Short- and medium-term complications after emergency department treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation: design and internal validation of the CoSTuM risk scale. / Complicaciones a corto y medio plazo en pacientes con fibrilación auricular que acuden a urgencias: diseño y validación interna de la escala CoSTuM.

OBJECTIVES: To design and validate a clinical risk scale for 90-day adverse events after emergency department (ED) discharge of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective, observational CoSTuM (Spanish acronym for comorbidity, symptoms, treatments, and poor heart rate control) study of patients with AF. We recorded all adverse events occurring during follow-up and used multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify variables independently associated with the occurrence of any such event. A risk model was developed with data from a random sample of 66% of the patients. Data for the remaining patients were used for internal validation of the model. RESULTS: We analyzed data for 645 patients (50.2% women; median [interquartile range] age, 76 (67-81 years). At 90 days, at least 1 adverse event had occurred in 165 patients (25.6%); 114 were in the development sample and 51 were in the validation sample. Independent variables associated with risk for adverse events were age 70 years or older; vascular disease; heart failure; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; kidney disease; obesity; poorly controlled AF symptoms (European Heart Rhythm Association score, III-IV); use of oxygen therapy, digoxin, or other antiarrhythmics in the ED; and poor control of heart rate. The CoSTuM scale based on these variables demonstrated optimal predictive value in both the development sample (c statistic, 0.901; 95% CI, 0.869-0.928; P .001) and the validation sample (c statistic, 0.850, 95% CI, 0.796-0.894; P .001). CONCLUSION: The CoSTuM risk score was a good predictor of 90-day adverse events after ED discharge of patients treated for AF.

OBJETIVO: Diseñar y validar una escala clínica para predecir el riesgo de sufrir eventos adversos a los 90 días del alta de urgencias en pacientes con fibrilación auricular (FA). METODO: Estudio observacional, prospectivo que incluyó pacientes con FA que acudieron a urgencias. Durante el seguimiento, se registró la incidencia de cualquier evento adverso. Se llevó a cabo un análisis de regresión logística multivariante para investigar las variables independientemente asociadas con eventos adversos. El 66% de los pacientes (seleccionados al azar) conformaron la cohorte de derivación y los restantes la cohorte de validación interna. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 645 pacientes (50,2% mujeres, mediana de edad de 76 años, RIC 67-81) y 165 (25,6%) presentaron al menos un evento adverso (114 en la cohorte de derivación y 51 en la de validación interna). La edad 70 años, enfermedad vascular, insuficiencia cardiaca, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC), enfermedad renal, obesidad, síntomas mal controlados (EHRA III-IV), uso de oxigenoterapia, digoxina y otros antiarrítmicos en urgencias y el mal control de la frecuencia cardiaca se asociaron independientemente con el riesgo de eventos adversos. Con estas variables se diseñó la escala CoSTuM (COmorbilidades, Sintomatología, Tratamiento en Urgencias y Mal control de la frecuencia cardiaca), que mostró una óptima capacidad predictiva tanto en la cohorte de derivación (estadístico c: 0,901, IC 95% 0,869-0,928; p 0,001) como en la de validación (estadístico c: 0,850, IC 95% 0,796-0,894; p 0,001). CONCLUSIONES: En pacientes con FA atendidos en urgencias, la escala CoSTuM demostró tener una buena capacidad de predicción de eventos adversos a los 90 días tras el alta.

Análisis de la cultura de seguridad en una Unidad de Cardiología gestionada por procesos / Analysis of the safety culture in a Cardiology Unit managed by processes

Resumen La cultura sobre seguridad se perfila como uno de los requisitos para evitar la aparición de efectos adversos, sin embargo, no se ha estudiado en el ámbito de la cardiología. Objetivo: es evaluar la cultura de seguridad en una unidad de cardiología que tiene implantado y certificado un sistema integrado de gestión de calidad y riesgos para la seguridad del paciente. Método: Se realizó un estudio observacional trasversal en 2 años consecutivos utilizando la encuesta Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture de la «Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality¼ en su versión española (42 ítems agrupados en 12 dimensiones) sobre todo el personal. Se comparó el porcentaje de respuestas positivas de cada dimensión en 2014 y 2015, así como con los datos a nivel nacional y en EE. UU., siguiendo las recomendaciones establecidas. Resultados: La valoración global, sobre un máximo de 5, fue de 4.5 en 2014 y de 4.7 en 2015. Identificamos 7 dimensiones como fortaleza. Las peor valoradas fueron: Dotación de personal, Apoyo de la gerencia y Trabajo en equipo entre unidades. La comparación mostró superioridad en todas las dimensiones a nivel nacional, y en 8 respecto a los datos del registro americano. Conclusiones: La cultura de seguridad en una unidad de cardiología con un sistema integrado de gestión de calidad y riesgos y seguridad del paciente es elevada, superior a la nacional en todas sus dimensiones y en la mayoría de ellas respecto al registro de EE. UU.

