The All4Children project to assess the initial implementation of the Integrated Model of Family Foster Care in Portugal: A description of the study protocol.

BACKGROUND: The All4Children project addresses the urgent need to transition from institutionalization to family-based care for out-of-home children in Portugal. Despite evidence highlighting the detrimental effects of institutionalization, only a small percentage of children (less than 4%) are currently placed in family foster care in the country. In response to European directives for deinstitutionalization, Portuguese legislation now prioritizes non-kinship family foster care as the preferred alternative for young children in need of care. To facilitate this transition, the Integrated Model of Family Foster Care (MIAF) was developed, offering a comprehensive framework covering the entire spectrum of family foster care. OBJECTIVE: This research aims to investigate the initial implementation stage of the MIAF to promote high-quality family foster care in Portugal. METHOD: The study will conduct a mixed-method and longitudinal research project in family foster care agencies across different regions of Portugal, focusing on evaluating the implementation and outcomes of the MIAF model using a multi-informant and multi-method approach. The participants will include caseworkers, children aged 0-9 years entering foster care, and their respective foster families enrolled in the MIAF program. Process evaluation will assess fidelity, feasibility, appropriateness, and acceptability of MIAF modules, while outcome evaluation will examine child safety, stability, well-being, as well as foster family well-being and quality of relational care. OUTCOMES: The insights gained from this research initiative will serve as a foundation for the ongoing enhancement of MIAF. Consequently, this project has the capacity to advance evidence-based child welfare practices by refining processes and strategies to better serve vulnerable children and youth. CONCLUSION: Facilitated by a multidisciplinary team, this project will contribute to advancing research in the field, enhancing practice, and informing policy during a pivotal stage of deinstitutionalization in Portugal.

Effectiveness of a chatbot in improving the mental wellbeing of health workers in Malawi during the COVID-19 pandemic: A randomized, controlled trial.

We conducted a randomized, controlled trial (RCT) to investigate our hypothesis that the interactive chatbot, Vitalk, is more effective in improving mental wellbeing and resilience outcomes of health workers in Malawi than the passive use of Internet resources. For our 2-arm, 8-week, parallel RCT (ISRCTN Registry: trial ID ISRCTN16378480), we recruited participants from 8 professional cadres from public and private healthcare facilities. The treatment arm used Vitalk; the control arm received links to Internet resources. The research team was blinded to the assignment. Of 1,584 participants randomly assigned to the treatment and control arms, 215 participants in the treatment and 296 in the control group completed baseline and endline anxiety assessments. Six assessments provided outcome measures for: anxiety (GAD-7); depression (PHQ-9); burnout (OLBI); loneliness (ULCA); resilience (RS-14); and resilience-building activities. We analyzed effectiveness using mixed-effects linear models, effect size estimates, and reliable change in risk levels. Results support our hypothesis. Difference-in-differences estimators showed that Vitalk reduced: depression (-0.68 [95% CI -1.15 to -0.21]); anxiety (-0.44 [95% CI -0.88 to 0.01]); and burnout (-0.58 [95% CI -1.32 to 0.15]). Changes in resilience (1.47 [95% CI 0.05 to 2.88]) and resilience-building activities (1.22 [95% CI 0.56 to 1.87]) were significantly greater in the treatment group. Our RCT produced a medium effect size for the treatment and a small effect size for the control group. This is the first RCT of a mental health app for healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Southern Africa combining multiple mental wellbeing outcomes and measuring resilience and resilience-building activities. A substantial number of participants could have benefited from mental health support (1 in 8 reported anxiety and depression; 3 in 4 suffered burnout; and 1 in 4 had low resilience). Such help is not readily available in Malawi. Vitalk has the potential to fill this gap.

