The design and development of technology platforms in a developing country healthcare context from an ecosystem perspective.

BACKGROUND: Research on the development and functioning of technology platforms specifically for health applications in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), is limited. The healthcare sector has also been resistant to platform adoption due to characteristics such as sensitive data and high cost of failure. A framework for the design, development and implementation of technology platforms in the South African health context could therefore contribute to the gap in research as well as provide a practical tool that platform owners could use to potentially increase the adoption of platforms in this context. METHODS: The research design for this study was based on the Grounded Theory Conceptual Framework Analysis process. The process focused on mapping and investigating data sources, categorising and integrating concepts, synthesising these concepts into a framework and iteratively evaluating the framework. The first stage of the evaluation process was a preliminary evaluation exploring an existing Health platform in South Africa (MomConnect). The second evaluation stage included local and international interviews with nine experts to identify any missing concepts in the framework. Stage three included a case study and case study interviews which led to the formulation of the final framework and management tool. RESULTS: The developed and evaluated framework comprised three components, namely the pre-use component, which includes considerations the platform owner should be aware of prior to using the framework. The framework comprises of two dimensions, 1) an ecosystem dimension to guide the platform owner to consider different ecosystem actors before embarking on designing a platform 2) a platform development dimension that include typical platform development components and presents an interpretation of the viewpoints included in the ecosystem levels. CONCLUSIONS: The final framework can be used by platform owners as a management tool. A unique contribution of this study is that the framework draws from two platform perspectives, namely the engineering and the economic perspectives to provide a holistic understanding of platforms. Finally, a contribution of this article is the tailoring of the framework for the South African health context.

An Item Bank for Abuse of Prescription Pain Medication from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®).

OBJECTIVE: There is a need to monitor patients receiving prescription opioids to detect possible signs of abuse. To address this need, we developed and calibrated an item bank for severity of abuse of prescription pain medication as part of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS ® ). METHODS: Comprehensive literature searches yielded an initial bank of 5,310 items relevant to substance use and abuse, including abuse of prescription pain medication, from over 80 unique instruments. After qualitative item analysis (i.e., focus groups, cognitive interviewing, expert review, and item revision), 25 items for abuse of prescribed pain medication were included in field testing. Items were written in a first-person, past-tense format, with a three-month time frame and five response options reflecting frequency or severity. The calibration sample included 448 respondents, 367 from the general population (ascertained through an internet panel) and 81 from community treatment programs participating in the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network. RESULTS: A final bank of 22 items was calibrated using the two-parameter graded response model from item response theory. A seven-item static short form was also developed. The test information curve showed that the PROMIS ® item bank for abuse of prescription pain medication provided substantial information in a broad range of severity. CONCLUSION: The initial psychometric characteristics of the item bank support its use as a computerized adaptive test or short form, with either version providing a brief, precise, and efficient measure relevant to both clinical and community samples.

Online Health Information Tool Effectiveness for Older Patients: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Online health information tools (OHITs) have been found to be effective in improving health outcomes. However, the effectiveness of these tools for older patients has been far from clear. This systematic literature review therefore provides an overview of online health information tool effectiveness for older patients using a two-dimensional framework of OHIT functions (i.e., providing information, enhancing information exchange, and promoting self-management) and outcomes (i.e., immediate, intermediate, and long-term outcomes). Comprehensive searches of the PubMed, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases are conducted to identify eligible studies. Articles describing outcomes of patient-directed OHITs in which a mean sample or subgroup of age ≥65 years was used are included in the literature review. A best evidence synthesis analysis provides evidence that OHITs improve self-efficacy, blood pressure, hemoglobin levels, and cholesterol levels. Limited evidence is found in support of OHIT effects on knowledge, perceived social support, health service utilization, glycemic control, self-care adherence, exercise performance, endurance, and quality of life. OHITs seem promising tools to facilitate immediate, intermediate, and long-term outcomes in older patients by providing information, enhancing information exchange, and promoting self-management. However, future studies should evaluate the effectiveness of OHITs for older patients to achieve stronger levels of evidence.

A feasibility study of low-income homebound older adults' participation in an online chronic disease self-management program.

