Review and Assessment of Policy Options for Improving Access to Combination Therapies in Oncology in Europe.

OBJECTIVES: Combinations of on-patent therapies (CTs) are increasingly common in oncology. They cause challenges for funding and affordability, and hence patient access, especially when constituent therapies are owned by different manufacturers. The aim of our study was to develop policy proposals for the assessment, pricing, and funding of CTs and identify which might be relevant in different European countries. METHODS: Following a review of available literature, seven hypothetical policy proposals were developed and subsequently assessed through 19 semi-structured interviews with health policy, pricing, technology assessment and legal experts in seven European countries to identify those most likely to gain traction. RESULTS: Experts saw a need for agreed approaches within a country to manage affordability and funding challenges for CTs. Changes to health technology assessment (HTA) and funding models were considered unlikely, but other policy proposals were seen as mostly useful, with country-specific adaptations. Bilateral discussions between manufacturers and payers were deemed important, and less challenging and protracted than arbitrated dialogue between manufacturers. Usage-specific pricing, possibly using weighted average prices, was considered a prerequisite for the financial management of CTs. CONCLUSIONS: There is a growing need to ensure that CTs are affordable to health systems. It would appear that there is no one set of policies that is appropriate for all countries in Europe, so countries wishing to ensure that patients have (or continue to have) access to CTs of value to them must explore and implement the policies that are best suited to their general approach to funding health care and to the assessment and reimbursement of medicines.

Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Ocrelizumab for the Treatment of Relapsing and Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis in Portugal.

OBJECTIVES: Ocrelizumab demonstrated significant clinical benefit for the treatment of relapsing (RMS) and primary progressive (PPMS) multiple sclerosis (MS), an incurable disease characterized by disability progression. This study evaluated the clinical and economic impact of ocrelizumab relative to current clinical practice, including other disease-modifying therapies (DMT), available in Portugal. METHODS: Markov models for MS were adapted to estimate the impact of ocrelizumab across three patient populations: treatment-naïve RMS, previously treated RMS, and PPMS. Health states were defined according to the Expanded Disability Status Scale. For RMS, the model further captured the occurrence of relapses and progression to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS). A lifetime time-horizon and Portuguese societal perspective were adopted. RESULTS: For RMS patients, ocrelizumab was estimated to maximize the expected time (years) without progression to SPMS (10.50) relative to natalizumab (10.10), dimethyl fumarate (8.64), teriflunomide (8.39), fingolimod (8.38), interferon ß-1a (8.33) and glatiramer acetate (8.18). As the most effective option, with quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gains between 0.3 and 1.2, ocrelizumab was found to be cost-saving relative to natalizumab and fingolimod, and presented incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) below €16,720/QALY relative to the remaining DMT. For PPMS patients, the ICER of ocrelizumab versus best supportive care was estimated at €78,858/QALY. CONCLUSIONS: Ocrelizumab provides important health benefits for RMS and PPMS patients, comparing favourably with other widely used therapies. In RMS, ocrelizumab was revealed to be either cost-saving or have costs-per-QALY likely below commonly accepted cost-effectiveness thresholds. In PPMS, ocrelizumab fills a clear clinical gap in the current clinical practice. Overall, ocrelizumab is expected to provide good value for money in addressing the need of MS patients.

Cost of Illness in Patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in Portugal: The COIDUCH Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to estimate the cost of illness (COI) of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and its relation to disease progression, using age as a proxy, and according to the ambulatory status of patients. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients diagnosed with DMD identified through the Portuguese Neuromuscular Patients Association (APN). Data regarding patient and caregiver demographics, patient health status, resource utilization and cost, and informal care were collected using a custom semistructured questionnaire. Labor productivity and absenteeism losses were captured using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire. Costs were valued using a societal perspective. RESULTS: A total of 46 patient-caregiver pairs were included, of which eight of the patients were ambulant and 38 were nonambulant. Age had a decreasing effect on COI, independent of the patient's disease stage. Annualized lifetime costs were at their highest in nonambulant patients around the mean age of loss of ambulation (10 years of age). The mean per patient stage-specific costs (year 2019 values) of DMD were estimated at €48,991 in the nonambulant stage and €19,993 in the ambulant stage. Direct nonmedical costs were the main cost drivers, followed by indirect costs. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate a close relation between overall disease costs and disease progression. DMD is associated with a substantial economic burden, which appears to be larger around the time ambulation is lost (10 years of age). The availability of new therapeutic options that delay disease progression, especially loss of ambulation, may prove to be highly beneficial for not only patients with DMD but also their families and society.

