Six-month post-intensive care outcomes during high and low bed occupancy due to the COVID-19 pandemic: A multicenter prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic can be seen as a natural experiment to test how bed occupancy affects post-intensive care unit (ICU) patient's functional outcomes. To compare by bed occupancy the frequency of mental, physical, and cognitive impairments in patients admitted to ICU during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Prospective cohort of adults mechanically ventilated >48 hours in 19 ICUs from seven Chilean public and private hospitals. Ninety percent of nationwide beds occupied was the cut-off for low versus high bed occupancy. At ICU discharge, 3- and 6-month follow-up, we assessed disability using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0. Quality of life, mental, physical, and cognitive outcomes were also evaluated following the core outcome set for acute respiratory failure. RESULTS: We enrolled 252 participants, 103 (41%) during low and 149 (59%) during high bed occupancy. Patients treated during high occupancy were younger (P50 [P25-P75]: 55 [44-63] vs 61 [51-71]; p<0.001), more likely to be admitted due to COVID-19 (126 [85%] vs 65 [63%]; p<0.001), and have higher education qualification (94 [63%] vs 48 [47%]; p = 0.03). No differences were found in the frequency of at least one mental, physical or cognitive impairment by bed occupancy at ICU discharge (low vs high: 93% vs 91%; p = 0.6), 3-month (74% vs 63%; p = 0.2) and 6-month (57% vs 57%; p = 0.9) follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences in post-ICU outcomes between high and low bed occupancy. Most patients (>90%) had at least one mental, physical or cognitive impairment at ICU discharge, which remained high at 6-month follow-up (57%). CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04979897 (clinicaltrials.gov).

Impact on Mental, Physical and Cognitive functioning of a Critical care sTay during the COVID-19 pandemic (IMPACCT COVID-19): protocol for a prospective, multicentre, mixed-methods cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: The ongoing pandemic could affect the duration, variety and severity of the mental, physical, and cognitive impairments intensive care unit (ICU) survivors and their families frequently present. We aim to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental, physical, and cognitive health of survivors, the experience of their families and their treating healthcare professionals. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Prospective, multicentre, mixed-methods cohort study in seven Chilean ICUs. SAMPLE: 450 adults, able to walk independently prior to admission, in ICU and mechanical ventilation >48 hours with and without COVID-19. Clinical Frailty Scale, Charlson comorbidity index, mobility (Functional Status Score for the Status Score for the Intensive Care Unit) and muscle strength (Medical Research Council Sum Score) will be assessed at ICU discharge. Cognitive functioning (Montreal Cognitive Assessment-blind), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), post-traumatic stress (Impact of Event Scale-Revised) symptoms, disability (WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0), quality of life (European Quality of Life Health Questionnaire), employment and survival will be assessed at ICU discharge, 3 months and 6 months. A sample will be assessed using actigraphy and the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire at 6 months after ICU discharge. Trajectories of mental, physical, and cognitive impairments will be estimated using multilevel longitudinal modelling. A sensitivity analysis using multiple imputations will be performed to account for missing data and loss-to-follow-up. Survival will be analysed using Kaplan-Meier curves. The perceptions of family members regarding the ICU stay and the later recovery will be explored 3 months after discharge. Healthcare professionals will be invited to discuss the challenges faced during the pandemic using semistructured interviews. Interviews will be thematically analysed by two independent coders to identify the main themes of the experience of family members and healthcare professionals. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study was approved by the Clinica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo Ethics Committee (2020-78) and each participating site. Study findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated through social media and conference meetings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04979897.

Breaking the breach in Latin America: A pilot study of mechanical thrombectomy in the public healthcare system in Chile.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical Thrombectomy (MT) is the standard of care for treatment of large vessel occlusion stroke. Until the beginning of 2020 MT was not funded nor widely implemented at the public healthcare level in Chile. OBJECTIVE: To describe the results of a pilot program created to provide access to public MT in Santiago - Chile. METHODS: Analysis from a prospectively collected database of MT cases performed between September 2017 and September 2019 in one center. A stroke network was developed with a single MT capable stroke center and five primary stroke centers. The primary efficacy endpoint was the rate of functional independence (mRS 0-2) at 90 days. Successful reperfusion was defined as 2 b-3 according to the thrombolysis in cerebral infarction scale. Safety outcomes include the rates of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and 90-day mortality. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients were treated over the study period. Their mean age was 62.8 ± 11.8 years and median baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) measurement was 17. Seventy-seven percent of the patients received intra venous thrombolysis. Successful reperfusion was achieved in 95% of the cases. NIHSS at 24 hours showed a median drop of 7 points from baseline (p < 0.00001) and 50% of the follow-up patients were functionally independent at 90 days. Symptomatic Intracerebral hemorrhage occurred in 5% of the patients and 90-day all case mortality was 11%. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated the feasibility of a publicly funded MT program in Chile, with similar results as other international randomized control trials.

