PSA for every 100 affiliates without a personal history of PC. Additionally, we compared trends by age groups every 10 years. We used Joinpoint and MS Excel programs. Results: Between 2006 and 2011 there was a growing trend in the number of PSA determinations, with an annual average of + 1.2% (95% CI, -1.0 to +3.5). Between 2011 and 2015, the number of determinations began to decrease, with a percentage annual average of -4.1% (-6.9 to -1.1). Conclusion: We found a gradual decrease in PSA utilization in men between 40 and 79 years old after the 2012 USPSTF recommendation against prostate cancer screening.

Introducción: Aunque el rastreo del cáncer de próstata (CP) mediante el dosaje sérico de antígeno prostático específico (en inglés, PSA) podría disminuir la mortalidad, la preocupación por su potencial riesgo de sobrediagnóstico llevó a desaconsejar su realización. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir la tendencia temporal de realización de esta práctica en varones entre 40 y 79 años afiliados a un seguro privado de salud de la ciudad de Buenos Aires, en relación con las recomendaciones de la Fuerza de Tareas Preventivas de los EE.UU. (USPSTF) y el Instituto Nacional del Cáncer de Argentina. Métodos. Serie temporal de datos agregados. Se calcularon las tasas anuales estandarizadas de incidencia acumulada de realización de PSA cada 100.000 afiliados sin antecedentes personales de CP, en el período 2006 a 2015. Adicionalmente, se construyeron curvas de tendencia por grupos etarios cada 10 años. Se utilizaron los programas Joinpoint y MS Excel. Resultados. Entre 2006 y 2011 hubo una tendencia creciente en la realización de PSA, con un promedio anual porcentual de +1,2% (IC 95%, -1,0 a +3,5). Entre 2011 y 2015, el número de determinaciones comenzó a decrecer, con un promedio anual porcentual de -4,1% (-6,9 a -1,1). Conclusión. En un hospital académico de Buenos Aires se observó un descenso paulatino en la realización de PSA en varones entre 40 y 79 años luego de la recomendación de 2012 en contra del rastreo del CP en todos los grupos etarios. Métodos: Serie temporal de datos agregados. Se calcularon las tasas anuales estandarizadas de incidencia acumulada de realización de PSA cada 100.000 afiliados sin antecedentes personales de CP, en el período 2006 a 2015. Adicionalmente, se construyeron curvas de tendencia por grupos etarios cada 10 años. Se utilizaron los programas Joinpoint y MS Excel. Resultados. Entre 2006 y 2011 hubo una tendencia creciente en la realización de PSA, con un promedio anual porcentual de +1,2% (IC 95%, -1,0 a +3,5). Entre 2011 y 2015, el número de determinaciones comenzó a decrecer, con un promedio anual porcentual de -4,1% (-6,9 a -1,1). Conclusión. En un hospital académico de Buenos Aires se observó un descenso paulatino en la realización de PSA en varones entre 40 y 79 años luego de la recomendación de 2012 en contra del rastreo del CP en todos los grupos etarios. Resultados: Entre 2006 y 2011 hubo una tendencia creciente en la realización de PSA, con un promedio anual porcentual de +1,2% (IC 95%, -1,0 a +3,5). Entre 2011 y 2015, el número de determinaciones comenzó a decrecer, con un promedio anual porcentual de -4,1% (-6,9 a -1,1). Conclusión. En un hospital académico de Buenos Aires se observó un descenso paulatino en la realización de PSA en varones entre 40 y 79 años luego de la recomendación de 2012 en contra del rastreo del CP en todos los grupos etarios. Conclusión: En un hospital académico de Buenos Aires se observó un descenso paulatino en la realización de PSA en varones entre 40 y 79 años luego de la recomendación de 2012 en contra del rastreo del CP en todos los grupos etarios.