This study explored the feasibility of "Better Choices, Better Health" (BCBH), the online version of Stanford's Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, among 10 low-income homebound older adults with no or limited computer skills, compared with 10 peers with high computer skills. Computer training was provided before and at the beginning of the BCBH workshop. Feasibility data consisted of field notes by a research assistant who provided computer training, participants' weekly logs, and a semi-structured interview with each participant at 4 weeks after the completion of BCBH. All those who initially lacked computer skills were able to participate in BCBH with a few hours of face-to-face demonstration and training. The 4-week postintervention follow-up showed significant improvement in health and self-management outcomes. Aging-service agencies need to introduce BCBH to low-income homebound older adults and utilize their volunteer base to provide computer and Internet skills training for low-income homebound older adults in need of such training.

Improving health information systems for decision making across five sub-Saharan African countries: Implementation strategies from the African Health Initiative.

BACKGROUND: Weak health information systems (HIS) are a critical challenge to reaching the health-related Millennium Development Goals because health systems performance cannot be adequately assessed or monitored where HIS data are incomplete, inaccurate, or untimely. The Population Health Implementation and Training (PHIT) Partnerships were established in five sub-Saharan African countries (Ghana, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zambia) to catalyze advances in strengthening district health systems. Interventions were tailored to the setting in which activities were planned. COMPARISONS ACROSS STRATEGIES: All five PHIT Partnerships share a common feature in their goal of enhancing HIS and linking data with improved decision-making, specific strategies varied. Mozambique, Ghana, and Tanzania all focus on improving the quality and use of the existing Ministry of Health HIS, while the Zambia and Rwanda partnerships have introduced new information and communication technology systems or tools. All partnerships have adopted a flexible, iterative approach in designing and refining the development of new tools and approaches for HIS enhancement (such as routine data quality audits and automated troubleshooting), as well as improving decision making through timely feedback on health system performance (such as through summary data dashboards or routine data review meetings). The most striking differences between partnership approaches can be found in the level of emphasis of data collection (patient versus health facility), and consequently the level of decision making enhancement (community, facility, district, or provincial leadership). DISCUSSION: Design differences across PHIT Partnerships reflect differing theories of change, particularly regarding what information is needed, who will use the information to affect change, and how this change is expected to manifest. The iterative process of data use to monitor and assess the health system has been heavily communication dependent, with challenges due to poor feedback loops. Implementation to date has highlighted the importance of engaging frontline staff and managers in improving data collection and its use for informing system improvement. Through rigorous process and impact evaluation, the experience of the PHIT teams hope to contribute to the evidence base in the areas of HIS strengthening, linking HIS with decision making, and its impact on measures of health system outputs and impact.

[e-SUS AB use and factors associated with recording primary care procedures and consultations in Brazilian municipalities]. / Utilização do e-SUS AB e fatores associados ao registro de procedimentos e consultas da atenção básica nos municípios brasileiros.

This article sought to evaluate e-SUS AB's impact on procedure and consultation notification in the Outpatient Information System of the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SIA/SUS) in Brazilian municipalities. This is an ecological study with longitudinal comparisons before, during and after the e-SUS AB implementation period (June 2013 to May 2015) and, during implementation, cross-sectional comparison between municipalities in completed, intermediary and initial implementation stages. Rates were described using means and standard deviations and analyzed through negative binomial regression. Municipalities where e-SUS AB had been implemented in November 2014 were small, with lower Municipal Human Development Index (HDI-M), lower per capita income, higher rates of nurses, high Family Health Strategy - (FHS) coverage (> 80%). We did not observe differences in rates of procedures or consultations between municipalities according to implementation stage and there was no increase over time. Municipalities with 100% FHS coverage had higher rates of procedures (rate ratio [RR] = 1.44; 95%CI: 1.29-1.62) and consultations (RR = 1.26; 95%CI: 1.15-1.39); municipalities with more than 100 thousand inhabitants had lower rates of procedures (RR = 0.68; 95%CI: 0.57-0.81) and consultations (RR = 0.54; 95%CI: 0.47-0.63). We found lower procedure rates in all regions when compared with the Northern Region, with the Northeastern RR of 0.34 (95%CI: 0.30-0.40) lower and the Southern Region RR of 0.35 (95%CI: 0.30-0.41) lower than the Northern Region. Further analyses of system use and its implications in teams' work processes should be carried out in order to support managers in using and maintaining the system.

