Diagnostic performance of high-resolution ultrasound in the evaluation of intrinsic and extrinsic wrist ligaments after trauma.

PURPOSE: To investigate the role of ultrasound (US) in the evaluation of intrinsic and extrinsic ligaments of the wrist with magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) as the reference standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study included patients referred for MRA after wrist trauma. US examination was performed just before MRA. On the dorsal and palmar sides of the wrist, the intrinsic interosseus and midcarpal, extrinsic, and collateral ligaments were evaluated. MRA was performed on a 1.5-T unit. In the first 20 patients included, ligament thickness was independently assessed using US and MRA and thickness reproducibility was calculated. Ligament integrity was evaluated in all patients. RESULTS: 38 patients (22 men, 16 women; mean age: 38 years) were included. Ligament thickness reproducibility ranged between 44% for the palmar ulnocapitate ligament and 71% for the palmar scaphotriquetral ligament. US had a sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy of 100% in the identification of tears of the palmar (n=8) and dorsal (n=3) bands of the scapholunate ligament and the ulnar collateral ligament (n=3). It had a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 97%, positive predictive value of 50%, negative predictive value of 100%, and accuracy of 97% in the identification of tears of the palmar ulnolunate ligament (n=1). CONCLUSION: Compared to MRA, US showed good reproducibility in the assessment of wrist ligament thickness and similar accuracy with respect to identifying tears of the scapholunate, palmar ulnolunate, and ulnar collateral ligaments.

Reduced perfusion density of superficial retinal capillary plexus after intravitreal ocriplasmin injection for idiopathic vitreomacular traction.

BACKGROUND: To investigate, using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A), changes in perfusion density and in the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) in eyes with idiopathic vitreomacular traction (VMT) after ocriplasmin injection. METHODS: In this pilot study, we enrolled sixteen VMT eyes treated with intravitreal ocriplasmin injection. Sixteen healthy eyes were considered as controls. Macular perfusion density in 3 plexuses [superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), choriocapillaris (CC)] was calculated at baseline and at 1 month after injection. RESULTS: After injection, VMT anatomically resolved in 9 eyes (56.2%), whereas 7 eyes (43.8%) achieved an incomplete VMT separation. Superficial capillary plexus perfusion density was reduced significantly after injection (from 0.427 ± 0.027 to 0.413 ± 0.028; p = 0.0146), while no differences were noted in the DCP (p = 0.2717) nor in the CC (p = 0.6848). Study-eye perfusion density was statistically similar to control eyes in all three plexuses, both at baseline and at follow-up. The FAZ in the SCP area remained unchanged after injection (p = 0.168) but was significantly inferior to controls both at baseline and at 1 month (0.198 ± 0.074 vs. 0.196 ± 0.070; p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Eyes with VMT have a perfusion density comparable to healthy controls, but a smaller FAZ. After ocriplasmin injection the perfusion density in the SCP is reduced, regardless the anatomical success. Limited by the small sample size and the pilot nature of the study, we found microvascular changes after ocriplasmin injection, which may be due to retinal traction release.

Short-Term Precision and Repeatability of Radiofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry (REMS) on Lumbar Spine and Proximal Femur: An In Vivo Study.

To determine the short-term intra-operator precision and inter-operator repeatability of radiofrequency echographic multi-spectrometry (REMS) at the lumbar spine (LS) and proximal femur (FEM). All patients underwent an ultrasound scan of the LS and FEM. Both precision and repeatability, expressed as root-mean-square coefficient of variation (RMS-CV) and least significant change (LSC) were obtained using data from two consecutive REMS acquisitions by the same operator or two different operators, respectively. The precision was also assessed in the cohort stratified according to BMI classification. The mean (±SD) age of our subjects was 48.9 ± 6.8 for LS and 48.3 ± 6.1 for FEM. Precision was assessed on 42 subjects at LS and 37 subjects on FEM. Mean (±SD) BMI was 24.71 ± 4.2 for LS and 25.0 ± 4.84 for FEM. Respectively, the intra-operator precision error (RMS-CV) and LSC resulted in 0.47% and 1.29% at the spine and 0.32% and 0.89% at the proximal femur evaluation. The inter-operator variability investigated at the LS yielded an RMS-CV error of 0.55% and LSC of 1.52%, whereas for the FEM, the RMS-CV was 0.51% and the LSC was 1.40%. Similar values were found when subjects were divided into BMI subgroups. REMS technique provides a precise estimation of the US-BMD independent of subjects' BMI differences.