Effectiveness of Telerehabilitation in Physical Therapy: A Rapid Overview.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article was to summarize the available evidence from systematic reviews on telerehabilitation in physical therapy. METHODS: We searched Medline/PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. In addition, the records in PROSPERO and Epistemonikos and PEDro were consulted. Systematic reviews of different conditions, populations, and contexts-where the intervention to be evaluated is telerehabilitation by physical therapy-were included. The outcomes were clinical effectiveness depending on specific condition, functionality, quality of life, satisfaction, adherence, and safety. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were carried out by a reviewer with non-independent verification by a second reviewer. The findings are reported qualitatively in the tables and figures. RESULTS: Fifty-three systematic reviews were included, of which 17 were assessed as having low risk of bias. Fifteen reviews were on cardiorespiratory rehabilitation, 14 on musculoskeletal conditions, and 13 on neurorehabilitation. The other 11 reviews addressed other types of conditions and rehabilitation. Thirteen reviews evaluated with low risk of bias showed results in favor of telerehabilitation versus in-person rehabilitation or no rehabilitation, while 17 reported no differences between the groups. Thirty-five reviews with unclear or high risk of bias showed mixed results. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the contradictory results, telerehabilitation in physical therapy could be comparable with in-person rehabilitation or better than no rehabilitation for conditions such as osteoarthritis, low-back pain, hip and knee replacement, and multiple sclerosis and also in the context of cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation. It is imperative to conduct better quality clinical trials and systematic reviews. IMPACT: Providing the best available evidence on the effectiveness of telerehabilitation to professionals, mainly physical therapists, will impact the decision-making process and therefore yield better clinical outcomes for patients, both in these times of the COVID-19 pandemic and in the future. The identification of research gaps will also contribute to the generation of relevant and novel research questions.

24/7 Physical Therapy Intervention With Adult Patients in a Chilean Intensive Care Unit: A Cost-Benefit Analysis in a Developing Country.

OBJECTIVES: Physiotherapy in an adult intensive care unit (ICU) affects health outcome. To justify the investment in ICU physical therapy, the cost savings associated with its benefits need to be established. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the potential cost savings of implementing 24-hour, 7-days-per-week physiotherapist (24/7-PT) in a Chilean public high-complex specialized ICU. METHODS: Using clinical data from a literature review and a micro-costing technique, we conducted a cost-benefit analysis in the National Institute of Thorax in Chile. Our example scenario involves 697 theoretical admissions of adult patients with cardiovascular or respiratory diseases, and the costs and benefits by reduction of length of stay in ICU, days of mechanical ventilation, and days with respiratory infections during the first year and 5 years of admissions. A sensitivity analysis was considered according to the variability in total costs, production income, and clinical benefits. RESULTS: Net cost savings generated in our example scenario demonstrate that the implementation of 24/7-PT produces a minimum saving for the institution of $16 242 during the first year and $69 351 over a 5-year interval considering individual income production. Out of the 30 scenarios included in the sensitivity analyses, 26 (87%) demonstrated net savings. CONCLUSIONS: A financial model, based on literature review and actual cost data, projects that 24/7-PT intervention is a cost-benefit alternative in adult ICU patients with cardiovascular or respiratory diseases in Chile. It is necessary a scenario of at least 3 sessions per day with insurance payment for individual treatments to support the long-term implementation of a 24/7-PT program.