O objetivo foi avaliar o impacto do e-SUS AB na notificação de procedimentos e consultas no Sistema de Informação Ambulatorial do Sistema Único de Saúde (SIA/SUS) dos municípios brasileiros. Estudo ecológico com comparação longitudinal antes, durante e depois do período de implantação do e-SUS AB (junho de 2013 a maio de 2015) e, durante a implantação, comparação seccional entre municípios em fase implantado, intermediário e incipiente. As taxas foram descritas por médias e desvio padrão, e analisadas por regressão binomial negativa. Os municípios com e-SUS AB implantado em novembro 2014 eram de pequeno porte, com menor Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal (IDH-M), menor renda per capita, maiores taxas de enfermeiros, alta cobertura de Estratégia Saúde da Família - ESF (> 80%). Não foram observadas diferenças nas taxas de procedimentos ou consultas entre municípios de acordo com a fase de implantação e não houve aumento ao longo do tempo. Municípios com cobertura de 100% da ESF apresentam maiores taxas de procedimentos (razão de taxas [RT] = 1,44; IC95%: 1,29-1,62) e de consultas (RT = 1,26; IC95%: 1,15-1,39); municípios com mais de 100 mil habitantes registraram menores taxas de procedimentos (RT = 0,68; IC95%: 0,57-0,81) e de consultas (RT = 0,54; IC95%: 0,47-0,63). Houve menores taxas de procedimentos em todas as regiões quando comparadas com a Região Norte, tendo a Nordeste RT de 0,34 (IC95%: 0,30-0,40) vez menor e a Região Sul, RT de 0,35 (IC95%: 0,30-0,41) menor que a Região Norte. Outras análises quanto ao uso do sistema e suas implicações nos processos de trabalho das equipes devem ser aprofundadas para apoiar os gestores no uso e manutenção do sistema.

El objetivo fue evaluar el impacto del e-SUS AB en la notificación de procedimientos y consultas, dentro del Sistema de Información Ambulatoria del Sistema Único de Salud (SIA/SUS) de los municipios brasileños. Se trata de un estudio ecológico con una comparación longitudinal antes, durante y después del período de implantación del e-SUS AB (junio de 2013 a mayo de 2015). Durante la implantación, se realizó una comparación seccional entre municipios en fase implantación, intermedia e incipiente. Las tasas se describieron mediante medias y desvío estándar, analizados gracias una regresión binomial negativa. Los municipios con el e-SUS AB implantado en noviembre 2014 eran de pequeño porte, con menor Índice de Desarollo Humano Municipal (IDH-M), menor renta per capita, mayores tasas de enfermeros, alta cobertura de la Estategia de Salud Familiar - ESF (> 80%). No se observaron diferencias en las tasas de procedimientos o consultas entre municipios, de acuerdo con la fase de implantación, y no hubo aumento a lo largo del tiempo. Municipios con una cobertura del 100% de la ESF presentan mayores tasas de procedimientos (razón de tasas [RT] = 1,44; IC95%: 1,29-1,62) y de consultas (RT = 1,26; IC95%: 1,15-1,39); los municipios con más de 100 mil habitantes registraron menores tasas de procedimientos (RT = 0,68; IC95%: 0,57-0,81) y de consultas (RT = 0,54; IC95%: 0,47-0,63). Hubo menores tasas de procedimientos en todas las regiones, si se comparan con la Región Norte, teniendo la Región Nordeste RT de 0,34 (IC95%: 0,30-0,40) menor y la Región Sur RT de 0,35 (IC95%: 0,30-0,41) menor que la Región Norte. Se deben profundizar con otros análisis, en cuanto al uso del sistema y sus implicaciones en los procesos de trabajo de los equipos, para apoyar a los gestores en el uso y mantenimiento del sistema.

Mortalidade infantil por causas evitáveis: perfil epidemiológico e tendencial em um município de médio porte da região oeste do Paraná, 2011-2021 / Infant mortality from preventable causes: epidemiological and trend profile in a medium-sized municipality in the western Paraná region, 2011-2021 / Mortalidad infantil por causas prevenibles: perfil epidemiológico y tendencia en un municipio de tamaño medio de la región oeste del Paraná, 2011-2021

