Impact of Telemedicine use on clinical care indicators of pediatric intensive care units: protocol for a cluster randomized clinical trial.

The objective of this study is to present the protocol of a cluster randomized clinical trial to be conducted through the TeleICU project - Qualification of Intensive Care by Telemedicine. The study will consist of a cluster randomized clinical trial, open label, in pediatric intensive care units, with an allocation ratio of 1:1, to compare the intervention group (support of Telemedicine for patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit) with a control group (pediatric intensive care unit usual care). The study proposed to select 16 pediatric intensive care units, including 100 participants per site, with a total of 1,600 participants. The intervention group will receive telerounds from Monday to Friday and will have specialists and continuing education activities available. The primary outcome measure will be the length of stay in the pediatric intensive care unit, defined as the difference between the date of discharge of the participant and the date of admission to the intensive care unit. The secondary outcomes will be mortality rate, invasive mechanical ventilation-free days, days using antibiotics, days using vasoactive drugs and days using sedoanalgesia. This study will be conducted in accordance with Resolution 466/12 of the National Health Council, with approval by the Research Ethics Committee of the institutions involved. The present study has the potential to reproduce studies on Telemedicine in intensive care and may make important contributions to care in intensive care units in Brazil and other settings. If Telemedicine shows positive clinical care results compared to conventional treatment, more pediatric patients may benefit. ClinicalTrials.gov registry: NCT05260710.

Impact of Telemedicine use on clinical care indicators of pediatric intensive care units: protocol for a cluster randomized clinical trial / Impacto do uso da Telemedicina nos indicadores clínicos assistenciais de unidades de terapia intensiva pediátricas: protocolo para um ensaio clínico randomizado em cluster

ABSTRACT The objective of this study is to present the protocol of a cluster randomized clinical trial to be conducted through the TeleICU project - Qualification of Intensive Care by Telemedicine. The study will consist of a cluster randomized clinical trial, open label, in pediatric intensive care units, with an allocation ratio of 1:1, to compare the intervention group (support of Telemedicine for patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit) with a control group (pediatric intensive care unit usual care). The study proposed to select 16 pediatric intensive care units, including 100 participants per site, with a total of 1,600 participants. The intervention group will receive telerounds from Monday to Friday and will have specialists and continuing education activities available. The primary outcome measure will be the length of stay in the pediatric intensive care unit, defined as the difference between the date of discharge of the participant and the date of admission to the intensive care unit. The secondary outcomes will be mortality rate, invasive mechanical ventilation-free days, days using antibiotics, days using vasoactive drugs and days using sedoanalgesia. This study will be conducted in accordance with Resolution 466/12 of the National Health Council, with approval by the Research Ethics Committee of the institutions involved. The present study has the potential to reproduce studies on Telemedicine in intensive care and may make important contributions to care in intensive care units in Brazil and other settings. If Telemedicine shows positive clinical care results compared to conventional treatment, more pediatric patients may benefit. ClinicalTrials.gov registry: NCT05260710

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo será apresentar o protocolo de um ensaio clínico randomizado em cluster a ser realizado por meio do projeto TeleUTI - Qualificação da Assistência em Terapia Intensiva por Telemedicina. O estudo consistirá em um ensaio clínico randomizado por cluster, open label, em unidades de terapia intensiva pediátricas, com proporção de alocação de 1:1, com o intuito de comparar o grupo de intervenção (apoio da telemedicina para os pacientes internados na unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica) com um grupo controle (cuidados habituais da unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica). O estudo se propõe a selecionar 16 unidades de terapia intensiva pediátricas, incluindo 100 participantes por local, com o total de 1.600 participantes. O grupo intervenção receberá telerounds de segunda-feira a sexta-feira e terá à disposição especialistas e atividades de educação continuada. O desfecho primário a ser avaliado será o tempo de permanência nas unidades de terapia intensiva pediátricas, definido pela diferença entre a data de alta do participante com a data de admissão na unidade de terapia intensiva. Os desfechos secundários serão: taxa de mortalidade; dias livres de ventilação mecânica, dias de uso de antibióticos, dias de uso de drogas vasoativas e dias de uso de sedoanalgesia. Este estudo será conduzido em conformidade com a resolução 466/12 do Conselho Nacional de Saúde, com aprovação pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa das instituições hospitalares envolvidas. O trabalho tem o potencial de reproduzir estudos sobre Telemedicina em cuidados intensivos, podendo trazer contribuições importantes ao atendimento em unidades de terapia intensiva no Brasil e em outras realidades. Se a Telemedicina mostrar resultados clínicos assistenciais positivos em relação ao tratamento convencional, mais pacientes pediátricos poderão ser beneficiados. Registro ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05260710

[TeleOftalmo: strategy to expand the offer of ophthalmologic telediagnostics for primary healthcare in the Southern Brazil]. / TeleOftalmo: estratégia de ampliação da oferta de telediagnósticos oftalmológicos para a atenção primária à saúde no Sul do Brasil.