Sobreuso de ecografía transvaginal en un hospital universitario privado de Argentina: estudio de corte transversal / Transvaginal ultrasound overuse in a private university hospital in Argentina: a cross-sectional study

Introducción. Si bien contamos con recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia en contra de realizar tamizaje de cáncer ovárico con ecografía transvaginal debido a que aumenta el riesgo de resultados falsamente positivos y de cascadas diagnósticas, sin disminuir la mortalidad por esta enfermedad, su solicitud en mujeres sanas es frecuente. Sin embargo, no conocemos la magnitud de la implementación de esta práctica, que constituye un cuidado de bajo valor. Objetivo. Documentar el sobreuso de ecografías transvaginales realizadas en forma ambulatoria en un hospital universitario privado de Argentina. Métodos. Estudio de corte transversal de una muestra aleatoria de ecografías realizadas en forma ambulatoria durante 2017 y 2018. Mediante revisión manual de las historias clínicas, la solicitud de cada ecografía fue clasificada como apropiada cuando algún problema clínico justificaba su realización, o inapropiada cuando había sido realizada con fines de control de salud o por una condición clínica sin indicación de seguimiento ecográfico. Resultados. De un total de 1.997 ecografías analizadas, realizadas a 1.954 mujeres adultas (edad promedio 50 años),1.345 (67,4 %; intervalo de confianza [IC] 95 % 65,2 a 69,4) habían sido solicitadas en el contexto de un control de saludo sin un problema asociado en la historia clínica y otras 54 (8,3 %; IC 95 % 6,3 a 10,7), por condiciones de salud para las que no hay recomendaciones de realizar seguimiento ecográfico. Conclusiones. Esta investigación documentó una alta proporción de sobre utilización de la ecografías transvaginales en nuestra institución. Futuras investigaciones permitirán comprender los motivos que impulsan esta práctica y ayudarán a diseñar intervenciones para disminuir estos cuidados de bajo valor. (AU)

Background. Although we have evidence-based recommendations against screening for ovarian cancer with transvaginalultrasound because it increases the risk of false positive results and diagnostic cascades without reducing mortality from this disease, its request in healthy women is frequent. However, we do not know the magnitude of the implementation of this practice, which constitutes low-value care. Objective. To document the overuse of transvaginal ultrasounds performed on an outpatient basis in a private university hospital in Argentina. Methods. Cross-sectional study of a random sample of outpatient ultrasounds performed during 2017 and 2018. Through a manual review of the medical records, the request for each ultrasound was classified as appropriate when a clinical problem justified its performance or inappropriate when it was carried out for health control purposes or for a clinical condition that had no indication for ultrasound follow-up. Results. Of a total of 1997 ultrasounds analyzed, performed on 1954 adult women (average age 50 years), 1,345 (67.4 %;95 % confidence interval [CI] 65.2 to 69.4) had been requested in the context of a health check-up or without a documented problem in the medical history that would support its performance, and another 54 (8.3 %; 95 % CI 6.3 to 10.7), for health conditions for which there are no treatment recommendations to perform ultrasound follow-up. Conclusions. This research documented a high proportion of overuse of transvaginal ultrasound in our institution. Future research will allow us to understand the reasons that drive this practice and will help design interventions to reduce thislow-value care. (AU)

Exactitud del Xiaomi Mi Band 4 para contabilizar pasos en adultos con enfermedades respiratorias crónicas. Estudio de concordancia / Accuracy of the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 for Steps Counting in Adults with Chronic Respiratory Diseases. Agreement Study

Introducción: El Xiaomi Mi Band 4 (XMB4) demostró ser exacto para medir pasos en sujetos sanos, pero no ha sido estudiado en pacientes con enfermedades respiratorias crónicas (ERC). Objetivos: Evaluar la exactitud del XMB4 para cuantificar pasos caminados en pacientes con ERC. Secundariamente, evaluar su viabilidad y usabilidad.Material y métodos: Estudio de concordancia contrastando los datos del XMB4 con la video-filmación (prueba de referencia). Fueron incluidos mayores de 18 años con diversas ERC y excluidos aquellos con deterioro cognitivo, limitaciones osteoarticulares y/o cardiovasculares que impedían la marcha. Realizamos un muestreo por conveniencia de pacientes que participaban de un programa de rehabilitación pulmonar.Las variables estudiadas incluyeron número de pasos, distancia y tiempo caminado, velocidad de la marcha, viabilidad y usabilidad. Cada participante realizó cinco caminatas (5, 10 y 30 metros, y 5 minutos a ritmo lento y rápido). Para testear la equivalencia estadística, necesitamos incluir 33 pacientes y utilizamos el método de intervalo de confianza con una zona de equivalencia de ±15%. Resultados: Fueron incluidos 33 pacientes, 64% mujeres, con una mediana (P25-75) de edad de 64,9 (55,8 a 70,2) años. Los pasos registrados por el XMB4 fueron equivalentes a los de la video-filmación en las diferentes caminatas, excepto en la de 5 metros. Los pasos fueron subestimados con un error de medición menor al 15%. Conclusiones: El XMB4 tiene una exactitud aceptable para medir pasos en pacientes con ERC excepto en caminatas muy cortas, es viable y fácil de usar