Assessment of quality of life three years from hematopoietic stem cell transplant.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the domains of quality of life related to hematologic cancer patient health in the first three years from autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. METHOD: A prospective cohort from September 2013 to February 2019 at a reference service in Latin America with 55 patients. The instruments Quality of Life Questionnaire Core C30 and Functional Assessment Cancer Therapy - Bone Marrow Transplantation were used. For data analysis, Generalized Linear Mixed Model was used. RESULTS: The domains global and overall quality of life presented the lowest scores in the pancytopenia phase: 59.3 and 91.4 in autologous, 55.3 and 90.3 in allogeneic. The mixed method analysis has shown that there was a significant change in scores between the phases throughout the treatment (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: Health-related quality of life presented significant changes in the domains between the phases throughout time. Understanding these results enables nursing interventions directed at the domains which were damaged during treatment.

Assessment of quality of life three years from hematopoietic stem cell transplant / Evaluación de la calidad de vida después de tres años del trasplante de células madre hematopoyéticas / Avaliação da qualidade de vida durante três anos após o transplante de células-tronco hematopoiéticas

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the domains of quality of life related to hematologic cancer patient health in the first three years from autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Method: A prospective cohort from September 2013 to February 2019 at a reference service in Latin America with 55 patients. The instruments Quality of Life Questionnaire Core C30 and Functional Assessment Cancer Therapy - Bone Marrow Transplantation were used. For data analysis, Generalized Linear Mixed Model was used. Results: The domains global and overall quality of life presented the lowest scores in the pancytopenia phase: 59.3 and 91.4 in autologous, 55.3 and 90.3 in allogeneic. The mixed method analysis has shown that there was a significant change in scores between the phases throughout the treatment (p< 0.05). Conclusion: Health-related quality of life presented significant changes in the domains between the phases throughout time. Understanding these results enables nursing interventions directed at the domains which were damaged during treatment.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar los dominios de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud de pacientes con cáncer hematológico en los tres primeros años después del trasplante de células madre hematopoyéticas autólogo y alogénico. Método: Cohorte prospectivo realizado de septiembre 2013 a febrero 2019 en un servicio de referencia en Latinoamérica con 55 participantes. Se utilizaron los instrumentos Quality of Life Questionnaire Core C30 y Functional Assessment Cancer Therapy - Bone Marrow Transplantation. Para el análisis de datos, se utilizó el Generalized Linear Mixed Model. Resultados: Los dominios de calidad de vida global y general presentaran las menores puntuaciones en la etapa de pancitopenia: 59,3 y 91,4 en el autólogo, 55,3 y 90,3 en el alogénico. El análisis de métodos mixtos demostró que hubo un cambio significativo en la puntuación entre las etapas durante el tratamiento (p< 0,05). Conclusión: La calidad de vida relacionada con la salud presentó cambios significativos en los dominios entre las etapas a lo largo del tiempo. Conocer estos resultados posibilita intervenciones de enfermería direccionadas a los dominios afectados durante el tratamiento.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar os domínios de qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde de pacientes com câncer hematológico nos três primeiros anos após o transplante de células-tronco hematopoéticas autólogo e alogênico. Método: Coorte prospectiva realizada de setembro de 2013 a fevereiro de 2019, em um serviço de referência na América Latina, com 55 participantes. Foram utilizados os instrumentos Quality of Life Questionnaire Core C30 e Functional Assessment Cancer Therapy - Bone Marrow Transplantation. Para análise dos dados, foi utilizado o Generalized Linear Mixed Model. Resultados: Os domínios de qualidade de vida global e geral apresentaram os menores escores na etapa de pancitopenia: 59,3 e 91,4 no autólogo, 55,3 e 90,3 no alogênico. A análise de métodos mistos demonstrou que houve alteração significativa dos escores entre as etapas ao longo do tratamento (p< 0,05). Conclusão: A qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde apresentou mudança significativa nos domínios entre as etapas ao longo do tempo. Conhecer esses resultados possibilita intervenções de enfermagem direcionadas aos domínios prejudicados durante o tratamento.