Objetivo: analisar o perfil epidemiológico e a tendência da mortalidade infantil por causas evitáveis em Fazenda Rio Grande/PR, de 2011 a 2021. Método: realizou-se um estudo de série temporal com dados obtidos dos Sistemas de Informações de Mortalidade e Nascidos Vivos. As taxas de mortalidade foram calculadas segundo categorias: neonatal precoce; tardia e pós-neonatal; evitáveis e não evitáveis; e reduzíveis por adequada atenção à mãe e neonato, com avaliação de tendência por regressão linear de Prais-Winsten. Resultados: As maiores proporções de óbitos evitáveis, foram por inadequada atenção à mulher no parto (36,5%), à mulher na gestação (26,8%), e ao recém- nascido (16%). Observou-se redução percentual nos coeficientes de óbitos gerais (ß = - 0,32; IC95% -0,91;0,68) e por causas evitáveis (ß = -0,74; IC95% -0,98;0,50), mesmo não havendo significância estatística nos resultados relativos às tendências (p ≥ 0,05). Conclusão: A partir dos resultados obtidos, Constatou-se a necessidade de intervenções voltadas ao cuidado materno-infantil, essencialmente na atenção à mulher no pré-natal e no parto e ao neonato, visto que constituem percentuais expressivos dentre as causas de morte evitáveis. A redução da mortalidade infantil é um desafio global para os serviços de saúde e sociedade como um todo. Sua análise permite incorporar o uso de informação qualificada no planejamento e avaliação de ações e políticas públicas voltadas à saúde materno-infantil, tal como, embasar novos estudos, fundamentais para alicerçar a avaliação crítica da prática em relação aos achados de pesquisa e promover mudanças baseadas em evidências.

Objective: to analyze the epidemiological profile and the trend of infant mortality from preventable causes in Fazenda Rio Grande/PR, from 2011 to 2021. Method: a time-series study was conducted with data obtained from the Mortality and Live Births Information Systems. Mortality rates were calculated according to categories: early neonatal; late and post-neonatal; preventable and non-preventable; and reduceable by adequate attention to the mother and neonate, with trend evaluation by Prais-Winsten linear regression. Results: The highest proportions of avoidable deaths, were due to inadequate care of the woman in childbirth (36.5%), the woman in pregnancy (26.8%), and the newborn (16%). There was a percentage reduction in the coefficients of general deaths (ß = -0.32; 95%CI -0.91;0.68) and by preventable causes (ß = -0.74; 95%CI - 0.98;0.50), even though there was no statistical significance in the results regarding trends (p ≥ 0.05). Conclusion: From the results obtained, there was a need for interventions aimed at maternal and child care, especially in the care of women in prenatal and childbirth and neonates, since they constitute significant percentages among the causes of preventable death. The reduction of infant mortality is a global challenge for health services and society as a whole. Its analysis allows us to incorporate the use of qualified information in the planning and evaluation of actions and public policies aimed at maternal and child health, as well as to support new studies, which are essential to support the critical evaluation of the practice in relation to research findings and to promote evidence-based changes.

Objetivo: analizar el perfil epidemiológico y la tendencia de la mortalidad infantil por causas evitables en Fazenda Rio Grande/PR, de 2011 a 2021. Material y método: se realizó un estudio de series temporales con datos obtenidos de los Sistemas de Información de Mortalidad y Nacidos Vivos. Se calcularon las tasas de mortalidad según las categorías: neonatal precoz; neonatal tardía y posneonatal; prevenible y no prevenible; y reducible por atención adecuada a la madre y al neonato, con evaluación de la tendencia por regresión lineal de Prais-Winsten. Resultados: Las mayores proporciones de muertes evitables, se debieron a la inadecuada atención a la mujer en el parto (36,5%), a la mujer en el embarazo (26,8%) y al recién nacido (16%). Hubo una reducción porcentual en los coeficientes de muertes generales (ß = -0,32; IC 95% -0,91;0,68) y por causas evitables (ß = -0,74; IC 95% -0,98;0,50), aunque no hubo significación estadística en los resultados en cuanto a tendencias (p ≥ 0,05). Conclusiones: De los resultados obtenidos se desprende la necesidad de intervenciones dirigidas a la atención materno- infantil, especialmente en la atención de la mujer en el prenatal y parto y de los neonatos, ya que constituyen porcentajes significativos entre las causas de muerte prevenible. La reducción de la mortalidad infantil es un reto global para los servicios de salud y la sociedad en su conjunto. Su análisis permite incorporar el uso de información cualificada en la planificación y evaluación de acciones y políticas públicas dirigidas a la salud materno-infantil, así como apoyar nuevos estudios, que son esenciales para apoyar la evaluación crítica de la práctica en relación con los resultados de la investigación y promover cambios basados en la evidencia.