The use of teleophthalmology may be a viable strategy to track and to diagnose major eye diseases primary health care patients. This study aimed to describe the performance of 30,315 telediagnoses in ophthalmology in primary care patients and the case management of this service. This is a cross-sectional study to evaluate the telediagnosis performed in patients treated at the eight remote points of the TeleOftalmo project from January 2nd, 2018, to December 31st, 2020. The patients' demographic characteristics, the reasons for referral, the diagnoses made according to age group, and the case management of the telediagnosis were evaluated. Most patients were female (66.1%), adults (70.3%), and referred to telediagnosis mainly due to reduced visual acuity (60.5%). Refractive errors were the most prevalent diagnosis in all age groups. Presbyopia was the most prevalent eye disease in adults (65.4%) and older adults (64%), followed by cataracts (41.3%) and suspected glaucoma (10.6%) in older adults. In total, 30,315 patients underwent telediagnosis, 70.5% had their ocular complaints fully resolved, without the need for referral to an in-person ophthalmologist. Telemedicine can be resolutory for the most prevalent eye diseases in the population, increasing the supply of diagnoses, qualifying and assisting in reducing waiting lines for ophthalmologic care.

O uso da teleoftalmologia pode ser uma estratégia viável para rastrear e diagnosticar as principais doenças oculares em pacientes na atenção primária à saúde. O objetivo deste estudo é descrever a realização de 30.315 telediagnósticos em oftalmologia em pacientes da atenção primária e a resolutividade desse serviço. Estudo transversal para avaliar os telediagnósticos realizados em pacientes atendidos nos oito pontos remotos do projeto TeleOftalmo entre 2 de janeiro de 2018 a 31 de dezembro de 2020. Foram avaliadas as características demográficas dos pacientes, os motivos de encaminhamento, os diagnósticos realizados conforme faixa etária e a resolutividade do telediagnóstico. Os pacientes eram, na maioria, do sexo feminino (66,1%), adultos (70,3%) e encaminhados ao telediagnóstico principalmente devido à baixa acuidade visual (60,5%). Os erros refrativos foram o diagnóstico mais prevalente em todas as faixas etárias. A presbiopia foi a doença ocular mais prevalente em adultos (65,4%) e idosos (64%), seguida da catarata (41,3%) e suspeita de glaucoma (10,6%) em idosos. Dos 30.315 pacientes que realizaram o telediagnóstico, 70,5% tiveram suas queixas oculares totalmente solucionadas, sem a necessidade de encaminhamento ao oftalmologista presencial. A telemedicina pode ser resolutiva para as doenças oculares mais prevalentes na população, aumentando a oferta de diagnósticos, qualificando e auxiliando na redução das filas de espera por atendimento oftalmológico.

La teleoftalmología puede ser una estrategia viable para el tamizaje y diagnóstico de las principales enfermedades oculares en pacientes en la atención primaria de salud. El objetivo de este estudio es describir la realización de 30.315 telediagnósticos en oftalmología en pacientes de atención primaria y la resolución de este servicio. Estudio transversal para evaluar los telediagnósticos realizados a pacientes en los ocho puntos de atención remota del proyecto TeleOftalmo entre el 2 de enero de 2018 y el 31 de diciembre de 2020. Se evaluaron las características demográficas de los pacientes, los motivos de derivación, los diagnósticos realizados según el grupo de edad y la resolución de los telediagnósticos. Los pacientes eran en su mayoría mujeres (66,1%), adultos (70,3%) y remitidos para telediagnóstico, principalmente por baja agudeza visual (60,5%). Los errores de refracción fueron el diagnóstico más prevalente en todos los grupos de edad. La presbicia fue la enfermedad ocular más frecuente en adultos (65,4%) y ancianos (64%), seguida de catarata (41,3%) y sospecha de glaucoma (10,6%) en ancianos. De los 30.315 pacientes que realizaron el telediagnóstico, el 70,5% tuvo sus quejas oculares totalmente resueltas, sin necesidad de derivación presencial al oftalmólogo. La telemedicina puede ser una herramienta útil para detectar las enfermedades oculares más prevalentes en la población debido al aumento de los diagnósticos y la ayuda que produce al reducir la lista de espera para atención oftalmológica.

TeleOftalmo: estratégia de ampliação da oferta de telediagnósticos oftalmológicos para a atenção primária à saúde no Sul do Brasil / TeleOftalmo: strategy to expand the offer of ophthalmologic telediagnostics for primary healthcare in the Southern Brazil / TeleOftalmo: estrategia de ampliación de la oferta de telediagnósticos oftálmicos en la atención primaria de salud en el sur de Brasil

O uso da teleoftalmologia pode ser uma estratégia viável para rastrear e diagnosticar as principais doenças oculares em pacientes na atenção primária à saúde. O objetivo deste estudo é descrever a realização de 30.315 telediagnósticos em oftalmologia em pacientes da atenção primária e a resolutividade desse serviço. Estudo transversal para avaliar os telediagnósticos realizados em pacientes atendidos nos oito pontos remotos do projeto TeleOftalmo entre 2 de janeiro de 2018 a 31 de dezembro de 2020. Foram avaliadas as características demográficas dos pacientes, os motivos de encaminhamento, os diagnósticos realizados conforme faixa etária e a resolutividade do telediagnóstico. Os pacientes eram, na maioria, do sexo feminino (66,1%), adultos (70,3%) e encaminhados ao telediagnóstico principalmente devido à baixa acuidade visual (60,5%). Os erros refrativos foram o diagnóstico mais prevalente em todas as faixas etárias. A presbiopia foi a doença ocular mais prevalente em adultos (65,4%) e idosos (64%), seguida da catarata (41,3%) e suspeita de glaucoma (10,6%) em idosos. Dos 30.315 pacientes que realizaram o telediagnóstico, 70,5% tiveram suas queixas oculares totalmente solucionadas, sem a necessidade de encaminhamento ao oftalmologista presencial. A telemedicina pode ser resolutiva para as doenças oculares mais prevalentes na população, aumentando a oferta de diagnósticos, qualificando e auxiliando na redução das filas de espera por atendimento oftalmológico.