Overuse-related instability of the elbow: the role of CT-arthrography.

The elbow is a complex joint whose biomechanical function is granted by the interplay and synergy of various anatomical structures. Articular stability is achieved by both static and dynamic constraints, which consist of osseous as well as soft-tissue components. Injuries determining instability frequently involve several of these structures. Therefore, accurate knowledge of regional anatomy and imaging findings is fundamental for a precise diagnosis and an appropriate clinical management of elbow instability. This review focuses particularly on the varied appearance of overuse-related elbow injuries at CT-arthrography.

sABLATE: a simplified ABLATE score for prediction of complications and outcome in percutaneous thermal ablation of renal lesions.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the performance of a simplified ABLATE score (sABLATE) in predicting complications and outcome with respect to RENAL, mRENAL, and ABLATE scores. This study included 136 renal lesions in 113 patients (M:F ratio = 2.5; mean age 70.8 years). 98 tumors underwent cryoablation at San Raffaele hospital between 01/2015 and 03/2020, while 37 underwent microwave ablation at San Paolo or Policlinico hospitals between 07/2016 and 03/2020. RENAL, mRENAL, ABLATE, and sABLATE scores were calculated using pre-procedural imaging. Data regarding complications and follow-up were registered. Mann-Whitney U test, ROC analyses, and logistic regression analyses were used for complications. Cox-regression analyses were performed for outcome. Mean tumor diameter was 23.2 mm. Mean and median RENAL, mRENAL, ABLATE, and sABLATE scores were 6.8 and 7, 6.9 and 7, 5.3, and 5, and 3.5 and 3, respectively. During a mean follow-up of 21.9 months (range 1-73), we registered 7 complications, 3 cases of residual disease, and 10 local tumor progressions. Mann-Whitney U test p values for complications for RENAL, mRENAL, ABLATE, and sABLATE were 0.51, 0.49, 0.66, and 0.056, respectively. ROC analyses for complications showed an AUC for RENAL, mRENAL, ABLATE, and sABLATE of 0.57, 0.57, 0.55, and 0.71, respectively. Regarding outcome, HR and p values of Cox-regression analyses were 1.30 and 0.36 for RENAL, 1.33 and 0.35 for mRENAL, 2.16 and 0.01 for ABLATE, 2.29 and 0.004 for sABLATE. sABLATE was the only score close to significance for complications, representing a progress even if not definitive. Regarding outcome, ABLATE confirmed its value, and sABLATE maintained validity despite being a simplification.

[Clinical and psycosocial features of heart failure patients admitted for clinical decompensation]. / Características clínicas e psicossoclais do paciente com insuficiência cardíaca que interna por descompensação clínica.

This study had the purpose to identify the sociodemographic and clinical profiles, history of hospitalizations due to Heart Failure (HF) and follow-ups (regular appointments, drug treatment, facilities and difficulties for follow-up) of patients admitted for clinical decompensation. Interviews were held with 61 patients, with average age of 58.1 (+/- 15.9) years, 3.5 (+/- 4.4) years of education and individual income of 1.3 (+/- 2.4) times the minimum wage. Most subjects were in functional classes III or IV of the New York Heart Association, having signs and symptoms of the congestive form of HF as the most frequent cause of hospitalization. Of all subjects, 75.4% reported clinical follow-ups, although they tended to be irregular. The use of drug therapy occurred in lower ratios than that recommended in the literature. The findings must help to identify patients with higher risk of HC decompensation, and, as such, design and implement specific interventions aiming at reducing re-admittances due to HF.

[Correlation between instruments for measuring health-related quality of life and functional independence in elderly with heart failure]. / Correlação entre instrumentos de qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde e independência funcional em idosos com insuficiência cardíaca.

The main purpose of this study was to identify the correlation between health-related quality of life and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) in elderly patients with heart failure. 146 elderly outpatients completed the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (LHFQ) and the FIM. Spearman correlation coefficient was used to identify correlations between health-related quality of life and FIM, and between them and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class. Statistically significant moderate correlations were found between physical and emotional LHFQ and total FIM and motor subscale. The results show that quality of life and functional independence are correlated concepts influenced by NYHA class and suggest that measures to promote functional independence (especially in the physical domain) can improve health-related quality of life in elderly patients with heart failure. Further research should include a larger sample and older patients with greater disease severity in order to verify the reproducibility of these findings.

Nurses' attitudinal and normative beliefs concerning hemodynamic assessment by pulmonary artery catheterization.