[Brazilian National Registry of Healthcare Establishments as a tool for the analysis of decentralization of tuberculosis treatment to basic care services]. / Cadastro Nacional de Estabelecimentos de Saúde como ferramenta de análise da descentralização do atendimento da tuberculose para a atenção básica.

This study aimed to validate a method for classification of healthcare services in Brazil (basic care vs. other levels) and describe the decentralization of tuberculosis (TB) care to basic services (2002 to 2016). The healthcare services that reported and followed TB cases were classified as either "basic care" or "other levels" based on the type of establishment registered in the Brazilian National Registry of Healthcare Establishments (CNES, in Portuguese). The study estimated the agreement between this classification with a previous classification performed in 2013 by Brazil's state and local tuberculosis programs. Using the CNES registry, the authors then calculated the percentage of TB patients treated in basic care from 2002 to 2016. Agreement was 94.4%, and overall kappa index was 0.86. There was a relative increment of 31.2% in TB care provided by basic services (from 50.9% in 2002 to 66.8% in 2016). All regions of Brazil showed an increase in this percentage, except the South. The classification based on the CNES registry allowed analyzing the trend in decentralization of TB treatment to basic healthcare services in Brazil.

Os objetivos deste artigo foram validar um método de classificação dos serviços de saúde (atenção básica vs. outros níveis) e descrever a descentralização do atendimento da tuberculose (TB) para a atenção básica no Brasil no período de 2002 a 2016. Os serviços de saúde que notificaram e acompanharam pessoas com TB foram classificados como "atenção básica" ou "outros níveis", considerando-se o tipo de estabelecimento registrado no Cadastro Nacional de Estabelecimentos de Saúde (CNES). Foi estimada a concordância entre essa classificação e uma realizada em 2013 pelos programas estaduais e municipais de TB. Posteriormente, utilizando-se o CNES, calculou-se o percentual de pessoas com TB atendidas na atenção básica no período de 2002 a 2016. A concordância foi de 94,4% e o índice kappa global foi 0,86. Houve um incremento relativo de 31,2% do atendimento de TB na atenção básica (50,9% em 2002 para 66,8% em 2016). Todas as regiões apresentaram aumento desse percentual, exceto a Região Sul. A classificação baseada no CNES permitiu analisar a evolução da descentralização do atendimento da TB para a atenção básica no Brasil.

Los objetivos de este artículo fueron validar un método de clasificación de los servicios de salud (atención básica vs. otros niveles) y describir la descentralización del cuidado de la tuberculosis (TB) hacia los servicios de atención básica en Brasil, durante el período de 2002 a 2016. Los servicios de salud que notificaron y efectuaron el seguimiento a personas con TB fueron clasificados como "atención básica" u "otros niveles", considerándose el tipo de establecimiento registrado en el Registro Nacional de Establecimientos de Salud (CNES). Se estimó la concordancia entre esta clasificación y una realizada en 2013 por los programas estatales y municipales de TB. Posteriormente, utilizando el CNES, se calculó el porcentaje de personas con TB atendidas en la atención básica durante el período de 2002 a 2016. La concordancia fue de 94,4% y el índice kappa global fue 0,86. Hubo un incremento relativo de un 31,2% del manejo de la TB en la atención básica (de un 50,9% en 2002 hasta un 66,8% en 2016). Todas las regiones presentaron un aumento de ese porcentaje, excepto la región Sur. La clasificación, basada en el CNES, permitió analizar la evolución de la descentralización del manejo de la TB hacia la atención básica en Brasil.

Análise espacial de casos prováveis de dengue no município de São Luís, Maranhão, Brasil / Spatial analysis of probable dengue cases in the municipality of São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil / Análisis espacial de los casos probables de dengue en el municipio de São Luís, Maranhão, Brasil