The use of teleophthalmology may be a viable strategy to track and to diagnose major eye diseases primary health care patients. This study aimed to describe the performance of 30,315 telediagnoses in ophthalmology in primary care patients and the case management of this service. This is a cross-sectional study to evaluate the telediagnosis performed in patients treated at the eight remote points of the TeleOftalmo project from January 2nd, 2018, to December 31st, 2020. The patients' demographic characteristics, the reasons for referral, the diagnoses made according to age group, and the case management of the telediagnosis were evaluated. Most patients were female (66.1%), adults (70.3%), and referred to telediagnosis mainly due to reduced visual acuity (60.5%). Refractive errors were the most prevalent diagnosis in all age groups. Presbyopia was the most prevalent eye disease in adults (65.4%) and older adults (64%), followed by cataracts (41.3%) and suspected glaucoma (10.6%) in older adults. In total, 30,315 patients underwent telediagnosis, 70.5% had their ocular complaints fully resolved, without the need for referral to an in-person ophthalmologist. Telemedicine can be resolutory for the most prevalent eye diseases in the population, increasing the supply of diagnoses, qualifying and assisting in reducing waiting lines for ophthalmologic care.

La teleoftalmología puede ser una estrategia viable para el tamizaje y diagnóstico de las principales enfermedades oculares en pacientes en la atención primaria de salud. El objetivo de este estudio es describir la realización de 30.315 telediagnósticos en oftalmología en pacientes de atención primaria y la resolución de este servicio. Estudio transversal para evaluar los telediagnósticos realizados a pacientes en los ocho puntos de atención remota del proyecto TeleOftalmo entre el 2 de enero de 2018 y el 31 de diciembre de 2020. Se evaluaron las características demográficas de los pacientes, los motivos de derivación, los diagnósticos realizados según el grupo de edad y la resolución de los telediagnósticos. Los pacientes eran en su mayoría mujeres (66,1%), adultos (70,3%) y remitidos para telediagnóstico, principalmente por baja agudeza visual (60,5%). Los errores de refracción fueron el diagnóstico más prevalente en todos los grupos de edad. La presbicia fue la enfermedad ocular más frecuente en adultos (65,4%) y ancianos (64%), seguida de catarata (41,3%) y sospecha de glaucoma (10,6%) en ancianos. De los 30.315 pacientes que realizaron el telediagnóstico, el 70,5% tuvo sus quejas oculares totalmente resueltas, sin necesidad de derivación presencial al oftalmólogo. La telemedicina puede ser una herramienta útil para detectar las enfermedades oculares más prevalentes en la población debido al aumento de los diagnósticos y la ayuda que produce al reducir la lista de espera para atención oftalmológica.

Ophthalmic image acquired by ophthalmologists and by allied health personnel as part of a telemedicine strategy: a comparative study of image quality.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates the quality of ophthalmic images acquired by a nurse technician trained in teleophthalmology as compared with images acquired by an ophthalmologist, in order to provide a better understanding of the workforce necessary to operate remote care programs. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed on 2044 images obtained from 118 participants of the TeleOftalmo project, in Brazil. Fundus and slit-lamp photography were performed on site by an ophthalmologist and by a nurse technician under the supervision of a remote ophthalmologist. Image quality was then evaluated by masked ophthalmologists. Proportion of suitable images in each group was compared. RESULTS: The proportion of concordant classification regarding quality was 94.8%, with a corrected kappa agreement of 0.94. When analyzing each type of photo separately, there was no significant difference in the proportion of suitable images between on-site ophthalmologist and nurse technician with remote ophthalmologist assistance for the following: slit-lamp views of the anterior segment and anterior chamber periphery, and fundus photographs centered on the macula and on the optic disc (P = 0.825, P = 0.997, P = 0.194, and P = 0.449, respectively). For slit-lamp views of the lens, the proportion of suitable images was higher among those obtained by an ophthalmologist (99.6%) than by a technician (93.8%, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Ophthalmic photographs acquired by a trained technician consistently achieved >90% adequacy for remote reading. Compared with ophthalmologist-acquired photos, the proportion of images deemed suitable achieved a high overall agreement. These findings provide favorable evidence of the adequacy of teleophthalmological imaging by nurse technicians.

Investigation of factors associated with low adherence to treatment of codependency in family members of psychoactive substance users / Investigação de fatores associados à baixa adesão ao tratamento da codependência de familiares de usuários de substâncias psicoativas

The aim of this study was to investigate possible factors that prevent adherence to the treatment of codependent family members of problem drug use individuals. A quasi-experimental study was carried out with 133 relatives of psychoactive substances users who called the Brazilian drug hotline (Ligue 132) between 2013 and 2015, from the five regions of Brazil. The following instruments were used: General service protocol; Family assistance protocol; Holyoake Codependency Index; Behavioral Adherence Scale; and Adherence Factor Questionnaire. Univariate analysis of data was performed for categorical variables and Chi-square test for comparison between variables, with p < 0.05. The sample showed a predominance of women (91.7%), especially mothers (82.7%). Among the investigated factors, alcohol as the substance involved in the problem showed a significant association with the non-adherence to treatment through teleintervention of family members.