International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health Domains of 60 Physical Functioning Measurement Instruments Used During the Adult Intensive Care Unit Stay: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: There has been a recent surge in the creation and adaptation of instruments to measure physical functioning (PF) in the intensive care unit (ICU). Selecting the right measurement instrument depends on understanding the core constructs that it measures in terms of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) domains. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to map systematically the ICF domains and subdomains included in the PF measurement instruments used for adult patients during the ICU stay. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search was carried out in Cochrane CENTRAL, PubMed, CINAHL, and LILACS as well as a hand search up to May 17, 2017. STUDY SELECTION: Study selection included all types of research articles that used at least 1 PF measurement instrument in adult patients within the ICU. DATA EXTRACTION: Study design, year of publication, study population, and the measurement instruments reported were recorded. A consensus of experts analyzed the ICF domains included in each instrument. DATA SYNTHESIS: We found 181 articles containing 60 PF measurement instruments used during the ICU stay. Twenty-six ICF domains were identified, 38 instruments included Mobility, and 13 included Muscle function. LIMITATIONS: Studies not written in English or Spanish were excluded. CONCLUSIONS: There are numerous PF measurement instruments used in adult patients in the ICU. The most frequent ICF domain measured is Mobility. This study highlights the ICF domains contained in the instruments that can be used clinically, providing a complete database of instruments that could facilitate selection of the most appropriate measure based on the patients' needs.

Characteristics of physiotherapy staffing levels and caseload: a cross-sectional survey of Chilean adult Intensive Care Units.

INTRODUCTION: The European Society of Intensive Care Medicine recommends the presence of a specialist physiotherapist, available every five beds, seven days a week in the high complexity Intensive Care Unit. However, in Chile the adherence of adult Intensive Care Units to this recommendation is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To describe the organizational characteristics and the physiotherapist availability in adult Intensive Care Units in Chile, and according to the adherence to international recommendations, inform health decision-makers. METHODS: Observational study based on a telephone survey. All adult Intensive Care Units institutions of high complexity, private hospitals and teaching health centers in Chile were eligible (n = 74). The primary outcome measures were the proportion of institutions with physiotherapist availability 24 hours a day and seven days a week (24/7 physiotherapist), a maximum caseload per physiotherapist of five patients and the presence of a specialist physiotherapist. RESULTS: Response rate was 86.5%, with 59% of responding units being public and 83% offering level III care. 70% of the adult Intensive Care Units in Chile have 24/7 physiotherapist (87% of the public and 46% of the private sector). 41% of the centers had a maximum caseload per physiotherapist of five patients during the day on weekdays. This number decreased on weekends and during night shifts. 23% of the Intensive Care Units had a specialist physiotherapist, being more common in the private sector (31%). CONCLUSIONS: In Chilean adult ICU, 24/7 physiotherapist availability is high, the prevalence of physiotherapists with specialist training is low. Future efforts should focus on promoting the uptake of specialist training.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La Sociedad Europea de Medicina de Cuidados Intensivos recomienda la presencia de un Kinesiólogo con formación especializada, disponible cada cinco camas de alta complejidad, los 7 días de la semana en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI). En Chile se desconoce la adherencia de las UCI adulto a esta recomendación. OBJETIVO: Describir las características administrativas y de cobertura kinésica en las UCI adulto chilenas, y de acuerdo con la adherencia a las recomendaciones internacionales, informar a los tomadores de decisión en salud. MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional transversal, basado en encuesta telefónica. Se incluyeron las UCI adultos de establecimientos de mayor complejidad, clínicas privadas y centros asociados a universidades (n = 74). La proporción de instituciones con disponibilidad de kinesiólogos las 24 horas del día, los siete días de la semana (kinesiólogo 24/7), con un número máximo de cinco pacientes por kinesiólogo y presencia de un kinesiólogo especialista fueron reportados. RESULTADOS: La tasa de respuesta fue del 86,5% (n = 64), principalmente públicas (59%) y de nivel III (83%). El 70% (n = 45) de las UCI adulto chilenas cuentan con kinesiólogo 24/7; correspondiendo el 87% al sector público y el 46% al privado. El 41% de los centros posee un máximo de 5 pacientes por kinesiólogo en día hábil diurno, disminuyendo en fines de semana y horarios nocturnos. Un 23% de las UCIs cuenta con kinesiólogo especialista en intensivo, siendo mayor en el sector privado (31%). CONCLUSIONES: En UCI adulto chilenas, la disponibilidad de kinesiólogos 24/7 es alta, y la prevalencia de especialistas es baja. Estrategias de creación de programas de formación de especialidad podrían contribuir a disminuir la brecha de especialistas.