INTRODUÇÃO: A dengue é considerada uma das principais arboviroses mundiais, caracterizada no Brasil pelo aumento de casos graves e óbitos. OBJETIVO: realizar análise espacial dos casos prováveis de dengue em São Luís - MA. MÉTODOS: Estudo ecológico de base populacional dos casos prováveis de dengue, notificados no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) em 2015 e 2016, ocorridos no município de São Luís ­ MA. Foram georreferenciados 4.681 casos prováveis de dengue por setores censitários, calculadas as taxas de incidência e ajustadas através do estimador bayesiano empírico local. Foi utilizado o estimador de densidade de Kernel e Moran Global e Local para a análise espacial. RESULTADOS: Evidenciou-se através do estimador de densidade de Kernel, áreas quentes (alta-densidade) nos setores censitários da região noroeste do município. As taxas de incidência foram ajustadas pela aplicação do método bayesiano empírico local, identificando-se maior quantidade de setores com média e alta incidência. A partir do índice de Moran global foi evidenciada autocorrelação espacial positiva estatisticamente significativa para as taxas de incidência de dengue (I=0,69; p<0,001) e para as taxas de incidência ajustadas pelo método bayesiano (I=0,80; p<0,001). De acordo com o índice de Moran local, identificou-se clusters de setores de alta incidência de dengue em áreas com alta densidade populacional na região nordeste e noroeste do município. CONCLUSÃO: A pesquisa demonstrou que os estimadores bayesianos ajudaram a minimizar os problemas de subnotificação e da influência do tamanho populacional nos setores censitários.

INTRODUCTION: Dengue is considered one of the main arboviruses in the world, characterized in Brazil by the increase in severe cases and deaths. OBJECTIVE: to perform spatial analysis of probable dengue cases in São Luís - MA. METHODS: Population-based ecological study of probable dengue cases, reported in the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) in 2015 and 2016, which took place in the city of São Luís - MA. 4,681 probable dengue cases were georeferenced by census sectors, incidence rates were calculated and adjusted using the local empirical Bayesian estimator. The Kernel and Moran Global and Local density estimator was used for spatial analysis. RESULTS: Hot areas (high-density) in the census sectors of the northwest region of the municipality were evidenced through the Kernel density estimator. Incidence rates were adjusted by applying the local empirical Bayesian method, identifying a greater number of sectors with medium and high incidence. From the global Moran index, statistically significant positive spatial autocorrelation was evidenced for the dengue incidence rates (I = 0.69; p <0.001) and for the incidence rates adjusted by the Bayesian method (I = 0.80; p <0.001). According to the local Moran index, clusters of sectors with a high incidence of dengue were identified in areas with high population density in the northeast and northwest regions of the municipality. CONCLUSION: The research demonstrated that Bayesian estimators helped to minimize the problems of underreporting and the influence of population size on census tracts.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El dengue es considerado una de las principales arbovirosis a nivel mundial, caracterizada en Brasil por el aumento de casos graves y muertes. OBJETIVO: Realizar un análisis espacial de los casos probables de dengue en São Luís - MA. MÉTODOS: Estudio ecológico de base poblacional de los casos probables de dengue, notificados en el Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) en 2015 y 2016, ocurridos en el municipio de São Luís - MA. Se georreferenciaron 4.681 casos probables de dengue por sectores censales, se calcularon las tasas de incidencia y se ajustaron mediante el estimador empírico bayesiano local. Para el análisis espacial se utilizó el estimador de densidad Kernel y Moran global y local. RESULTADOS: Se evidenció a través del estimador de densidad Kernel, áreas calientes (de alta densidad) en los sectores censales de la región noroeste del municipio. Las tasas de incidencia se ajustaron mediante la aplicación del método bayesiano empírico local, identificándose una mayor cantidad de setores con incidencia media y alta. A partir del índice global de Moran se evidenció una autocorrelación espacial positiva estadísticamente significativa para las tasas de incidencia de dengue (I=0,69; p<0,001) y para las tasas de incidencia ajustadas por el método bayesiano (I=0,80; p<0,001). Según el índice local de Moran, se identificaron clusters de sectores de alta incidencia de dengue en áreas con alta densidad de población en las regiones noreste y noroeste del municipio. CONCLUSIÓN: La investigación demostró que los estimadores bayesianos ayudaron a minimizar los problemas de infradeclaración y la influencia del tamaño de la población en los sectores censales.

'Although we're isolated, we're not really isolated': The value of information and communication technology for older people in rural Australia.

OBJECTIVE: Drawing from a larger study that identified the supports and services that facilitate wellness among older people from rural communities, this study examined the specific contribution made by information and communication technology (ICT). METHODS: Qualitative interviews were undertaken with 60 older adults from six Australian rural areas. A preliminary thematic analysis was conducted, followed by a higher-order inductive analysis. RESULTS: Information and communication technology use was discussed in terms of individual enrichment, and in terms of enabling connections between the individual and their social networks, community and wider service environments. CONCLUSION: Information and communication technologies may facilitate wellness for rural older people by compensating for geographical and social isolation. In the changing world of health and aged care service delivery, ICTs will be more important than ever for rural older people in building their capacity to access the services, socialisation and support that they need, regardless of location.