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar possíveis fatores impeditivos da adesão de familiares codependentes a um tratamento. Realizou-se um estudo quase experimental com 133 familiares de usuários de substâncias psicoativas que ligaram para o Ligue 132 no período de 2013 a 2015, sendo que a amostra tem representantes das 5 regiões do Brasil. Os instrumentos utilizados foram: Protocolo geral de atendimento; Protocolo de atendimento ao familiar; Holyoake Codependency Index; Escala de Adesão Comportamental e Questionário de Fatores sobre Adesão. Foram realizadas análises univariadas dos dados para as variáveis categóricas e teste Qui-quadrado para comparação entre as variáveis, p < 0,05. A amostra apresentou o predomínio de mulheres (91,7%) entre os familiares que buscaram ajuda, em especial de mães (82,7%). Dentre os fatores investigados, notou-se que o álcool, entre as substâncias utilizadas pelos usuários, apresentou associação significativa com a não adesão dos familiares a tele intervenção.

Economic Evaluation of a Telemedicine Service to expand Primary Health Care in Rio Grande do Sul: TeleOftalmo's microcosting analysis. / Avaliação Econômica de um Serviço de Telemedicina para ampliação da Atenção Primária à Saúde no Rio Grande do Sul: o microcusteio do Projeto TeleOftalmo.

This study evaluated the cost of public telediagnostic service in ophthalmology. The time-driven activity-based costing method (TDABC) was adopted to examine the cost components related to teleophthalmology. This method allowed us to establish the standard unit cost of telediagnosis, given the installed capacity and utilization of professionals. We considered data from one year of telediagnoses and evaluated the cost per telediagnosis change throughout technology adaptation in the system. The standard cost calculated by distance ophthalmic diagnosis was approximately R$ 119, considering the issuance of 1,080 monthly ophthalmic telediagnostic reports. We identified an imbalance between activities, which suggests the TDABC method's ability to guide management actions and improve resource allocation. The actual unit cost fell from R$ 783 to R$ 283 over one year - with room to approach the estimated standard cost. Partial economic evaluations contribute significantly to support the incorporation of new technologies. The TDABC method deserves prominence, as it enables us to retrieve more accurate information on the cost of technology, improving the scalability and management capacity of the healthcare system.

Este estudo avaliou o custo de um serviço público de telediagnóstico em oftalmologia. O método de custeio baseado em atividades e tempo (TDABC) foi adotado para examinar os componentes de custos relacionados à teleoftalmologia. Com este método, também foi possível estabelecer o custo unitário padrão que o telediagnóstico deveria ter, dada a capacidade instalada e utilização de profissionais. Dados de um ano de telediagnósticos foram considerados, e avaliou-se a mudança do custo por telediagnóstico ao longo do período de adaptação da tecnologia no sistema. O custo padrão calculado por diagnóstico oftalmológico a distância foi de R$ 119, considerando a emissão de 1.080 laudos de telediagnóstico oftalmológico por mês. Foi identificado um desequilíbrio entre as atividades que sugere a capacidade do método TDABC orientar ações de gestão e melhoria na alocação dos recursos. Ao longo de um ano, o custo unitário real passou de R$ 783 para R$ 283, ainda havendo espaço para se aproximar do custo padrão estimado. Avaliações econômicas parciais possuem importante aporte para subsidiar a incorporação de novas tecnologias. O TDABC merece destaque nesse sentido, pois permite obter informações mais precisas sobre custo da tecnologia, melhorando a capacidade de dimensionamento e gerenciamento da organização de saúde.

The use of telemedicine to support Brazilian primary care physicians in managing eye conditions: The TeleOftalmo Project.

PURPOSE: To determine whether teleophthalmology can help physicians in assessing and managing eye conditions and to ascertain which clinical conditions can be addressed by teleophthalmology in primary care setting. METHODS: We evaluated the resolution capacity of TeleOftalmo, strategy implemented in the public health system of southern Brazil. Resolution capacity was defined as the ability to fully address patients' eye complaints in primary care with remote assistance from ophthalmologists. Data from tele-eye reports were collected over 14 months. Resolution capacity was compared across different age groups and different ocular conditions. RESULTS: Overall, 8,142 patients had a tele-eye report issued in the study period. Resolution capacity was achieved in 5,748 (70.6%) patients. When stratified into age groups, the lowest capacity was 43.1% among subjects aged ≥65 years, while the highest was 89.7% among subjects aged 13-17 years (p<0.001). Refractive error (70.3%) and presbyopia (56.3%) were the most prevalent conditions followed by cataract (12.4%) and suspected glaucoma (7.6%). Resolution capacity was higher in cases of refractive error, presbyopia, spasm of accommodation and lid disorders than in patients diagnosed with other condition (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: With telemedicine support, primary care physicians solved over two-thirds of patients' eye or vision complaints. Refractive errors had high case resolution rates, thus having a great impact on reducing the number of referrals to specialty care. Teleophthalmology adoption in primary-care settings as part of the workup of patients with eye or vision complaints promotes a more effective use of specialty centers and will hopefully reduce waiting times for specialty referral.