The objective of this study was to identify, by using the Theory of Reasoned Action/Theory of Planned Behavior, the attitude and normative beliefs that influence the behavioral intention of the nurse to perform a hemodynamic assessment using the pulmonary artery catheterization. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews involving 23 nurses from three hospitals in the city of Campinas, São Paulo. The data were analyzed according to a qualitative methodology. Among the Attitude Beliefs, affective beliefs and those related to the advantages and disadvantages of performing the behavior stand out. Among the Normative Beliefs social referents were identified for the behavior, as well as the behavior-stimulating factors and the factors that discourage the performance of the behavior.

Hypertensive patients and risk factors related to physical activity and nutrition.

The aim of this study was to identify the cardiovascular risk factors related to physical activity and/or nutrition of hypertensive patients (n = 99) seen at a public health care center of a large city in the southeastern part of Brazil. These factors included, diabetes mellitus (36.4% of patients, more frequent in women), dyslipidemia (38.4%, with no gender differences) and overweight/obesity (83.1% with Body Mass Index (BMI) higher than 24.9 Kg/m2, more frequent in women). The mean BMI was 29.2 Kg/m2 (+/- 5.5); significantly higher among women. All these factors are related to the dysmetabolic syndrome and the risk can be prevented or controlled with interventions involving physical activity and nutrition.

Development of an instrument to measure beliefs and attitudes from heart valve disease patients.

The objective of this study was to verify content validity and reliability of "CAV-Instrument" -- an instrument to measure beliefs and attitudes of heart valve disease patients concerning their illness and treatment. The instrument was analyzed by three judges (using predetermined criteria) and submitted to the pretest (n = 17 subjects). The majority of the items were evaluated as adequate regarding their pertinence, clearness and significance regarding the analyzed questions. The pretest showed the necessity for small changes in some statements, which optimized instrument comprehension by the patients. The restructured instrument was applied to 46 patients to verify internal consistency. The whole instrument and most of its scales presented satisfactory internal consistency. It is concluded that the instrument has content validity and is internally consistent, ratifying the adequacy of its application to measure the strength of association among the researched variables.

[Characterization of obesity in patients with myocardial infarction]. / Caracterização da obesidade em pacientes com infarto do miocárdio.

This study aimed to characterize obesity in infarcted myocardial patients. Data were collected from 43 patients at a University Hospital. It was observed that the Body Mass Index (BMI) was above the desired level for 69.7% (26.9 +/- 0.5) of the subjects; the body fat percentage had altered in 79% (20.0 +/- 1.0) of cases; the waist/hip (W/H) ratio was above normal in 72.5% (0.97 +/- 0.03) of cases and the waist circumference (WC) had altered in 64% (97.3 +/- 1.8) of the patients. Since the correlation for BMI, WC and fat percentage was significant, the use of BMI and WC was suggested for evaluating obesity in outpatients.

[Quality of life in coronary patients]. / Qualidade de vida em pacientes coronariopatas.

This study compared measures of quality of life (QOL) in two groups of coronary heart disease patients: one with myocardial infarction (MI) and one with angina (A). The population studied consisted of 49 patients from Group MI and 27 patients from Group A. A questionnaire was used to identify socio-demographic and clinical data, as well as data from the SF-36 instrument, to assess the patients' QOL. It was observed in both groups that the QOI declined in the following aspects: physical functioning, pain, general health condition, vitality, social functioning, and mental health. Socio-demographic and clinical variables influenced the QOL score. Studies aiming at a larger number of individuals and a better understanding of the effects of the variables above upon the QOL of coronary patients are needed.

Validity of an instrument to measure the impact of valve heart disease on the patient's daily life.

AIM: This study was to verify the psychometric properties of the Heart Valve Disease Impact on daily life, an instrument for measuring the impact of illness in the daily life of the heart valve disease patient, related to its construct validity, criterion-related validity and reliability. METHODS: One hundred and twenty heart valve disease outpatients were enrolled. Data were submitted to descriptive analysis, factor analysis, Pearson's correlation coefficient and Cronbach's alpha coefficient. RESULTS: The factor analysis generated four factors that explained 58% of the variance in response to the Heart Valve Disease Impact on daily life. Weak to moderate correlation was measured between the Heart Valve Disease Impact on daily life total score and two of its factors and the General Measure of Impact of illness, indicating criterion-related validity. A Cronbach's alpha of 0.74 was measured. CONCLUSION: The results of the current study confirm both the construct and criterion validity and the internal consistency of the Heart Valve Disease Impact on daily life. Future studies are necessary to confirm its reliability and provide a better understanding of the meaning of the Heart Valve Disease Impact on daily life dimensions, as well as to evaluate its response to health interventions. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The Heart Valve Disease Impact on daily life could be a useful instrument to measure the impact of heart valve disease and to evaluate the response to health interventions.