[Neonatal adverse events and near misses reported in Brazil from 2007 to 2013]. / Eventos adversos e incidentes sem dano em recém-nascidos notificados no Brasil, nos anos 2007 a 2013.

This study aimed to analyze adverse events and near misses in newborns up to 28 days of life, reported to the Brazilian National Notification System for Sanitary Surveillance (NOTIVISA) system from 2007 to 2013. This was a quantitative, descriptive, retrospective study with analysis of secondary data. A total of 355 incidents were reported: 118 (33.3%) related to medical devices, 4 (1.1%) medical equipment, and 233 (65.6%) medicines. Silver nitrate and antibiotics were the most frequently reported medicines, and among medical devices and equipment, phlebitis associated with IV lines was the most frequently reported adverse event. The study unveils the reporting of adverse events and near misses, fostering discussion on what actually constitutes harm according to the person that reports the event. The challenge for NOTIVISA is to improve the system, and as with other information systems, this results from its use, critical analysis, and interaction with users - incident reporters and interested parties like teaching and research institutions.

One log-in to a wealth of health resources.

NHS Education for Scotland has been shortlisted for a UK technology award for its programme of digital transformation and development of digital resources. It includes a new platform which is enabling nurses and midwives to take control of their professional development using their smartphones and tablets.

An Indian eye to personalized medicine.

Acknowledging the successful sequencing of the human genome and the valuable insights it has rendered, genetic drafting of non-human organisms can further enhance the understanding of modern biology. The price of sequencing technology has plummeted with time, and there is a noticeable enhancement in its implementation and recurrent usage. Sequenced genome information can be contained in a microarray chip, and then processed by a computer system for inferring analytics and predictions. Specifically, smart cards have been significantly applicable to assimilate and retrieve complex data, with ease and implicit mobility. Herein, we propose "The G-Card", a development with respect to the prevalent smart card, and an extension to the Electronic Health Record (EHR), that will hold the genome sequence of an individual, so that the medical practitioner can better investigate irregularities in a patient's health and hence recommend a precise prognosis.

Utilização do e-SUS AB e fatores associados ao registro de procedimentos e consultas da atenção básica nos municípios brasileiros / e-SUS AB use and factors associated with recording primary care procedures and consultations in Brazilian municipalities / Utilización del e-SUS AB y factores asociados con el registro de procedimientos y consultas de la atención básica en municipios brasileños

O objetivo foi avaliar o impacto do e-SUS AB na notificação de procedimentos e consultas no Sistema de Informação Ambulatorial do Sistema Único de Saúde (SIA/SUS) dos municípios brasileiros. Estudo ecológico com comparação longitudinal antes, durante e depois do período de implantação do e-SUS AB (junho de 2013 a maio de 2015) e, durante a implantação, comparação seccional entre municípios em fase implantado, intermediário e incipiente. As taxas foram descritas por médias e desvio padrão, e analisadas por regressão binomial negativa. Os municípios com e-SUS AB implantado em novembro 2014 eram de pequeno porte, com menor Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal (IDH-M), menor renda per capita, maiores taxas de enfermeiros, alta cobertura de Estratégia Saúde da Família - ESF (> 80%). Não foram observadas diferenças nas taxas de procedimentos ou consultas entre municípios de acordo com a fase de implantação e não houve aumento ao longo do tempo. Municípios com cobertura de 100% da ESF apresentam maiores taxas de procedimentos (razão de taxas [RT] = 1,44; IC95%: 1,29-1,62) e de consultas (RT = 1,26; IC95%: 1,15-1,39); municípios com mais de 100 mil habitantes registraram menores taxas de procedimentos (RT = 0,68; IC95%: 0,57-0,81) e de consultas (RT = 0,54; IC95%: 0,47-0,63). Houve menores taxas de procedimentos em todas as regiões quando comparadas com a Região Norte, tendo a Nordeste RT de 0,34 (IC95%: 0,30-0,40) vez menor e a Região Sul, RT de 0,35 (IC95%: 0,30-0,41) menor que a Região Norte. Outras análises quanto ao uso do sistema e suas implicações nos processos de trabalho das equipes devem ser aprofundadas para apoiar os gestores no uso e manutenção do sistema.