Quantitative evaluation of arteriovenous malformation hemodynamic changes after endovascular treatment using parametric color coding: A case series study.

Background Brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are complex vascular lesions. Endovascular treatment results are usually measured by calculating the volume reduction of the lesions. Nevertheless, vascular flow quantification seems a more physiologically accurate way of measuring endovascular results. We evaluated the use of parametric color coding (PCC) with digital subtraction angiography (DSA), in order to determine the feasibility of PCC to detect and measure the impact of AVM endovascular treatment-induced changes using real-time hemodynamic parameters. Methods and results Supratentorial brain AVM treatment was evaluated in 29 patients over the course of 38 sessions. Using regions of interest (ROIs) at the carotid siphon, arterial feeder, drainage vein and venous sinus, we found significant increase in time to peak (TTP) values at the arterial feeder, drainage vein and venous sinus. We compared TTP in four different embolization volume groups: I (0-25%), II (26-50%), III (51-75%) and IV (76-100%). We found significant differences between groups and a moderate correlation between embolization percentages, as well as an increase in TTP at the main vein ROI; but not in the arterial side or sinus. Conclusions Brain AVM endovascular treatment results can be quantified in vivo with PCC. PCC is capable of detecting hemodynamic changes after brain AVM endovascular treatment, that may reflect flow drop, and it is correlated with volume embolization.

Modificaciones en las prácticas de los kinesiólogos de cuidados Críticos durante y después de la Pandemia COVID-19 en Chile: protocolo de una Encuesta Nacional / Modifications in Critical Care Physiotherapists Practices during and after COVID-19 Pandemic in Chile: Study Protocol of a National Survey

ANTECEDENTES: El 11 de marzo de 2020, la Organización Mundial de la Salud declaró la enfermedad por coronavirus (COVID-19) como pandemia, cuyos casos y gravedad en Chile han sido elevados. Internacionalmente, los profesionales de la salud han debido adaptar sus actividades laborales hacia pacientes mecánicamente ventilados por agravamiento de los síntomas respiratorios. La terapia respiratoria y terapia física que realizan los kinesiólogos en la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) es fundamental, y existe la urgencia por agrupar datos nacionales que permitan describir la situación y así prepararse para futuros aumentos de la carga asistencial en UCI. OBJETIVO: Describir las modificaciones institucionales, laborales y asistenciales, experimentadas por kinesiólogos que se desempeñan en UCI durante y después de la pandemia COVID-19 en Chile. MÉTODOS: Este es el protocolo de un estudio observacional analítico transversal, el cual recopilará información desde el inicio hasta un año iniciada la pandemia. Se incluirán todas las UCI adulto existentes y las creadas por contingencia COVID-19. Se excluirán aquellas que no hayan recibido pacientes en UCI con COVID-19 confirmado. Se aplicará una encuesta online (REDCap®) al kinesiólogo representante de cada centro, la cual recopilará la información anonimizada principalmente a través de selección múltiple y escala Likert. RESULTADOS ESPERADOS: Se espera identificar un alto porcentaje de modificaciones institucionales en las UCI de Chile, y kinesiólogos que se vieron en la necesidad decambiar sus condiciones laborales y asistenciales durante la pandemia, en comparación al período pre-pandemia;cambios que en un menor porcentaje se mantuvieron en el tiempo.

BACKGROUND: On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as a pandemic, whose cases and severity in Chile have been high. Worldwide, health staffs have adapted their working activities focusing mainly on mechanically ventilated patients due to respiratory decline. Respiratory therapy and physical therapy by physiotherapists in the intensive care unit (ICU) are essential, and national data needs to be collected to describe the pandemic-related context to prepare for future increases in the ICU demand. OBJECTIVE: To describe the institutional, workforce and healthcare modifications experienced by the ICU physiotherapists during and after the COVID-19 pandemic in Chile. METHODS: This is the protocol of a cross-sectional study, which will collect information from the beginning to 1 year after the pandemic begins. All existing adult ICUs and those ICUs created during the pandemic will be included. Those who have not received ICU patients with confirmed COVID-19 will be excluded. An online survey will be applied to the physiotherapists representing each ICU, which will collect the anonymous information mainly through multiple selection-choice and Likert scale.EXPECTED RESULTS: We will be expected to identify a high percentage of institutional modifications in the ICUs in Chile, and that the physiotherapists would need of changing their working and healthcare conditions during the pandemic, compared to the pre-pandemic period; changes that in a smaller percentage would be maintained over time.