Abstract Safety culture is one of the requirements for preventing the occurrence of adverse effects. However, this has not been studied in the field of cardiology. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety culture in a cardiology unit that has implemented and certified an integrated quality and risk management system for patient safety. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in 2 consecutive years, with all staff completing the Spanish version of the questionnaire, ''Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture'' of the ''Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality'', with 42 items grouped into 12 dimensions. The percentage of positive responses in each dimension in 2014 and 2015 were compared, as well as national data and United States data, following the established rules. Results: The overall assessment out of a possible 5, was 4.5 in 2014 and 4.7 in 2015. Seven dimensions were identified as strengths. The worst rated were: staffing, management support and teamwork between units. The comparison showed superiority in all dimensions compared to national data, and in 8 of them compared to American data. Conclusions: The safety culture in a Cardiology Unit with an integrated quality and risk management patient safety system is high, and higher than nationally in all its dimensions and in most of them compared to the United States.

[Analysis of the safety culture in a Cardiology Unit managed by processes]. / Análisis de la cultura de seguridad en una Unidad de Cardiología gestionada por procesos.

Safety culture is one of the requirements for preventing the occurrence of adverse effects. However, this has not been studied in the field of cardiology. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety culture in a cardiology unit that has implemented and certified an integrated quality and risk management system for patient safety. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in 2 consecutive years, with all staff completing the Spanish version of the questionnaire, "Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture" of the "Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality", with 42 items grouped into 12 dimensions. The percentage of positive responses in each dimension in 2014 and 2015 were compared, as well as national data and United States data, following the established rules. RESULTS: The overall assessment out of a possible 5, was 4.5 in 2014 and 4.7 in 2015. Seven dimensions were identified as strengths. The worst rated were: staffing, management support and teamwork between units. The comparison showed superiority in all dimensions compared to national data, and in 8 of them compared to American data. CONCLUSIONS: The safety culture in a Cardiology Unit with an integrated quality and risk management patient safety system is high, and higher than nationally in all its dimensions and in most of them compared to the United States.

Cultural analysis of surgical safety checklist items in Spain and Argentina. / Análisis cultural de los ítems de dos listas de verificación quirúrgica de España y Argentina.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the agreement between two surgical checklists implanted in two hospitals in Spain and Argentina, using the international classification for patient safety as a framework. METHOD: This was an expert opinion study carried out using an ad hoc questionnaire in electronic format, which included 7 of the 13 categories of the international classification for patient safety. Fifteen surgical security experts from each country participated in this study by classifying the items on the checklists into the selected ICPS categories. The data were analyzed with SPSS V20 software. RESULTS: There was a greater percentage of classifications in fields related to the prevention of critical events. The category "clinical processes and procedures" was mentioned most frequently in both lists. CONCLUSION: The implementation of the surgical safety checklist is variable. Experts considered that the Argentinian list was clearer in every dimension.

Análisis cultural de los ítems de dos listas de verificación quirúrgica de España y Argentina / Análise cultural dos itens de duas listas de verificação cirúrgica de Espanha e Argentina / Cultural analysis of surgical safety checklist items in Spain and Argentina

RESUMEN Objetivo Comparar la concordancia entre dos listas de verificación quirúrgica implantadas en dos hospitales en España y Argentina utilizando como marco de referencia la Clasificación Internacional para la Seguridad de Pacientes. Método Estudio basado en el juicio de expertos realizado con un cuestionario ad hoc en soporte electrónico que abarca 7 de las 13 categorías de la Clasificación Internacional para la Seguridad de Pacientes. Participaron 15 expertos en seguridad quirúrgica de cada país, asociando cada ítem de las listas de verificación con las dimensiones seleccionadas. Los datos se analizaron con el programa SPSS V20. Resultados Se evidencia un mayor porcentaje de coincidencias con campos relacionados con prevención de eventos críticos. La dimensión Procesos clínicos y procedimientos obtuvo una mayor frecuencia de asignación en ambas listas. Conclusión Existe variabilidad en la implantación de las listas de verificación quirúrgica. Los expertos consideran la lista argentina más clara en cada dimensión.

