Development and Validation of a Discharge Assessment Scale for Outpatients Undergoing Sedative Anesthesia in the Ambulatory Postanesthesia Care Unit: A Comprehensive Delphi Study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop a discharge assessment scale tailored for outpatients undergoing sedative anesthesia treatment in the ambulatory postanesthesia care unit and validate its agreement with the Post-Anesthetic Discharge Scoring System. DESIGN: The Delphi method. METHODS: A Delphi survey was conducted with 30 experts focusing on the evaluation of outpatient discharges following treatment under ambulatory anesthesia. Subsequently, a cross-sectional observational study employing convenience sampling selected 2,579 outpatients who had undergone painless ambulatory gastrointestinal endoscopy at a tertiary hospital to analyze the level of agreement with the Post-Anesthesia Discharge Scoring System. FINDINGS: The study conducted three rounds of expert consultations to create the ambulatory discharge assessment scale. Twenty-five experts from 12 provinces and municipalities in our country were interviewed. The discharge assessment form encompassed five aspects: consciousness level, vital signs, directional stability, mobility, and adverse reactions. According to the scale, if the total score exceeded 9 points, with none of the items scoring 0 points, the ambulatory patient could be discharged from the hospital with the accompaniment of family members. Patients assessed using this newly constructed scale were able to leave the hospital earlier compared to those assessed using the comparative scale. No significant differences were observed in vital signs at the time of discharge or the occurrence of adverse events within 24 hours after the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: This assessment tool for discharging ambulatory patients after the ambulatory anesthesia from the postanesthesia outpatient care unit can be considered a valuable addition to formalize the discharge process in outpatient services.

Ambulatory cancer patients: who should definitely receive antithrombotic prophylaxis and who should never receive.

Up to 15-20% of cancer patients experience one or more episodes of venous thromboembolism during cancer disease. Approximately 80% of all cancer-associated venous thromboembolic events occur in non-hospitalized patients. Routine thromboprophylaxis for outpatients with cancer who start new anticancer treatment is currently not recommended by the international guidelines due to the high heterogeneity of these patients in terms of VTE or bleeding risks, the difficulties in selecting patients at high risk, and the uncertainty of duration of prophylaxis. Although the international guidelines endorsed the Khorana score for estimating the thrombotic risk in ambulatory cancer patients, the discriminatory performance of this score is not completely convincing and varies according to the cancer type. Consequently, a minority of ambulatory patients with cancer receive an accurate screening for primary prophylaxis of VTE. The aim of this review is to provide support to physicians in identifying those ambulatory patients with cancer for whom thromboprophylaxis should be prescribed and those that should not be candidate to thromboprophylaxis. In absence of high bleeding risk, primary thromboprophylaxis should be recommended in patients with pancreatic cancer and, probably, in patients with lung cancer harboring ALK/ROS1 translocations. Patients with upper gastrointestinal cancers are at high risk of VTE, but a careful assessment of bleeding risk should be made before deciding on antithrombotic prophylaxis. Primary prevention of VTE is not recommended in cancer patients at increased risk of bleeding as patients with brain cancer, with moderate-to-severe thrombocytopenia or severe renal impairment.

Impacts of Outpatient Payment Reforms on Volume and Expenditures in Public Hospitals: Evidence from a Quasi-Experimental Analysis in Zhejiang, China.