Profile of Brazilian workers victims of occupational accidents with biological fluids.

OBJECTIVE:: To characterize the Brazilian workers victims of occupational accidents with biological fluids. METHOD:: Epidemiological and descriptive research, in which 284,877 notifications of the Notifiable Diseases Information System were analyzed between 2007 and 2014. We used Stata 13 for data analysis. RESULTS:: The highest incidence density occurred in females with 0.8 cases per 1,000 workers/year (n = 222,042, 77.9%); in the age group of 20 to 24 years old, with 0.6 cases per 1,000 workers/year (n = 64,221, 23.3%); with some high school and some college, with 0.6 cases per 1,000 workers/year (n = 141,275, 49.6%). We found that these accidents occurred among 23 occupational subgroups. For the most part, the workers had an employment relationship and had issued the Occupational Accident Notification. CONCLUSION:: It is necessary to rethink the measures of orientation to workers regarding the risks and relative prophylaxis for these accidents, with the aim of reducing them. OBJETIVO:: Caracterizar os trabalhadores brasileiros vítimas de acidente de trabalho com fluidos biológicos. MÉTODO:: Pesquisa epidemiológica, descritiva, na qual foram analisadas 284.877 notificações do Sistema Nacional de Notificação de Agravos, entre 2007 e 2014. Utilizou-se Stata 13 para a análise dos dados. RESULTADOS:: A maior densidade de incidência ocorreu no sexo feminino com 0,8 caso a cada 1.000 trabalhadores/ano (n = 222.042; 77,9%); na faixa etária de 20 a 24 anos com 0,6 caso a cada 1.000 trabalhadores/ano (n = 64.221; 23,3%); com Ensino Médio e Superior incompleto com 0,6 caso a cada 1.000 trabalhadores/ano (n = 141.275; 49,6%). Verificou-se que esses acidentes ocorreram entre 23 subgrupos ocupacionais. Em sua maioria, os trabalhadores possuíam vínculo empregatício e tiveram emitida a Comunicação de Acidente de Trabalho. CONCLUSÃO:: Faz-se necessário repensar as medidas de orientação aos trabalhadores quanto aos riscos e profilaxia relativa para estes acidentes, visando reduzi-los ou diminui-los.

Profile of Brazilian workers victims of occupational accidents with biological fluids / Perfil de los trabajadores brasileños víctimas de accidentes laborales con fluidos biológicos / Perfil dos trabalhadores brasileiros vítimas de acidente de trabalho com fluidos biológicos

ABSTRACT Objective: To characterize the Brazilian workers victims of occupational accidents with biological fluids. Method: Epidemiological and descriptive research, in which 284,877 notifications of the Notifiable Diseases Information System were analyzed between 2007 and 2014. We used Stata 13 for data analysis. Results: The highest incidence density occurred in females with 0.8 cases per 1,000 workers/year (n = 222,042, 77.9%); in the age group of 20 to 24 years old, with 0.6 cases per 1,000 workers/year (n = 64,221, 23.3%); with some high school and some college, with 0.6 cases per 1,000 workers/year (n = 141,275, 49.6%). We found that these accidents occurred among 23 occupational subgroups. For the most part, the workers had an employment relationship and had issued the Occupational Accident Notification. Conclusion: It is necessary to rethink the measures of orientation to workers regarding the risks and relative prophylaxis for these accidents, with the aim of reducing them.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Identificar a los trabajadores brasileños víctimas de accidentes laborales con fluidos biológicos. Método: Investigación epidemiológica, descriptiva, en que se evaluaron 284.877 casos en el Sistema Nacional de Notificação de Agravos, durante el periodo de 2007 a 2014. En el análisis de datos se empleó el software Stata 13. Resultados: La mayor incidencia de casos ocurrió con las mujeres, 0,8 caso por cada 1.000 trabajadores/año (n = 222.042; 77,9%); del grupo etario de 20 a 24 años con 0,6 caso por cada 1.000 trabajadores/año (n = 64.221; 23,3%); de educación media y superior incompletas con 0,6 caso por cada 1.000 trabajadores/año (n = 141.275; 49,6%). Dichos accidentes ocurrieron con 23 subgrupos ocupacionales. En la mayoría de los accidentes, los trabajadores tenían vínculo laboral, siendo emitida la Comunicación de Accidente Laboral. Conclusión: Es necesario repensar las medidas de orientación a los trabajadores sobre los riesgos y las profilaxis de estos accidentes para minimizarlos o disminuirlos.