RESUMO Objetivo Comparar a concordância entre duas listas cirúrgicas, implantadas em dois hospitais na Espanha e na Argentina, usando como quadro de referência a classificação internacional para a segurança do paciente. Método Estudo baseado na opinião de especialistas, realizado através de um questionário ad hoc em formato eletrônico, que inclui 7 das 13 categorias da classificação internacional para a segurança do paciente. Participaram 15 especialistas em segurança cirúrgica de cada país, associando cada item das listas de verificação nas dimensões selecionadas. Os dados foram analisados com o programa SPSS V20. Resultados Uma porcentagem mais elevada de coincidências é evidente com domínios relacionados à prevenção de eventos críticos. A dimensão Processos clínicos e procedimentos apresentou uma maior frequência de atribuição em ambas as listas. Conclusão Há variabilidade na implantação das listas cirúrgicas de verificação. Especialistas acreditam que a lista da Argentina é mais clara em todas as dimensões.

ABSTRACT Objective To compare the agreement between two surgical checklists implanted in two hospitals in Spain and Argentina, using the international classification for patient safety as a framework. Method This was an expert opinion study carried out using an ad hoc questionnaire in electronic format, which included 7 of the 13 categories of the international classification for patient safety. Fifteen surgical security experts from each country participated in this study by classifying the items on the checklists into the selected ICPS categories. The data were analyzed with SPSS V20 software. Results There was a greater percentage of classifications in fields related to the prevention of critical events. The category “clinical processes and procedures” was mentioned most frequently in both lists. Conclusion The implementation of the surgical safety checklist is variable. Experts considered that the Argentinian list was clearer in every dimension.

[ALEA study. Treatment of chronic wounds infected by the application of silver dressings nanocrystalline combined with dressings hydrocellular]. / Estudio ALEA. Tratamiento de heridas crónicas infectadas mediante la aplicación de apósitos de plata nanocristalina combinados con apósitos hidrocelulares.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted with the objective to assess, in real clinical conditions in primary care and geriatric centers, application and utility of nanocrystalline silver dressings dressings combined with hydrocellular in relation to the development during 20 shifts dressing or complete healing of the characteristics of the lesions included in the study MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective observational multicenter open, repeated measures. It could include injuries of different etiologies (pressure ulcers stage 11-111, lower limb and traumatic wounds or surgical origin), with clinical signs of local infection (at least three of the following: redness, purulent discharge, heat, edema and pain). Only one wound was included per patient. An analysis of effectiveness by intention to treat all lesions included. RESULTS: We recruited 103 patients who met the inclusion criteria but were collected in which 77 patients were used for nanocrystalline silver dressings in some phase of the study, They had a median of 80 years of age and 58.4% were women. By type of injury: 53.2% pressure ulcers, 31.2% lower extremity ulcers and 14.3% traumatic or surgical wounds. Over 50% of the lesions was older than eight months and a larger area of 22.75 cm2. At first, 70.1% had redness, purulent discharge 64.9%, 37.7% heat edema 42.9% and 65.8% pain. Remained in the study a median of 42.5 days at a rate of change of dressing every 2.5. During this time in 96.1% of the lesions were removed for clinical signs of local infection in a statistically significant (p < or = 0.001). 27.3% healed from injuries and those not healed, 92.9% experienced improvement, and its healing curves were statistically significant (p < 0.05). 92.2% of clinicians assessed treatment with these products as good or excellent. CONCLUSION: The use of the products used in this study consistent with the concept and PLH TIME, has proved useful in this type of injury reducing the clinical signs of infection, promoting granulation tissue and necrotic removing the burden being able to manage the exudate of an optimal healing and getting one out of three masses.

Mortalidad evitable y políticas en salud: Colombia, 1985-2002 / Avoidable mortality and health policies: Colombia, 1985-2002

Introducción: La confianza en la capacidad de evitar algunas muertes o diferir su aparición es el fundamento de toda política de salud, uno de cuyos principales resultados debe ser reducir las muertes evitables, y controlar las condiciones que aumentan el riesgo de morir. Objetivos: Establecer variaciones en la tendencia de la mortalidad evitable (ME) registrada en Colombia entre 1985 y 2002, como indicadoras del impacto efectivo que las reformas en la política sanitaria pudieran haber tenido sobre sus determinantes. Métodos: Estudio de la ME con base en los registros oficiales de defunción y en las proyecciones censales de Colombia entre 1985-2002. Para determinar la evitabilidad, se aplicó un inventario de causas de ME (ICME) ajustado a las condiciones epidemiológicas del país durante el período que se analiza. Resultados: De las muertes registradas, 75.3% se clasificaron como evitables. Se identificaron siete patrones de tendencia que reflejan, de manera particular, los efectos de las políticas públicas sobre los determinantes de la mortalidad. Conclusiones: En general, la ME viene disminuyendo en Colombia desde 1985 en la población general y entre los hombres, sin variaciones significativas durante el período. Las variaciones en la tendencia de las tasas ajustadas de varios grupos de causas hacen pensar en un deterioro en el control de sus determinantes, especialmente desde 1990. Los cambios aplicados en las políticas públicas durante los últimos años no se reflejaron en un mejor control de las muertes evitables, aunque el gasto en salud aumentó de modo muy notable en el país.