Avaliação Econômica de um Serviço de Telemedicina para ampliação da Atenção Primária à Saúde no Rio Grande do Sul: o microcusteio do Projeto TeleOftalmo / Economic Evaluation of a Telemedicine Service to expand Primary Health Care in Rio Grande do Sul: TeleOftalmo's microcosting analysis

Resumo Este estudo avaliou o custo de um serviço público de telediagnóstico em oftalmologia. O método de custeio baseado em atividades e tempo (TDABC) foi adotado para examinar os componentes de custos relacionados à teleoftalmologia. Com este método, também foi possível estabelecer o custo unitário padrão que o telediagnóstico deveria ter, dada a capacidade instalada e utilização de profissionais. Dados de um ano de telediagnósticos foram considerados, e avaliou-se a mudança do custo por telediagnóstico ao longo do período de adaptação da tecnologia no sistema. O custo padrão calculado por diagnóstico oftalmológico a distância foi de R$ 119, considerando a emissão de 1.080 laudos de telediagnóstico oftalmológico por mês. Foi identificado um desequilíbrio entre as atividades que sugere a capacidade do método TDABC orientar ações de gestão e melhoria na alocação dos recursos. Ao longo de um ano, o custo unitário real passou de R$ 783 para R$ 283, ainda havendo espaço para se aproximar do custo padrão estimado. Avaliações econômicas parciais possuem importante aporte para subsidiar a incorporação de novas tecnologias. O TDABC merece destaque nesse sentido, pois permite obter informações mais precisas sobre custo da tecnologia, melhorando a capacidade de dimensionamento e gerenciamento da organização de saúde.

Abstract This study evaluated the cost of public telediagnostic service in ophthalmology. The time-driven activity-based costing method (TDABC) was adopted to examine the cost components related to teleophthalmology. This method allowed us to establish the standard unit cost of telediagnosis, given the installed capacity and utilization of professionals. We considered data from one year of telediagnoses and evaluated the cost per telediagnosis change throughout technology adaptation in the system. The standard cost calculated by distance ophthalmic diagnosis was approximately R$ 119, considering the issuance of 1,080 monthly ophthalmic telediagnostic reports. We identified an imbalance between activities, which suggests the TDABC method's ability to guide management actions and improve resource allocation. The actual unit cost fell from R$ 783 to R$ 283 over one year - with room to approach the estimated standard cost. Partial economic evaluations contribute significantly to support the incorporation of new technologies. The TDABC method deserves prominence, as it enables us to retrieve more accurate information on the cost of technology, improving the scalability and management capacity of the healthcare system.

Role of Parenting Styles in Adolescent Substance Use Cessation: Results from a Brazilian Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to identify the association between parenting styles and behavioral changes among adolescents regarding the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, cocaine/crack. METHODS: A group of ninety-nine adolescents (39 girls and 60 boys), aged 14 to 19 years (17.05 ± 1.51), who called in to a call center that provides counseling to substance users, was followed-up for 30 days. Data collection occurred between March 2009 and October 2015. The adolescents answered questions regarding parental responsiveness and demanding nature on a scale to assess parental styles and provided sociodemographic data, substance abuse consumption characteristics, and the Contemplation Ladder scale score. RESULTS: The parental styles most reported by the adolescents were authoritative (30%) and indulgent (28%). Children who perceived their mothers as having an indulgent style and who had absent fathers presented more difficulties in making behavioral changes to avoid alcohol and cocaine/crack consumption. CONCLUSION: The study found that parent-child relationships were associated with a lack of change in the adolescent regarding substance use behavior, particularly the consumption of alcohol and cocaine/crack.

Dropout Prevalence and Associated Factors in Randomized Clinical Trials of Adolescents Treated for Depression: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Depression currently affects 350 million people, and its prevalence among adolescents is 4% to 8%. Adolescents who abandon antidepressant treatment or drop out of clinical trials are less likely to recover or experience a remission of symptoms because they are not being followed up by a medical team. The objective of this study was to analyze the dropout rates of randomized clinical trials of depressed adolescents receiving treatment with antidepressant drugs and the factors associated with nonadherence by summarizing this information in a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: Articles were retrieved from MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, Clinical Trial, PsycINFO, and Web of Science using the MeSH terms "depressive disorder," "randomized trials," and "adolescents." The evaluation of study quality was performed by using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and the Jadad scale. FINDINGS: The final sample included 50 articles, of which 44 presented dropout rates. The overall dropout prevalence was 23% (95% CI, 20-27; P < 0.0001). Participants aged ≥16 years, those treated with serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and those receiving medication only exhibited the highest dropout prevalence, respectively (33% [95% CI, 27-39], 45% [95% CI, 31-64], and 15% [95% CI, 13-17]). The adverse effects most associated with dropout were attempted suicide followed by mania, skin rash, and headache. Problems relating to clinical trials and family arbitration were also related with dropout. IMPLICATIONS: Serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor treatment, adolescent age >16 years, and receiving medication were the only factors demonstrating a higher association with dropout rates. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were linked to the lowest prevalence, probably due to fewer perceived problems with related adverse effects and higher efficacy in adolescents. Cognitive-behavioral therapy combined with pharmacotherapy produced a lower nonadherence prevalence; this approach can be an alternative to avoid dropouts and relapse. Prospero identifier: CRD42014013475.

Six-Month Outcomes of a Randomized, Motivational Tele-intervention for Change in the Codependent Behavior of Family Members of Drug Users.

Families of substance abusers may develop maladaptive strategies, such as codependency, to address drug-related problems. It is important for families to receive specialist treatment in order to contribute to the recovery process. The Tele-intervention Model and Monitoring of Families of Drug Users (TMMFDU), based on motivational interviewing and stages of change, aims to encourage the family to change the codependents' behaviors. A randomized clinical trial was carried out to verify the change in codependent behavior after intervention with 6 months of follow-up. Three hundred and twenty-five families with high or low codependency scores were randomized into the intervention group (n = 163) or the usual treatment (UT) (n = 162). After 6 months of follow-up, the family members of the TMMFDU group were twice as likely to modify their codependency behavior when compared to the UT group (OR 2.08 CI 95% 1.18-3.65). TMMFDU proved to be effective in changing codependent behaviors among compliant family members of drug users.