RESUMO Objetivo: Caracterizar os trabalhadores brasileiros vítimas de acidente de trabalho com fluidos biológicos. Método: Pesquisa epidemiológica, descritiva, na qual foram analisadas 284.877 notificações do Sistema Nacional de Notificação de Agravos, entre 2007 e 2014. Utilizou-se Stata 13 para a análise dos dados. Resultados: A maior densidade de incidência ocorreu no sexo feminino com 0,8 caso a cada 1.000 trabalhadores/ano (n = 222.042; 77,9%); na faixa etária de 20 a 24 anos com 0,6 caso a cada 1.000 trabalhadores/ano (n = 64.221; 23,3%); com Ensino Médio e Superior incompleto com 0,6 caso a cada 1.000 trabalhadores/ano (n = 141.275; 49,6%). Verificou-se que esses acidentes ocorreram entre 23 subgrupos ocupacionais. Em sua maioria, os trabalhadores possuíam vínculo empregatício e tiveram emitida a Comunicação de Acidente de Trabalho. Conclusão: Faz-se necessário repensar as medidas de orientação aos trabalhadores quanto aos riscos e profilaxia relativa para estes acidentes, visando reduzi-los ou diminui-los.

Social and economic value of Portuguese community pharmacies in health care.

BACKGROUND: Community pharmacies are major contributors to health care systems across the world. Several studies have been conducted to evaluate community pharmacies services in health care. The purpose of this study was to estimate the social and economic benefits of current and potential future community pharmacies services provided by pharmacists in health care in Portugal. METHODS: The social and economic value of community pharmacies services was estimated through a decision-model. Model inputs included effectiveness data, quality of life (QoL) and health resource consumption, obtained though literature review and adapted to Portuguese reality by an expert panel. The estimated economic value was the result of non-remunerated pharmaceutical services plus health resource consumption potentially avoided. Social and economic value of community pharmacies services derives from the comparison of two scenarios: "with service" versus "without service". RESULTS: It is estimated that current community pharmacies services in Portugal provide a gain in QoL of 8.3% and an economic value of 879.6 million euros (M€), including 342.1 M€ in non-remunerated pharmaceutical services and 448.1 M€ in avoided expense with health resource consumption. Potential future community pharmacies services may provide an additional increase of 6.9% in QoL and be associated with an economic value of 144.8 M€: 120.3 M€ in non-remunerated services and 24.5 M€ in potential savings with health resource consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Community pharmacies services provide considerable benefit in QoL and economic value. An increase range of services including a greater integration in primary and secondary care, among other transversal services, may add further social and economic value to the society.

Custos da infecção relacionada a cateter venoso central em adultos: revisão integrativa / Costos de la infección relacionada al catéter venoso central em adultos: revisión integradora / Costs of central venous catheter-related infections in adults: integrative review

Objetivo conhecer o impacto financeiro da infecção primária de corrente sanguínea para as organizações hospitalares. Método revisão integrativa desenvolvida nas bases de dados LILACS e EMBASE com MEDLINE, publicadas entre jun/2005 e jun/2015 com os descritores: cateteres venosos centrais, infecções relacionadas a cateter e custos e análises de custos. Resultados foram elencadas 13 publicações e houve predomínio de estudos de coorte retrospectiva, desenvolvidos na Europa ou Estados Unidos com pacientes críticos. O custo para um episódio de infecção variou de $24.090 até $34.544. Estudos europeus encontraram valores entre €16.814 e €29.909. A infecção aumentou os dias de internação entre 1,5 e 26 dias, e a mortalidade entre 1,8% e 34%. Conclusão as infecções relacionadas ao cateter representaram um custo elevado para as organizações hospitalares e, devido à discrepância entre os valores em diferentes países, há necessidade de avaliar o custo em cada realidade.