Introduction: Confidence in the capacity to avoid some deaths or to defer their occurrence is the foundation of any health public policy, one of whose main results should be to reduce avoidable mortality by controlling conditions that increase the risk of dying. Objectives: To establish trend variations in avoidable mortality (AM), registered in Colombia between 1985 and 2002, as an indicator of the effective impact that recent health reforms could have produced on the determinants of mortality. Methods: This is a study of AM, based on Colombian official registries of death and census projections, between 1985 and 2002. To determine the avoidability, an inventory of causes of AM (ICAM), based on the Holland and Taucher models, was applied to the data during the period analyzed. Results: Of the number of deaths registered, 75.3% were classified as avoidable. Seven tendency patterns were identified and each of them reflects, in particular, public-policy effects on mortality determinants. Conclusions: On the whole, AM has diminished in Colombia since 1985 among the general population and among men, without significant variations during the period. The trend variations observed of adjusted rates suggest deterioration in the control of AM determinants, particularly since 1990. Public policy changes applied in Colombia during the period have not been reflected in a better control of avoidable deaths, although health expenses have increased remarkably.

Diseño y análisis comparativo de un inventario de indicadores de mortalidad evitable adaptado a las condiciones sanitarias de Colombia / Design and comparative analysis of an inventory of avoidable mortality indicators specific to health conditions in Colombia

OBJETIVOS: Elaborar un inventario de indicadores de mortalidad evitable (INIME) que permita analizar las fallas en el control de los riesgos de mortalidad predominantes en Colombia y comparar los resultados de su aplicación con los obtenidos mediante dos enfoques ampliamente utilizados. MÉTODOS: Se revisaron los registros oficiales de mortalidad de Colombia de 1985 a 2001; las causas básicas de muerte se clasificaron según la CIE-9. Se seleccionaron los indicadores de mortalidad evitable (ME) mediante un algoritmo que combinó las listas de Holland y de Taucher, la definición de Rutstein y colaboradores y el principio de Uemura. Se compararon las proporciones de muertes evitables resultantes de aplicar el INIME y las dos listas de ME a una base de datos con los registros oficiales de defunciones de Colombia de 1993 a 1996. RESULTADOS: De las 680617 defunciones registradas en el período de estudio, se clasificaron como evitables 18,2 por ciento según la lista de Holland y 51,3 por ciento según la lista de Taucher. La ME según el INIME ascendió a 76,7 por ciento. Este patrón se mantuvo relativamente estable entre 1993 y 1996. Las diferencias observadas en la proporción de muertes evitables según el INIME y las dos listas de ME se relacionaron con el perfil epidemiológico local y el enfoque conceptual de cada lista. CONCLUSIONES: Las diferencias entre el INIME y las listas de ME de Holland y de Taucher muestran las consecuencias de usar una u otra clasificación en el contexto colombiano. El INIME puede constituir un recurso valioso para fundamentar y evaluar políticas sanitarias, pero debe ajustarse a la situación específica en que se aplique.

OBJECTIVES: To develop a list of indicators of avoidable mortality (LIAM) in order to analyze failed efforts to control the mortality risks prevalent in Colombia, and to compare its results to those of two widely-used approaches. METHODS: The official mortality records of Colombia for 1985-2001 were reviewed; the basic causes of death were classified according to the ICD-9. Indicators of avoidable mortality (AM) were selected using an algorithm that combined the lists of Holland and Taucher, the definition of Rutstein and colleagues, and the principle of Uemura. The proportions of avoidable deaths that resulted from applying the LIAM and the two AM lists were compared to a database containing Colombia's official death records from 1993-1996. RESULTS: Of the 680 617 deaths registered during the study period, 18.2 percent were classified as avoidable according to Holland's list, and 51.3 percent, by Taucher's list. According to the LIAM, avoidable mortality rose to 76.7 percent. This pattern remained relatively stable in 1993-1996. The differences observed between the proportions of avoidable deaths according to the LIAM and that of the two other lists were related to the local epidemiological profile and the conceptual approach of each list. CONCLUSIONS: The differences between the LIAM and the AM lists of Taucher and of Holland attest to the consequences of using one or another classification in the Colombian context. The LIAM can be a valuable resource for undergirding and evaluating health policies, but must be adjusted to the specific situation in which it is applied.