Relação entre condições de trabalho e sintomas vocais em operadores de um call center modelo / Relationship between working conditions and voice symptoms among operators of a model call center

RESUMO Introdução Os operadores de call centers são profissionais da voz com alta demanda vocal e, consequentemente, sujeitos a distúrbios e sintomas vocais. Objetivo: Caracterizar aspectos vocais e laríngeos em operadores de um call center que segue as normas regulamentadoras de ergonomia, mensurando autopercepção vocal, avaliação otorrinolaringológica e análise perceptivo-auditiva vocal. Métodos Participaram do estudo 30 operadores de call center, entre 18 e 41 anos de idade. Todos os sujeitos foram avaliados por meio da Escala de Sintomas Vocais - versão brasileira da Voice Symptoms Scale (VoiSS), avaliação otorrinolaringológica por meio de videonasofibrolaringoscopia e avaliação perceptivo-auditiva da voz com a escala GRBASI, que avalia grau de alteração vocal (G), rugosidade da voz (R), soprosidade (B), astenia (A), tensão (S) e instabilidade (I). Resultados Na Escala de Sintomas Vocais, houve correlação entre o domínio geral e os demais subdomínios e entre os subdomínios limitação e físico. Na avaliação otorrinolaringológica, 12 operadores apresentaram alguma alteração, como acúmulo de secreção à fonação e fendas. A análise perceptivo-auditiva da voz encontrou indivíduos com vozes normais e com grau de alteração discreto a moderado, além de correlação entre o item instabilidade da escala GRBASI com o grau geral, rugosidade, soprosidade e astenia. Conclusão Ambientes de trabalho adequados e que primam por cuidados com a voz podem melhorar a qualidade laboral dos profissionais de call center, amenizando os riscos de desenvolvimento de distúrbios vocais. Contudo, fatores físicos, sociais, ambientais, organizacionais e psicológicos podem ocasionar sintomas vocais nesses profissionais da voz.

ABSTRACT Introduction Call center operators are voice professionals with great vocal demand and, consequently, are exposed to voice disorders. Purpose Characterize vocal and laryngeal aspects among operators of a call center that follows the regulatory standards in ergonomics by measuring voice self-perception, otorhinolaryngological evaluation, and voice perceptual-auditory analysis. Methods The study assessed 30 call center operators between 18 and 41 years old. All subjects were assessed using the Escala de Sintomas Vocais (ESV) – the Brazilian version of the Voice Symptom Scale (VoiSS) –, otorhinolaryngological evaluation using fiberoptic video rhinolaryngoscopy, and voice perceptual-auditory assessment using the GRBASI scale that evaluates degree of voice alteration (G), voice roughness (R), breathiness (B), asthenia (A), strain (S), and instability (I). Results The ESV showed a correlation between the overall domain and the other subdomains and between the subdomains limitation and physical. The otorhinolaryngological evaluation revealed that 12 operators had some alteration such as secretion accumulation during phonation and glottic chinks. The voice perceptual-auditory analysis found individuals with normal voice and with slight to moderate degree of alteration, besides a correlation between the item instability in the GRBASI scale and the overall degree, roughness, breathiness, and asthenia. Conclusion Proper work environments that provide care with voice may improve labor quality of call center professionals, thus mitigating the risks of developing voice disorders. Nonetheless, physical, social, environmental, organizational, and psychological factors may cause voice symptoms among those voice professionals.

Fatores de risco para episódios e sintomas depressivos em usuários de álcool e/ou cocaína / Risk factors for depressive episodes and symptoms in alcohol and/or cocaine users

Usuários de drogas tendem a ser mais depressivos do que não usuários. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os fatores de risco para episódios e sintomas depressivos em usuários de álcool e ou cocaína/crack que procuraram um serviço de telemedicina. Realizou-se um estudo transversal (n=838) com aplicação do Inventário de Depressão de Beck para mensuração dos sintomas depressivos e o Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview para episódio depressivo atual nos usuários no acompanhamento telefônico para cessação do consumo de drogas. O principal fator de risco entre os usuários para sintomas depressivos foi baixa escolaridade (OR=1,4 IC 95%:1,1-2,2). Para o episódio depressivo atual o maior risco entre os usuários foi ser do sexo feminino (OR=1,5 IC 95%:1,0-2,4). O consumo de crack estava associado a episódio depressivo atual (p=0,014). O uso do telefone é viável para detecção de fatores de risco para episódios e sintomas depressivos nos usuários de álcool e ou cocaína/crack. (AU)

Drug users tend to be more depressed than non-users. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors for episodes and depressive symptoms in users of alcohol and or cocaine/crack that called for the telemedicine service. We conducted a cross- sectional study (n = 838) with application of the Beck Depression Inventory to Measure depressive symptoms and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for current depressive episode in users on the telephone follow-up to cessation of drug use. The main risk factor among users for depressive symptoms was lower education (OR = 1.4; 95% CI: 1.1-2.2). For the current depressive episode the greatest risk among users was being female (OR = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.0-2.4). The crack use was associated with current depressive episode (p = 0.014). The use of the phone is feasible to detect risk factors for episodes and depressive symptoms in users of alcohol and or cocaine/crack.(AU)

Family functioning and health issues associated with codependency in families of drug users.