Objetivo conocer el impacto financiero de la infección primaria de corriente sanguínea para las organizaciones hospitalarias. Método revisión integradora desarrollada en las bases de datos LILACS y EMBASE con MEDLINE, publicadas entre jun/2005 y jun/2015 con los descriptores: catéteres venosos centrales, infecciones relacionadas a catéter y costos y análisis de costos. Resultados fueron listados 13 publicaciones y hubo predominio de estudios de cohorte retrospectiva, desarrollados en la Europa o Estados Unidos con pacientes críticos. El costo para un episodio de infección varió de $24.090 a $34.544. Estudios europeos encontraron valores entre €16.814 y €29.909. La infección aumentó los días de internación entre 1,5 y 26 días, y la mortalidad entre 1,8% y 34%. Conclusión las infecciones relacionadas al catéter representaron un costo elevado para las organizaciones hospitalarias y, debido a la discrepancia entre los valores en diferentes países, hay una necesidad de evaluar el costo en cada realidad.

Objective to know the financial impact of primary bloodstream infection for hospital organizations. Method integrative review carried out in the LILACS and EMBASE databases with MEDLINE, published between June 2005 and June 2015 with the descriptors: central venous catheters, catheter-related infections and costs and cost analyses. Results thirteen publications were included, and there was predominance of retrospective cohort studies conducted in Europe and the United States with critical patients. The cost for an episode of infection ranged from $ 24,090 to $ 34,544. European studies found values between €16,814 and €29,909. The infection increased the length of hospitalization between 1.5 and 26 days, and the mortality between 1.8% and 34%. Conclusion catheter-related infections incur a high cost for hospital organizations, and it is necessary to assess the cost in the case of each country because of discrepant values in different nations.

Avaliação da oportunidade de notificação da dengue no Estado do Paraná / Assessment of the timeliness for notification of dengue in the state of Paraná

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a oportunidade de notificação da dengue no Estado do Paraná. Métodos Estudo de avaliação normativa do atributo oportunidade, segundo Center for Disease Control and Prevention e parâmetros do Ministério da Saúde. População constituída do total de 132.979 notificações de dengue registradas no Sistema de Informação de agravos de Notificação (Sinan) online do Estado do Paraná nos períodos 2011/2012 e 2012/2013. Análise descritiva do tempo (em dias) transcorrido nas etapas de notificação, investigação, digitação e encerramento, cálculo da mediana, percentual e percentual acumulado dos intervalos. Resultados Noventa por cento dos casos notificados entre 6-12 dias, (média: 2-4); 90% e mais com investigações iniciadas no mesmo dia da notificação; 90% digitados entre 10-74 dias, (média: 10-74) e 80% encerrados entre 38-61 dias após a notificação, (média: 20-45). Conclusão Noventa por cento e mais casos tiveram suas investigações iniciadas no mesmo dia da notificação. Melhorias são necessárias nas demais etapas para auxiliar o controle e prevenção da dengue.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the timeliness for notification of dengue in the State of Paraná. Methods Normative assessment study of the attribute timeliness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the parameters of the Ministry of Health. The population consists of the total of 132,979 dengue notifications registered in the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) online in the state of Paraná in the periods of 2011/2012 and 2012/2013. It is a descriptive analysis of the time (in days) elapsed in steps of notification, investigation, typing and closure, median calculation, percentage, and cumulative percentage of intervals. Results Ninety percent of cases were notified within 6-12 days (mean: 2-4); 90% and more with investigations initiated on the day of notification; 90% entered in 10-74 days (mean: 10-74); and 80% closed within 38-61 days after notification (mean: 20-45). Conclusion Ninety percent and more of cases had their investigations initiated on the day of notification. Improvements are needed in the other steps to help in the control and prevention of dengue.