Encuesta sobre implementación de investigación en centros educacionales en Chile: cumplimientos de aspectos regulatorios éticos y legales / Survey research implementation in educational centers in Chile: fulfillments of ethical and legal regulatory aspects / Enquete sobre a realização de pesquisas em centros educacionais no Chile: cumprimentos de aspectos regulatórios éticos e legais

Antecedentes: La investigación en centros educacionales es una fuente frecuente de estudios de las áreas sociales y salud. Objetivo: Determinar el conocimiento y la adherencia a la regulación ética y legal vigente de la investigación realizadas con niños en centros educacionales. Metodología: Estudio transversal tipo encuesta online. Se consultó sobre el nivel de conocimiento y adherencia a la regulación ética y legislación vigente en Chile, para realizar investigación con menores de edad. Resultados: 126 centros respondieron la encuesta; 69% de zonas urbanas; 60% son centros municipales y 34% particulares subvencionados. En un 31,8% de los centros se realizó investigación, 41% de salud y 30,8% de educación. El 27,5% informó que la investigación contaba con aprobación del comité ético-científico para su implementación, un 82% señaló no recibir ni tener conocimiento de los aspectos regulatorios sobre la investigación con seres humanos. Conclusión: Existe bajo conocimiento y adherencia a la regulación ética y legal de la investigación con niños en centros educacionales. Se realizó una jornada de difusión de los resultados y se propuso un flujograma generado por expertos orientado a los directores de centros educacionales para contribuir a la adherencia de los aspectos éticos y regulatorios de la investigación en centros educacionales.

Background: Research in educational centers is a frequent source of social and health related studies. Objective: To determine the knowledge and adherence to the current legal and ethical regulations to research performed on children at educational institutions. Methodology: Cross-sectional study online survey-type. The level of knowledge and adherence to the ethical regulation and legislation in Chile, to conduct research with minors was consulted. Results: 126 educational institutions responded the survey; 69% belonged to urban centers; 60% corresponded to those under the Municipality umbrella and 34% to charter schools. Research was performed in 31,8% of the consulted institutions, 41% of the research was on health issues and 30,8% on education. The 27,5% answered that they had the approval of ethical-scientific committee, 82% answered that they neither received nor had any awareness of regulatory aspects on research. Conclusion: There is low knowledge and adherence to ethical and legal regulation to research performed with children in educational centers. A journey for dissemination of results was performed and a flow chart was created by experts and proposed to the school directors to contribute to the adherence of ethical and regulatory aspects of research in educational centers.

Antecedentes: A pesquisa em centros educacionais é uma fonte frequente de estudos das áreas sociais e de saúde. Objetivo: determinar o conhecimento e a adesão à regulamentação ética e legal vigente de pesquisa realizada com crianças em centros educacionais. Metodologia: estudo transversal de tipo enquete on-line. Consultou-se sobre o nível de conhecimento e adesão ao regulamento ético e a legislação vigente no Chile, para realizar a pesquisa com menores de idade. Resultados: 126 centros responderam à enquete; 69% em áreas urbanas; 60% são centros municipais e 34% centros particulares subsidiados. Em 31,8% dos centros foram realizadas pesquisas, 41% de saúde e 30,8% de educação. 27,5% relataram que a pesquisa teve aprovação do Comitê de etico-cientifico para a sua execução, 82% disseram não receber ou ter conhecimento dos aspectos regulatórios da pesquisa com seres humanos. Conclusão: Existe pouco conhecimento e adesão ao regulamento ético e legal de pesquisa envolvendo crianças em centros educacionais. Fora realizada uma conferência para a divulgação dos resultados e fora proposto um fluxograma gerado por especialistas, que visam os diretores de centros educacionais para contribuir para a aderência dos aspectos éticos e regulatórios de pesquisa em centros educacionais.