Introduction: Xiaomi Mi Band 4 (XMB4) has been shown to be accurate to measure steps in healthy subjects, but has not been studied in patients with chronic respiratory diseases (CRD).Objectives: To evaluate the accuracy of the XMB4 to quantify steps walked in patients with CRD. Secondarily, evaluate its feasibility and usability.Materials and methods: Agreement study compared the XMB4 data with the video (reference test). Adults aged 18 years or older with various CRD were included and those with cognitive impairment, osteoarticular and/or cardiovascular limitations that prevented walking were excluded. We conducted a convenience sampling of patients participating in a pulmonary rehabilitation program. Outcome measures studied included number of steps, distance and time walked, walking speed, feasibility and usability. Each participant performed five walks (5, 10 and 30 meters, and 5 minutes at a slow and fast pace).To test statistical equivalence we need to include 33 patients and use the confidence interval method with an equivalence zone of ±15%.Results: 33 patients were included, 64% women, with a median (P25-75) age of 64.9 (55.8 to 70.2) years. The steps recorded by the XMB4 were equivalent to those of the video in the different walks, except for the 5-meter walk. The steps were underestimated with a measurement error of less than 15%.Conclusions: XMB4 has acceptable accuracy for measuring steps in patients with CRD except for very short walks, it is feasible and easy to us.

Barreras y facilitadores de los médicos de atención primaria para abordar las consultas vinculadas a la sexualidad de pacientes durante el climaterio / Barriers and facilitators of primary care physicians to address consultations related to the sexuality of patients during the climacteric

Introducción. Pese a la alta prevalencia de disfunciones sexuales femeninas durante el climaterio y a que existen intervenciones para mejorarlas, este problema no suele ser consultado por las pacientes ni explorado por los profesionales de la salud. Si bien suponemos que existen condicionamientos culturales que actuarían como barreras para su abordaje, no conocíamos las percepciones, incomodidades y experiencias de los profesionales que atienden en el ámbito de la atención primaria a pacientes que transitan su climaterio. Objetivos. Comprender desde la perspectiva de los médicos de atención primaria los factores que contribuyen a la invisibilidad de la problemática de las disfunciones sexuales femeninas durante el climaterio en mujeres de clase media atendidas en el Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires. Diseño. Estudio exploratorio transversal con enfoque cualitativo realizado en el Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires durante2020 y 2021. Resultados. A partir del análisis de diez entrevistas semiestructuradas a médicos de atención primaria (de familia, clínicos y ginecólogos) identificamos seis ejes temáticos: 1) un modelo institucional en el que el tiempo limitado para la consulta y forma de pago capitada incentivaría a que las las disfunciones sexuales femeninas permanezcan invisibilizadas; 2) la longitudinalidad de la relación médico-paciente contribuiría como un facilitador del abordaje de problemáticas vinculadas con la esfera sexual; 3) la discordancia de género entre los profesionales y las pacientes operaría como un obstáculo para abordar aspectos de la sexualidad durante el climaterio; 4) la biografía y la formación de los profesionales de la salud influiría sobre sus habilidades para abordar la problemática de la sexualidad de sus pacientes; 5) el examen ginecológico y/o la detección de síntomas de depresión contribuyen a abrir la puerta para indagar sobre la disfunción sexual femenina; y 6) el prejuicio de que el fin de la etapa reproductiva implicaría el fin de la actividad sexual. Conclusiones. Si bien no existen recomendaciones formales para la pesquisa sistemática de disfunciones sexuales femeninas, su elevada prevalencia, su fácil diagnóstico y la existencia de herramientas terapéuticas para aliviarlas, ameritan que estén más disponibles entre nuestras hipótesis diagnósticas. (AU)