UNLABELLED: Substance abuse affects both the user and the family system as a whole, yet substance abuse treatment is centered on the user, leaving the family in the background. OBJECTIVE: To identify the symptoms of codependency and health issues in the codependent family members of drug users who called a toll-free telephone counseling service. In total, 505 family members participated in this cross-sectional study. Drug users' mothers and wives who had less than 8 years of education and those who were unemployed had a greater chance of high codependency. It was also determined that a high level of codependency imposed a significant burden on the physical and emotional well-being of those affected, resulting in poor health, reactivity, self-neglect and additional responsibilities. It was concluded that codependency has a negative impact on the family system and on the health of the family members of drug users.

Family functioning and health issues associated with codependency in families of drug users / Funcionamento familiar e questões de saúde associados com codependência em familiares de usuários de drogas

Abstract Substance abuse affects both the user and the family system as a whole, yet substance abuse treatment is centered on the user, leaving the family in the background. Objective: To identify the symptoms of codependency and health issues in the codependent family members of drug users who called a toll-free telephone counseling service. In total, 505 family members participated in this cross-sectional study. Drug users’ mothers and wives who had less than 8 years of education and those who were unemployed had a greater chance of high codependency. It was also determined that a high level of codependency imposed a significant burden on the physical and emotional well-being of those affected, resulting in poor health, reactivity, self-neglect and additional responsibilities. It was concluded that codependency has a negative impact on the family system and on the health of the family members of drug users.

Resumo A dependência química atinge o usuário e o sistema familiar como um todo, todavia o tratamento dessa condição é centrado no usuário, o que deixa a família em segundo plano. Objetivo: identificar os sintomas de codependência e questões de saúde em familiares codependentes de usuários de drogas que ligaram para um serviço telefônico de aconselhamento. No total, 505 familiares participaram de um estudo transversal. Mães e esposas de usuários de drogas que tinham menos de 8 anos de estudo e que estavam desempregadas apresentaram maior chance de alta codependência. Além disso, foi identificado que o nível alto de codependência interfere significativamente no bem-estar físico e emocional dos familiares, o que resultou em problemas de saúde, reatividade, autonegligência e sobrecarga de tarefas. Foi concluído que a codependência tem um impacto negativo no sistema familiar e na saúde dos familiares de usuários de drogas.

Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in the Rehabilitation of Communication and Deglutition Disorders: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review randomized controlled trials that evaluate the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on rehabilitation aspects related to communication and swallowing functions. METHODS: A search was conducted on PubMed, Clinical Trials, Cochrane Library, and ASHA electronic databases. Studies were judged according to the eligibility criteria and analyzed by 2 independent and blinded researchers. RESULTS: We analyzed 9 studies: 4 about aphasia, 3 about dysphagia, 1 about dysarthria in Parkinson's disease and 1 about linguistic deficits in Alzheimer's disease. All aphasia studies used low-frequency rTMS to stimulate Broca's homologous area. High-frequency rTMS was applied over the pharyngoesophageal cortex from the left and/or right hemisphere in the dysphagia studies and over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in the Parkinson's and Alzheimer's studies. Two aphasia and all dysphagia studies showed a significant improvement of the disorder, compared to the sham group. The other 2 studies related to aphasia found a benefit restricted to subgroups with a severe case or injury on the anterior portion of the language cortical area, respectively, whereas the Alzheimer's study demonstrated positive effects specific to auditory comprehension. There were no changes for vocal function in the Parkinson's study. CONCLUSION: The benefits of the technique and its applicability in neurogenic disorders related to communication and deglutition are still uncertain. Therefore, other randomized controlled trials are needed to clarify the optimal stimulation protocol for each disorder studied and its real effects.

Uso de substâncias psicoativas, alterações vocais e qualidade de vida em usuários de drogas lícitas e ilícitas / Substance use, voice changes and quality of life in licit and illicit drug users

OBJETIVOS: investigar a qualidade de vida e voz, além das principais alterações perceptivo-auditivas e as medidas acústicas jitter, shimmer e Glottal Noise Excitation em usuários de substâncias psicoativas lícitas e/ou ilícitas que buscaram um centro de tratamento para dependência química. MÉTODOS: estudo transversal. Os participantes responderam aos questionários de Mensuração de Qualidade de Vida em Voz e World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-Bref. Além disso foi realizado, um registro vocal da vogal /a/ e de uma contagem de números de 1 a 20. Os registros vocais foram avaliados por meio da escala GRBAS-I (G - grau global da disfonia, R - rugosidade, B - soprosidade, A - astenia, S - tensão) e a análise acústica (jitter, shimmer, Glottal noise excitation) pelo software VoxMetria. RESULTADOS: avaliaram-se 29 protocolos e registros de voz; na amostra, 19 (65,5%) eram homens; a idade média da amostra foi de 37,8 anos. Os escores de ambos os questionários não apresentaram diferenças entre os usuários de drogas lícitas e os de drogas ilícitas. Na análise perceptiva por meio da GRBAS-I, eles mostraram predominância de alterações discretas e moderadas nos itens grau geral da disfonia, rugosidade e instabilidade para usuárias de drogas ilícitas. A medida acústica jitter e o shimmer estavam alterados para homens e mulheres, e o desvio padrão da frequência fundamental também estava alterado. CONCLUSÃO: alterações de qualidade de vida e voz foram identificadas em ambos os usuários. A maioria dos usuários apresentou alterações nas medidas de jitter e shimmer. Usuários de drogas ilícitas apresentaram mais alterações de Glottal Noise Excitation e desvio padrão da frequência fundamental. .