Abordagem de cicatrizes por queimaduras com microagulhamento: revisão da literatura / Microneedling approach in burn scars: literature review / Abordaje con microagujas en la cicatrices por quemaduras: revisión de la literatura

Introdução: Queimaduras são feridas traumáticas causadas por agentes térmicos, químicos, elétricos ou radioativos. Há na literatura diversos estudos que discorrem sobre técnicas que amenizem as sequelas deixadas pelas queimaduras. Dentro dos tratamentos disponíveis, o microagulhamento tem se apresentado como estratégia de importantes resultados. O princípio do microagulhamento é proporcionar um estímulo na produção de colágeno, melhorar a qualidade da cicatriz e construção do tecido cicatricial ao nível da pele normal, preservando a epiderme e modulando os níveis de fatores de crescimento de transformação ß1 e 2, que são considerados pró-inflamatórios, e aumentando os níveis de TGFß 3, reorganizando as fibras colágenas e normalizando o aspecto do tecido, sugerindo uma melhora em cicatrizes fibróticas. Objetivo: Identificar, na literatura, a ação do microagulhamento no tratamento de cicatrizes de pacientes que sofreram queimaduras. Método: O método adotado para a pesquisa foi a revisão do tipo descritiva, com estratégia de busca elaborada, utilizando artigos indexados nas bases de dados LILACS, SciELO, PubMed e Medline no período de 2008 a 2016. Resultados: Foram encontrados sete estudos, sendo selecionados quatro que preencheram os critérios de inclusão. Dentre os selecionados, dois são estudos de caso, uma revisão bibliográfica sobre a técnica, porém não relacionada especificamente a cicatrizes por queimaduras, e um ensaio clínico randomizado. Conclusão: O microagulhamento se mostra como um promissor tratamento nas cicatrizes de queimadura, promovendo melhora do aspecto estético. Ainda há carência de estudos sobre a temática, especialmente os ensaios clínicos randomizados. Recomenda-se que mais estudos nesse padrão sejam realizados.

Introduction: Burns are traumatic wounds caused by thermal, chemical, electrical or radioactive agents. In the literature there are several studies that discuss techniques that mitigate the consequences left by the burns. Among the treatments available, the microneedling has emerged as important strategy results. The principle of microneedling is to provide a stimulation of collagen production, improving scar quality and construction of scar tissue at the level of the normal skin, preserving the epidermis modulating levels ß1 and 2, transforming growth factors that are considered pro-inflammatory, and increasing levels of TGFß 3 reorganizing collagen fibers, and normalizing the appearance of tissue, suggesting an improvement in fibrotic scars. Objective: To identify, in the literature, the action of microneedling in treating scars of patients who suffered burns. Method: The method adopted for the research was a review of descriptive, with elaborate search strategy using articles indexed in the databases LILACS, SciELO, PubMed and Medline from 2008 to 2016. Results: Seven studies were found, and selected four that met the inclusion criteria. Among the selected, two are case studies, a literature review on the technical but not specifically related to scarring from burns and a randomized clinical trial. Conclusion: Microneedling shown as a promising treatment in burn scars, promoting improved aesthetic appearance. There is still a lack of studies on the subject especially randomized clinical trials, so it is recommended that further studies in this standard are met.

Introducción: Las quemaduras son heridas traumáticas causadas por agentes térmicos, químicos, eléctricos o radioactivos. En la literatura varios estudios que tratan sobre las técnicas que mitiguen las consecuencias dejadas por las quemaduras. Entre los tratamientos disponibles, las microagujas han presentado una estrategia con resultados importantes. El principio de microagujas es proporcionar una estimulación de la producción de colágeno, mejorando la calidad de la cicatriz y la construcción de tejido de la cicatriz en el nivel de la piel normal, preservando la epidermis modulación de los niveles ß1e2 factores de crecimiento transformante que se consideran pro-inflamatoria, y aumentar niveles de TGF 3 reorganización de las fibras de colágeno normalizar la apariencia de tejido que sugiere una mejora de cicatrices fibróticas. Objetivo: Identificar, en la literatura, la acción de microagujas en el tratamiento de cicatrices de pacientes que sufrieron quemaduras. Método: El método adoptado para la investigación fue una revisión descriptiva, con estrategia de búsqueda elaborada, utilizando artículos indexados en las bases de datos LILACS, SciELO, PubMed y Medline desde 2008 hasta 2016. Resultados: Fueron encontrados siete artículos, entre los cuales se seleccionaron cuatro que cumplían los criterios de inclusión. Entre los seleccionados, dos son estudios de casos, una revisión de la literatura en la técnica, pero no específicamente relacionadas con la cicatrización de quemaduras y un ensayo clínico aleatorizado. Conclusión: Microagujas se muestra como un tratamiento prometedor en las cicatrices de quemaduras, promoviendo una mejor apariencia estética. Todavía hay una falta de estudios sobre el tema ensayos clínicos aleatorizados sobre todo, se recomienda que se cumplan otros estudios en esta norma.