Background. Despite the high prevalence of female sexual dysfunctions during the climacteric and the existence of interventions to improve them, this problem is not usually consulted by patients or explored by health professionals. Although weassume that there are cultural conditioning factors that would act as barriers to its approach, we were unaware of the perceptions, discomforts, and experiences of the professionals who care for patients who are going through their climactericin the field of primary care. Objectives. To understand, from the perspective of primary care physicians, the factors that contribute to the invisibility of the female sexual dysfunctions problem during the climacteric in middle-class women treated in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area. Design. Cross-sectional exploratory study with a qualitative approach carried out at Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires during 2020 and 2021. Results. From the analysis of ten semi-structured interviews with primary care physicians (family, clinicians and gynecologists) we identified six thematic axes: 1) an institutional model in which the limited time for consultation and capitated form of payment would encourage female sexual dysfunctions to remain invisible; 2) the longitudinality of the doctor-patient relationship would contribute as a facilitator in addressing problems related to the sexual sphere; 3) the gender discrepancy between professionals and patients would operate as an obstacle to address aspects of sexuality during the climacteric; 4) the biography and training of health professionals would influence their abilities to address the problems of their patients'sexuality; 5) gynecological examination and/or the detection of symptoms of depression contribute to opening the door toinquire about FSD; 6) the prejudice that the end of the reproductive stage would imply the end of sexual activity. Conclusions. Although there are no formal recommendations for the systematic screening of female sexual dysfunctions, its high prevalence, its easy diagnosis and the existence of therapeutic tools to alleviate them, deserve that they be more available among our diagnostic hypotheses. (AU)

Adaptación transcultural y validación de la versión en español del cuestionario de carga de tratamiento en personas con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 que concurren a centros de atención primaria del sector público de salud. San Juan / Transcultural adaptation and validation of the spanish version of the treatment burden questionnaire for people with diabetes mellitus type 2 that attend to primary health care centers within the public health care system. San Juan

Introducción: el Treatment Burden Questionnaire (TBQ) evalúa la carga que implica el autocuidado de personas con enfermedades crónicas y el impacto que la asistencia sanitaria genera en su calidad de vida. Objetivos: adaptar y validar psicométricamente la versión en español del cuestionario TBQ-esclerosis múltiple al contexto de la diabetes mellitus (DM) en pacientes atendidos en el sector público de Argentina. Materiales y métodos: estudio analítico de adaptación transcultural y validación psicométrica de un cuestionario. Se realizó un análisis factorial exploratorio (AFE) y un análisis factorial confirmatorio (AFC). La validez de criterio concurrente se evaluó a través de la correlación Pearson con tres escalas (OMS-5, PHQ-9 y test de Morisky-Green). La fiabilidad se analizó a través del coeficiente alfa de Cronbach, de la fiabilidad compuesta y la varianza media extractada. Resultados: participaron 256 personas. La versión adaptada fue adecuadamente comprendida por la población destinataria. El AFE (n=100) permitió hipotetizar cuatro dominios: 1) tratamiento farmacológico; 2) asistencia sanitaria/sistema de salud; 3) mantenimiento de un estilo de vida y su repercusión económica; 4) esfera psicosocial. En el AFC (n=156) las cargas factoriales del 87,5% (14/16) de los ítems fueron mayores a 0,5 con significancia estadística. Se documentó correlación inversa (-0,46; p=0,0002) con el puntaje OMS-5 y directa (0,36; p=0,0046) con PHQ-9. Los pacientes categorizados como "no adherentes" mediante la escala de Morisky-Green-Levine arrojaron un resultado de TBQ-DM de 16,99 (IC 95%: 0,95 a 33,03) puntos más que los pacientes categorizados como "adherentes" (p=0,0383). La consistencia interna del cuestionario fue muy buena (alfa de Cronbach: 0,87), su fiabilidad compuesta fue aceptable y su validez divergente, baja. Conclusiones: el TBQ en español adaptado a DM2 tiene aceptables propiedades psicométricas. Su implementación podría ofrecer cuidados basados en la persona.