[Concordance among samples taken from a subcutaneous reservoir and a peripheral puncture]. / Concordancia entre muestras extraídas por reservorio subcutáneo y punción periférica.

Many patients who undergo phlebo-toxic treatment eventually require central vein access ways and of these accesses, the most common one used among oncology patients due to its advantages is a subcutaneous reservoir. The objective of this study was to verify the concordance among samples obtained from a subcutaneous reservoir using the rejection technique, and those obtained when using a direct puncture technique. This study included 22 patients who were carriers of a subcutaneous reservoir and who visited outpatient services during March and April in 2006. The study authors obtained simultaneous samples from subcutaneous reservoirs and from peripheral veins. These parameters were compared by means of an intra-class correlation coefficient. Only hematology parameters, that is leucocytes, hematocrits, hemoglobin and platelets, showed an adequate concordance.

[Famine in the Spanish civil war and mortality from coronary heart disease: a perspective from Barker's hypothesis]. / El hambre en la Guerra Civil española y la mortalidad por cardiopatía isquémica: una perspectiva desde la hipótesis de Barker.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the famine experienced during the Spanish civil war and immediate postwar period influenced mortality from coronary heart disease (CHD) in persons born in this period, following the lines of Barker's hypothesis on fetal programming of chronic diseases in adult life. METHODS: Using CHD mortality data by age and sex for 1990-2002, annual and age-adjusted rates were calculated by the direct method. Poisson regressions were used to estimate period, age and cohort effects by year of birth (1918-1957). RESULTS: During the study period, CHD mortality fell by a yearly average of -2.3% in both sexes and in all ages yearly. This trend was influenced by both cohort and period effects (p<0.001); an increased risk was observed for both sexes and in all ages in the deaths corresponding to persons born during the war and postwar years when the famine was most intense (1937, 1940, 1943 and 1945). CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained by studying yearly CHD mortality are compatible with those expected by Barker's hypothesis of the effect of nutritional stress during pregnancy. In addition to its human, economic and political costs, the Spanish civil war could also have had negative consequences for the health of persons born in this period.

["Auriga-04" study on the use of a range of Allevyn hydro-cellular dressings in the treatment of bed sores and leg ulcers by primary health care professionals]. / Estudio "Auriga-04".

The objective of this study was to analyze the application and usefulness of a range of Allevyn trademark hydro-cellular dressings during cicatrisation and in the control of exudation and other various characteristics of chronic lesions in real clinical conditions where patients were treated by primary health care professionals. In this study, 441 patients having chronic wounds, either bed sores or leg ulcers, were studied, health care professionals applied a planned program of measures repeated during 20 dressing changes or until cicatrisation was completed if this happened during this interval. The sample population was comprised of elderly patients, the majority of whom were women whose general health could be classified from medium to poor. These patients suffered from these types of wounds: 63% had bed sores, 27.2% had varicose ulcers and 9.8% had leg ulcers caused by another etiology such as mixed ulcers, arterial ulcers or diabetic foot. On average, these lesions were characterized by an evolutionary period of 6.1 months and had a 30.43 square centimetre surface area at the start of the study. 126 lesions, or 28.8%, cicatrized on average of 47.3 days. Among the 315 lesions which had not cicatrized by the end of 20 dressing changes, 90.5% showed evidence of improvement. During the study these lesions showed a significant reduction in their surface area, as well as a significant improvement at the edges of these lesions and the peri-ulceral skin. The health personnel which carried out the treatment using these dressings gave a very favorable evaluation for their use. At the end of this study, in comparison with other dressings previous used, this study showed that in 43.43% of the cases an Allevyn dressing was deemed better in terms of ease in application, in 51.79% of the cases an Allevyn dressing was better in terms of absorption and in 43.23% of the cases an Allevyn dressing was better during removal.

[Making decisions. A conceptual approximation]. / Tomar decisiones. Una aproximación conceptual.

Decision making is constant in all aspects of the nursing field, including management, professional development, investigation and assistance. But, What can be stated about the mechanisms and procedures which lead us to adopt a decision? By means of the considerations taken into account, and bearing in mind that in our country there are no research articles which deal with decision making in nursing, the authors make a bibliographical review which contributes to a critical discussion about this topic and which brings to bear elements of reflection for decision making in daily nursing practice. First, the authors deal with the origins and the evolution of decision making models in clinical practice so that they may later analyze decision making in nursing.