This article sought to evaluate e-SUS AB's impact on procedure and consultation notification in the Outpatient Information System of the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SIA/SUS) in Brazilian municipalities. This is an ecological study with longitudinal comparisons before, during and after the e-SUS AB implementation period (June 2013 to May 2015) and, during implementation, cross-sectional comparison between municipalities in completed, intermediary and initial implementation stages. Rates were described using means and standard deviations and analyzed through negative binomial regression. Municipalities where e-SUS AB had been implemented in November 2014 were small, with lower Municipal Human Development Index (HDI-M), lower per capita income, higher rates of nurses, high Family Health Strategy - (FHS) coverage (> 80%). We did not observe differences in rates of procedures or consultations between municipalities according to implementation stage and there was no increase over time. Municipalities with 100% FHS coverage had higher rates of procedures (rate ratio [RR] = 1.44; 95%CI: 1.29-1.62) and consultations (RR = 1.26; 95%CI: 1.15-1.39); municipalities with more than 100 thousand inhabitants had lower rates of procedures (RR = 0.68; 95%CI: 0.57-0.81) and consultations (RR = 0.54; 95%CI: 0.47-0.63). We found lower procedure rates in all regions when compared with the Northern Region, with the Northeastern RR of 0.34 (95%CI: 0.30-0.40) lower and the Southern Region RR of 0.35 (95%CI: 0.30-0.41) lower than the Northern Region. Further analyses of system use and its implications in teams' work processes should be carried out in order to support managers in using and maintaining the system.

El objetivo fue evaluar el impacto del e-SUS AB en la notificación de procedimientos y consultas, dentro del Sistema de Información Ambulatoria del Sistema Único de Salud (SIA/SUS) de los municipios brasileños. Se trata de un estudio ecológico con una comparación longitudinal antes, durante y después del período de implantación del e-SUS AB (junio de 2013 a mayo de 2015). Durante la implantación, se realizó una comparación seccional entre municipios en fase implantación, intermedia e incipiente. Las tasas se describieron mediante medias y desvío estándar, analizados gracias una regresión binomial negativa. Los municipios con el e-SUS AB implantado en noviembre 2014 eran de pequeño porte, con menor Índice de Desarollo Humano Municipal (IDH-M), menor renta per capita, mayores tasas de enfermeros, alta cobertura de la Estategia de Salud Familiar - ESF (> 80%). No se observaron diferencias en las tasas de procedimientos o consultas entre municipios, de acuerdo con la fase de implantación, y no hubo aumento a lo largo del tiempo. Municipios con una cobertura del 100% de la ESF presentan mayores tasas de procedimientos (razón de tasas [RT] = 1,44; IC95%: 1,29-1,62) y de consultas (RT = 1,26; IC95%: 1,15-1,39); los municipios con más de 100 mil habitantes registraron menores tasas de procedimientos (RT = 0,68; IC95%: 0,57-0,81) y de consultas (RT = 0,54; IC95%: 0,47-0,63). Hubo menores tasas de procedimientos en todas las regiones, si se comparan con la Región Norte, teniendo la Región Nordeste RT de 0,34 (IC95%: 0,30-0,40) menor y la Región Sur RT de 0,35 (IC95%: 0,30-0,41) menor que la Región Norte. Se deben profundizar con otros análisis, en cuanto al uso del sistema y sus implicaciones en los procesos de trabajo de los equipos, para apoyar a los gestores en el uso y mantenimiento del sistema.

Seamless personal health information system in cloud computing.

Noncontact ECG measurement has gained popularity these days due to its noninvasive and conveniences to be applied on daily life. This approach does not require any direct contact between patient's skin and sensor for physiological signal measurement. The noncontact ECG measurement is integrated with mobile healthcare system for health status monitoring. Mobile phone acts as the personal health information system displaying health status and body mass index (BMI) tracking. Besides that, it plays an important role being the medical guidance providing medical knowledge database including symptom checker and health fitness guidance. At the same time, the system also features some unique medical functions that cater to the living demand of the patients or users, including regular medication reminders, alert alarm, medical guidance, appointment scheduling. Lastly, we demonstrate mobile healthcare system with web application for extended uses, thus health data are clouded into web server system and web database storage. This allows remote health status monitoring easily and so forth it promotes a cost effective personal healthcare system.