EPICE-HIV: An Epidemiologic Cost-Effectiveness Model for HIV Treatment.

The goal of this research was to establish a new and innovative framework for cost-effectiveness modeling of HIV-1 treatment, simultaneously considering both clinical and epidemiological outcomes. EPICE-HIV is a multi-paradigm model based on a within-host micro-simulation model for the disease progression of HIV-1 infected individuals and an agent-based sexual contact network (SCN) model for the transmission of HIV-1 infection. It includes HIV-1 viral dynamics, CD4+ T cell infection rates, and pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics modeling. Disease progression of HIV-1 infected individuals is driven by the interdependent changes in CD4+ T cell count, changes in plasma HIV-1 RNA, accumulation of resistance mutations and adherence to treatment. The two parts of the model are joined through a per-sexual-act and viral load dependent probability of disease transmission in HIV-discordant couples. Internal validity of the disease progression part of the model is assessed and external validity is demonstrated in comparison to the outcomes observed in the STaR randomized controlled clinical trial. We found that overall adherence to treatment and the resulting pattern of treatment interruptions are key drivers of HIV-1 treatment outcomes. Our model, though largely independent of efficacy data from RCT, was accurate in producing 96-week outcomes, qualitatively and quantitatively comparable to the ones observed in the STaR trial. We demonstrate that multi-paradigm micro-simulation modeling is a promising tool to generate evidence about optimal policy strategies in HIV-1 treatment, including treatment efficacy, HIV-1 transmission, and cost-effectiveness analysis.

Pharmacoeconomics of ruxolitinib therapy in patients with myelofibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Overall survival (OS) and other important clinical trial end-points seem increasingly more elusive in supporting rapid and efficient incorporation of innovative cancer drugs in clinical practice. This study proposes a clinical trial based pharmacoeconomic framework to assess the therapeutic and economic value of ruxolitinib in patients with intermediate-2 or high-risk myelofibrosis. METHODS: Individual patient level 144 week follow-up data from the COMFORT-II trial was used to account for the crossover effect on overall survival. Lifetime treatment benefits and costs were estimated considering detailed patterns of both ruxolitinib dose adjustments and blood transfusion needs. RESULTS: The authors estimate a 3.3 years increment in life expectancy (HR = 0.30; 95% CI = 0.17-0.55; p-value <0.001) and an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of €40,000 per life year gained with the use of ruxolitinib. CONCLUSION: This study also demonstrates how valuable information from clinical trials can be used to support informed decisions about the early incorporation of innovative drugs.

Healthcare management of tuberculosis: integrating a teaching hospital into primary health care / Gestión del cuidado de la tuberculosis: integrando uno hospital de docente a la atención primaria de salud / Gestão do cuidado da tuberculose: integrando um hospital de ensino à atenção primária à saúde

ABSTRACT Qualitative, exploratory and interventionist case study at a teaching hospital of Paraná, with the objective of proposing a Tuberculosis Healthcare Management model focused on the hospital discharge, with a view to comprehensive care for patients with tuberculosis. Interviews were conducted with key informants (17 subjects), using the Theory of Nursing Praxis Intervention in Collective Health as the theoretical and methodological framework, with its three interdependent dimensions used as analytical categories. Weakness was revealed in the protocols for hospitalized patient care, insufficient integration between levels of care and the need for direct communication between the hospital and primary care nurses. In view of this result, a Healthcare Management Model, expressed as a flow of care with matrix support, nursing consultation and phone contact between nurses. The implementation of this model will lead to greater integration between the levels of care, permitting improvements in patient monitoring with greater probability of treatment compliance.