Introduction: the Treatment Burden Questionnaire (TBQ) assess the load that implies the self-care for people with chronic diseases and the impact that medical assistance produce in their quality of life. Objectives: to adapt and psychometrically validate the spanish version of the TBQ-multiple sclerosis questionnaire to the diabetes mellitus (DM) context in patients treated in the Argentinian public health sector. Materials and methods: analytic study of transcultural adaptation and psychometric validation of a questionnaire. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were performed. Concurrent criterion validity was evaluated through Pearson correlation with three scales (WHO-5, PHQ-9, Morisky-Green Test). Reliability was evaluated through Cronbach's alpha coefficient, composite reliability, and average variance extracted. Results: 256 people participated. The adapted version was adequately understood by the target population. EFA (n=100) allowed for the hypothesis of four domains: 1) pharmacological treatment; 2) healthcare/health system; 3) maintenance of a lifestyle and its economic impact; 4) psychosocial sphere. In the CFA (n=156), the factor loadings of 87.5% (14/16) of the items were greater than 0.5 with statistical significance. An inverse correlation (-0.46; p=0.0002) with the WHO-5 index and a direct correlation (0.36; p=0.0046) with the PHQ-9 scale were documented. Patients categorized as "non-adherent" by the Morisky-Green-Levine scale had a TBQ-DM score of 16.99 (95% CI: 0.95 to 33.03) points higher than patients categorized as "adherent" (p=0.0383). The internal consistency of the questionnaire was very good (Cronbach's alpha: 0.87), its composite reliability was acceptable, and its divergent validity was low. Conclusions: the spanish TBQ adapted to DM2 has acceptable pyshcometric properties. Its implementation can help offer a person-centered care.

Marcos teóricos para comprender y explicar los procesos de mentoría en investigación / Theoretical frameworks to understand and explain research mentoring processes

En este artículo especial, el tercero de una serie publicada en EVIDENCIA, el autor resume cuatro marcos teóricos adicionales que ayudan a comprender los procesos de la mentoría en investigación: la teoría ecológica de los sistemas, la teoría del intercambio social, la teoría de las redes sociales y la pedagogía de la formación doctoral. Para finalizar, integra los contenidos realizando una comparación de los todos los marcos teóricos comentados en esta serie, en términos de sus diferencias y sus puntos de intersección. (AU)

In this special issue, the third in a series published in EVIDENCIA, the author summarises four additional theoretical frameworks that help to understand the processes of mentoring in research: the ecological systems theory, the social exchange theory, the social network theory and the doctoral training pedagogy. Finally, a comparison of all the theoretical frameworks discussed in this series is integrated in terms of their differences and points of intersection. (AU)

El estigma de la obesidad / The stigma of obesity

En este artículo los autores explican la evolución histórica del estigma de la obesidad y las consecuencias de su internalización sobre la salud de las personas que lo sufren. Hacen especial hincapié en las conductas del equipo de salud que refuerzan este estigma, basadas en la gordofobia que también afecta a este colectivo profesional como integrante de nuestra sociedad. Por último, describen algunas iniciativas políticas destinadas a modificar la opresión, la discriminación y la vulneración de los derechos humanos que sufren las personas obesas, como lo son el activismo gordo y una propuesta canadiense para el equipo de salud que pretende ofrecer un marco de atención de las personas con sobrepeso u obesidad orientado a la persona y su entorno, alentándolas a desarrollar autoestima y autoeficacia. (AU)

In this article, the authors explain the historical evolution of the stigma of obesity and the consequences of its internalization on the health of people who suffer from it. They place special emphasis on the behaviors of the health team that reinforce this stigma, based on the fatphobia that also affects this professional group as a member of our society. Finally, they describe some political initiatives aimed at modifying the oppression, discrimination and violation of human rights suffered by obese people, such asfat activismand a Canadian proposal for the health team that aims to offer a framework of carefor overweight or obese people oriented to the person and their environment, encouraging them to develop self-esteemand self-efficacy. (AU)