Enhancing positive parent-child interactions and family functioning in a poverty sample: a randomized control trial.

This study tested the attachment-based intervention program Video-feedback Intervention to promote Positive Parenting and Sensitive Discipline (VIPP-SD) in a randomized controlled trial with poor families of toddlers screened for professional's concerns about the child's caregiving environment. The VIPP-SD is an evidence-based intervention, but has not yet been tested in the context of poverty. The sample included 43 families with 1- to 4-year-old children: mean age at the pretest was 29 months and 51% were boys. At the pretest and posttest, mother-child interactions were observed at home, and mothers reported on family functioning. The VIPP-SD proved to be effective in enhancing positive parent-child interactions and positive family relations in a severely deprived context. Results are discussed in terms of implications for support services provided to such poor families in order to reduce intergenerational risk transmission.

Decreasing harsh discipline in mothers at risk for maltreatment: a randomized control trial.

This study tested the effectiveness of the attachment-based program Video-feedback Intervention to promote Positive Parenting and Sensitive Discipline (VIPP-SD; F. Juffer, M.J. Bakermans-Kranenburg, & M.H. van IJzendoorn, 2008) in decreasing harsh discipline of 43 mothers and their 1- to 4-year-old-children from severely deprived families. Based on previous studies, parenting stress was tested as a potential moderator of intervention effects on harsh discipline. Using a randomized control design, maternal harsh discipline was observed during home visits at the pretest and posttest, and mothers filled in questionnaires at both assessments. The VIPP-SD proved to be effective in decreasing maternal harsh discipline, but only for mothers who experienced higher levels of parenting stress at intake. These findings provide support for the program's ability to improve parenting in families who are most at risk for harsh parenting and for potentially maltreating child-parent interactions. The results are discussed in terms of the VIPP-SD elements most relevant to decreasing harsh discipline, and the challenges of parenting interventions in severely deprived populations.

Smart alerts: development of software to optimize data monitoring.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Monitoring is useful for vital follow-ups and prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of several events in anesthesia. Although alarms can be useful in monitoring they can cause dangerous user's desensitization. The objective of this study was to describe the development of specific software to integrate intraoperative monitoring parameters generating "smart alerts" that can help decision making, besides indicating possible diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: A system that allowed flexibility in the definition of alerts, combining individual alarms of the parameters monitored to generate a more elaborated alert system was designed. After investigating a set of smart alerts, considered relevant in the surgical environment, a prototype was designed and evaluated, and additional suggestions were implemented in the final product. To verify the occurrence of smart alerts, the system underwent testing with data previously obtained during intraoperative monitoring of 64 patients. The system allows continuous analysis of monitored parameters, verifying the occurrence of smart alerts defined in the user interface. RESULTS: With this system a potential 92% reduction in alarms was observed. We observed that in most situations that did not generate alerts individual alarms did not represent risk to the patient. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of software can allow integration of the data monitored and generate information, such as possible diagnosis or interventions. An expressive potential reduction in the amount of alarms during surgery was observed. Information displayed by the system can be oftentimes more useful than analysis of isolated parameters.

Alertas inteligentes: desenvolvimento de software para otimização dos dados de monitoração / Smart alerts: development of a software to optimize data monitoring / Alertas inteligentes: desarrollo de un software para la optimización de los datos de monitorización