Longitudinal mitral annulus velocities are reduced in hypertensive subjects with or without left ventricle hypertrophy.

Normotensive and hypertensive subjects with and without left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy (LV mass index [LVMI] >51 g/m(2.7)) were examined by conventional echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging of mitral annulus motion. The subgroups included nonobese normotensive subjects (n=16; age 51+/-9 years; 11 female; systolic blood pressure [SBP] 109+/-11 mm Hg, body mass index [BMI] 24+/-2.7 kg/m2; LVMI 32+/-5.5 g/m(2.7)), nonobese hypertensive subjects without LV hypertrophy (n=16; age 54+/-12 years; 12 female; SBP 166+/-15 mm Hg; BMI 25+/-2.7 kg/m2; LVMI 42+/-5.5 g/m(2.7)), and hypertensive subjects with LV hypertrophy (n=22; age 56+/-10 years; 10 female; SBP 181+/-19 mm Hg; BMI 26+/-2.3 kg/m2; LVMI 69+/-16 g/m(2.7)). Ejection fraction was comparable among the subgroups, but midwall fractional shortening was reduced in hypertensive subjects with LV hypertrophy (approximately 26%). Isovolumic relaxation time was increased in subjects with LV hypertrophy, whereas mitral wave A velocity was increased in hypertensive subjects with and without LV hypertrophy. Tissue Doppler imaging mitral annulus systolic (SM) and diastolic (EM) velocities were reduced in subjects with and without LV hypertrophy compared with normotensive subjects. There was a positive correlation between SM and EM (r=0.68; P<0.0001) and negative correlations between these 2 variables and LVMI (SM, r=-0.41; P=0.002; EM, r=-0.56; P<0.0001). Thus, reductions in mitral annulus systolic and diastolic velocities parallel increases in LV mass in hypertensive subjects, beginning at LV mass within the clinically defined normal values.

Características clínicas e psicossociais do paciente com insuficiência cardíaca que interna por descompensação clínica / Clinical and psycossocial features of heart failure patients admitted for clinical decompensation / Características clínicas y psicosociales del paciente con insuficiencia cardiaca ingresado en hospital por descompensación clínica

Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar perfil sociodemográfico e clínico, história de hospitalizações por Insuficiência Cardíaca (IC) e seguimento (consultas regulares, tratamento medicamentoso, fatores facilitadores e dificultadores do seguimento) do paciente internado por quadro de descompensação clínica. Foram entrevistados 61 pacientes com idade média de 58,1 (± 15,9) anos, 3,5 (± 4,4) anos de estudo e renda individual de 1,3 (± 2,4) salários-mínimos. A maioria dos sujeitos se encontrava em classe funcional III ou IV da New York Heart Association, tendo como causa mais freqüente de hospitalização, os sinais/sintomas da forma congestiva da IC. 75,4% dos sujeitos relataram acompanhamento clínico, porém de periodicidade irregular. Constatou-se utilização de terapêutica medicamentosa em proporção inferior à recomendada pela literatura. Os achados devem auxiliar a identificação dos pacientes com maior risco de descompensação da IC e assim, desenhar e implementar intervenções específicas visando a redução das re-hospitalizações por IC.