Purpose: China developed an innovative episode-based payment scheme for outpatient care, namely "Ambulatory Patient Groups (APGs) + capitation" payment, to constrain inflation in outpatient expenditures. This study aimed to assess the effects of this payment method on volume and expenditures in Chinese public hospitals. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 7 municipal and 12 county hospitals from Jinhua as the intervention group and 15 municipal and 24 county hospitals from three neighbouring cities as the control group. The payment reform was introduced to municipal and county hospitals in the intervention group in January 2020 and January 2021, respectively. Monthly data on volumes and outpatient expenditures were collected from each hospital from January 2019 to December 2021. Controlled interrupted time-series analyses were performed to determine the effects of the funding reforms. Results: Outpatient visits in municipal hospitals decreased by 1417.54 (p=0.048) per month on average compared with control ones after the reform was implemented, whilst that in county hospitals increased by 1058.04 (p=0.041) per month on average. The trend of drug expenditures (ß 7=-1.41, p=0.019) in municipal hospitals dropped, which was accompanied by an immediate reduction in consumable expenditures (ß 6 =-6.89, p=0.044). The funding reform also led to the significant declines in drug (ß 6=-10.96, p=0.009) and consumable (ß 6=-4.78, p=0.041) expenditures in county hospitals. Municipal hospitals experienced the drop in the trend of total outpatient expenditures (ß 7=-3.99, p=0.018) over the same period. Conclusion: The strength of the "AGPs + capitation" payment for outpatient care lies in its ability to control the excessive growth of medical expenses through correcting inappropriate incentives. However, minimising potential cost-shifting and risk-shifting to uninsured service items should be given attention.

A new technique for proximal femoral resection in non-ambulatory patients with cerebral palsy.

Proximal femoral resection may be proposed to non-ambulatory patients with cerebral palsy and chronic painful hip dislocation. McCarthy's technique confers good results but does not solve the problems related to femoral reascension (bone migration causing painful osseous or cutaneous conflict). We describe a new technique of resection-interposition of the proximal end of the femur which preserves the greater trochanter by an orthogonal osteotomy below the lesser trochanter while maintaining the gluteal-vastus lateralis strut in continuity. A suture of the remaining joint capsule upon itself and a trans-trochanteric capsulodesis are associated to stabilize the cephalic displacement of the femur.

Impact of pharmacist-led medication therapy management in ambulatory elderly patients with chronic diseases.

AIMS: This study aimed to assess the impact of pharmacist-led medication therapy management (MTM) performed on ambulatory elderly patients with chronic diseases. METHODS: Patients who came to a pharmacist-led outpatient clinic between January 2016 and June 2018 were enrolled in this study. Eligible subjects received MTM services from the pharmacists at least twice a year and the clinical data of these patients were complete. Drug-related problems (DRPs) and recommendations were evaluated using The Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe Classification for Drug related problems V8.03. RESULTS: A total of 525 DRPs were identified during the study period. Treatment effectiveness (53.71%) was the most common DRP. The most frequently recommended intervention was changing the drug (48.76%). There were 92.38% patients accepting the interventions and 90.48% patients completely implemented. The number of drugs taken was the significant associated factor for DRPs. Postintervention data collection showed lower levels in systolic blood pressure (BP) and diastolic BP compared to the preintervention data collection. There were statistically significant changes in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides between the pre- and postintervention data collections. The average cost of medications per patient for every month decreased from 387.72 to 355.17 renminbi (P = .009). CONCLUSION: We confirmed that pharmacists had a valuable role to perform MTM services for ambulatory elderly patients, not only in identifying and solving the DRPs, but also in improving clinical outcomes (BP and lipid level) and cost-saving effect.

Characterization of drug-related problems and associated factors in ambulatory patients in China.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and the type of drug-related problems (DRPs) in ambulatory patients and identify factors that may be associated with risk of DRPs. METHODS: Consecutive patients were enrolled from pharmacist outpatient clinics between January 2018 and June 2019. The pharmacists performed a comprehensive assessment of the patient's drug therapy. The DRPs and recommendations were evaluated using the DOCUMENT classification system. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The study population consisted of 248 patients with a mean age of 72.55 ± 6.29. The patients had a mean of 7.55 ± 4.72 ongoing medications during patients' routine clinic visits. A total of 1188 DRPs were identified during the study period. An average of 4.79 DRPs per patient was detected. Sixty-two different traditional Chinese patent medicines (TCPMs) contributed to 102 DRPs. Drug selection (24.9%) was the most common DRP followed by under treated (24.2%) and monitoring needed (24.2%). The number of medications taken was the significant factor for DRPs. Pharmacists made 1092 recommendations to address the DRPs (an average 0.92 recommendations per DRP). A change in therapy was the most common recommendation (43.6%), followed by the category 'monitoring' (28.6%). The overall acceptance rate of clinical pharmacist recommendations was 88.7%. More than a half (51.6%) of all interventions were assigned a moderate level of clinical significance. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: Drug-related problems were commonly observed among ambulatory Chinese patients. Clinical pharmacists had a valuable role to play in identifying and solving the DRPs.