Medication discrepancies and potentially inadequate prescriptions in elderly adults with polypharmacy in ambulatory care.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to describe the frequency and type of medication discrepancies (MD) through medication reconciliation and to describe the frequency of potentially inadequate prescription (PIP) medications using screening tool of older persons' prescriptions criteria. DESIGN: Cross-sectional comparison of electronic medical record (EMR) medication lists and patient's self-report of their comprehensive medication histories obtained through telephone interviews. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Elderly individuals (>65 years old) with more than ten medications recorded in their EMR, who had not been hospitalized in the past year and were not under domiciliary care, affiliated to a private community hospital. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes were the proportion of patients with MD and PIP. Secondary outcomes were the proportion of types of discrepancies and PIP. We analyzed possible associations between these variables and other demographic and clinical variables. RESULTS: Out of 214 randomly selected individuals, 150 accepted to participate (70%). The mean number of medications referred to be consumed by patients was 9.1 (95% confidence interval [CI] =8.6-9.6), and the mean number of prescribed medications in their EMR was 13.9 (95% CI = 13.3-14.5). Ninety-nine percent had at least one discrepancy (total 1252 discrepancies); 46% consumed at least one prescription not documented in their EMR and 93% did not consume at least one of the prescriptions documented in their EMR. In 77% of the patients, a PIP was detected (total 186), 87% of them were at least within one of the following categories: Prolonged used of benzodiazepines or proton pump inhibitors and the use of aspirin for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSIONS: There was a high prevalence of MD and PIP within the community of elderly adults affiliated to a Private University Hospital. Future interventions should be aimed at reducing the number of PIP to prevent adverse drug events and improve EMR accuracy by lowering medications discrepancies.

Tendencias temporales en el uso de métodos de barrera durante las relaciones sexuales en Argentina y eficacia de intervenciones para promover su implementación / Trends in the use of barrier methods during sexual intercourse in Argentina and the effectiveness of interventions to promote their implementation

Durante la última década, presenciamos en Argentina un aumento de la incidencia de infecciones de transmisión sexual(ITS) vinculado con una disminución en el uso de métodos de barrera (MB). De acuerdo a la bibliografía, existen varias categorías de obstáculos para el uso de MB: desigualdades de género, dificultades económicas y/o de accesibilidad, desconfianza respecto de los MB provistos por el Estado respecto de su calidad y/o fecha de vencimiento, o bien, creencias acerca de que la utilización de MB disminuye el placer sexual o que no es necesario su uso cuando la relación de pareja es estable y/o basada en la confianza, el amor y/o la fidelidad. A partir de esta problemática, los autores de este artículo realizamos una búsqueda bibliográfica y revisamos cual es la evidencia que respalda diferentes intervenciones para promover el uso de MB. Encontramos evidencia de moderada calidad que avala la eficacia de intervenciones a nivel comunitario basadas en la teoría sociocognitiva y en el aumento de la oferta y la disponibilidad de preservativos para mejorar el conocimiento sobre el HIV y el uso de estos métodos, sin impacto sobre la incidencia de ITS a nivel poblacional. (AU)

Over the last decade, Argentina has shown an increase in the incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) linked to a decrease in the use of barrier methods (BM). According to the literature, there are several categories of obstacles for the use of BM: gender inequalities, economic and/or accessibility difficulties, mistrust regarding the quality and/or expiry date of state-provided BMs, as well as beliefs that the use of BMs reduces sexual pleasure or that their use is not necessary when the couple's relationship is stable and/or based on trust, love and/or fidelity. In light of this issue, the authors of this article conducted a literature search and reviewed the evidence supporting different interventions to promote the use of BM. They found moderate quality evidence that supports the efficacy of community-level interventions based on socio-cognitive theory and on increasing the supply and availability of condoms to improve knowledge about HIV and the use of these methods, with no impact on the incidence of STIs at the population level. (AU)

Validación en español de un cuestionario para la evaluación de la calidad de la mentoría en investigación en ciencias de la salud / Spanish validation of a questionnaire for the quality evaluation of research mentoring in health sciences