This study had the purpose to identify the sociodemographic and clinical profiles, history of hospitalizations due to Heart Failure (HF) and follow-ups (regular appointments, drug treatment, facilities and difficulties for follow-up) of patients admitted for clinical decompensation. Interviews were held with 61 patients, with average age of 58.1 (± 15.9) years, 3.5 (± 4.4) years of education and individual income of 1.3 (± 2.4) times the minimum wage. Most subjects were in functional classes III or IV of the New York Heart Association, having signs and symptoms of the congestive form of HF as the most frequent cause of hospitalization. Of all subjects, 75.4% reported clinical follow-ups, although they tended to be irregular. The use of drug therapy occurred in lower ratios than that recommended in the literature. The findings must help to identify patients with higher risk of HC decompensation, and, as such, design and implement specific interventions aiming at reducing re-admittances due to HF.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar el perfil sociodemográfico y clínico, la historia de hospitalizaciones por Insuficiencia Cardiaca (IC) y el seguimiento (consultas regulares, tratamiento medicamentoso, y, los factores facilitadores y dificultadores del seguimiento) del paciente internado por cuadro de descompensación clínica. Fueron entrevistados 61 pacientes con edad promedio de 58,1(±15,9) años, 3,5 (±4,4) años de estudio y renta individual de 1,3 (±2,4) salarios mínimos. La mayoría de los sujetos se encontraba en la clase funcional III o IV de la New York Heart Asociation, teniendo como causa más frecuente de hospitalización las señales/síntomas de la forma con-gestiva de la IC; 75,4% de los sujetos relataron acompañamiento clínico, sin embargo este era de una periodicidad irregular. Se constató la utilización de terapéutica medicamentosa en proporción inferior a la recomendada por la literatura. Lo encontrado debe auxiliar a identificar los pacientes con mayor riesgo de descompensación de la IC, y así, proyectar e imple-mentar intervenciones específicas que tengan como objetivo la reducción de las hospitalizaciones por IC.

Correlação entre instrumentos de qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde e independência funcional em idosos com insuficiência cardíaca / Correlation between instruments for measuring health-related quality of life and functional independence in elderly with heart failure

Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar a correlação entre as medidas de qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde e independência funcional em idosos com insuficiência cardíaca. Fizeram parte do estudo 146 idosos com insuficiência cardíaca em tratamento ambulatorial, que responderam ao Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire (LHFQ) e à Medida de Independência Funcional (MIF). Foi utilizado o coeficiente de correlação de Spearman para verificar a correlação entre as medidas de qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde e MIF, e entre estas e a Classificação Funcional da New York Heart Association (CF-NYHA). Foram constatadas correlações significantes de moderada magnitude entre as dimensões física e emocional do LHFQ e as subescalas total e motora da MIF. Os resultados evidenciaram que a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde e independência funcional são conceitos correlacionados e influenciados pela CF-NYHA. Os resultados sugerem que ações voltadas à promoção da independência funcional podem otimizar a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde de idosos com insuficiência cardíaca, especialmente na dimensão física. São necessários novos estudos com ampliação da amostra, inclusão de pacientes de faixa etária mais elevada e com maior gravidade da doença, para verificar a reprodutibilidade destes achados.

The main purpose of this study was to identify the correlation between health-related quality of life and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) in elderly patients with heart failure. 146 elderly outpatients completed the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (LHFQ) and the FIM. Spearman correlation coefficient was used to identify correlations between health-related quality of life and FIM, and between them and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class. Statistically significant moderate correlations were found between physical and emotional LHFQ and total FIM and motor subscale. The results show that quality of life and functional independence are correlated concepts influenced by NYHA class and suggest that measures to promote functional independence (especially in the physical domain) can improve health-related quality of life in elderly patients with heart failure. Further research should include a larger sample and older patients with greater disease severity in order to verify the reproducibility of these findings.

Preditores de independência funcional em idosos portadores de insuficiência cardíaca / Predictors of functional independence in elderly patients with heart failure

Identificar preditores da independência funcional em idosos portadores de Insuficiência Cardíaca (IC). Método: Estudo exploratório, descritivo, transversal, de campo e correlacional do qual participaram 146 idosos com IC em tratamento ambulatorial em dois serviços de referência do Estado de São Paulo. Para a coleta dos dados foram utilizados dois instrumentos: Caracterização Sociodemográfica e Clínica e a Medida de Independência Funcional (MIF). Foram realizadas análises estatísticas descritivas, de comparação (Teste de Kruskal-Wallis) e Análise de Regressão Univariada e Múltipla. Resultados: Houve distribuição homogênea entre os sexos, sendo 52,0% homens, idade média de 68,6 (?6,9) anos, com 3,4 (?2,8) anos de estudo. A caracterização clínica evidenciou idosos com média de 3,9 (±1,7) co-morbidades, sintomáticos, com média de 3,5 (±1,4) sintomas, com predominância das CF-NYHA I e II e com FEVE rebaixada (67,0%) - média de 0,46 (±0,17). Foram constatados escores médios elevados na MIF indicando independência funcional nos idosos estudados. A comparação entre escores da MIF e CF-NYHA evidenciou que a MIF diminuiu na medida em que houve progressão da CF-NYHA. A análise de regressão múltipla mostrou que as variáveis CF-NYHA, escolaridade e idade ? 80 anos foram preditoras da MIF no idoso com IC, explicando 35,0% da variabilidade da MIF. Conclusão: As variáveis, CF-NYHA, idade superior a 80 anos e maior nível de escolaridade foram preditoras da independência funcional, o que aponta para a relevância de intervenções que privilegiem a detecção e? ou controle de perdas funcionais advindas da senescência, bem como a manutenção do status funcional no idoso com IC.