Prevalência de sintomas depressivos em pacientes de serviços ambulatoriais de clínica médica / Prevalence of depressive symptoms in patients of medical ambulatory services

RESUMO Objetivo Estimar a prevalência de sintomas depressivos em pacientes de ambulatórios de clínica médica no Hospital Universitário Lauro Wanderley, em 2018. Métodos Aplicação de um questionário sociodemográfico e da escala de depressão de Hamilton em um período de dois meses; 101 pacientes foram devidamente entrevistados. Resultados Observou-se que 61,4% da amostra classifica-se entre ligeiramente e gravemente deprimida, sendo 78% dos pacientes da reumatologia, 63% da cardiologia e 48% da endocrinologia. Dos pacientes abordados, 34,6% praticam atividade física pelo menos três vezes por semana, 53,5% fazem ou já fizeram uso de medicação para dormir, 25,7% já fizeram tratamento psiquiátrico e 4,9% o fazem atualmente, em contrapartida 29,7% fazem uso de algum psicotrópico. Dos psicotrópicos, o mais utilizado foi o diazepam (16,7%). Verificaram-se as seguintes associações: pacientes ligeiramente a gravemente deprimidos não praticavam atividades físicas, já faziam tratamento de saúde e tinham histórico de tratamento psiquiátrico; a reumatologia apresentou mais pacientes com algum grau de depressão. Dos 27 que disseram ter sono ruim, 78% usavam medicamento para dormir e 63%, psicotrópicos; 60% não praticavam atividade física e 81% eram ligeiramente a gravemente deprimidos. Sintomas somáticos foram os mais relatados na escala de Hamilton. Conclusão Existe alta prevalência de sintomas depressivos em pacientes dos ambulatórios de clínica médica, com destaque para as doenças cardiovasculares, endocrinológicas e reumatológicas. Percebe-se que houve grande destaque para os sintomas somáticos, o que pode explicar a grande quantidade de entrevistados que não são acompanhados por psiquiatra e tratados apenas com sintomáticos.

ABSTRACT Objective Estimate the prevalence of depressive symptoms in ambulatory of medical clinics at Lauro Wanderley University Hospital in 2018. Methods Application of a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale in a 2-month period, where 101 patients were interviewed. Results It was observed that 61.4% of the sample is classified as mildly and severely depressed, with 78% of rheumatology patients, 63% of cardiology and 48% of endocrinology. Of the patients treated 34.6% practice physical activity at least three times a week, 53.5% use or had used sleeping medication, 25.7% have psychiatric treatment and 4.9% currently do, in contrast 29.7% use some psychotropic. Of the psychotropics, the most used was Diazepam (16.7%). The following associations were found: slightly depressed patients did not practice physical activities, were already receiving health treatment and had a history of psychiatric treatment; rheumatology showed more patients with some degree of depression. Of the 27 who reported poor sleep, 78% used sleeping medication and 63% psychotropic, 60% did not practice physical activity and 81% were slightly depressed. Somatic symptoms were the most reported on the Hamilton scale. Conclusion There is a high prevalence of depressive symptoms in patients of medical ambulatory services, especially cardiovascular, endocrinological and rheumatologic diseases. It is noticed that there was a great emphasis on somatic symptoms, which may explain the large number of respondents who are not accompanied by psychiatrist and treated only with symptomatic.