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A monitoração é útil no acompanhamento dos parâmetros vitais e na prevenção, diagnóstico e tratamento de eventos adversos em anestesia. Os alarmes, embora úteis na monitoração, podem causar perigosa dessensibilização do usuário. Objetivou-se descrever o desenvolvimento de software específico para a integração de parâmetros de monitoração intraoperatória, gerando "alertas inteligentes" que podem auxiliar na tomada de decisões, além de indicar possíveis diagnósticos e tratamentos. MÉTODO: Projetou-se um sistema que permitisse flexibilidade na definição dos alertas, combinando os alarmes individuais dos parâmetros monitorados para gerar um alerta mais elaborado. Após o levantamento de um conjunto de alertas inteligentes considerados relevantes no ambiente cirúrgico, um protótipo foi obtido e avaliado, e as sugestões adicionais foram implementadas no produto final. Para verificação da ocorrência dos alertas inteligentes, o sistema foi submetido a testes com dados previamente obtidos durante monitoração intraoperatória de 64 pacientes. O sistema desenvolvido permite a análise contínua do conjunto de parâmetros monitorados, verificando a ocorrência dos alertas inteligentes definidos na interface do usuário. RESULTADOS: Com o uso do sistema, verificou-se uma potencial redução de 92 por cento dos alarmes. Notou-se que, na maioria das situações em que não foram gerados alertas, os alarmes individuais não representavam situações de risco ao paciente. CONCLUSÕES: A implementação de ferramentas de software possibilita a integração de dados de monitoração e geram informações como eventuais diagnósticos ou intervenções. Verificou-se uma redução potencial expressiva na quantidade de alarmes durante a anestesia. As informações exibidas pelo sistema, algumas vezes, podem ser mais úteis que a análise de parâmetros isolados.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Monitoring is useful for vital follow-ups and prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of several events in anesthesia. Although alarms can be useful in monitoring they can cause dangerous user's desensitization. The objective of this study was to describe the development of specific software to integrate intraoperative monitoring parameters generating "smart alerts" that can help decision making, besides indicating possible diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: A system that allowed flexibility in the definition of alerts, combining individual alarms of the parameters monitored to generate a more elaborated alert system was designed. After investigating a set of smart alerts, considered relevant in the surgical environment, a prototype was designed and evaluated, and additional suggestions were implemented in the final product. To verify the occurrence of smart alerts, the system underwent testing with data previously obtained during intraoperative monitoring of 64 patients. The system allows continuous analysis of monitored parameters, verifying the occurrence of smart alerts defined in the user interface. RESULTS: With this system a potential 92 percent reduction in alarms was observed. We observed that in most situations that did not generate alerts individual alarms did not represent risk to the patient. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of software can allow integration of the data monitored and generate information, such as possible diagnosis or interventions. An expressive potential reduction in the amount of alarms during surgery was observed. Information displayed by the system can be oftentimes more useful than analysis of isolated parameters.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: La monitorización es útil en el seguimiento de los parámetros vitales y en la prevención, diagnóstico y tratamiento de eventos adversos en anestesia. Las alarmas, aunque sean útiles en la monitorización, pueden causar una peligrosa desensibilización del usuario. Aquí hemos querido describir el desarrollo de un software específico para la integración de los parámetros de monitorización intraoperatoria, generando "alertas inteligentes" que puedan ayudar en la toma de decisiones, además de indicar posibles diagnósticos y tratamientos. MÉTODO: Se proyectó un sistema que permitiese la flexibilidad en la definición de las alertas, combinando las alarmas individuales de los parámetros monitorizados para generar una alerta más elaborada. Posteriormente a la investigación de un conjunto de alertas inteligentes consideradas relevantes en el ambiente quirúrgico, se obtuvo y se evaluó un prototipo, y las sugerencias adicionales fueron implementadas en el producto final. Para la verificación de la incidencia de las alertas inteligentes, el sistema fue sometido a pruebas con datos previamente obtenidos durante la monitorización intraoperatoria de 64 pacientes. El sistema desarrollado permite un análisis continuo del conjunto de parámetros monitorizados verificando el surgimiento de las alertas inteligentes definidas en la interfaz del usuario. RESULTADOS: Con el uso del sistema, verificamos un potencial de reducción de las alarmas en el umbral del 92 por ciento. Notamos también, que en la mayoría de las situaciones en que no fueron generadas alertas, las alarmas individuales no representaban situaciones de riesgo para el paciente. CONCLUSIONES: La implementación de herramientas de software pueden posibilitar la integración de los datos de monitorización y generar informaciones como posibles diagnósticos o intervenciones. Se verificó una reducción potencial expresiva en la cantidad de alarmas durante la anestesia. Las informaciones que el sistema mostró pueden ser algunas veces más útiles que el análisis de parámetros aislados.