The aim of this study was to identify the functional independence predictors in elderly patients with heart failure (HF). Design and Methods: Exploratory, descriptive and transversal study with 146 elderly outpatients with heart failure referred to hospitals in São Paulo. Two instruments were used for the data collection: the Sociodemographic and Clinical Instrument and The Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Descriptive and comparative statistical analyses were used (Kruskal-Wallis), as well as univariate and multiple regression analyses. Results: 52.0% of the patients were males, with a mean age of 68.6 (±6.9) years and 3.4(±2.8) years of education, with 3.9 (±1.7) comorbidities, 3.5 (±1.4) symptoms, with a predominance of NYHA class I or II (65%) and 67% with decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). High FIM scores were observed, demonstrating the functional independence of the studied patients. The comparison between FIM scores and NYHA classes showed that a worse FIM score correlated with a progression in the NYHA class. The multiple regression analysis showed that the NYHA classes, years of education and age older than 80 years were predictors of functional independence, explaining 35.0% of the FIM variability. Conclusion: The variables NYHA class, age older than 80 years and higher level of education were predictors of functional independence and this fact suggests the importance of interventions that favor the detection and/or control of aging-related functional loss, as well as the maintenance of the functional status in elderly patients with heart failure.

Hypertensive patients and risk factors related to physical activity and nutrition

The aim of this study was to identify the cardiovascular risk factors related to physical activity and/or nutrition of hypertensive patients (n=99) seen at a public health care center of a large city in the southeastern part of Brazil. These factors included, diabetes mellitus (36.4% of patients, more frequent in women), dyslipidemia (38.4%, with no gender differences) and overweight/obesity (83.1% with Body Mass Index (BMI) higher than 24.9 Kg/m2, more frequent in women). The mean BMI was 29.2 Kg/m2 (± 5.5); significantly higher among women. All these factors are related to the dysmetabolic syndrome and the risk can be prevented or controlled with interventions involving physical activity and nutrition.

Nurses' attitudinal and normative beliefs concerning hemodynamic assessement by pulmonary artery catheterization

The objective of this study was to identify, by using the Theory of Reasoned Action/Theory of Planned Behavior, the attitude and normative beliefs that influence the behavioral intention of the nurse to perform a hemodynamic assessment using the pulmonary artery catheterization. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews involving 23 nurses from three hospitals in the city of Campinas, São Paulo. The data were analyzed according to a qualitative methodology. Among the Attitude Beliefs, affective beliefs and those related to the advantages and disadvantages of performing the behavior stand out. Among the Normative Beliefs social referents were identified for the behavior, as well as the behavior-stimulating factors and the factors that discourage the performance of the behavior.

El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar, por medio de la Teoría del Comportamiento Planificado, las creencias normativas y de actitud que contribuyen para la formación de la intención de comportamiento del enfermero en realizar el estudio hemodinámico (EH) por medio del catéter de la arteria pulmonar. Los datos fueron obtenidos atraves de entrevista semi estructurada de 23 enfermeros de unidades de terapia intensiva de tres hospitales del municipio de Campinas-São Paulo. Los datos fueron analizados según la metodología cualitativa. Entre las Creencias de Actitud se destacaron las creencias afectivas y aquellas relativas a las ventajas y desventajas de la realización del comportamiento. En las Creencias Normativas se evidenciaron los referentes sociales para la ejecución del comportamiento, así como factores estimulantes y que no estimulan la realización del EH.

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar, por meio da Teoria da Ação Racional/Teoria do Comportamento Planejado, as crenças de atitude e normativas que contribuem para a formação da intenção comportamental do enfermeiro em realizar o estudo hemodinâmico (EH) por meio do cateter de artéria pulmonar (CAP). A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de entrevista semi-estruturada junto a 23 enfermeiros de unidades de terapia intensiva de três hospitais do município de Campinas, SP. Os dados foram analisados segundo metodologia qualitativa. Dentre as crenças de atitude destacaram-se as crenças afetivas e aquelas relativas às vantagens e desvantagens da realização do comportamento. Nas crenças normativas foram evidenciados os referentes sociais para a execução do comportamento, bem como fatores estimuladores e desestimuladores da realização do EH.