Características de pacientes asmáticos mexicanos atendidos en consulta externa / Characteristics of Mexican asthmatic subjects attending an outpatient service

Background. Despite the high prevalence of asthma in Mexico, studies describing general characteristics of these patients are scarce. Objective.To analyze the sociodemographic, clinical and respiratory functional profile of asthmatic patients attending for the first time the outpatient service of a tertiary-level hospital, as well as to investigate treatments already received and the abandonment rate. Methods.Adolescent and adult asthmatic subjects seen from February 2000 to November 2002 in the outpatient service of the National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, in Mexico City, were prospectively studied. Sociodemographic information was gathered and clinical and spirometric evaluations were carried out. The severity of the disease was classified according to international criteria. Results. A total of 1403 patients between 12 and 82 years of age, with predominance of the female gender, were included in the analysis. An 88.7% of patients had the mildest forms of the disease, 10% had moderate asthma, and 1.3% had severe asthma. While 21.4% had never received anti-asthma treatment, about one third of the remaining patients had received corticosteroids, independently of the asthma severity, indicating an over-treatment of the intermittent form of the disease and an under-treatment of persistent forms. A high abandonment rate (65.7%) was observed. A positive bronchodilator test was observed in 30.3% of patients with intermittent asthma, though this proportion increased to about 67% in those with moderate and severe asthma. Conclusion.Mildest forms of the disease predominate among asthmatic patients attending for the first time an outpatient service, with a still very high frequency of inadequate use of corticosteroids.

Antecedentes. A pesar de que en México existe una alta prevalencia de asma, hay pocos estudios que describan las características generales de estos pacientes. Objetivo. Conocer el perfil sociodemográfico, clínico y funcional respiratorio de pacientes asmáticos que acuden por primera vez a consulta externa de un hospital de tercer nivel de atención, así como los tratamientos recibidos y su tasa de abandono. Métodos. Se estudiaron, prospectivamente, sujetos asmáticos adolescentes y adultos, atendidos de febrero del 2000 a noviembre del 2002 en el servicio de consulta externa del Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias, de la ciudad de México. Se recabó información sociodemográfica y se realizó evaluación clínica y por espirometría. La gravedad del asma se clasificó de acuerdo con criterios internacionales. Resultados. Se incluyeron 1,403 pacientes de 12 a 82 años de edad, con predominio del sexo femenino. El 88.7% de los pacientes tenían formas leves de la enfermedad, 10% asma moderada, y 1.3% asma grave. El 21.4% no había recibido tratamiento antiasmático. Entre los demás, cerca de una tercera parte recibió corticosteroides, independientemente de la gravedad del asma, indicando sobretratamiento del asma intermitente y subtratamiento de las formas persistentes. Encontramos una alta tasa de deserción (65.7%). Una respuesta positiva a la prueba con broncodilatador se observó en 30.3% de los pacientes con asma intermitente, cifra que se elevó a cerca de 67% en las formas moderada y grave. Conclusión. Entre los pacientes asmáticos que acuden a consulta externa, predominan las formas leves, detectándose que todavía existe una alta frecuencia del uso inadecuado de los corticosteroides.

Ansiedade e mecanismos de coping utilizados por pacientes cirúrgicos ambulatoriais / Ansiedad y mecanismos de coping utilizados por pacientes quirúrgicos de consulta externa / Anxiety and coping in ambulatory surgical patients

Os objetivos deste estudo foram identificar o estado de ansiedade e os mecanismos de coping utilizados por pacientes cirúrgicos ambulatoriais no período pré-operatório, suas manifestações clínicas e respectivas correlações. Os resultados obtidos identificam que a amostra de 40 pacientes apresentou baixa ansiedade e o mecanismo de coping mais utilizado foi o suporte social, porém, não obtivemos relação estatisticamente significante entre estado de ansiedade e mecanismos de coping e alterações clínicas.

The goals of this study were to identify the anxiety state in surgical ambulatory patients in the pre-operative period, the coping mechanisms employed, their clinical manifestation, and to verify the influence of state anxiety during the pre-operative period. The results showed that patients exhibited little anxiety and there was no significantly statistical correlation between pre-operative anxiety state, coping mechanisms and clinical changes.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivos identificar el estado de ansiedad y los mecanismos de "coping" utilizados por pacientes quirúrgicos de consulta externa en el período pre-operatorio, sus manifestaciones clínicas y respectivas correlaciones. Los resultados obtenidos identifican que la muestra de 40 pacientes presentó baja ansiedad y el mecanismo de coping más utilizado fue el soporte social, sin embargo, no se obtuvo relación estadísticamente significativa entre el estado de ansiedad y mecanismos de "coping" y alteraciones clínicas.