Introducción. Es relevante contar con un cuestionario breve y auto-administrado para evaluar la calidad de los procesos de mentoría en investigación en la comunidad científica hispanohablante. Objetivos. Validar una versión abreviada, auto-administrada y en español del cuestionario multidimensional Evaluación de las competencias de mentoría. Métodos.1) Traducción y adaptación transcultural; 2) Reducción de la versión traducida; 3) Validación de la versión abreviada en una muestra local de 159 participantes respecto de su validez de constructo (análisis factorial confirmatorio) y de criterio (correlación de su puntaje total con el de una pregunta agregada y con la versión extensa del cuestionario). Resultados. Obtuvimos un cuestionario abreviado, en español y auto-aministrado de 17 ítems divididos en cinco dimensiones: 1) Mantenimiento de una comunicación efectiva, 2) Alineación de expectativas, 3) Evaluación del conocimiento,4) Promoción de la independencia, 5) Promoción del desarrollo profesional. El modelo hipotetizado ajustó de manera aceptable a los datos de nuestra muestra de validación (RMSEA=0,045; CFI=0,992; TLI=0,99 y WRMR=0,564). Todos los parámetros estimados para los ítems individuales tuvieron significancia estadística, oscilando las cargas factoriales estandarizadas entre 0,571 y 0,936. La fiabilidad compuesta de los diferentes dominios estuvo comprendida entre 0,764 y0,865, y la varianza media extractada, entre 0,522 y 0,644, en concordancia con lo recomendado. La validez convergente fue adecuada ya que las cargas factoriales estandarizadas de 94 % de los ítems del modelo final fueron mayores a 0,6 y con significancia estadística (valor t>1,96). La correlación entre los cinco factores fue alta (0,740 a 0,944). En la mayoría de las comparaciones, el cuadrado de dichas correlaciones fue superior a la varianza media extractada, lo que refleja una validez divergente o discriminante baja. El puntaje de la versión abreviada tuvo una correlación positiva y alta (Coeficiente de Pearson 0,847; p<0,001) con la pregunta agregada como criterio externo concurrente de validación y muy alta correlación (coeficiente de Pearson: 0,988;p<0,001) con el puntaje de la versión original traducida de 26 ítems. Conclusiones. La versión abreviada en español del cuestionario Evaluación de las competencias de mentoría tiene adecuadas propiedades psicométricas y puede ser aplicada en forma auto-administrada, lo que la vuelve la primera herramienta en español para evaluar procesos de mentoría en investigación. (AU)

Introduction. It is relevant to have a short and self-administered questionnaire to assess research mentoring processquality in the Spanish-speaking scientific community. Objectives. To validate a short and self-administered version in Spanish of the multidimensional questionnaire Mentoring Competency Assessment. Methods.1) Translation and cross-cultural adaptation; 2) Reduction of the translated version; 3) Validation of the shortenedversion in a local sample of 159 participants regarding its construct validity (confirmatory factor analysis) and its criterion validity (correlation of its total score with that of an additional question and with the long version of the questionnaire). Results. We obtained an abbreviated (17 items) and self-administered questionnaire in Spanish, divided into five constructs: 1) Maintaining effective communication, 2) Aligning expectations, 3) Addressing knowledge, 4) Promoting independence, 5) Promoting professional development. The hypothesized model fit acceptably to the data from our validation sample (RMSEA=0.045; CFI=0.992; TLI=0.99 and WRMR=0.564).All the parameters estimated for the individual items were statistically significant, with their standardized factor loads ranging from 0.571 to 0.936. The composite reliability of the different domains ranged between 0.764 and 0.865, and the mean extracted variance, between 0.522 and 0.644, in accordance with the recommended range. Convergent validity was adequate since the standardized factor loads of 94 % of the items in the final model were greater than 0.6 and with statistical significance (t-value >1,96). The correlation between the five factors was high (0.740 to 0.944) and in most of the comparisons, the square of these correlations was higher than the average variance extracted, reflecting low divergent or discriminant validity. The score of the shortened version had a positive and high correlation (Pearson coefficient 0.847;p <0.001) with the additional question as a concurrent external validation criterion and a very high correlation (Pearson coefficient: 0.988; p <0.001) with the score of the original 26-item translated version. Conclusions. The shortened Spanish version of the Mentoring Competency Assessment questionnaire has adequate psychometric properties and can be applied in a self-administered way, which makes it the first tool in Spanish to assessresearch mentoring processes. (AU)