PURPOSES: to investigate the Quality of Life and Voice in addition to the main perceptual-auditory changes and the acoustic measures jitter, shimmer and Glottal Noise Excitation in users of licit and/or illicit psychoactive substances who sought a treatment center for chemical dependency. METHODS: cross-sectional study in which participants responded the questionnaires Voice-Related Quality of Life survey and World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-Bref. Voice recordings of the vowel /a/ and a count from 1 to 20 were performed. The voice recordings were evaluated by GRBAS-I (G - overall degree of dysphonia, R - roughness, B - breathiness, A - asthenia, S - strain) scale and acoustic analysis by the software VoXmetria. RESULTS: 29 protocols and voice recordings were assessed, 19 (65.5%) subjects of the sample were male, and the mean age of the sample evaluated was 37.8 years. The scores of both questionnaires indicate no differences between users of licit or illicit drugs. The perceptual analysis through GRBAS-I revealed the prevalence of mild and moderate changes in the items overal degree of dysphonia, roughness, and instability for licit and illicit drug users. Jitter and shimmer were altered for men and women, as was the standard deviation of the fundamental frequency. CONCLUSION: changes in quality of life and voice were identified in users of both licit and illicit drugs. Most users showed changes in jitter and shimmer. Illicit drug users had more changes in Glottal Noise Excitation and standard deviation of the fundamental frequency. .

Non-adherence to telemedicine interventions for drug users: systematic review.

OBJECTIVE To estimate rates of non-adherence to telemedicine strategies aimed at treating drug addiction. METHODS A systematic review was conducted of randomized controlled trials investigating different telemedicine treatment methods for drug addiction. The following databases were consulted between May 18, 2012 and June 21, 2012: PubMed, PsycINFO, SciELO, Wiley (The Cochrane Library), Embase, Clinical trials and Google Scholar. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation was used to evaluate the quality of the studies. The criteria evaluated were: appropriate sequence of data generation, allocation concealment, blinding, description of losses and exclusions and analysis by intention to treat. There were 274 studies selected, of which 20 were analyzed. RESULTS Non-adherence rates varied between 15.0% and 70.0%. The interventions evaluated were of at least three months duration and, although they all used telemedicine as support, treatment methods differed. Regarding the quality of the studies, the values also varied from very poor to high quality. High quality studies showed better adherence rates, as did those using more than one technique of intervention and a limited treatment time. Mono-user studies showed better adherence rates than poly-user studies. CONCLUSIONS Rates of non-adherence to treatment involving telemedicine on the part of users of psycho-active substances differed considerably, depending on the country, the intervention method, follow-up time and substances used. Using more than one technique of intervention, short duration of treatment and the type of substance used by patients appear to facilitate adherence.

Non-adherence to telemedicine interventions for drug users: systematic review / Não adesão em intervenções por telemedicina para usuários de drogas: revisão sistemática

OBJECTIVE To estimate rates of non-adherence to telemedicine strategies aimed at treating drug addiction. METHODS A systematic review was conducted of randomized controlled trials investigating different telemedicine treatment methods for drug addiction. The following databases were consulted between May 18, 2012 and June 21, 2012: PubMed, PsycINFO, SciELO, Wiley (The Cochrane Library), Embase, Clinical trials and Google Scholar. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation was used to evaluate the quality of the studies. The criteria evaluated were: appropriate sequence of data generation, allocation concealment, blinding, description of losses and exclusions and analysis by intention to treat. There were 274 studies selected, of which 20 were analyzed. RESULTS Non-adherence rates varied between 15.0% and 70.0%. The interventions evaluated were of at least three months duration and, although they all used telemedicine as support, treatment methods differed. Regarding the quality of the studies, the values also varied from very poor to high quality. High quality studies showed better adherence rates, as did those using more than one technique of intervention and a limited treatment time. Mono-user studies showed better adherence rates than poly-user studies. CONCLUSIONS Rates of non-adherence to treatment involving telemedicine on the part of users of psycho-active substances differed considerably, depending on the country, the intervention method, follow-up time and substances used. Using more than one technique of intervention, short duration of treatment and the type of substance used by patients appear to facilitate adherence. .

OBJETIVO Estimar taxas de não adesão em intervenções com estratégias de telemedicina para tratamento de dependência química. MÉTODOS Foi realizada revisão sistemática de ensaios clínicos randomizados com diferentes métodos terapêuticos de dependência química que incluíam telemedicina. Foram consultadas as bases de dados PubMed, PsycINFO, SciELO, Wiley (The Cochrane Library), Embase e Clinical Trials e a plataforma Google Scholar no período de 18/4/2012 a 21/6/2012. Para avaliar a qualidade dos estudos, utilizou-se a escala Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation . Os critérios avaliados foram: adequada sequência da geração de dados, ocultação da alocação, cegamento, descrição das perdas e exclusões e análises por intenção de tratar. Foram selecionados 274 estudos, dos quais 20 foram analisados. RESULTADOS As taxas de não adesão variaram entre 15,0% e 70,0%. As intervenções avaliadas possuíam no mínimo três meses de intervenção e, embora todos utilizassem a telemedicina como apoio, os métodos de tratamentos foram diferentes. Em relação à qualidade dos estudos, os valores também variaram entre muito baixa qualidade e alta qualidade. Os estudos com qualidade alta demonstraram maiores taxas de adesão, bem como aqueles que utilizaram mais de uma técnica de intervenção e tempo limitado de tratamento. Estudos com monousuários apontaram maiores taxas de adesão que estudos com poliusuários. CONCLUSÕES As taxas de não adesão a tratamentos para usuários de substâncias psicoativas por meio de telemedicina apresentaram consideráveis diferenças, dependendo do país, método da intervenção, tempo de seguimento ...