RESUMEN Investigación cualitativa, exploratoria e intervencionista en un hospital universitario del Paraná, con el objetivo de proponer un modelo de Gestión del Cuidado de la Tuberculosis centrada en las altas de hospital, en busca de la atención integral de los pacientes con tuberculosis. Se realizaron entrevistas con informantes clave (17 sujetos) con la Teoría de Enfermería Praxis Intervención en Salud Colectiva como marco teórico y metodológico, con sus tres dimensiones interdependientes utilizados como categorías analíticas. Fue evidente una debilidad en los protocolos orientados a la atención del paciente hospitalizado, insuficiente integración entre niveles asistenciales y la necesidad de comunicación directa entre lo hospital y la atención primaria. Teniendo en cuenta este resultado propuso un modelo de gestión de la atención, traducido en flujo de la atención con el apoyo de la matriz, consulta de enfermería y contacto telefónico entre las enfermeras. Se cree que con la implementación de este modelo habrá mayor integración entre los niveles de atención, lo que permite una mejora en el proceso de seguimiento del enfermo con tuberculosis, haciéndolos más propensos a adherirse al tratamiento.

RESUMO Pesquisa de cunho qualitativo, exploratório e intervencionista em hospital universitário do Paraná, com o objetivo de propor um modelo de Gestão do Cuidado da Tuberculose voltado à alta hospitalar, buscando cuidado integral ao portador dessa doença. Foram realizadas entrevistas com informantes-chave (17 sujeitos), tendo a Teoria da Intervenção Práxica de Enfermagem em Saúde Coletiva como referencial teórico-metodológico, com suas três dimensões interdependentes, utilizadas como categorias analíticas. Ficou evidenciado fragilidade nos protocolos voltados ao cuidado do doente internado, insuficiente integração entre níveis de atenção e necessidade de comunicação direta entre enfermeiros do hospital e da atenção primária. Diante desse resultado, foi proposto modelo de Gestão do Cuidado, traduzido em fluxo de atendimento com apoio matricial, consulta de enfermagem e contato telefônico entre enfermeiros. Acredita-se que a implantação desse modelo trará maior integração entre os níveis de atenção, melhora no processo de acompanhamento do doente com maior probabilidade de adesão ao tratamento.

Time-dependent endpoints as predictors of overall survival in multiple myeloma.

BACKGROUND: Supporting health care sector decisions using time-dependent endpoints (TDEs) such as time to progression (TTP), progression-free survival (PFS), and event-free survival (EFS) remains controversial. This study estimated the quantitative relationship between median TDE and median overall survival (OS) in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. METHODS: Studies (excluding allogeneic transplantation) published from 1970 to 2011 were systematically searched (PubMed). The nonparametric Spearman's rank correlation coefficient measured the association between median TDE and OS. The quantitative relationship between TDEs and OS was estimated with a two-step approach to a simultaneous Tobit model. RESULTS: We identified 153 studies: 230 treatment arms, 22,696 patients and mean study duration of 3.8 years. Mean of median TDEs was 22.5 months and median OS was 39.1 months. Correlation coefficients of median TTP, PFS, and EFS with median OS were 0.51 (P = 0.003), 0.75 (P < 0.0001), and 0.84 (P < 0.0001), respectively. We estimate a 2.5 month (95% confidence interval, 1.7-3.2) increase in median OS for each additional month reported for median TDEs. There was no evidence that this relationship differed by type of surrogate. CONCLUSION: TDEs predict OS in MM patients; this relationship may be valuable in clinical trial design, drug comparisons, and economic evaluation.

[Probabilistic cost-effectiveness analysis of oral eletriptan in the treatment of acute migraine in Portugal]. / Análise probabilística de custo-efectividade: utilização do eletriptano no tratamento das crises de enxaqueca em Portugal.

This article explores the application of cost-effectiveness analyses to the use of triptanes (5-HT1 Serotonin agonist) in the pharmacologic treatment of migraine, on the primary and secondary health care, in Portugal. The cost-effectiveness of oral eletriptan (40 and 80 mg) is compared to two matrices defined by the consumption of naratriptan (2.5 mg), sumatriptan (50 and 100 mg) and zolmitriptan (2.5 and 5 mg). The effectiveness vector was calculated based on the time without incapacity caused by migraine. The costs reflect the society perspective. We concluded that the utilization of eletriptan allows health gains with cost reduction in the treatment of migraine, and thereby can be considered a cost-effective alternative to the other oral triptans co-financed by the Portuguese National Health Service.